Exploring Pittsburgh's Neighborhoods: Lifestyle of a Photographer

I spend quite a bit of time driving around Pittsburgh. On a long drive in January, I decided it'd be fun to start a new blog series featuring Pittsburgh's neighborhoods as a lifestyle photographer. It's probably no surprise to hear that I spend a lot of time editing photographs at my computer, but you may be surprised to hear how often I also get to explore Pittsburgh's neighborhoods!

Today let's feature Lawrenceville. (and my favorite taco stand in Brookline that I always stop at if I'm anywhere near during lunchtime!)

Las Palmas is located on Brookline Blvd. When you stop for a taco, you'll be asked, "cuantos tacos?" You can order steak, chicken, ground beef, pork and pineapples to name a few of my favorite options. It's $2.50 a taco. You can place your order outside and then head into the Mexican grocery store to pay.

I especially love the fresh salsa and guacamole. 

While it is often busy at lunchtime the line moves quickly!

Since I'm a busy wife and mother of three, I honestly don't have much time to research before I head out. So I love asking my clients for great local suggestions to check out while in their neighborhood. I asked Tara for advice on what shops and restaurants she'd recommend for me to stop by and check out in Lawrenceville.

Shops:

Pavement Is a boutique that support local, indie, and sustainable designers but also offers top American-made brands like Stateside, Chaser and Three Dots. 

Wild Card is a great shop to find unique greeting cards and gifts for the person "who has everything!"

No.14 is a gift shop full of trendy fashion accessories and clothes.

Von Walter & Funk call themselves purveyors of find goods, including home decor, paper items and jewelry.

While I was exploring Lawrenceville, I also came across T's Uphostery Studio. I purchased beautiful fabric samples. My daughter uses a couple of the fabric pieces in her dollhouse for blankets and curtains and I used a couple of the longer pieces to make into runners for our dinning room table.

Coffee:

Espressomano has a relaxed atmosphere and great coffee served in porcelain mugs. I love the exposed brick walls and chalkboard menu.

Lunch: 

Mexican-Round Corner Cantina

Smoke Taqueria 

Industry Public House

The Abbey (or for a drink-the atmosphere is great)

Befor I left Lawrenceville, I stopped in for a beautiful piece of Scotch whiskey caramel chocolate from A519. It reminded me of the Belgium chocolate boutiques we came across in Brussels and Bruges!

What are your favorite places to stop at in Lawrenceville? I'd love to check them out too!

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected] To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow along on Instagram and Facebook.