Plan Your Visit
No upcoming performances found for Squonk Opera Inc. Check the season schedule.
Editorial picks within walking distance
Girasole
Strip District
Benedum Center
Handmade ravioli, risotto dishes, and imported Italian selections
“Ask for a spot at the chef's counter for an interactive dining experience; they're accommodating with theater-goers' time constraints.”
Dinner from 5:30 PM; closed Mondays
The Commoner
Downtown
Benedum Center
Inventive vegetable-forward dishes and an excellent wine program curated for refined palates
“Request a reservation for 5:15 PM to comfortably finish dinner before 7:30 PM curtains at nearby theaters.”
Dinner from 5 PM; closed Sundays
Meat & Potatoes
Downtown
Benedum Center
Prime cuts and creamed spinach in an old-world steakhouse atmosphere
“Book early seating tables—they reserve prime times for show-goers and have streamlined service for 6 PM seatings.”
Dinner service from 5 PM daily
The Porch at Schenley
Oakland
Heinz Hall
Seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, and a warm ambiance perfect for conversation
“The porch seating has excellent natural light in early evening—arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy a drink before your reservation.”
Opens at 5 PM for dinner; same-day reservations often available
Black Forge Coffee House
Lawrenceville
Single-origin espresso, latte art, and hosting local musicians
“Arrive early to avoid afternoon rushes; performers often gather here before rehearsals in nearby studios.”
Opens at 6:30 AM daily; closes 6 PM
Cafe Zoeology
Lawrenceville
Artistic community gathering spot, quality coffee, and wall art by local musicians
“Arrive between 2-4 PM when the musician crowd gathers; a de facto rehearsal coordination hub for Lawrenceville performers.”
Open 7 AM-6 PM daily
Post-show bars & late-night options
The Incline Bar
Downtown
Benedum Center
Craft cocktails, knowledgeable bartenders, and post-show performer gathering spot
“Post-show crowd arrives after 10 PM; performers often celebrate or decompress here after evening performances.”
Tuesday-Saturday 5 PM-2 AM; closed Sundays-Mondays
Transit, parking & directions
Cultural District Parking Garage (Benedum Center)
Benedum Center
Proximity to Benedum Center and efficient pre-show/post-show parking flow
Mellon Square Parking
Heinz Hall
Alternative parking with shorter exit times after performances
Nearby highlights, venues & landmarks
Benedum Center
Downtown
Benedum Center
World-class opera and ballet performances in an acoustically refined 2,600-seat theater
“Arrive early to explore the ornate lobby and theater art; the venue offers pre-show talks for major opera productions.”
Box office open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-6 PM; closed Sundays
Heinz Hall
Oakland
Heinz Hall
Exceptional acoustics, PSO residency, and classical music programming of national significance
“Tours of Heinz Hall are available; ask about the newly renovated West Wing for pre-concert chamber music.”
Box office open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-6 PM; concert times vary
Byham Theater
Downtown
Byham Theater
Broadway touring productions and intimate drama performances with superb acoustics
“The Byham's smaller scale makes it ideal for dramatic roles; check for post-show stage door opportunities with performers.”
Box office open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-6 PM
Mellon Square Park
Downtown
Multiple venues
Tranquil oasis in downtown Pittsburgh and popular spot for impromptu musician gatherings
“On warm days, musicians often practice vocalization and instrument warmups near the fountain; respectful observance welcomes visitors.”
Open daily dawn to dusk