Whitehall - Pittsburgh, PA Area Guide

The land comprising Whitehall originally fell within Baldwin, a township established in 1844 that took its name from Henry Baldwin, a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Given the area’s natural resources, including a rich coal seam, Baldwin boomed throughout the late 19th century. Mining, agriculture and whiskey production became the community’s chief industries.

By the 20th century, various sub-communities within Baldwin became dissatisfied with local government and began to break off. Whitehall officially separated from Baldwin in 1948, in part due to a desire for better local services and zoning. In this post-World War II era, the suburb enjoyed a population growth spurt, followed by a stabilization in the subsequent decades. With easy transportation options to downtown Pittsburgh, Whitehall residents have access to top-notch cultural institutions, including the Andy Warhol Museum on Sandusky Street.

Those who enjoy dining out find plenty of options in Whitehall. Residents enjoy restaurants ranging from casual take-out to finer sit-down dining. Many of the best spots lie along Grove Road at the western edge of the neighborhood. Night owls stay entertained as well, with a number of laid-back bars and lounges in the area.

On Grove Road near Baptist Road, Frisch’s serves take-out comfort food all day, every day. Whether you crave fried chicken wings, pizza or hoagies, Frisch’s has you covered. Make sure your order includes their roasted chicken, cooked under high pressure to achieve maximum juiciness inside with an addictive crunch on the outside.

Just across the street, Silk Road Gourmet Chinese provides a transporting experience brimming with Far East flavors. Although Chinese specialties such as General Tso’s chicken draw raves, the menu ventures into other regions of Asia as well. Try the yellowtail jalapeño sushi roll for a sweet and spicy bite, plated on an attractive oblong white dish. For a special occasion, sit in the hibachi section. Your table’s chef stirs, fries and sizzles your entrée right before your eyes.

When traditional American food calls your name, make a reservation at Armstrong’s on Grove Road. The menu here features meat and potatoes, and you can’t go wrong with a steak cooked your way and a heaping side of French fries. Portion sizes are huge, but everyone in your party should order an entrée because Armstrong’s tastes even better the next day.

After dinner, grab your friends and head south to McCoy’s Pub on Curry Road. Not just for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, this Irish sports bar entertains year-round with cold beer and nearly 20 big-screen TVs playing various sporting events. Don’t leave without trying the spicy buffalo wings, some of the best in the region.

Nearly all of Whitehall’s adult residents drive, although parts of the community lend themselves to recreational walks and bike rides. Still, transportation by car remains the easiest way to navigate the neighborhood and reach downtown Pittsburgh. Most apartment communities have driveways or designated parking spaces, making parking hassle-free. Just to the east of Whitehall, Highway 51 leads directly to the city center, and drivers can make the entire journey in as little as 15 minutes. When you want the efficiency of a car without the hassle of driving, use your smartphone to reserve a ride via Uber.

Public buses exist as well. The Port Authority of Allegheny County operates four routes that take riders from Whitehall to the city center in 40 to 60 minutes.

Free public parks within the borough of Whitehall provide residents with ample opportunity to exercise and soak in the sun. Wallace Park sits on the east boarder of the neighborhood, while South Hills Country Club sits in the center of the neighborhood. Four other parks within a 5 minute drive of Whitehall. Facilities at these parks include ball fields, basketball courts, shelters and play areas for children. City parks do not allow pets, so dog owners should exercise their pets at home.

In addition to the six public parks, the Whitehall Municipal Complex features tennis courts and a swimming pool, the latter of which charges $6 for admission. A public plaza at the complex hosts the annual Community Day, a neighborhood celebration with food vendors, raffles and live music.

Given its desirability and access to amenities, Whitehall’s overall cost of living runs 4 percent higher than the Pittsburgh average. The average rental rate of a one-bedroom apartment sits around $890 a month.

A one-way bus fare from Whitehall to downtown Pittsburgh starts at $3.75, with transfers requiring additional costs. A beer at a neighborhood bar sets you back about $4, and gas prices sit about 17 percent above the national average.

Shopping opportunities abound in Whitehall, with much of the action centering on Caste Village, a shopping center and strip mall on Grove Road. Caste Village features small businesses, but also includes larger chain stores such as Rite Aid and Dollar Discount.

A mainstay in the Whitehall community for decades, Frank’s Shoe Repair features a massive selection of work boots and men’s work clothing. Choose from top brands such as Carhart and Matterhorn, and rest assured that the shoes stand up to consistent wear. Ask the knowledgeable sales staff for advice on casual footwear as well, since Frank’s carries men’s and women’s styles.

To brighten your world with a floral arrangement, head over to Flowers by Terry, also in Caste Village. Family-owned and stocked with decorative plants of all shapes, sizes and colors, this neighborhood store has you covered whether you need to beautify a wedding or impress a significant other. Check out the eclectic selection of gift items, such as scented candles and tapestry throws, and order online 24 hours a day.

For groceries and other essentials, the Giant Eagle chain dominates the market in Whitehall, with two locations serving the area. For farm-fresh fare between June and October, drive a few miles northwest to Mt. Lebanon, where a farmers market operates on Wednesday afternoons.