Man, I love this time of year in Pittsburgh. The sun's out, the food trucks are rolling, and there's always something new to explore. I've been obsessively checking Discover the Burgh's latest posts, and this week's batch is a winner. Jeremy and Angie have been out and about, hitting up a sunflower festival that's been on their list forever, a resurrected whiskey bar downtown, a bacon-themed food truck rally (yes, please), a new speakeasy in the Strip, and a farm-to-table gem in New Kensington that sounds like a hidden treasure. I don't know about you, but I'm already planning my weekend. Here's what caught my eye.
Sunflower Fields Forever
Let's start with the Schwirian Farm Sunflower Festival, because who doesn't need a field of sunflowers in their life? Jeremy and Angie finally made it out to this festival just outside Elizabeth, PA, and they say it was a few years in the making. The reason? Before 2021, the festival was a one-day thing, and the farm was closed the rest of the season. Now it's a bigger deal, and they made sure to catch it. I love that they're honest about how hard it was to get there in the past. It makes the whole thing feel more special, like a secret you're finally let in on. The description doesn't give specifics on dates or prices, but you know I'm clicking through to find out. If you're looking for a photo op or just a peaceful afternoon, this sounds like the move.
Whiskey, Meat, and a Comeback Story
Next up, Butcher and the Rye in the Cultural District. This place was shuttered during COVID, and I'll be honest, I thought it might be gone for good. But they're back with a revamped menu, and Jeremy and Angie say the food is now designed to pair perfectly with their massive whiskey selection. I've always been intimidated by that wall of whiskey, but maybe now I have an excuse to go. The description calls it a "whiskey bar and meat-forward restaurant," which is basically my ideal dinner. If you're into downtown dining and want to support a comeback story, this review is worth a read.
Baconburgher? No, Baconburgh
Let's talk about Baconburgh. It's a food truck rally with a bacon theme, and honestly, I don't need to know anything else. Jeremy and Angie are self-proclaimed food truck lovers, and they say this one takes the cake. The description doesn't give a date or location for 2026, but it's a recurring event, so keep your eyes peeled. I'm imagining bacon everything: burgers, fries, even desserts. The post gives you the lowdown on what to expect, and I'm already planning my route to hit up every truck. If you're a bacon fanatic like me, this is your jam.
Speak Easy, Speak Now
Over in the Strip District, there's a new speakeasy called Vieux Carre that's giving off serious Prohibition vibes. It's from the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, the same folks behind Sea Monkey and other hot spots. They transformed a backroom into this high-end lounge, and Jeremy and Angie say they really leaned into the theme. I love a good speakeasy, and the Strip District is already buzzing. This could be the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. The description mentions it's in the same complex as Sea Monkey, so you could make a whole evening of it. I'm curious about the drink menu, but you'll have to read the post for the details.
Farm to Table in New Ken
Finally, Jillian's in New Kensington is a farm-to-table restaurant that changes its menu daily based on what's fresh. Jeremy and Angie say it's fine dining with an unassuming exterior, and the chef-driven food is the star. I love that they highlight how the menu changes daily, it's a sign of a chef who really cares about ingredients. New Kensington isn't exactly a foodie hotspot, so this feels like a hidden gem worth the drive. The description says it's perfect for a group, so maybe I'll rally some friends and make a night of it.
For the full reviews and more Pittsburgh finds, visit Discover the Burgh.
