Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia then raised in Beirut and Dubai, actress Dina Shihabi recently fell hard for Pittsburgh while shooting her current show Archive 81. In the new Netflix series, a team of archivists on a job restoring damaged videotapes find themselves pulled into a mystery involving the missing director and a mysterious cult. To prepare for the role, Shihabi brought along her Hi8 video camera as she traipsed around the city discovering all it has to offer—from the coolest shops to the best mezcal Negronis and jerk chicken wings around.
“Whatever your tastes, there will always be something in this incredible town you discover and love, be it your first visit or your hundredth. That, in a nutshell, is why I’m still here.”
WHERE TO STAY
THE CORK FACTORY
“They have incredible loft spaces right on the river.”
2349 Railroad St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.281.5556
THE KIMPTON HOTEL
“Downtown is beautiful, and when I was going a little crazy from the show, I stayed there for a few nights to mix it up.”
620 William Penn Pl / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.471.1170
WHERE TO EAT
KAYA
“Kaya was my favorite in the strip district. Best jerk chicken wings in the world.”
2000 Smallman St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.261.6565
PIZZERIA DAVIDE
“Pizzeria Davide for pizza delivery. That satisfied all my gluten and dairy free pizza dreams!”
2551 Penn Ave Rear / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.904.4139
D’ANOIA
“D’anoia for the best Italian.”
2549 Penn Ave / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.918.1875
BAKERSFIELD
“Bakersfield for incredible tacos with homemade corn tortillas that are to die for. And the spicy mezcal margaritas were bomb too.”
940 Penn Ave / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.586.5024
GAUCHO PARILLA ARGENTINA
“Gaucho Parilla Argentina for incredible steak. It was so hard to get a reservation here and once we finally ate there, it was very clear why!”
146 6th St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.709.6622
WHERE TO DRINK
WIGLE WHISKEY DISTILLERY
“Wigle Whiskey Distillery was one of my favorite spots. It has the BEST burger I’ve ever had, and the most delicious cocktails made with their own whiskey. Just wow. I got a lot of wrap gifts here.”
2401 Smallman St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.224.2827
BAR MARCO
2216 Penn Ave / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.471.1900
SHOPPING
VESTIS
“My favorite clothing store in Pittsburgh was actually a menswear shop called VESTIS. I got a few of the most beautiful pieces there that are meant for men, but I loved them so much I wore them as an oversized jacket and sweater. I went in almost once a week to see what new stuff the owner got.”
4415 Butler St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.784.1112
MELLO AND SONS
“Mello and sons is also incredible, and I got the best vintage jeans there that I still wear almost everyday.
4405 Butler St / Pittsburgh, PA / 412.621.0555
Editor’s Note: Some of the activities, hotels, and restaurants listed on our website may be currently closed due to Covid health restrictions. We urge you to check before visiting and to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines if traveling or visiting any of our recommendations.
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As Melody Pendras in Archive 81
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