Even though McKees Rocks was formally created in 1769, the borough and The Bottoms — the stretch of land closest to the river — have been home to some of the most resourceful indigenous groups and immigrants since well before 3000 B.C., according to research by the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation.

Stowe Township is often overlooked, even though it’s the birthplace of many iconic Pittsburgh staples: Jenny Lee Swirl Bread, Joyce’s Homemade Cookies, Wholey’s and Mancini’s Bakery.

Its legacy of good eats continues to expand beyond those brands today, and business owners are also building an entertainment and nightlife scene in the neighborhood. That includes the Parkway Theater & Film Lounge, which I stumbled upon last spring while covering the HUMP! Film Festival’s 2025 run in Pittsburgh.

That’s why we chose it as the location for our next date night under $40.

On the Rocks

Despite McKees Rocks’ sometimes negative perception, according to a January report by local community-based nonprofit Focus On Renewal, the neighborhood has been actively engaged in violence prevention efforts since 2021. The years following have seen drastic declines in violence.

Last year was the first with zero gun-related homicides in the community since 2010, the report reads, and gun violence as a whole fell 40% between 2024 and 2025.

To put that into perspective, last year in Wilkinsburg and McKeesport — urban municipalities with similar population sizes to the combined Sto-Rox municipalities — had three and six gun-related homicides, respectively, according to Allegheny County Crime data.

About 5 miles from Downtown, McKees Rocks is easily accessible by bus, has plentiful street parking for drivers and is technically bikeable — though the most direct trip requires you to ride along West Carson Street.

As always, plan this date for a weeknight, and odds are transportation will cause you no issues.

First Stop: Pierogies Plus

Pierogies Plus on Island Avenue. Photo by Roman Hladio.

I have to admit: My original intent was to include Fabs Restaurant — a spectacular Nigerian spot on Broadway Avenue — as the dining option, but it appears to be temporarily closed. Keep a tab on it in case it happens to reopen after publication.

That being said, stop short of the Broadway Avenue business corridor and head to Pierogies Plus for a dinner fit for any Pittsburgher. You know what’s coming: A dozen potato pierogies with onions. Could I probably house this portion myself? Yeah. But I like my partner — and bank account — so it’s enough to share.

There are a few tables on property to devour your platter of potatoey goodness, but pierogies can also be enjoyed in a car, on the curb or, frankly, standing against a random wall.

A dozen potato pierogies: $16.04

Second Stop: Parkway Theater & Film Lounge

A movie screening at the Parkway Theater and Film Lounge in Stowe during the Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Parkway Theater and Film Lounge.

Along comes the pièce de résistance. The thing about the Parkway is that you can plan your visit to be whatever you want, really. Want to see a relatively unknown recent film or horror flick? You got it. Craving bar trivia? Sure. Live music and brews? No problem. A comedy show? Why not?

For this date, I opted for a movie, and the tickets ran $10 each. The theater is smaller than both of Row House’s — only 45 seats — and on the night I attended, only five were full. That being said, my film happened to coincide with trivia night, and it made for a fun addition; you emerge from a dark theater, high off a good story, only to bump into an equally excitable crowd arguing over pop culture references.

Although it was a serendipitous accident, I highly recommend doing the same.

A film in a quiet theater with immaculate vibes on the way out: $21.40

Grand total: $37.44

Looking to spend a little more?

If you aren’t interested in movie tickets, put that cash toward drinks or bar snacks. The lounge has a food menu of its own alongside a full bar. Plus, Abjuration Brewing Co. has a beer garden on the property.

Substitute out Pierogies Plus for dinner at Salvadoran restaurant Pupusas y Antojitos Helen — which happens to be right next door to the Parkway — or Doughboy’s Pizza on Island Avenue. Both will cost a bit more, but will be well worth it.

And since you’ll be over there, you might as well grab some Mancini’s bread from the original bakery on Mancini Way. The ensuing toast and sandwiches will make your trip all the more worthwhile.