With a name that means “mountain of gold,” the walkable, well-situated neighborhood of Dormont is a tiny treasure.
Stats (via Niche)
- Size: .76 sq. mi.
- Population: 8,373
- Median Rent: $860
- Median Home Value: $147,500
Don’t Miss
If you’ve only eaten at one place in Dormont, chances are it’s the Dor-Stop. The cozy diner has been a Pittsburgh favorite for decades, serving up classic breakfast and lunch fare in a homey, friendly setting.
For a small neighborhood, Dormont boasts a remarkable culinary diversity. Grab Thai food at Thai Spoon and My Thai, Chinese at Amazing Wok and Vietnamese at Mekong Pho Gourmet, or have a hearty sandwich at Fredo’s Deli. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the venerable Potomac Bakery, or get a caffeine fix at Muddy Cup.
Dormont has more than its share of nightlife as well. Catch a band at R Bar, shoot some pool at Breakers or grab a beer and a burger at Jamison’s. Want to look great before you go out? Gentlemen can check out the upscale barber House of Handsome. And women can find fab fashions at Vintage Grace Boutique and get the full treatment for hands and feet at NailChic.
The Dormont Pool is perhaps the neighborhood’s best-known and best-loved attraction. Built in 1920 and declared a historic landmark in 2002, the 60,000-square-foot pool is one of the largest in the state, complete with waterslides, ample lawn space and a concession stand.
Surrounding the pool is Dormont Park, a 23.5-acre park with athletic fields, a walking trail and a wooden castle playground. Hillsdale Commons Park at the corner of West Liberty and Hillsdale avenues is a great community green space, while the 5.2 acre Beggs Snyder Park houses a ball field, pavilion, new playground equipment, soccer fields and passive park areas.
South Hills Power Yoga and Prana-Veda yoga studio both draw health-seeking Pittsburghers to Dormont, as do Trillium Natural Medicine and Well Oiled Boutique.
You won’t want to miss Beyond Bedtime Books. And be sure to catch a new or classic flick at Hollywood Theater.
Recently purchased by the Theatre Historical Society of America, this one-screen gem dates back to the 1920s and is worlds away from a typical chain multiplex. Feeling adventurous? The Hollywood regularly hosts midnight showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Dormont Public Library is a terrific community resource and history buffs love the unique Dormont Historical Society located in the basement of the Dormont Municipal Building.
Every Fourth of July, the neighborhood holds Dormont Day. The popular festival features food, live music, games and an impressive fireworks display. The borough even has its own long-running Horseshoe Club, which meets meets the first Thursday in May through Labor Day.
And it’s all easy to access via The T.
Fast Facts
Dormont’s name comes from the French phrase mont d’or, which means “mountain of gold.”
Until 1768, the land that eventually became Dormont was held by the Delaware and Shawnee tribes.
Mr. Rogers once filmed an episode at Hollywood Lanes— they proudly display the bowling ball he used in it.
More Dormont News
[catlist name=”dormont” numberposts=5 catlist thumbnail=yes pagination=yes]