On the northern banks of the Allegheny River, a string of welcoming communities combine main-street amenities with plenty of room to breathe. Surrounding the tree-line residential streets in Blawnox, Sharpsburg & O’Hara, you’ll find hidden restaurant gems, one-of-a-kind businesses, plenty of space for families and fitness, and much more. It’s no wonder that Pittsburghers are flocking to these charming corners of Allegheny County.
Your Guide to Restaurants, Shops, and More in Blawnox, Sharpsburg & O’Hara
Food & Drink
Ranucci’s Trattoria
2218 Main St., 412.784.8338
Foods rooted in family tradition give this informal Italian eatery its appeal. Owner and chef Rob Volpe named Ranucci’s for his great-grandmother, Annette, who introduced him to cooking when he was a kid. Using her native Calabrian recipes for inspiration, Volpe has created a classic menu with contemporary flair. Signature dishes include rigatoni with vodka sauce and Sunday gravy made with braciole, pork and meatballs; the meatballs are simmered slowly in San Marcano tomatoes, onions, red wine and basil. The bar also features Italian wines and specialty cocktails. Volpe, who was just 23 when he opened Ranucci’s, learned the basics of running a restaurant at Bado’s Cucino, his father’s eatery in Peters Township, before cutting the chef’s apron strings to go it alone.
Dancing Gnome Brewery
1025 Main St., 412.408.2083
House pale ale Lustra is the go-to choice at this taproom and brewery.
Isla Fiesta
2310 Main St., 412.810.2001
This authentic Filipino restaurant serves flame-grilled street food and skewers, savory braised meat and crispy sweet desserts.
Loafers Bread Co.
1153 Freeport Road, 412.782.6229
Don’t loaf around, or you’ll miss your chance at snagging scratch, oven-baked bread at this bakery.
Nox’s Tavern & Grille
720 Blaw Ave., 412.794.8233
Visit the Blawnox location of this neighborhood favorite for burgers, onion rings and other crowd-pleasing fare.
Polska Laska
1100 N. Canal St., 724.304.0878
Growing destination Polska Laska is known for handmade pierogi, just like grandma made them.
Redhawk Coffee Roasters
1019 N. Canal St.
Get specialty lattes, pour-overs and small bites at this industrial, loft-style coffeeshop.
Starlite Lounge
364 Freeport Road, 412.828.9842
Get a taste of live music with a side of pierogies at this Guy Fieri-approved landmark.
Uncorked
703 Main St., 412.408.3038
A wine bar and jazz lounge, Uncorked features homemade pastas, fresh seafood, steak and more.
Shopping & Retail
Diamond & Gold Buyers of Pittsburgh
1112 Freeport Road, 412.408.3470
This regional chain opened its first location in fall 2009 and has since grown rapidly; five locations (Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Irwin, Natrona Heights and West Mifflin) now serve the Pittsburgh area. The newest storefront, located in O’Hara, houses a diamond jewelry store, where you can find pre-owned estate jewelry and new, custom-made pendants, earrings, bracelets and engagement rings. As its name implies, this jewelry store also buys gold, silver, platinum, diamonds and coins — just in case you’re gifted wares that aren’t your style.
D&E Collectibles
700 Main St., 412.782.3878
Reclaim a childhood treasure at this vintage toy store — or make a few bucks selling your own old toys.
Fox Chapel Ski and Board
392 Freeport Road, 412.828.4754
Prep for your next trip to Seven Springs or Hidden Valley at this winter sports store.
Gentilcore Jewelers
1155 Freeport Road, 412.782.2022
Get your sparklers shined or find a new addition to your jewelry box at this intaglio institution.
Harp & Hound Jewelry
238 ½ Freeport Road, 412.423.8004
Jeweler Dan Jacko draws inspiration from his Celtic heritage to design the treasures at this shop.
Lisa Marie Kotchey
2010 Chapman St., 412.212.2320
Get custom jewelry design, redesign, mounting and repair (by appointment) — done on site by a jeweler with 40 years of experience.
N Stuff Music
468 Freeport Road, 412.828.1003
Find whatever you need to rock, jam, groove and flow at this popular music shop.
Second Harvest
808 Main St., 412.400.4266
This nonprofit community market, which also operates a thrift store, was founded to address food insecurity in the community.
Splurge
1109 Freeport Road, 412.252.2242
If there’s a tchotchke, gift or thingymabob you’re after, you’ll absolutely find it here.
Time & Again Antiques
811 Boyd Ave., 412.828.7878
“It’s like visiting eBay or Etsy in person,” writes one astute online reviewer.
Family and Community Resources
Ketchup City Creative
612 Main St.
Named for the world famous condiment H.J. Heinz is said to have first cooked up in his Sharpsburg kitchen, Ketchup City Creative is a community-focused art gallery, workshop space and cultural hub showcasing the talents of emerging and established local artists. It is operated by the nonprofit Artspiration, which was founded by retired Fox Chapel School District teacher Nanci Goldberg to help make art approachable and affordable. The organizations partner in supporting public art projects, a mixed-media summer camp, and other initiatives aimed at fostering community through creativity in river towns like Sharpsburg.
Atithi Studios
1020 N. Canal St., 412.301.5374
Atithi — Bengali for guest — is a three-story, community-driven arts center promoting music, visual arts and cultural exchange for local and visiting creatives.
Fox Chapel Family Dental
501 Freeport Road, 412.781.4511
This relaxed, family-owned practice treats patients of all ages, helping you and little ones take care of your pearly whites for life.
The LEO Academy for Early Education
237 6th St., 412.219.9280
The LEO in LEO Academy stands for Learning with Exceptional Outcomes — and that’s the goal at this highly rated education center.
Lynlott Miniatures Dollhouse Junction
223 Commercial Ave., 412.781.6445
Collectors, hobbyists and children with an appreciation for artistry are welcome at this dollhouse and miniatures shop.
A Place to Grow Learning Center
1331 Freeport Road, 412.963.7000
A lifelong love of learning starts at this child care center.
Welcome to Sharpsburg Mural
701 Main St.
This vibrant public art piece, painted by Emily Paige Armstrong and Phil Seth near the riverfront, features borough-centric symbols.
Zest Pediatrics of Fox Chapel
241 Freeport Road, Suite 1, 412.796.9112
Find personalized care at a practice where a simple monthly membership replaces co-pay headaches, billing surprises and bureaucracy hoops.
Zynka Gallery
904 Main St., 412.952.7370
Established and emerging artists are showcased at this contemporary venue.
Outdoors & Fitness
Latés Pilates Studio
1344 Freeport Road, 412.794.8140
Pilates-inspired classes are trending all over the internet. Why not seek out a workout from the source? Latés Pilates Studio classes are based on the Classical Method of Pilates, the exercise system developed by German physical trainer, writer and inventor Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century. Take a group class (attendance maxes out at six) if you’re new to the fitness routine, or take a private class if you’re a Pilates pro. Latés Pilates Studio’s cadre of helpful teachers get hands-on with modifications to help newbies get comfortable — or to push seasoned students.
Alexander’s Athletic Club
2585 Freeport Road, Suite 100, 412.828.6500
This 24-hour gym also comes with a turf room, free weights and cardio machines — plus a sauna, steam room and juice bar.
Alpha Athletics
811 Boyd Ave., 412.848.7801
Take a group strength and conditioning class or opt for some one-on-one training.
Art in Motion Pittsburgh
1001 Main St., 2nd floor, 412.426.5415
This nonprofit school offers dance classes and training for children and adults in belly dance, tap, ballet and many other disciplines — and it’s home to the Pittsburgh Bellydance Academy.
James Sharp Landing
1301 Main St., 412.781.0546
This multi-use community park features a fishing pier, picnic areas, kayak launch and other amenities.
O’Hara Township Community Park
330 Fox Chapel Road, 412.782.1400
This park has it all: a beautiful fountain, picnic shelters with electricity and water, a stunning gazebo, restrooms and a sand volleyball court.
Pittsburgh Training & Fitness Center
230 Alpha Drive, 412.963.9000
Get your cardio in, lift weights and even opt in for some personal training at this gym.
Story by Deborah Weisberg & Amanda Reed
Photo From Polska Laska