If you've got Southern fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Pittsburgh eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Southern food.
Sugar and Smoke
4428 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
Sugar and Smoke is a cocktail bar and traditional Southern eatery.
On the menu, look for Cajun salmon, barbecue brisket and chicken and waffles. Burgers and pulled pork sandwiches are also on offer.
Yelpers are still warming up to Sugar and Smoke, which currently holds 3.5 stars out of 42 reviews on the site.
Chirley R., who reviewed it on Oct. 13, wrote, "Great experience. Came with my husband and we had an awesome server. We started off with beer and sangria as well as the Brussels sprouts. The Brussels sprouts were great! We both had the brisket [that] melts in your mouth."
David B. notes, "A very promising new restaurant, featuring authentic Southern cuisine. I certainly admire the chefs flavorful take on a classic jambalaya. Wonderful spiciness to accompany high quality ingredients."
Sugar and Smoke is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Walter's Southern Kitchen
4501 Butler St., Central Lawrenceville
Walter's Southern Kitchen serves signature Southern appetizers like catfish sliders and Frito pie (Fritos topped with Texas red chili, onion and cheddar and sour cream).
From the smoker, try the brisket, turkey and pulled pork. Also check out the tacos and six different flavors of mac and cheese.
With a 3.5-star rating out of 76 reviews on Yelp, Walter's Southern Kitchen is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Eugenel E., who reviewed the eatery on Nov. 17, wrote, "The food is excellent; brisket, pork belly and cornbread are amazing. Venue is interesting but we are here for the food. It is great. Sauces are great as well."
"I was so impressed with how delicious everything we got was," Yelper Mark T. said. "The turkey we got was so moist, ribs fell right off the bone and the candied bacon I couldn't stop eating."
Walter's Southern Kitchen is open from 11 a.m.–midnight on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday.
Choppin Block
2627 Penn Ave., Strip District
Choppin Block is a spot to score barbecue and more. On the menu, look for beef, chicken and pork offerings and popular sides like mac and cheese and baked beans.
Yelpers recommend the brisket and baby back ribs and rave about the cornbread.
Choppin Block's current rating of 4.5 stars out of three reviews on Yelp indicates positive feedback from diners.
Yelper Maggie W., who visited the restaurant on Oct. 11, wrote, "Best cornbread in Pittsburgh. Wonderful customer service and creative menu. A must try in the Strip District for a quick lunch."
And DJ J. wrote, "Interesting menu with brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken ribs and sausage. I chose the Pick Two for $13 that gets you two meats, two sides, two sauces and a piece of cornbread. Yes, I had leftovers."
Choppin Block is open from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Monday and 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Friday. (It's closed on weekends.)
