10 Long Gone Places Every Pittsburgher Misses
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
We’ve all heard – and maybe even uttered that old cliche – the more things change the more they stay the same. Kind of like our love for Pittsburgh. Our die hard allegiance to Pittsburgh’s sports teams. Our consistent use of Pittsburghese from generation to generation. Of course, some things do change. Our favorite restaurants, stores, stadiums…all only memories. Here are just 10 long gone places every Pittsburgher misses.
Sure, we've got two beautiful new stadiums - PNC Park and Heinz Field. But, Three Rivers Stadium played a pretty significant part of our memories between 1970 and 2000. It was at Three Rivers that the nation got its first look at the Terrible Towel. The stadium and the city hosted the 1994 Major League All Star Game and countless performers took the stage at Three Rivers.
What are your favorite memories of the Civic Arena? Watching the Pens? Attending PA's only Beatles concert in 1964? Cheering on Muhammad Ali as he faced off against Charley Powell that same year? The Civic Arena entertained Pittsburghers between 1961 and 2010.
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Whether you called it G.C. Murphy or Murphy's Mart, you likely spent plenty of time in the popular five and dime. The first Murphy's Mart opened in McKeesport in 1906, expanding for decades until the chain closed in 2002. What did you used to shop for at G.C. Murphy?
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Full disclosure: The photo is not of a Winky's burger. Do you remember the famous burger joint's slogan, "Winky's makes you happy to be hungry?" Once upon a time, Winky's was the fast food spot to go to for a burger and fries on the cheap. Winky's first opened in 1962 and closed in 1982.
Forbes Field saw some of the Pirates' greatest moments. The ballpark, which the Buccos called home from 1909 to 1970 - also hosted some of the game's greats, including Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazaroski. What is your favorite memory of Forbes Field?
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Music and the Syria Mosque were synonymous in Pittsburgh for 75 years. The performance venue was the place to go during its heyday. A slew of well-known musicians performed at the Syria Mosque - from Miles Davis and Buddy Holly to Pink Floyd and Stevie Ray Vaughn. It closed in 1991, giving way to a parking lot that's part of UPMC.
Oh, the good 'ole days. Remember the days of shopping at Hornes, Gimbles, and, of course, Kaufmann's in downtown Pittsburgh? Nothing really can compare to searching the bargain basement for a great find. Or, indulging in an ice cream from the ice cream shop on the fifth floor just because. Kaufmann's bid farewell in 2006.
The Top of the Triangle restaurant boasted wildly beautiful views of downtown Pittsburgh from high atop the U.S. Steel Building. The popular restaurant garnered culinary fame for three decades before shutting in 2001. Pittsburghers celebrated special occasions at the restaurant that also attracted such big names as Betty White and Michael Keaton.
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Isaly's once was the place to go for a quick lunch, lunch meats, ice cream, and a whole host of other goodies. Pittsburgh's home to plenty of other delicious delis. But, there was just something about Isaly's that Pittsburghers miss. What do you miss most about it?
Remember saving up all your babysitting or after school job money to go to the National Record Mart at the mall on Friday or Saturday night? The albums, of course, gave way to cassette tapes. Then we all started using CDs. Now, well, all of that is a thing of the past. NRM opened in 1937, permanently shutting down in 2002.
Which long gone places from Pittsburgh do you miss the most? Share below! Here are 12 stores that anyone who grew up in Pittsburgh will remember.
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