Union Grill in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood is known for a Turkey Devonshire covered in cheese sauce, a local specialty that has even made it onto national food television. The restaurant has been serving hearty American comfort food near the Carnegie Museums since 1994.
The menu goes well beyond its famous sandwich. There are oversized fish tacos loaded with avocado, homemade pierogies, crispy fries, and French onion soup topped with melted cheese.
Even the burgers get special attention, including one inspired by the restaurant’s French onion soup.
Located at 413 South Craig Street, Union Grill draws students, university staff, hospital workers, and museum visitors. Here is what makes this longtime Pittsburgh restaurant worth visiting, which dishes deserve attention, and what to know before heading over.
A Craig Street Address With Brainy Neighbors
Two universities, major museums, and a large hospital system are all within walking distance of this longtime Oakland restaurant. That makes Union Grill a convenient stop for students, hospital workers, and visitors exploring Pittsburgh’s cultural district.
Union Grill sits at 413 South Craig Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213. It opened in 1994 and has been serving hearty American comfort food ever since.
The Carnegie Museums and Carnegie Library are just across the street, while the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are also nearby.
According to the restaurant’s posted storefront hours, Union Grill opens at noon every day and closes at 9 PM Sunday through Tuesday and 10 PM Wednesday through Saturday. You can call 412-681-8620 with questions before visiting.
The location is convenient, but the restaurant’s famous Turkey Devonshire gives visitors another reason to stop.
The Cheesy Pittsburgh Legend You Need to Try
Back in 1934, a local restaurant owner named Frank Blandi invented a sandwich and named it after nearby Devonshire Street. Pittsburgh has been hooked ever since.
The Turkey Devonshire at Union Grill is the dish people talk about most. It starts with thick toast, piled with oven-roasted turkey, tomato, and bacon.
Then comes the fun part. A thick cheddar cheese sauce covers everything, and the whole plate gets broiled until it bubbles and turns golden.
My plate was huge, and I needed a fork and knife plus a little patience. The cheese sauce was rich and creamy, and the portion could easily feed a very hungry person.
My tip is to eat it while it is hot. The bread softens as it soaks up the sauce, so the first bites are the crispiest.
This dish has even shown up on television food shows, which says a lot about its local fame. Still, a different bowl on the menu might just steal your heart.
A Soup With a Fan Club
Soup is rarely the reason people cross town, but this bowl is a happy exception. The matzo ball soup here gets a lot of love, and now I understand why.
The broth is slow-simmered chicken stock with carrots and fresh dill. It tastes smooth, warm, and full of flavor without feeling heavy.
A big matzo ball floats right in the middle. It is soft and fluffy, and it soaks up the broth in the best way.
I ordered a cup as a side, and I quickly wished I had gone for the bowl. On a cold Pittsburgh day, this is the kind of meal that makes you want to stay in your seat a little longer.
My advice is to pair it with a sandwich if you are sharing with a friend. It also makes a light lunch by itself if you have a museum visit planned afterward.
Soup lovers, take note, because another bowl on this menu has its own loyal crowd.
French Onion Soup That Pulls Its Weight
Cheese stretched from my spoon like a long, golden rope. That is how my first bite of French onion soup went, and I was not complaining.
This soup gets mentioned even more often than the famous Devonshire. Regulars order it again and again, and many call it their go-to starter.
The onions are sweet and soft, sitting in a savory broth. A layer of melted cheese on top seals in the heat, so give it a minute before digging in.
Some guests order two bowls for the table, and I can see why. It is filling enough to feel like a small meal.
There is also a French onion burger on the menu if you want those flavors in sandwich form. I spotted a few happy faces around me with that one.
Here is my simple plan for a perfect lunch. Grab this soup, add a sandwich, and save room, because the fries coming next have a crunchy little secret.
Fries With a Crunchy Secret
Most restaurants treat fries like a sidekick. Here, they act more like the main character.
The fries at Union Grill come with a light batter that makes them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Some plates feature waffle-cut fries, which are fun to scoop with and great at holding sauce.
My Reuben arrived with what I can only call a mountain of them. I ate more than I planned, and I regret nothing.
The same crispy breading shows up on the buttermilk chicken tenders, too. Some fans even order tenders as an appetizer and then again as dinner, just because they love them so much.
The tenders come with house ranch and a creamy green sauce. Both are worth dipping your fries into as well.
If you are counting calories, sharing a basket is a smart move. If you are not counting, well, you have been warned.
Speaking of big portions, the next dish might break the record for size.
Fish Tacos That Need Their Own Zip Code
When my server set down the Overloaded Fish Taco, I honestly laughed. It was enormous.
These are not tiny street tacos. They are loaded with fried fish, fresh toppings, and plenty of avocado, which this kitchen clearly does not ration.
One thing to know before ordering is that the fish is fried. The dish also eats more like a big salad sitting on top of a wrapped tortilla, so it is not a traditional taco.
I liked that surprise, but it helps to ask your server questions if you want something lighter. The staff is happy to explain how each dish is made.
Seafood fans have other choices too. The fish sandwich is popular, the blackened salmon gets good marks, and the newer Firecracker Shrimp is jumbo-sized and juicy.
A little trick for the shrimp is to ask for the sweet chili sauce on the side. That keeps the lettuce crisp and lets you control each bite.
Burger fans, your turn is coming right up.
Burgers Stacked High and Cooked Right
A burger that is cooked exactly how you ordered it is a small joy. Union Grill seems to get that right most of the time.
The burgers here are known for being piled high. The Chophouse Burger uses a blend of aged sirloin, brisket, and steak trimmings, and the restaurant proudly calls it Oakland’s best burger.
My friend likes her burgers with no pink at all. Many places either burn them or leave them pink, but hers came out just right, and she was thrilled.
The French onion burger is another fun pick. It brings sweet onions and melty cheese to the bun, and the mashed potatoes on the side are worth trying too.
Steak lovers can relax here as well. Steaks come out cooked to the requested temperature, with medium meaning medium.
Prices feel fair for the size and quality, even if they are not the cheapest in the area. Up next, the sandwiches that have people talking about road trips.
Sandwich Shop Classics Done Big
Some diners say the Reuben here is the best one they have ever eaten. After my visit, I would not argue.
The bread is grilled until crisp, and the corned beef is tender and full of flavor. Everything is stacked neatly, so it does not fall apart in your hands.
Other sandwiches hold their own, too. The French dip comes with a warm dipping broth and fries, and the tuna melt is a cozy pick for a gray afternoon.
Salad fans should try the Pittsburgh salad. In true local style, it comes topped with fries, which sounds odd until you taste it.
The homemade ranch also deserves a shout. It is creamy, fresh, and good on almost everything.
A quick heads-up is that seasoning can lean mild for some tastes. Ask for extra sauce or a salt shaker if you like bold flavor.
Now, let me tell you about the dumplings that show off Pittsburgh’s roots.
Pierogies and a Taste of Local Roots
In Pittsburgh, pierogies are not just food. They are practically part of the city’s family tree.
Many families in this region have Eastern European roots, and these little dumplings show up at church sales, holidays, and Sunday dinners. Union Grill puts its own spin on the classic.
Their homemade pierogies are stuffed with potato, spinach, and cheese. They are then sauteed with caramelized onions and served with a roasted tomato-lemon sour cream sauce.
I loved how the onions turned sweet and a little crispy. The sauce added a bright, tangy kick that kept every bite interesting.
These make a great starter to share with the table. You can also pair them with a soup for a smaller, comforting meal.
Hungry for more home cooking? The menu also lists hearty favorites like five-hour pot roast, which feels like Sunday supper any day of the week.
All this food tastes better with good company, and the next part is all about the people.
The Crowd That Makes It Feel Like Home
Locals sometimes call this place Oakland’s Cheers. Spend an hour here, and the nickname makes sense.
The crowd is a fun mix. College students share fries, doctors grab a quick dinner after shifts, professors chat over soup, and museum visitors rest their tired feet.
The dining room was renovated and now has a bright, modern look with lots of white. Some longtime fans miss the old style, but I found it clean and cheerful.
It does get noisy at peak times. Still, the tables are spaced well, and I had no trouble talking with my friends.
The service really stood out. My server was friendly, quick, and happy to explain which dishes were special here compared to other places.
We were seated right away, and our food arrived in about 20 minutes. For a packed lunch rush, that felt impressive.
Of course, getting a seat is easy compared to one other challenge, and I will share my fix next.
Parking Puzzles and Smart Timing
Parking around South Craig Street can be challenging, especially when nearby universities are busy or major events bring extra visitors into Oakland.
Metered street parking is available in the surrounding area, although spaces can fill quickly. The nearby Carnegie Museums parking facility is another option, but check current rates and availability before arriving.
Timing your meal can make a difference. Union Grill opens at noon daily, so an early afternoon visit or a meal between the usual lunch and dinner rushes may be more convenient.
The restaurant also advertises a late-night happy hour with half-price drinks, running Sunday through Monday from 7 PM to 9 PM and Wednesday through Saturday from 8 PM to 10 PM, according to the storefront sign. Tuesday is not listed for the special.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a relaxed meal and still have time to explore the surrounding neighborhood.
Turn Dinner Into a Full Oakland Day
A great meal deserves a great plan around it. Luckily, Oakland makes that easy.
Right across the street, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History shows off dinosaur skeletons, and the Carnegie Museum of Art is in the same building. The main Carnegie Library branch is right there too.
I spent my morning with the dinosaurs and my afternoon with a sandwich. That felt like a winning day.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is close by if you want flowers and greenery after lunch. The Cathedral of Learning at Pitt, home of the Nationality Rooms, is also a short walk away.
Events at Carnegie Music Hall, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, and the Petersen Events Center bring big crowds. This grill is a handy place to meet friends before or after a show or game.
After a full day of exploring, this corner of Craig Street keeps calling me back. Hearty plates, friendly faces, and a famous cheesy sandwich make it an easy Pittsburgh favorite worth every bite.
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