family dining downtown/north shore

lishie

We're taking the kids to their first Pirates game tomorrow night.

I have to get Jackson at daycamp at Sarah Heinz House by 5:30. It's not worth going home, so we decided to take the kids to eat somewhere before the game so we don't spend a fortune on overpriced food inside. 

When I eat downtown, it's usually somewhere that I wouldn't take kids. What are some dining options that aren't fast food but would be kid-friendly?

I like Bettis' on the north shore, but I'm thinking it's probably swamped pre-game, so I'm not sure if any options over there would be good? ANyone have experience?

egpitt22

Max & Erma's?  it's right near the north shore connector if you wanted to take them on that. 

waltsgirl102503

I was also going to suggest Max & Erma's!  

lishie

I didn't even realize that was still down there. That's a great idea!

 Do they do free kids tuesdays? That would make it even better

Temp752290812504671

Max and Erma's in town is closed. Max's Allegheny Tavern is good, you can also call for a reservation. Their burgers are delicious and it is super easy to get to from Sarah Heinz House.

egpitt22

kris356:

Max and Erma's in town is closed.

is it really???  awww, that's kind of sad.  I used to work there

MrsAmers

I had a similar question, Lisa! The kids are at camp at the Science Center this week and I was thinking it would be nice to stay downtown one evening to go to the point and walk around...

Temp752290812504671

There is also Atria's but that may be a bit crowded with the game.

bride2003

since I used to work on the north shore I'll give you the scoop on close to the stadium - atrias is ok - has outside seating.   Game days if you get there by 5:30 ish you should be ok.  Soho & BZ are good as well - same crowds for game day as Atrias. I'm not that familiar with ones closer to Heinz Field but there's the Pittsburgh grille by Bettis & also a Mexican place. I don't think Bettis will be that crowded during the week.

waltsgirl102503

This is not first hand knowledge, so you can take it with a grain of salt.  But, I think that because of the winning season, places closer to PNC Park are busier this year than they have been in the past.  The other morning on DVE, the dj was talking about having his nieces in town to visit.  They were at the Science Center the day of a 4pm home game.  They tried to go to Atria's for lunch around 1, thinking it would be fine since the game was still 3 hours away.  He said it was crazy busy already.   Maybe it was a one off fluke thing, but I think this year places right by the park may be busier than they have been in the past.  

There are a couple of places in Market Square that might work, too. 

 

Jefsnickerdodle

you may not think so, but Six Penn does welcome kids. We have highchairs and a pretty good kids menu.   Not sure how busy it will be on a Tues, with the games you can call for a reservation or use Opentable.com.

Food Court in 5th Ave Place?

6307bride

What about eating at bettis with them or eating once in the stadium?? They have those little eat ins there that are not always expensive...there was a good pizza place on the outside of pnc that we went to when faith was one