If you’re still bored in Pittsburgh, you haven’t left Oakland

One of the most common complaints from students in Pittsburgh (besides griping about the… One of the most common complaints from students in Pittsburgh (besides griping about the weather, which is entirely justified) is that there’s nothing to do and that Pittsburgh is a “boring” city. Well, New York City or Paris it certainly isn’t, but if you find yourself bored in Pittsburgh, it’s probably because you haven’t left Oakland!

On the first floor of the William Pitt Union you’ll find a shelf full of bus schedules that will help you explore Pittsburgh’s many neighborhoods. Here is a preview of what you’ll find in just a few:

Most people discover the shopping on Walnut Street in Shadyside pretty quickly, and become bored with it just as fast — do you want your khakis J. Crew, Banana Republic or Gap-flavored? Fortunately, Shadyside has more to offer than tired chain stores.

On Ellsworth Street (hop on a 71C going away from downtown on Fifth Avenue) you’ll find Eons and Hey Betty!, thrift stores a cut above Goodwill (which you can find on East Carson Street on the South Side) that sell clothing that’s a bit more vintage than the more gently and recently used pieces you’ll find at Avalon in Oakland. Also on Ellsworth Street you’ll find a larger branch of Pittsburgh’s Crazy Mocha chain. This coffeehouse offers table service, a wide variety of incredibly decadent cakes and is one of the few remaining non-liquor-license-holding establishments where you can light up without being herded outside or into a separate section.

Get on a 54C from the stop outside the Union to get to Bloomfield, Pittsburgh’s Little Italy and home to Italian restaurants, an Italian Festival in the spring and not one, but two Italian grocery stores, Donatelli’s Italian Food Center on Liberty Avenue being the larger one. While the weather is still warm, head a little ways down to Grasso Roberto, a shop that serves authentic gelato. Across the street from these two stores you’ll find Paul’s CDs — the best music store to search when looking for an album by a band no one’s heard of or a jazz record for your dad.

Squirrel Hill (accessible by any of the bus lines labeled 61 or the 69A or 59U) is a good place to look for affordable housing if you’re thinking about moving off campus, and is home to a Giant Eagle that is open 24 hours a day on Murray Avenue. Also on Murray Avenue you’ll find a Barnes and Noble, Jerry’s Used Records and a variety of bakeries, delis and produce stalls. The Forbes Avenue section of Squirrel Hill is home to a branch of the local Pamela’s chain, Little’s Shoes (if you have a shoe addiction, this place is dangerous!), and Rita’s, a stand only open in warm weather that serves Italian ices that you can order topped with thick soft custard.

In East Liberty you’ll find the Shadow Lounge on Baum Boulevard, a coffeehouse and performance venue where you can catch hip-hop acts or even slam poetry, a Whole Foods Market and trendy restaurants like Typhoon (Thai) and Casbah (North African/French).

In the Garfield/Friendship area that begins at the corner of Negley and Penn avenues, you’ll find Garfield Artworks and Modern Formations, both art galleries by day and performance venues by night. If you’re disappointed in the dining hall’s vegetarian options, check out the Quiet Storm at the corner of Penn Avenue and South Graham Street. This coffeehouse features an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu in addition to the usual coffee, tea and cookies, and also hosts musical performances — you might find anything from local acts like the Mofones to more nationally known bands like the Decemberists.

Also on Penn Avenue, you’ll fine Dance Alloy, a dance studio and company, Attack Theatre, an experimental dance company, and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, which hosts glass-blowing exhibitions and classes.

In addition to being home to outdoor markets and an active club scene, the Strip District is a good place to suggest to your parents when they’re in town and paying for dinner, as it is home to Eleven, the crown jewel of the Big Burrito restaurant group (they also own Mad Mex). Eleven is notable not only for being a new addition to the small group of upscale restaurants in Pittsburgh, but also for its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.

Wilkinsburg, home of an abandoned train station and a now-closed steel-car diner and accessible by the 71C bus line, has, in recent years, become the land of co-ops, a type of business in which no one person takes ownership or leadership. One of these is the East End Food Co-op, a health food grocery store and vegetarian cafe. The other is the Mr. Roboto Project, the place to go to see local punk and hardcore bands on Wood Street.

Named for Captain James Lawrence, hero in the War of 1812, Lawrenceville is experiencing something of a renaissance. Lawrenceville is home to Church Brew Works, a church that’s been turned into a restaurant and microbrewery (and brews excellent birch beer in addition to the alcoholic sort), and the Slaughterhouse Gallery and studios on Butler Street.

These are just a few of the places to eat, shop and hopefully stave off boredom in Pittsburgh. Remember, Oakland’s but one of many options — explore your way to a new favorite coffeehouse, or better yet, a favorite neighborhood.