An update of goings-on that reflect the continuing verve and vitality of the Strip District and Lawrenceville
On May 17 Cafe Raymond in Pittsburgh’s Strip District hosted its inaugural Pancake Championship, a competition built around the restaurant’s signature scratch-made Blueberry Ricotta pancakes, with proceeds supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. Competitors faced off in timed heats to see who could finish the most stacks, with separate divisions, live judging, and prizes awarded to the winners.
A portion of proceeds and on-site donations is benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs, which served more than 12,000 youth in 2025, furnishing over 76,000 meals, and operating programs across Allegheny, Somerset, Beaver, and Fayette counties. The organization focuses on providing safe spaces, mentorship, and educational support for young people throughout the region.
Cafe Raymond
2009 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh 15222 / 412-251-9856
caferaymond.com
The legendary Isaly’s is making a comeback, with the summer opening of a new shop in Pittsburgh’s Strip District—and bringing back the traditional charm and offerings that made the original stores beloved throughout western Pennsylvania.
The iconic Isaly’s brand is returning to its roots, inspired by memories of skyscraper ice cream cones and deli counters serving signature chipped chopped ham. These nostalgic elements will be available in a new 3,500-square-foot space on Penn Avenue, marking the first new Isaly’s store in decades.
The shop will offer many of the same treats and experiences that made Isaly’s a regional staple, including a deli counter, classic ice cream flavors in skyscraper scoops, and homemade ice cream bars—with breakfast served all day.
Isaly’s
2111 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh 15222
isalys.com
Thanks to an incredibly generous group of anonymous donors, the International Poetry Forum is delighted to announce a $60,000 matching fundraising campaign in honor of its 60th anniversary. Donations up to that amount will be automatically matched in support of its flagship reading series and educational programs. (Tax-deductible contributions to this 501[c][3] nonprofit organization: mail a check to the address below.) Jake Grefenstette, IPF’s president and executive director, extends congratulations to the organization’s founder, Dr. Samuel Hazo, who recently received an honorary doctorate (his 13th!) from Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, the International Poetry Forum’s educational Instagram account has reached 100,000 followers worldwide, placing ahead of national benchmarks like the National Book Foundation and the Pulitzer Prize accounts. Grefenstette adds, “We’re happy to use this platform to spread a love of poetry and to spotlight Pittsburgh’s incredible literary history.”
International Poetry Forum
P.O. Box 10367, Pittsburgh 15234
internationalpoetryforum.org
At Pan Cha, every cup is crafted with care and community in mind. The Pan Cha team is passionate about bringing bold flavors and playful textures to bubble tea, from their fresh-milk blends to their pearls and toppings. Located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Pan Cha thrives on connecting with guests—whether they are grabbing a quick takeout, settling in for a chat with friends, or exploring new drink combinations. Says the shop’s owners: “We believe in quality, creativity, and the joy of sharing something fun with others. Join us and experience bubble tea the way we love to serve it—friendly, fresh, and full of flavor.”
Pan Cha
1908 Penn Ave., Unit B, Pittsburgh 15222
412-932-2077
pancha88.com
Developed in 2010 by Pat McDonnell and Nick Koustis, Juniper Grill is an affordable quality dining experience, specializing in American cuisine with a fresh Cali vibe. Offering fresh flavors with a modern twist, Juniper Grill opened its Strip location in April. McDonnell and Koustis state: “We built Juniper Grill with a commitment to strong core values as the foundation for how managers lead, employees engage, business is conducted, vendors are treated, and guests are served. These cultural standards are based on principles that value the person—bringing love, dignity, and respect to our guests and our employees.” An added bonus is that two other great establishments are in the same complex: Atria’s and 1930 Cigar Bar.
Juniper Grill
2350 Railroad St., Pittsburgh 15222 / 412-329-6189
junipergrill.com
On August 30, PedalPGH will organize 3000-plus bike riders who will embark on curated bike routes through the city and then gather at Pittsburgh’s biggest celebration of biking. Among the features are: scenic bike routes showcasing the best of the city … choosing your favorite route length … turn-by-turn directional signage … stocked rest stops and aid stations … mechanic support … and an afterparty in the park!
UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH has something for all ages and abilities. Have a blast cruising through Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods, all while supporting BikePGH’s mission to make our streets safe and accessible for everyone to bike and walk. Starts and ends in Allegheny Commons Park; registration at Pedalpgh.org
In addition, there is OpenStreetsPGH, a free community event that opens miles of city streets for people to walk, run, bike, and explore spaces that would otherwise be used by motor vehicles. Organized by Lawrenceville’s BikePGH on the final Sundays in June and July; the July 26 event starts and ends in the Strip and Lawrenceville.
BikePGH
188 43rd St., Suite 1, Pittsburgh 15201 / 412-325-4334
openstreetspgh@bikepgh.org
Allegheny Commons Park
West Park, 650 W. Ohio St., Pittsburgh 15212
pedalpgh.org
The “olympic” torch lit the ovens for the inaugural Pittsburgh Pizza Olympics held at Spirit in Lawrenceville at the end of May. The event brought together brothers-in-sauce and sometime competitors from the most notable pizzerias in the Pittsburgh area—Gus Franco, Rockaway, La Grassa, Spak, Slice on Broadway, 77 Club, Lupo, Piccolo Forno, and including the day’s three main sponsors, Spirit, Driftwood Oven (both from Lawrenceville), and Badamo’s from Dormont and the North Side. Competitions were a pizza toss and blindfold pizza making, and featured were live and dj music, rooftop bocce, and beverages by Espresso a Mano.
Spirit
242 51st St., Pittsburgh 15201 / 412-586-4441
spiritpgh.com