Winter in Pennsylvania means loud arenas, cozy counters and plenty to do indoors. Follow Francesca, the creator behind @the412franimal on Instagram, as she shows how it's done in Pittsburgh — with a little Steel City grit and a lot of places to warm up and kick back.
Francesca knows the city’s food, neighborhoods and sports scene inside and out. Her recommendations below cover where to eat and drink, what to see, and how to plan a cold-weather trip that turns a game day into a whole getaway.
Where to Eat and Drink in Pittsburgh
Iron City Distilling: Francesca recommends Iron City Distilling as a stop for visitors who want a drink with a story. The distillery is reviving pre-Prohibition whiskey traditions with Monongahela-style rye and Pennsylvania heirloom grains. Schedule a tour with sampling, or check the events page for seasonal programming such as live music and holiday-themed gatherings. The distillery sits about 20 minutes northeast of downtown, so it works well as a half-day trip.
La Prima Espresso & Colangelo’s: La Prima is Francesca’s pick for an authentic Italian coffee experience on a cold-weather morning. Stop for an espresso or cappuccino at the Strip District café, then pair it with a pastry or sandwich from Colangelo’s next door.
Shorty's Good Time Bar: Francesca suggests Shorty’s as an easy pregame or postgame stop. The bar has duckpin bowling, pinball, darts, shuffleboard and bocce, plus classic cocktails and a full menu. The outdoor camp-style fire pits add a cold-weather touch, and it’s located just steps from the stadiums.
William Penn Tavern: For a neighborhood tavern with a following, Francesca points to William Penn Tavern in Lawrenceville. The tavern calls itself the home of the original John Daly and Kitchen Sink wing sauces. It also runs weekly specials, including boneless wings on select days and discounted craft drafts.
Tessaro’s: Tessaro’s is Francesca’s burger stop and a Pittsburgh classic. It has an in-house butcher, beef ground daily and burgers cooked over Pennsylvania hardwood on a custom iron grill. The dining room keeps its historic tin ceiling and Art Deco bar. Walk-ins are welcome.
Things to Do in Pittsburgh in Winter
Heinz History Center: When it’s too cold to be outside, Francesca loves to visit the Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate with several floors of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania history. Highlights include:
- Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, with original television set pieces and artifacts.
- The sports museum, which covers the region's sports history, including the Immaculate Reception.
- Kidsburgh, an interactive play area for younger visitors.
Mattress Factory: For an experience like nowhere else, Francesca recommends the Mattress Factory. The contemporary art museum is devoted to immersive installation art, and its long-term Yayoi Kusama work is a draw. Plan about two hours for your visit. The galleries are indoors and spread across several buildings.
Catch a Penguins Game: A winter Penguins game is on Francesca’s must-do list. Home games run throughout the season, including select dates from Dec. 5-29, 2026, and Jan. 1-31, 2027. Take the T to Steel Plaza, a few blocks from PPG Paints Arena. Get there early and get ready to yell "Let’s go Pens!" with about 18,000 new friends.
Catch a Steelers Game: A December Steelers game is a Pittsburgh rite of passage, and Francesca recommends dressing in layers. Home games at Acrisure Stadium are scheduled for Dec. 6 against Houston and Dec. 20 against Baltimore. A third December home game against Carolina has a date still to be set.
Plan Your Winter Getaway
Pittsburgh delivers winter fun at full volume. Pick a game, pack layers and build the rest of the weekend around a good drink, a great burger and a stop that surprises you. Keep your trip going with more ideas for your winter getaway in Pennsylvania.