An update of goings-on that reflect the continuing verve and vitality of the Strip District and Lawrenceville
Deluca’s Diner has unveiled a new menu—while still maintaining its classic diner look. On weekend mornings, Pittsburghers and visitors line up outside, braving the seasonal elements and temperatures, in anticipation of experiencing the famous Deluca’s breakfast that has been a classic since the restaurant’s opening in 1958.
The red building, which is identified by a giant chicken statue, sets expectations for a unique diner experience, and the bright sign heralding “The Best Breakfast in Town” lets potential patrons know the menu is a bit better than your average diner fare. Inside, it feels like a small-town diner with unassuming red-and-white-checkerboard floors, simple green wooden booths, and red stools along an old-fashioned wooden counter. Adam Richman, hosting the Travel Channel’s Man Versus Food show, took on the “mixed grill,” a combination of onions, peppers, eggs, home fries, cheese, vegetables, and meat.
Owner Chris Mikrut says the new dishes (and many others) are very popular with the Deluca’s customers. These include the huge breakfast burritos and the seafood omelets (filled with garlic-sautéed Langoustine lobster, lump crabmeat, shrimp, avocado, and more).
It is hard to pin down just one thing that makes Deluca’s so special, whether it is the classic, down-home atmosphere or the quirky, unique spins on breakfast foods. A local diner and a world-famous eatery, Deluca’s is a quintessential stop in the Strip.
Deluca’s Diner
2015 Penn Ave. / 412-566-2195
delucasdiner.com
The first names to be featured on the upcoming new Pittsburgh Walk of Fame in the Strip District have been determined, and they represent people in fields ranging from the arts and sciences to sports and industry.
The board of directors of Pittsburgh Walk of Fame Inc. has announced that the ten inaugural inductees are Andrew Carnegie, Rachel Carson, Roberto Clemente, Michael Keaton, Fred Rogers, George Benson, Nellie Bly, Dr. Jonas Salk, Andy Warhol, and August Wilson. All ten will have their names featured on large bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk at the Strip District Terminal, which is located on Smallman Street, from 16th to 21st streets. Each star will be accompanied by a narrative plaque that briefly describes the honoree’s key achievements and ties to the Pittsburgh region, while a customized app will provide more information and visuals.
The inductees were chosen through a process that began with nominations coming from the public. “Everyone involved in creating this new visitor attraction is delighted with the choice of these ten honorees,” says Nancy Polinsky Johnson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Walk of Fame. “There are certainly many others who are equally deserving of the honor—and their time will come. But this group really represents the diversity of the talent that has come out of Southwestern Pennsylvania and left a noteworthy mark on American culture.”
Michael Keaton is scheduled to appear at the ribbon-cutting and induction ceremony, which will take place October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at The Terminal; George Benson will offer pre-recorded remarks; and select individuals will be on hand to accept the honor on behalf of the eight other inductees. The public is invited to attend.
“We are honored to serve as the backdrop for this tribute to Pittsburgh’s many remarkable individuals,” says Dan McCaffery, CEO of McCaffery Interests, which developed and operates The Terminal.
Pittsburgh Walk of Fame
The Terminal / Smallman St. / 412-687-1144
PittsburghWalkofFame.org.
The seductive Count Dracula makes his chilling return to the Benedum stage just in time for Halloween. Choreographer Michael Pink’s captivating Dracula, based on Bram Stoker’s classic gothic horror story, is a spellbinding production that flows like a fever dream, mesmerizing audiences with its mix of romance, terror, and peril. The sensuous ballet includes dramatic choreography, exquisite storytelling, opulent costumes, theatrical sets, a gripping score by Philip Feeney, and haunting special effects that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Performances of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Dracula take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, and Saturday, November 1; afternoon presentations (at 2:00 p.m.) are on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2. Recommended for audiences ages 14 and older.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
2900 Liberty Ave. / 412-281-0360
pbt.org
Cafe Raymond in the Strip District is entering a new era. The restaurant has undergone significant upgrades and a complete interior overhaul, creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s top brunch spots, the focus is now on an elevated customer experience with the introduction of full table service. Guests can also enjoy an expanded drink menu featuring seasonal spritzes and craft cocktails. The Cafe remains true to what has made it a neighborhood favorite for years: breads baked in-house, house-crafted dressings, and locally sourced ingredients that keep the focus on quality cooking in the heart of the Strip.
Cafe Raymond
2009 Penn Ave. / 412-281-4670
caferaymond.com
The Cioppino restaurant, which closed at the end of last year, is set to provide a new location for Atria’s and Juniper Grill, both concepts of local restaurateur Pat McDonnell. The former Cioppino, together with Osteria 2350, was housed within the Cork Factory Lofts garage in the Strip District.
The dining newcomers were announced by Strip District Neighbors president Pam Austin among the updates provided as part of the organization’s annual “State of the Strip District” report for 2025. The two new restaurants are slated to open early in 2026, and the famous cigar bar will remain.
Atria’s / Juniper Grill
2350 Railroad St. / Cork Factory
Opening soon
The Detre Library & Archives at the Heinz History Center presented the first installment of its new series “Blue-Collar Ancestry: Tracing Your Steelworker Roots” in early August. That session focused on Western Pennsylvania steelworkers and the rich, often underutilized, historical sources that can help reconstruct their lives. Kate Townsend, a certified genealogist with a background in investigative research, hosted the first workshop at the Center.
The next workshop—one spotlighting coal miners—will be scheduled early next year and other topics will follow. Each segment will explore a specific industry, with a focus on locating key genealogical records to illuminate the working lives of blue-collar ancestors.
The program also highlights the History Center’s multi-year partnership with ancestry.com to digitize over 100,000 employee files from the Jones & Laughlin Steel Pittsburgh Works. A significant portion of these records is now searchable online, offering a rare opportunity to explore the individual experiences of workers across generations.
Attendees can participate either online or in-person at the History Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.
Senator John Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St. / 412-454-6000
heinzhistorycenter.org