Takeout Stars

Dishes from the takeout menu at Bar Marco.

I think we can all agree on one thing: in-person dining is great, but there are few things better than devouring a four-course meal while wearing pajamas.

Thankfully, plenty of Pittsburgh restaurants are still putting out great to-go eats.

Bar Marco is just one of these takeout stars. The restaurant, housed inside a minimalist red-brick building that seems to stand alone in its spot on Penn Ave., brings together some of the city’s best bartenders and a menu of comforting eats. The bill of dishes for takeout includes the sought-after chicken parm, a simple, roasted lamb – made with some of the last product from Jamison Farm in Westmoreland County and peppered with the zing of a salsa verde, and a returning Bar Marco staple, pork tonnato, and more.

Recently, the restaurant added a wine shop partner, Nine O’Clock Wines, to the front of their eatery. The small store is focused on natural wines and run by two Bar Marco veterans, Celine Roberts and Christie Kliewer, who created the shop to celebrate the experience of wine.

So, grab a bottle of wine (or two) and spice up your weekend – Bar Marco is open Wednesday through Sunday – with a bit of takeout. (The restaurant is also offering outdoor seating and private, pre-reserved seating in their wine room.)

Looking for something different? Check out these local spots offering fresh takes on to-go food and drink, perfect for a luxurious, Saturday night meal in your sweats.

Baby Loves Tacos

babylovestacospgh.com

Meal kits are one of the positive, pandemic-created things. Feed the whole family with one of Baby Loves Tacos’ taco kits, the perfect do-it-yourself activity to slow down your kids (or energetic adults).

DiAnoia’s Eatery

dianoiaseatery.com

DiAnoia’s introduced their DIY meal kits during the mandatory lockdown in 2020, and lucky for us, they’re here to stay. Cook cacio e pepe with the eatery’s chefs, grab one of their fresh pasta or pizza kits, or learn how to make fresh mozzarella. Don’t want to work for your meal? Order right from their family-style takeout menu.

SMOKE

smokepgh.com

Now back to tacos after a temporary sandwich-only menu, the list of completely housemade items at SMOKE is not to be missed. Their tacos are piled with tender, juicy meats: a favorite is brisket with hot chilies, onions, a mustard BBQ, and cilantro. Wash it all down with a pint of margarita juice.

Sprezzatura

sprezzaturapgh.com

Don’t feel like cooking? Sprezzatura has you and the family covered, with their supersized takeout options. Find classic eats, like lasagna and stuffed shells on their family menu - all you have to do is pop it in the oven and have a glass of wine while it bakes.

Senti Restaurant & Wine Bar

sentirestaurant.com
Treat yourself to a multi-course Italian feast at Senti. The eatery’s fresh pasta (their gnocchi di patate is an all-time favorite, dressed in a seasonal sauce) and housemade desserts won’t disappoint.