Funky Brunch in Pittsburgh

I finally got a chance to eat brunch in an antiques shop. My daughter Lucy, who's an engineering student at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, had been trying to arrange it, but each time I visited I had to leave before this once-a-week event occurred. The antiques shop is called The Zenith, and it's located at 86 S. 26th Street, on the eclectic, artsy South Side of Pittsburgh. It's right along the Monongahela River, just across the wonderfully named Hot Metal Bridge (a former railroad bridge that reopened in the fall for bike and pedestrian traffic only).

Every Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Zenith serves an extremely popular vegetarian brunch for $10, which includes an entrée, a huge array of homemade salads, delectable all-you-can-eat desserts, plus coffee or your choice of 75 different kinds of tea served in wacky teapots. The teapots, as well as the glassware, plates, silverware, tablecloths, lamps, artwork on the walls, and even your chair are all for sale. Zenith specializes in 20th century collectibles and vintage clothing, and they have chairs and baby carriages hanging from the ceiling as well. We lucked out with the big table near the window that we snagged without a wait (very unusual), despite having a large group. The food was so good I didn't realize until later that it was vegan, and I'm happy to report the dish did not run away with the spoon, at least not while we were eating.

Photo: Lucy Terrell

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Comments

[AEvans]

I'll have the salad plate, uhm, but without the salad. Just the plate, then. COOL!

[Suz]

We used to always eat at this place on the far north side of Chicago called Guliver's. It was the same sort of place, but not a shop. i always loved the experience of the environment as much as the food. Glad you were finally able to work out the timing to experience a meal!
-Suz

[Kelley]

This is one of our favorite places to dine (for brunch and other meals!) ourselves AND to take out-of-town guests. We live about 4 blocks away so we're also super proud it's in our neighborhood. I've been going to brunch here on and off for years, and 5-6 years ago, it was a sweet city-secret, but now, more and more people are finding out about it (yay!) and for brunch on Sundays, there's a line out the door! It's not only the best vegetarian brunch in the city, it's one of the best brunches I've had anywhere! And the atmosphere rocks!