Searching for a new restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh? Looking for somewhere to eat near the convention center, or a place to grab dinner and drinks before a show in the Cultural District? Spork Island Trading Company is one of the newest, and most talked-about, places to eat in Pittsburgh. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
A new restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh, steps from the Convention Center
Spork Island Trading Company opened in July 2026 at 946 Penn Avenue, in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District and just one block from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. That puts it a short walk from the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall, the Byham Theater and the downtown hotels, which makes it an easy pick whether you're in town for a conference, catching a show, or exploring Downtown for the night.
It's the creation of longtime Pittsburgh hospitality operators Andy Tepper and Steve Zumoff, who spent years bringing the concept to life.
An immersive tiki bar and restaurant
Spork Island isn't a typical downtown restaurant. It's an immersive tiki bar and restaurant designed to transport you somewhere else entirely. Walk through Volcano Village, past an eight-foot erupting volcano and cascading waterfalls, then follow jungle pathways to tiki huts, hideaway booths and a hidden cave. In its first-look coverage, The Pittsburgh Wire described the interior as "closer to theater than restaurant."
The space is intentionally intimate. Seating is limited to a handful of hideaway booths, small tables and the bar itself, and the fire-pit lounge is one of the coziest seats Downtown. Spork Island is an adults-only destination: every guest must be 21 or older.
Chef-driven small plates and yakitori
Executive Chef Ray Spencer, former chef de cuisine at Hyeholde Restaurant, leads a kitchen built around carefully composed shareable plates with bold, globally inspired flavors. The menu is made for sharing and grazing, so bring friends and order a few rounds.
Highlights include tuna poke with miso vinaigrette and avocado crema, salmon tartare, glazed pork belly with koji hot sauce and cornbread, lobster rangoon, mochiko fried chicken, and a petit wagyu sirloin with rum sauce. There's also a yakitori grill, where skewers are fired over authentic binchotan charcoal: chicken thigh with tare, salmon, A-5 wagyu, shishito peppers and more. Save room for dessert, like the passionfruit bar or poi boba with taro custard.
The menu marks gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes, so it works for mixed groups. See the full food menu.
Sixteen signature tiki cocktails
Behind the bar, an extensive rum collection anchors a tropical cocktail program made with fresh juices, house-made syrups and premium spirits. The menu features sixteen original cocktails, from classics like the Pearl Diver, a Donn Beach recipe from 1937, to house creations like the Monongahela Mai Tai, the Banana Hammock and the Sporky Sling. For groups, The Volcano is a flaming, shareable showpiece that serves four to eight.
Many drinks come in hand-made ceramic tiki mugs you can take home, and the new Zombie Glass, a collectible tribute to Pittsburgh's Living Dead legacy, is available only here. Read the story of the Zombie Glass. Not drinking? There are three house-made non-alcoholic cocktails, plus beer, sake and wine. Browse the full drinks menu.
What people are saying
Since opening, Spork Island has drawn attention from across Pittsburgh's media. The Pittsburgh Wire, Hoodline, Axios Pittsburgh, WPXI and Discover the Burgh have all covered the opening. Hoodline called it "fully committed escapism," and Discover the Burgh noted that "every little nook and cranny seems to have some element of design."
Guests agree. Spork Island holds a 4.3-star rating on Google, and reviewers keep coming back to the same things:
"Amazing drink options fun atmosphere great staff!" — Brandon G., Google review
"Vibes, drinks and service was impeccable." — Jeffrey L., Google review
"Exceptional service, great drinks and atmosphere!" — Samantha S., Google review
"A cool experience to show off to friends!" — Caleb G., Google review
Visiting for a convention or a show?
If you're attending an event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Spork Island is the closest place to unwind after a long day on the show floor. A few tips:
Reserve a booth. Booths can be reserved for parties of 2 to 12. Bar seats and smaller tables are first come, first served. Book here.
Plan for about two hours. On the busiest nights, we may ask groups to wrap up within two hours so the next crew can come ashore.
Parking is easy. More than 2,000 covered garage spaces sit within a five-minute walk, and many downtown garages charge just $6 to $12 for the whole evening. See our parking guide.
Heading to the theater? On show nights, garages fill early. Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation, or take a rideshare and get dropped off right at our door on Penn Avenue.
Private events for small groups
Planning a birthday, team dinner or a conference get-together? Spork Island's private events room hosts groups of about 10 to 18 guests, with feast-style food from our bites menu, its own sound system, a TV for presentations and a privacy curtain. Learn more about private events. [CHECK: Events Room page says both "12 to 18" and "10–18" guests. Which is right?]
Frequently asked questions
Is Spork Island near the Pittsburgh convention center?
Yes. Spork Island is at 946 Penn Avenue, one block from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Does Spork Island take reservations?
Yes, for booths and groups. Bar seating and smaller tables are walk-in.
Is Spork Island 21+?
Yes. Spork Island is an adults-only destination, and all guests must be 21 or older.
Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes. The food menu marks gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Where should I park?
The Convention Center Garage is a two-minute walk, and several 24-hour garages nearby offer flat evening rates. Street meters are free after 6 pm. See the parking guide.
Plan your visit
Spork Island Trading Company is at 946 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Doors open at 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome, and booths can be reserved. 21+. Our schedule is subject to change, so always check our website before planning a visit.
Whether you're new to Pittsburgh, in town for a convention, or a local looking for the next great place to eat Downtown, the island is waiting.
