Getting to Know your Neighborhood
Chatham is nestled in the beautiful neighborhood of Shadyside. Here are some local spots to know, from where to get your essentials to our favorite places to grab a bite!
This is Walnut Street (the heart of Shadyside), where you’ll find cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Stores
Inevitably, when you first get here you’re going to need something. Maybe you’re like me, and you forget something important every time you travel, or maybe you just need to stock up on groceries. Either way, here are some essential shopping spots to know.
Reminder to bring your reusable bags♻️! Single-use plastic bags are banned in Pittsburgh. You can either bring your own reusable bags or pay a $0.10 fee per paper bag.
Target
6231 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
The Penn Ave Target is the closest superstore to campus. It has almost anything you’d need. They carry groceries, home goods, clothing, electronics & more. It is a 30 minute walk or a 20 minute bus ride.
Trader Joes
6343 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Lots of Chatham students like to shop at Trader Joes. It’s a grocery store known for its specialty items and focus on whole and organic foods. It’s about a 30 minute walk or 20 minute bus ride.
Tip: Try the soup dumplings from the freezer aisle. They are a TJ’s favorite and make for a quick, easy dinner. They come in pork, chicken, or veggie.
ALDI
5631 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Aldi’s is a grocery store known for selling generic brands at affordable prices. It is about a 25 minute walk from campus.
Tip: Bring a quarter! Aldi’s requires a quarter deposit to use a shopping cart. It’ll be returned to you when you’re done.
Market District
5550 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Market District, is a large upscale grocery store with some prepared foods, like salad, sushi, sandwiches and more. It’s about a 20 minute walk.
Restaurants
If you are looking for some good recommendations for local eats, you’re in the right place! Here’s some of our favorite affordable but delicious recommendations nearby.
Noodlehead
242 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
This tasty spot features noodle dishes inspired by the street markets of Thailand. It has a fun, rustic style and is a great place to sit down for dinner with friends. Just be sure you are prepared for a wait on the weekends!
It’s about a 20 minute walk from campus or a short bus ride.
Recommendation: I love the classic Street Noodle #1 with a delicious Thai iced tea🧋.
Pamela’s Diner
5527 Walnut St #2, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Pamela’s Diner is a Pittsburgh classic, and we are lucky to have a location close to campus on Walnut St. This place is a great breakfast or brunch stop, just be prepared for a wait on the weekends. There is usually a line out the door!
It’s about a 15 minute walk from campus.
Recommendation: Pamela’s is known for their signature crêpe-style pancakes. They are a “must try” item when in Pittsburgh🥞!
Pizza Perfectta
258 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
If you’re looking for a slice nearby, Pizza Perfectta is the best. It’s a local gem opened in 1990 that still holds most of the original management team.
It’s about a 20 minute walk from campus or a short bus ride.
Recommendation: If you’re feeling adventurous, try their buffalo chicken pizza! It’s spicy and delicious🍕.
Shady Grove
5500 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
This spot serves up creative American comfort food in a hip cafe setting, with outdoor seating & live music some nights. It’s a great nearby spot to grab anything from a taco to pizza to a burger.
Located right on Walnut St, it’s only about a 15 minute walk from campus.
Recommendation: The Shady Burger, which features cheese, bacon, a sunny side up egg, and their special shady sauce, with a side of sweet potato tots🍔. Yum!
Cafes
Need a change of atmosphere for studying, or even just a caffeine fix? Here’s our favorite nearby cafes.
Jitters
5541 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
This place is a favorite of Chatham students. Jitters is a cafe located on Walnut St that serves coffee & tea drinks, flavored sodas, pastries & ice cream. It’s bright, sunny interior makes it a great stop for a mid-day pick me up.
It’s about a 15 minute walk from campus.
Georgie’s Corner Cafe
5743 Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Georgie’s is merely a couple of blocks down Maryland Ave. It’s a cozy little spot that serves coffees, baked goods, and sandwiches. They often feature blooms on their tables, and they have cozy outside seating if you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a nice day!
It’s only a 10 minute walk from campus.
There’s tons to explore in Pittsburgh. These are just a select few places that are within walking distance and by no means an exhaustive list of great options nearby. Chatham students also get free public transit fare, which opens up a whole city of opportunity. We hope that you adventure out and find some of your own favorites. If you do, let us know!
We’re excited for your arrivals, Cougars🐾🌎. Welcome to Pittsburgh!