The Best Restaurants to Grab a Bite Before Your Pittsburgh Pedal Boats Excursion

Need some restaurant recommendations in Pittsburgh? Here are our top-favorite spots to stop at before your party boat rental excursion in Pittsburgh

What’s better than a pedal party boat down Pittsburgh’s three rivers? Food to accompany it, of course! We know that you may be hungry before your private cruise, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants that you and your group can hit before going on your party boat rental in Pittsburgh. And if you just can’t get enough and want to bring a snack on the ride, we have that covered, too. Let’s get started!

Top Lunch Spots in Pittsburgh

Drinks at Coughlin's Law Kitchen and Ale House
Photo courtesy of Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House.

If you and your group are heading out around lunchtime and want to eat before getting on the boat, we have rounded up the best options in town. From burgers to hoagies to flatbreads, here are three restaurants that will leave you nothing short of satisfied before you head out on your party boat rental in Pittsburgh.

Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House

This restaurant is a must if you love beer and anything pub food-related. Coughlin’s Law opened in Mount Washington in 2018 and quickly became a local favorite. The atmosphere is always lively, and to make it even better, they offer 43 rotating beers on tap. Their lunch menu includes fan favorites, such as their smoked burgers, tacos, wings, sandwiches, and more. They also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm where you will be able to find undeniably good food like french toast, breakfast sandwiches, a “brunch board”, and eggs in any style. So stop by before you hit the water on your party boat rental timeslot at Pittsburgh Pedal Boats and find out what all the rave is about. 

Primanti Bros. (Market Square) 

Looking for something quick to grab and go? Primanti Bros. Restaurant & Bar in Market Square is the place for you. Primanti’s is the go-to spot for handcrafted sandwiches. Topped with fries and coleslaw, a Primanti Bros. sandwich is a classic Pittsburgh staple. But, if you are looking for something else, no need to worry. They offer everything from wings and delicious appetizers to share with the whole table. Plus, Primanti’s is a great place to grab a drink before setting sail on your Pittsburgh Pedal Boats excursion. Once you come here, you will want to come back for more. 

Grandview Saloon 

There really is no better view of the city than at Grandview Saloon. The views from their outdoor patio are a must-see of downtown Pittsburgh and will leave you speechless. This restaurant, located on Mt. Washington, is Pittsburgh’s premier restaurant offering a welcoming ambiance to relax or catch up with friends. Their menu includes items such as sandwiches, Pittsburgh poutine, and delicious steaks. Before you take a ride on your Pittsburgh party boat rental, be sure to sit down and enjoy a bite at Grandview Saloon. 

Top Dinner Spots in Pittsburgh

Sienna mercato's fried provolone
Photo courtesy of Sienna Mercato.

Need to fill up before your trip down Pittsburgh’s many rivers? We have you covered with three amazing restaurants that will light up your taste buds before you set sail on your Pittsburgh Pedal Boats tour. 

Redfin Blues 

Anyone who is from Pittsburgh will tell you that Redfin Blues is a summer staple restaurant that you must go to at least once. Sit down, relax, and enjoy the warm summer breeze on the dock of the only North Shore waterfront grill. If that isn’t enough they also offer all-you-can-eat crab legs. If that isn’t something up your alley though they offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes such as seafood staples, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and pizza. Be sure to stop here to satisfy your seafood cravings before you hit the water. 

Biergarten at Hotel Monaco 

The Biergarten at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is the place to be this summer. Located on the 9th floor of the hotel above William Penn Place is a lively, open-air, rooftop and is the perfect place to grab drinks and fill up before your trip down the river. They offer an extensive list of European beers and German-influenced bar bites, so you will be sure to find something to love. This place is nothing short of a good time and you will be wondering why you never came here sooner. 

Sienna Mercato 

Located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, Sienna Mercato is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering 3 distinct dining options including Emporio, Mezzo, and Il Tetto. Whether you are looking for a unique view of downtown, sharable appetizers, delicious Italian dishes, or all of the above, then you have come to the right place. They also offer a large selection of beer, cocktails, and wine—no matter what you are craving they have it. This restaurant is a Pittsburgh must and a perfect place to go before heading out on your Pittsburgh party boat rental. 

Top Takeout Options in Pittsburgh 

Woman pouring chocolate over popcorn
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Popcorn Company.

If you and your group aren’t looking to sit down and eat before your excursion but are still looking for food to bring onto the boat, then keep reading. These three shops are the perfect place to swing by and pick up snacks that everyone will love. 

Peppi’s 

Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe, founded in 1983, is home to the famous Roethlis”burger” among other iconic subs. If you and your group are looking for anything subs and salads, then Peppi’s is your spot. Peppi’s is a Pittsburgh staple that is a crowd-pleaser amongst all and will be sure to not disappoint. So, grab your sandwich and head down to Station Square for your party boat rental. 

Pittsburgh Popcorn Company

Labeled as Pittsburgh’s “most craveable snack,” Pittsburgh Popcorn Company takes your favorite snack to the next level by offering a variety of flavors. Not only do they offer classics such as movie style, caramel, cheddar cheese, and kettle, but they also offer unique, specialty flavors such as chocolate pretzel, caramel peanut, ranch, and more. This is the perfect snack to bring to your Pittsburgh party boat rental. 

The Pretzel Shop on Carson 

Is there anything better than beer and pretzels? We don’t think so. The Pretzel Shop on Carson hand twists and bakes their pretzels in a brick oven daily. This Pittsburgh staple is the perfect snack to bring along on your party boat rental ride in Pittsburgh and is always an instant hit. With flavors such as Sugar & Cinnamon, Garlic, Pepperoni Mozzarella, and more, The Pretzel Shop is sure to have whatever you are looking for. 

In the city, there are no shortages of great restaurants to try. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, book a Pittsburgh Pedal Boats cruise! We have party boat rentals in Pittsburgh that take you along some of the most breathtaking views of Pittsburgh. Book your cruise now and pick your favorite food spot in Pittsburgh to make it a day you won’t forget.