Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Members

Membership

blue

Axios Pittsburgh Partners

Axios Pittsburgh Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Pittsburgh Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Pittsburgh with Alexis Johnson, Ryan Deto, and Chrissy Suttles.

Axios Pittsburgh

Standard

👋 Hey! It's Chrissy — and an airport cocktail hates seeing me at the terminal early.

The big picture: I stopped at Mi Casa Cantina, one of Pittsburgh International Airport's newest dining additions, during a recent trip to Chicago and found a  tasty Mexican spot that adds a quick-service option for travelers.

Dig in: The menu pairs tapas, tacos, burritos and bowls with a strong lineup of beer, margaritas and other cocktails. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, all reasonably wallet-friendly for airport eats.

I grabbed a vegetarian Mi Casa Bowl with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, avocado, and queso fresco ($11), plus a classic margarita ($13).

The food was fresh and satisfying, but as someone who cuts her flights alarmingly close, the real MVP was the to-go cocktail I could sip at my gate.

A close-up of a salted margarita in a blue-rimmed stem glass with a lime wedge and straw, set against a blurred bar or kitchen backdrop.

We love a classic airport marg. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

The vibe: You can sit at the bar or at a table and scan the QR code to view the menu. If you prefer, ask for a printed menu or place a to-go order at the kiosk.

Check out artist Burgandy Viscosi's colorful mural of Pittsburgh's skyline inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions. Viscosi has created murals for Mi Casa Cantina locations at JFK, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and beyond, blending signature cultural motifs with details unique to each community.

If you go: Mi Casa Cantina is located near the entrance of Concourse B. 

Mi Casa adds quick tacos, cocktails at PIT

The menu keeps it simple, pairing tapas, tacos, burritos and bowls with a strong lineup of beer, margaritas and other cocktails.

Interior of a casual eatery with a curved counter. A large sign reads "Mi Casa Cantina" on rustic wood. Rainbow stools line the bar, and a pink neon "Pick Up Here" sign glows.

Grab a cocktail to go at Mi Casa at PIT. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

👋 Hey! It&#x27;s Chrissy — and an airport cocktail hates seeing me at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="terminal early" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/pit-new-terminal-curb-to-gate-times" data-vars-content-id="11be78f8-85fb-427c-8af7-7ab49cd2c817" data-vars-headline="Mi Casa adds quick tacos, cocktails at PIT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/pit-new-terminal-curb-to-gate-times" target="_self">terminal early</a>.The big picture: I stopped at Mi Casa Cantina, one of Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dining additions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/18/new-restaurants-retailers-pittsburgh-airport" data-vars-content-id="11be78f8-85fb-427c-8af7-7ab49cd2c817" data-vars-headline="Mi Casa adds quick tacos, cocktails at PIT" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/18/new-restaurants-retailers-pittsburgh-airport" target="_self">dining additions</a>, during a recent trip to Chicago and found a tasty Mexican spot that adds a quick-service option for travelers.

Food and Drink

Pittsburghers already sweating summer costs are about to get another jolt: Higher electric prices take effect June 1.

Why it matters: Even small price increases can quickly add up during extreme heat, when households rely more on air conditioning.

Zoom in: Last week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) notified customers that electric generation prices for all state-regulated utilities will increase in June, driven by higher summer demand and market rates.

Duquesne Light prices will increase about 2.8%, West Penn Power rates will increase 10.3% and Penn Power rates will increase 6.9%, per the PUC.

How it works: Companies adjust their "Price to Compare" — the rate charged per kilowatt-hour to customers who don't choose a competitive electricity supplier — twice a year, in June and December.

These changes affect the generation portion of electric bills, but individual bills will vary with temperatures and household energy use.

By the numbers: The average monthly bill for Duquesne Light customers in April was $148.25, per Heatmap. The average monthly bill for a West Penn Power customer was $139.37.

For Penn Power customers, it was $163.72.

Average bills have increased 55% over five years for Duquesne Light customers, per Heatmap. West Penn Power bills have risen 66% and Penn Power bills are up 53% over five years.

Between the lines: Prices have risen as growing demand from data centers and other large users collides with power plant retirements and mounting infrastructure needs.

The PUC urges consumers to cut energy use, shop for lower rates at papowerswitch.com, and contact utilities about payment plans and assistance programs if needed. 

The bottom line: Western Pennsylvania households are heading into a pricer summer season — and experts warn broader demand pressures aren't easing anytime soon.

Pittsburgh electric bills rise June 1

Higher summer electric rates arrive June 1 for many households.

an illustration of a one dollar bill with a lightning bolt cut out of the middle

Pittsburghers already sweating summer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/22/gas-prices-pittsburgh-western-pa-memorial-day-travel/90213774007/" data-vars-content-id="20054ed1-c558-49f4-b178-d525f12fabcf" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh electric bills rise June 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/22/gas-prices-pittsburgh-western-pa-memorial-day-travel/90213774007/" target="_blank">costs</a> are about to get another jolt: Higher electric prices take effect June 1.Why it matters: Even small price increases can quickly add up during extreme heat, when households rely more on air conditioning.

News

The Waterfront's long-shuttered Rock Bottom brewery space is getting a reboot as an international buffet later this year.

The big picture: Opal Buffet, from the restaurant group behind Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, is expected to open for lunch and dinner service at the 16,000-square-foot venue by late summer or early fall, the group announced Tuesday.

Zoom in: The restaurant will blend Brazilian churrasco, Southeast Asian grilled seafood, sushi and handcrafted desserts, with multiple serving stations anchored by a large central bar.

It will seat more than 400 guests and include a private event hall for 200-plus people, with a high-end entertainment system for corporate events and parties.

Luxurious bar interior with a curved counter, pink upholstered stools, hanging glassware, bottles on shelves, a green backdrop, purple lighting, and white sculpted decor along the sides.

The eatery will be anchored by a large central bar. Photo: Courtesy of Opal Group

Flashback: Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery was among the original tenants at The Waterfront, opening during the site's transformation from a brownfield into a major retail and entertainment destination.

Opened in 1999 when craft breweries were still a novelty, it became a fixture of the development before closing in 2023.

What's next: Opal Buffet will open at 171 East Bridge St. in Homestead.

Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space

The new restaurant plans sushi, churrasco and seafood stations.

Dim upscale restaurant interior with dark walls, green booth seating, and marble tables set for dining; a lush plant wall behind a sign reading OPAL grand buffet, and copper mirrored columns.

Opal Buffet is expected to open at The Waterfront by late summer or early fall. Photo: Courtesy of Opal Group

The Waterfront&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-shuttered" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/rock-bottom-restaurant-and-brewery-in-the-waterfront-is-permanently-closed/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/rock-bottom-restaurant-and-brewery-in-the-waterfront-is-permanently-closed/" target="_blank">long-shuttered</a> Rock Bottom brewery space is getting a reboot as an international buffet later this year.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opal Buffet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/opalbuffet/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/opalbuffet/" target="_blank">Opal Buffet</a>, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant group" data-vars-click-url="https://opalgroups.com/" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://opalgroups.com/" target="_blank">restaurant group</a> behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nan Xiang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/24/try-these-colorful-soup-dumplings-at-nan-xiang" data-vars-content-id="7186a862-f6ad-4fe0-a24e-0e32098698b3" data-vars-headline="Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/24/try-these-colorful-soup-dumplings-at-nan-xiang" target="_self">Nan Xiang</a> Soup Dumplings, is expected to open for lunch and dinner service at the 16,000-square-foot venue by late summer or early fall, the group announced Tuesday.

Development

A real estate development company working to widen paths to homeownership is moving into Southwestern Pennsylvania with the help of a $250,000 philanthropic boost.

The big picture: The Richard King Mellon Foundation investment will help Toledo-based LadderUp Housing expand into Allegheny and Westmoreland counties — supporting its work to help low- to moderate-income families buy homes.

How it works: LadderUp Housing buys, renovates, and builds single-family homes in affordable markets with aging housing stock, then rents them to families working toward homeownership.

LadderUp partners with nonprofit financial coaches to help renters improve credit, build savings, and prepare to qualify for a mortgage.

Mortgage-ready tenants can buy the homes often at or below the original appraised value. LadderUp says the model helps preserve affordable homeownership in neighborhoods targeted by institutional landlords focused on rentals.

By the numbers: The company has acquired nearly 90 homes and renovated more than 65 housing units across the four markets it serves, primarily in Ohio.

LadderUp says residents in the program have improved their credit scores by an average of 75 points.

Since its founding in 2021, the company says it has helped six families become homeowners.

Between the lines: The share of first-time buyers in the U.S. has fallen to a record low amid inventory and affordability issues, per the National Association of Realtors.

It took the typical U.S. household nearly seven years to save for a median home down payment in 2025, per Realtor.com — 6.4 years in Pittsburgh.

Go deeper: Learn more about the process here or apply online.

LadderUp Housing expands into Pittsburgh region

The company renovates homes and helps renters prepare to buy.

A for sale sign switching to a for rent sign and back

Illustration of a pattern of houses all featuring red arrows pointing upwards

A real estate development company working to widen paths to homeownership is moving into Southwestern Pennsylvania with the help of a $250,000 philanthropic boost.The big picture: The Richard King Mellon Foundation investment will help Toledo-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LadderUp Housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ladderuphousing.com/" data-vars-content-id="90f2476c-c8ec-40bf-b238-31bba365cc43" data-vars-headline="LadderUp Housing expands into Pittsburgh region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ladderuphousing.com/" target="_blank">LadderUp Housing</a> expand into Allegheny and Westmoreland counties — supporting its work to help low- to moderate-income families buy homes.

Real Estate

The region's largest school district on Wednesday approved a controversial plan to close nine school buildings, reconfigure grade levels, and overhaul district programming in the coming years. 

Why it matters: Pittsburgh Public Schools' (PPS) Future-Ready Facilities Plan, years in the making, comes as the district faces falling enrollment, aging buildings and budget pressure.

District leaders say the plan will improve consistency for students and save money, while critics warn it will disrupt learning without meaningful public input.

Zoom in: Closures span Friendship, Homewood, the Hill District, Lawrenceville and the North Side. 

PPS will close Student Achievement Center, Friendship PreK-5 (Montessori), Miller PreK-5, Fulton PreK-5, Morrow, Schiller 6-8, Manchester PreK-8, Woolslair PreK-5 and Spring Hill K-5.

Several more schools will consolidate into other buildings and undergo grade reconfigurations aligned with a K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 structure. The reconfiguration would ultimately dissolve several other schools, including Arsenal PreK-5 and King PreK-8.

The plan will roll out in phases beginning in the 2027–28 school year.

Flashback: The board put the plan back on the table in January after voting it down last November amid strong public opposition.

Between the lines: PPS says its school buildings average roughly 90 years old.

The move could save the district more than $100 million in future facility costs while investing $103 million in modern learning spaces over the next seven years, per PPS.

The district said the plan would generate approximately $4 million in savings in 2027 and approximately $8 million in savings in 2028.

What they're saying: "This plan ... is about creating equitable opportunities, strengthening academic experiences, and ensuring every student has access to learning environments that support success," said PPS superintendent Wayne Walters.

The other side: At a Tuesday rally, parents and advocates opposed to the strategy questioned transportation plans and expressed concerns that the closure of majority-Black schools could deepen harm in areas hit by disinvestment.

Others said larger class sizes from consolidation would weaken classroom support and student outcomes, the Post-Gazette reported.

What's next: District leaders said they will continue engaging families and stakeholders throughout the transition, with more details and timelines to come.

Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings

The plan comes as the district faces falling enrollment, aging buildings and budget pressure.

Illustration of a line of spaced out desks receding far into the background

The region&#x27;s largest school district on Wednesday approved a controversial plan to close nine school buildings, reconfigure grade levels, and overhaul district programming in the coming years. Why it matters: Pittsburgh Public Schools&#x27; (PPS) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Future-Ready Facilities Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pghschools.org/about/future-ready-dashboard" data-vars-content-id="b7514d37-bcb0-4dd5-aa44-a846187245ec" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pghschools.org/about/future-ready-dashboard" target="_blank">Future-Ready Facilities Plan</a>, years in the making, comes as the district faces falling enrollment, aging buildings and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wesa.fm/education/2025-12-17/pittsburgh-public-schools-2026-tax-increase-approved" data-vars-content-id="b7514d37-bcb0-4dd5-aa44-a846187245ec" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wesa.fm/education/2025-12-17/pittsburgh-public-schools-2026-tax-increase-approved" target="_blank">budget pressure</a>.

Chrissy Suttles

Featured stories

LadderUp Housing expands into Pittsburgh region

Triangle couples see wedding costs soar

Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings

Opal Buffet taking over Waterfront Rock Bottom space

Mi Casa adds quick tacos, cocktails at PIT