Wholey's Seafood Market

by Anna Small

Wholey's is a major Pittsburgh family run establishment. Opened in 1912, Wholey's is run by Dan Wholey, son of founder Robert C. Wholey.

Like many of the other food retailers in the strip, Wholey's supplies to many local restaurants and even ships product nation wide. They have a variety of seafood, poultry and meats as well as a full restaurant.

On top of it all, it's facade is fairly recognizable:

St. Stanislaus Kostka

by Anna Small

This iconic church was completed on July 31st, 1892, and is a prime example of old world architecture here in Pittsburgh. The architect, Frederick C. Sauer, also designed several other churches in the area.

The church contains seven different bells located in the bell towers, Munich style stained glass windows, extensive wall paintings, and three latin inscriptions on the interior.

On September 20th, 1969, the church was blessed by Polish icon and religious leader, Pope John Paul II. The church, named after St. Stanislaus Kostka of Poland, continues to recognize Polish culture today.

It's the Culture of the City

by Taylor Reynolds

This sign shows the quick whit that is found in the Strip District. The culture of the Strip is different from the rest of the city, and because of this, it makes for a nice escape every once and a while. The friendliness of store owners and patrons is unlike any place else in Pittsburgh. You find people stopping to look at places and things instead of just walking quickly with heads down. Coming from a small town, this is a type of feeling I miss because I live in the city. The humor found in this sign can only be appreciated if one stops to read it and ponder it.

A market world is suspect in a city. However, going to the Strip District, you do not feel like you are in Pittsburgh anymore. This part of the city offers a wide aray of ethnically specific stores and fun ways to pass the time. It brings and otherwise segregated city together over culture and food. If you haven't already, I suggest taking a trip to the Strip to just have a look around. Be sure to have some cash handy, as the street vendors and some of the shops do not take plastic. Who knew that such a commercial city like Pittsburgh had s much character to offer its residence.

It's not ALL about Food in the Strip

by Taylor Reynolds

Pictured here is a photo of Roxanne's Dried Flowers shop. What is a dried flower shop you may ask? Well it is just what it says it is. Roxanne sells beautifully dried flower arrangements and other home decorating tools. While the prices may be a little higher than I had anticipated, this store is still better alternative than Wal-Mart. Like mentioned in an earlier post, the Strip is a perfect location to find anything you need without going to the mega-stores like Target and Wal-Mart. There isn't an object you can't find down here either. While the Strip is famous for its restaurants and nightlife, these small stores are a great part about the neighborhood as well. A few blocks away from Roxanne's is a shop that sells nothing but decorations for holidays. Other stores sell clothing, and even more popular items sold are works of art made by local artists. Jewelry makers, painters, and sculptures feature their artwork in outdoor and indoor galleries. Supporting the local businesses is essential in our economy today, and the Strip is the perfect place to do that.

That Small Town Feel

by Taylor Reynolds

The Strip is the location of many small businesses. This is the location in the city that many entrepreneurs choose to open up their first restaurant or shop. This community feeling is one of the things the Strip District is most famous for. Owners know the names of their regular customers, and these owners know the true meaning of inviting someone into their home (or in this case business). There is no room for chain monopolies in the Strip. The only one that can be found there that is not native to Pittsburgh (like Primanti's or Pamela's) is a McDonalds. Many people on the street, however, will tell you that they would never go to the McDonalds with so many other local businesses to support there.

Featured here is a local coffee shop located in the Strip. On a brisk Saturday morning, this place was full of customers in there to warm up for a bit with a hot chocolate or a soy latte. There are no Starbucks here to rival this coffee shop, so this place is able to thrive. This is one example that adds to the community vibe that can be found in the Strip.

Let's do Brunch

by Taylor Reynolds

Pamela's is one of Pittsburgh's best diners. Established in 1980, this diner serves the region's best crepe style hot-cakes, and their breakfasts are to die for. This diner is a great place to meet for coffee and a meal, and people certainly take advantage of this in the Strip. Large windows offer a great view of the hustle and bustle on the street outside, and they also let in the warmth of the sunny day. However, this isn't the only famous diner located in the Strip. DeLuca's is just a few blocks away, and its brunch rivals that of Pamela's.

DeLuca's is famous for their Hotcake Sundaes which are said to rival Pamela's. This diner is located in the Strip next to Woley's wholesale meat market. While this diner does not offer the view that Pamela's does, it is sure to offer friendly service and delicious food. 

So with two famous options only blocks apart, why wouldn't you make the Strip the location for your next morning meeting? Or a great place to head after church on a Sunday morning or break from your Saturday morning market shopping for a little revitalization. Pamela's and DeLuca's, a little competition might be a great this for these diners.

When the Night Dwellers Emerge

by Taylor Reynolds

The Strip district has a very happening night life. From night clubs to bars to lounges, the Strip has it all. Wet your wistle with an Iron City beer, or sip a trendy martini, but no matter what you chose to do, be sure to make the Strip the destination for your next date or night out with your pals.

Located to the left is a picture of the Firehouse Lounge. This old firehouse was turned into a trendy lounge located in the heart of the Strip. This lounge is not your typical Pittsburgh sports bar. There are no televisions or top-40 music. Instead, under ground music and comfy seating fill the area. Owner Spencer Warren says his ultimate goal for his bar was to make it the comfiest living room in Pittsburgh. This night club has gotten rave reviews from both critics and patrons alike.

This is just one of the trendy night life spots the Strip has to offer. Places like Thirty First Street Pub and Dejavu Lounge are also happening places to go in the Strip. So remember, don't just let the Strip be your place for Saturday morning shopping, be sure to include the Strip on your evening outings as well.