your neighborhood: Carnegie

Pittsburgh’s most famous industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, financed both the high school and the library in this western borough when it was first incorporated in 1894. In turn, Carnegie took the name of its benefactor to honor him. Well over than a century later, Carnegie endures and holds a number of attractions for residents and visitors.

Situated between the Parkway West and I-79, Carnegie’s location has generally been an attraction for its businesses and residents. When Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004, however, Carnegie was hit hard by the rising waters of Chartiers Creek. Fortunately, the business district has rebounded from the natural disaster and now includes a number of unique establishments.

If you’re in town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, be sure to visit D&J Records. This unique store features a large collection of vinyl and bargain CDs from the ‘50s to the ‘90s, and a healthy dose of retro kitsch lines its walls. D&J also sells used stereo systems, and a guitar autographed by the band Aerosmith tempts customers, too.

Its price tag? $2,000—not negotiable. If musical instruments (or even sheet music) are more your speed, stop by Modern Piano, which may have the merchandise you need.

If you’re looking for a unique ‘50s-style motif for your game room, you’ll find what you need in Carnegie. Gino’s Malt Shop collection includes booths, tables, and accessories. Even if you’re not planning a revamped basement space, it’s fun to peek in the store’s windows. Are model cars your thing? Visit Pittsburgh Grand Prix for a complete collection of kits and parts. Black Lamb Consignments is a great spot for picking up a unique piece of furniture or a home accessory.

In addition to its one-of-a-kind shops, Carnegie has plenty of options for eating and drinking, too. Located in a converted church, Cefalo’s Restaurant and Nightclub serves as both a live entertainment venue and a fine dining restaurant. Paddy’s Pour House is a popular spot with a menu heavy on Irish fare. Papa J’s, a neighborhood institution, offers upscale Italian dining. The recently opened East Main Deli is a good option for a quick lunch or breakfast. The Sunset Grill and Café has some Turkish dishes included in its menu of pizza, hoagies, and salads.

Eastern European food is plentiful in Carnegie, as well. Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church has regular pyrohi (a.k.a. pierogie) sales and hosts a food bazaar in April. Kolos, an ethnic food store housed in a tiny storefront in the heart of the business district, makes the most of its limited space, packing a variety of delicacies from the Ukraine and other nearby countries onto its shelves.

Carnegie residents honor their history as well. The Historical Society of Carnegie operates from a building on East Main Street that is home to the town’s military wall and a small museum honoring Honus Wagner, the professional baseball player, who may be the borough’s most famous native son.

In another nod to years gone by, the library branch that Andrew Carnegie built for the borough at the turn of the 20th century is a historical landmark and an architectural gem. Perched atop a hill, which gives it a picturesque view, the library’s array of books includes the Kathleen Bowman Enyon Memorial Civil War Collection. The library is also home to performance space and a reception hall.

Carnegie has an important place in Pittsburgh’s athletic history, too. In addition to Wagner, who went on to star for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the late Wake Forest basketball coach Skip Prosser was born and raised in the borough. NFL player and coach Mike Ditka was born there, too, although he is more often associated with Aliquippa.

Carnegie is a walkable town with much to offer, so it’s an excellent location for a springtime sojourn.