East Liberty has transformed: A Pittsburgh guide
If there was a word to describe East Liberty, it would be transformation.
The neighborhood has redeveloped itself over the years and is now an up-and-coming hotspot for all things food, entertainment and shopping.
But that growth did not happen overnight.
Patricia Lowry, a member of the board of directors of East Liberty Valley Historical Society, said the neighborhood was laid out by Jacob Negley in 1817 on his farm and his parents had been some of the East Liberty Valley’s original white settlers.
East Liberty was known for its village character, and in the 1950s, it was the third largest commercial district after Downtown Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, according to Lowry.
She said the neighborhood maintained its village character until redevelopment took place in the 1960s.
“So much of East Liberty was demolished in the 1960s,” she said. “It has been a struggle to bring that back. All that demolition laid the groundwork for where we are now.”
Lori Moran, president of the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce, said the urbanization cut off major arteries of traffic coming into the market area at the time.
Moran said revitalization began when Whole Foods was built in the area 20 years ago.
”It started coming back around. The catalyst was Whole Foods, and they were a pioneer of coming into a distressed market,” she said.
Susan Coe, vice president of the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce, said she has seen the neighborhood transform over the past two decades with a younger demographic moving in and more small businesses coming into the area, in addition to the many commercial chains that now call East Liberty home.
“I really think we have worked really hard to bring this neighborhood back to life,” Coe said. “It is an amazing place to work, live and visit.”
East Liberty continues to grow as it adds more attraction to its commerce presence. Check out the landmarks, dining, and businesses in the area.
Landmarks
Kelly Strayhorn Theater (5941 Penn Ave.) — Named in honor of Pittsburgh natives Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, the theater was formerly known as the Regent Theatre. It focuses its efforts on uplifting and showcasing the talent of Black women, LGBTQIA+, people of color and emerging artists. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is one of the last of nine theaters from the 1950s peak of East Liberty.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church (116 S. Highland Ave.) — It’s hard to miss this majestic church, also known as the Cathedral of Hope. It was founded in 1935 and has more than 900 members. The congregation prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse place for all believers.
Kelso Museum – Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (616 N. Highland Ave.) — Located at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the museum considers itself a hidden gem in the area. The program digs into the history of the Lands of the Bible: modern-day Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. Its exhibits highlight “daily life in ancient times including landscape and settlement patterns; domestic and communal architecture; agriculture and food preparation; technologies, crafts, and stylistic traditions; trade; religious observance; and memory and writing systems and practice,” according to its website.
Bakery Square — Situated in the East Liberty, Larimer and Shadyside neighborhoods, this shopping center has become a focal point with its variety of restaurants, shops and activities. The Bakery Square area was once home to a Nabisco plant. West Elm, Free People, Starbucks, Panera, tako torta and Jimmy John’s are a few of the establishments in the shopping center.
Food & drink
Paris 66 (6018 Centre Ave.) — Paris is not too far from Pittsburgh with this French-inspired restaurant. The menu goes beyond everyday French dishes to give guests an authentic experience. The menu ranges from French classics and signature house-made quiche, soups, croques, savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes.
Margaux (5947 Penn Ave.) — The European-inspired cafe offers specialty coffees, cocktails, beer, wine, desserts and foods, such as seafood, salads and cheese boards.
Two Sisters Vietnamese Kitchen (216 N. Highland Ave.) — A traditional Vietnamese restaurant serving dishes such as noodle soup, rice dishes and dry vermicelli noodles.
Mola (6018 Penn Ave.) — The popular Asian restaurant, founded by Alex Tang, offers rice bowls, bubble tea, various types of sushi, alcoholic drinks and more.
Kelly’s Bar & Lounge (6012 Centre Ave.) — The long-standing bar sells traditional bar bites and drinks including fried pickles, pirogies with onions and hot dogs.
Square Cafe (134 S. Highland Ave.) — Founded in 2003, its original location was opened in Regent Square before relocating to expand its space in East Liberty in 2020. The cafe’s menu features a variety of foods like breakfast burritos, black bean veggie burgers, salmon salad, cinnamon dough poppers and more.
Peace, Love & Zen Wellness Center (6023 Broad St.) — The woman-veteran-owned business is the perfect place for anyone looking to destress. Services offered include facial cupping, chair massage, acupuncture, foot detox and more.
Three Fates Tattoo (124 S. Highland Ave. #210.) — If you’re looking for a place to get a tattoo, check out this new privately owned and operated tattoo shop. It opened in 2021 and is run by three artists: Rita Santana, Lu Skywalker and Matt McKelvey. To inquire about an appointment, call 412-589-9239 or email threefatespgh@gmail.com.
Sam’s Shoes (6005 Penn Ave.) — The footwear store has served the Pittsburgh area for more than 50 years, selling an array of shoes for men, women and children.
Jamil’s Global Village (6024 Penn Ave.) — Founded in 1993, this Black, family-owned African art boutique aims “to raise consciousness, affirm racial pride, celebrate Black history and identity, and provide customers with an African-centered marketplace,” according to the business’s website. Their products range from body products, personal hygiene, accessories and aromatherapy.
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