Watch CBS News

Best Spots For A Quick Lunch In Downtown Pittsburgh

By Janelle Sheetz

The workday is often hurried and busy, leaving little time -- and sometimes little thought -- for lunch. But a good lunch doesn't have to mean a long wait. Plenty of downtown Pittsburgh lunch spots serve up delicious but quick meals, perfect for stepping out of the office to enjoy while still allowing you to not feel rushed on your break and get back to work in a timely manner. Here are some of your best options for a fast lunch, from creative salads to pizzas cooked in 90 seconds.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Apollo Cafe
429 Forbes Ave., Suite #100
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 471-3033
www.apollocafepittsburgh.com

Located on Forbes Avenue halfway between Macy's and the City-County building, the family-run Apollo Cafe offers up delicious lunches at a reasonable price, with a large, varied menu suited for everybody -- including plenty of vegetarian options. Grab a sandwich, salad, or soup, or try their Mediterranean food like hummus, gyros, and tabooli. For a Friday treat, try the fish sandwich or baked fish over rice. Get yourself a dessert, too, whether it's an Italian or Greek pastry, pie, or homemade rice pudding.

Bluebird Kitchen
221 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 642-4414
www.bluebirdkitchen.com

Bluebird Kitchen's two downtown locations -- Forbes Avenue and Stanwix Street -- make getting a quick lunch even easier and more convenient. Their menu often changes daily, as they focus on cooking what's in season and using local ingredients, but you'll find a number of sandwiches, soups, and salads, including vegetarian options, plus dessert. They also offer catering and delivery.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Earth Inspired Salads
220 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-1113
www.earthinspiredsalads.com

Salads sometimes get a bad rap, derided as boring or bland, but Earth Inspired Salads proves otherwise. At their two locations on Fifth Avenue and in the Alcoa building, they serve up healthy, fresh, and fast salads and grain bowls, plus sandwiches in the Alcoa building and a make-your-own option. From Thai salads to their Fiesta bowl, you're sure to find a unique, delicious creation.

Related:  Best Unique Soup Spots In Pittsburgh

Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria
300 Liberty Ave., Suite #100
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 904-4531
www.stonepizzeria.com

Grabbing a pizza for lunch doesn't have to take long -- at fast-casual Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria, their wood-fired pizzas cook in just 90 seconds, leaving you plenty of time to eat and enjoy them, and you can even watch while they cook. Both the pizza dough and mozzarella cheese are made in-house, and all ingredients are fresh. You'll find more than pizza on the menu, though, with options including sandwiches and salads.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Corner Mercantile
472 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 586-5738
www.cornermercantile.com

At Corner Mercantile on Wood Street, you'll find everything from homestyle meals like grilled chicken with balsamic cranberries to salads to soups and sandwiches which change daily, as everything is made fresh. Even the beverages are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, with three new custom drinks on the menu every week. They also offer cocktails without the liquor, in case you're in the mood for a drink but need to get back to work.

Related: Best Places For Iced Coffee In Pittsburgh

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.