The two best things I ate in Pittsburgh both came from The Proper. It's definitely top of my list for every trip back to the city I take now. Why? Because that brisket mac and cheese is just too creamy, too delectable, too hearty to not try and eat all yourself (even though it can feed two). Because the wood fired pizza is delish, goes from custom order to your plate surprisingly fast, and has a wicked cheese pull. Because two nights at the bar saw friendly, humorous interaction with three different servers and I never once felt rushed or unwelcome taking my time to savour the pours they have on tap. This place gets packed early...and it was slammed in the middle of the week. The Proper knows what they're doing, and if you do too, you'll give this spot a try.
Overview
If you're looking for a cozy spot with great food and drinks in Pittsburgh, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room should definitely be on your radar. Nestled at 139 7th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, this inviting eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious brick oven pizza, craft beer, or just a casual night out with friends, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room delivers every time.
One of the standout features of this place is its focus on wood-fired cooking. The brick oven, used for baking pizzas, adds an incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t replicate with regular ovens. The crust on their pizzas is perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of chewiness inside, making every bite a delightful experience. The toppings are always fresh, and the combinations are creative-whether you're into classic margherita or something a little more adventurous like the "Smoked Sausage and Peppers" pizza. And let’s not forget the signature red sauce, which is tangy and flavorful without overwhelming the other ingredients.
But pizza isn’t the only thing that shines here. The Tap Room side of the restaurant offers an impressive selection of craft beers, many from local breweries. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or something in between, there’s something for everyone. The beer menu changes seasonally, so you’ll always find something new to try when you visit. Pairing a fresh pint with a pizza right out of the oven is a combination that’s hard to beat.
Aside from the food and drinks, the atmosphere at Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room is one of the reasons why it's such a go-to destination. The modern, yet rustic decor creates a welcoming vibe. It’s the perfect mix of casual and stylish, making it ideal for everything from a quick lunch break to a leisurely dinner with friends or family. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with recommendations whether you need help choosing a pizza or narrowing down your beer selection.
For those who want to try something different, the menu also includes a variety of small plates and appetizers. The garlic knots, served warm with a side of marinara sauce, are a crowd favorite. If you're looking for something a bit more substantial, the sandwiches and salads are top-notch, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that complement the main dishes. You can easily find a meal that fits your craving, whether you're in the mood for something light or hearty.
If you’re in Pittsburgh and looking to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and unpretentious, Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room is definitely worth checking out. With its tasty pizzas, craft beers, and laid-back atmosphere, it's no wonder that it’s become such a hit in the city. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this spot provides a great dining experience that’s sure to leave you coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Stopped in for an early dinner, wanted to beat the Friday crowd! The pizza was delicious!! I highly recommend the Bianca, best white pizza I’ve ever had! The crust was light and crispy, topped with a generous amount of cheese! The pesto pasta was also very good! I do not recommend the Caesar Salad at all, it was very plain, dressing was tasteless. Sad to say, because I love a good Caesar with my pizza! Jada was our server, she was so pleasant and attentive! We absolutely loved her!! The overall atmosphere was what you expect and want downtown! 4.5 ⭐
Always a pleasure to eat, here! Every time I visit my daughter at U Pitt we must go to Proper. The pizzas are positively divine always cooked to order with fresh ingredients…can’t beat the wood fire brick oven experience. The pasta funghi was exquisite (add roasted garlic, bacon, and a twist of lemon) as was the Lemon cream cake for dessert. My only wish was for a glass of ice cold milk to enjoy with the cake… The waitstaff is gregarious and very helpful. Ask for the hot honey for your pizza…you won’t regret it. Terrific dining experience…
Excelent spot with excellent food served by fantastic people. I wanted somewhere nice but that wasn't going to cost a bazillion dollars for dinner. I wanted something a little lighter and I wanted vegetables. This fit the bill well. They Had a spectacular house salad with goat cheese, pears, and candied walnuts. The dressing is very light and tastes great. The pesto pizza is amazing. Just the right saltiness mixed with sweet. The calamari you can tell was crafted correctly, not frozen and tastes like perfection. I'll be back
I've been eagerly awaiting to give Proper Brick Oven a try. The food and drink were very good. The pizza was near perfect. And the house sangria was delicious! The service was poor though. Just uninterested and inattentive. And the atmosphere was not what I expected. I was hoping for the atmosphere to have a refined yet casual, semi-upscale vibe suitable for the theater crowd and the esteemed Cultural District. However, the atmosphere was outdated, in desperate need of an update and had the vibe of an overpriced tourist trap. The entry way and restrooms (that are located directly next to the entrance) were dirty and unkept. I probably won't return here.
We sat at the pizza station and watched the magic happen. Tom Petty in the background and ice cold Zombie Dust IPA. We had a white pizza with sweet Italian sausage on half and hot honey on the side. The crust was soft and crunchy. Great draft selection and dessert menu. Staff was friendly and attentive. Would highly recommend
My absolute favorite pizza place in all of Pittsburgh. Honestly, I’ve had pizza in Naples Italy and this pizza is just as delicious. Also the staff there is so welcoming and friendly. Tiffany was our waitress and she was just lovely. She needs a raise. Can’t wait to come back soon!