Mama Lucia Pizza

Tired of ordering from all the same, average pizza places? In the mood for Italian, but don’t want to go too fancy or expensive? If you’re looking for something right in between, Mama Lucia Pizza in Wexford is the place for you.

I thought I’d blog about this place because I’ve been there a couple times and I think it’s awesome. My dad’s lease expired on the apartment he was renting in Cheswick this past summer, so we moved into a house in the Mars/Wexford/Pine area. On the night we moved, we decided to grab dinner somewhere in the area to check out what was around. We came across Mama Lucia, which is conveniently located in Wexford’s shopping area, Pine Plaza. That was the first time we went, and it definitely exceeded my expectations.

Mama Lucia is a very casual pizzeria, but at the same time, it screams “classic Italian.” I was shocked to see when I went in there for the first time that it is a quick service restaurant rather than a sit-down. I’ve seen a lot of places like this: typically, they only serve things like pizza, fries, wings, pepperoni rolls, etc. However, I was honestly amazed that this place was not only serving the typical pizzeria fare I just described, but also homemade pasta dishes, calzones, and even homemade Italian-style desserts like cannoli. Below, you can see a picture of Mama Lucia's dessert display.

The food, at least the food I’ve gotten to eat there so far, is delicious. I remember having a pepperoni calzone that was really good (however, it was HUGE. I had to take it home with me.) I also had one of their cannoli, and that was also really good. Based on how good the food I’ve had there so far has been, there’s no doubt in my mind that the rest of the food on their menu is just as good. Our house is only a few minutes from Pine Plaza, so I’m hoping that Mama Lucia is a place I can eat at often when I’m home. They also have a takeout option. I honestly think that’s great, because you no longer have to just “order a pizza” now; instead you can order an authentic Italian meal if you want.

If you don’t believe that a tiny pizza place can serve such authentic Italian food, you’ll just have to visit Mama Lucia and see for yourself.

The Purr-fect Spot for Relaxation

Do you enjoy curling up with your cat after a long, exhausting day? Or sitting down and enjoying a glass of wine? Have you ever wished there was a place where you could do both of these things at the same time (besides your living room, that is)? If so, your wish just came true, because at the Colony Café, you can do just that.

The Colony Café is located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhood, around the corner from the Heinz History Center. It is unique in that it is both a home for Pittsburgh’s rescue cats as well as a café.

The café is located on the lower level. The food is mainly standard café/coffee shop fare, such as sandwiches, wraps, soups, etc. All of the café’s food items are made in-house. It also serves coffee and tea, which can be enjoyed in-store or purchased to go. Finally, the café offers a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. You can even purchase a bottle of wine to go. The café offers take-out for its food items as well. Plus, the lower level café can accommodate up to 30 people for any private event. A reviewer on TripAdvisor said that the café is “definitely a place to meet friends for coffee, wine, or beer.” So if you’re in the Strip District and looking for a relaxing spot to grab a bite or a beverage, stop by the Colony Café.

Now onto the part I’m sure you’re anxious to hear about: the cats. On the second level is the Cat Loft, a home for Pittsburgh’s rescue cats and a place for the Colony Café’s customers to interact with the cats. Colony Café is partners with Animal Friends, an animal welfare organization in Pittsburgh; this organization provides the café with vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped cats. While the café encourages its customers to enjoy spending time with the cats, the safety of and respect toward the cats is also a priority. Therefore, the colony asks that the cats do not be disturbed by flash photography, physical violence, or loud noise. Plus, while you are allowed to bring your food and beverages from the café into the cat loft, you may not feed any of it to the cats. It is recommended that you make a group reservation for the Cat Loft in advance, but walk-in visits are also permitted when it is not at full capacity. And just like the lower level café, the Cat Loft is a great place to hold a private event, but it only allows for up to 12 people. A waiver is also required for the Cat Loft, and can be filled out either in person or online. The café also allows customers to adopt its cats. In order to do so, however, a certain fee is required; the fee depends on the cat’s age. The fee is waived for active duty service members or military veterans, and is discounted for those over the age of 59. The proceeds go toward Animal Friends. The adopter must be 21 or older. Applications can be filled out in person or online. A reviewer on Yelp referred to the café as a “cat paradise.” If you’re looking for a place to adopt or just play with a cat, consider bringing your group to the Colony Café’s Cat Loft (that is, unless you’re allergic, like me.)

Whether you’re looking for a new cat, a bunch of them to play with, or just a glass of wine, the Colony Café is the place for you.