{"id":136310,"date":"2026-03-12T11:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/136310\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:18:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:18:10","slug":"dates-under-40-carefree-in-coraopolis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/136310\/","title":{"rendered":"Dates under $40: Carefree in Coraopolis"},"content":{"rendered":"

For some Pittsburghers, Coraopolis is just that town you drive through on the way to the airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In reality, the borough\u2019s business scene is more bustling than you might realize, and its history mirrors Pittsburgh\u2019s on a smaller scale.<\/p>\n

The borough was first settled in 1773 and was originally known by two names<\/a>: Middletown and Fort Vance. Nearly 100 years later, Fort Vance itself was relatively obsolete. City leaders found Middletown too common a name, so a reverend proposed a fusion of the Greek words \u201ckore\u201d and \u201cpolis\u201d \u2014 meaning \u201cmaiden\u201d and \u201ccity\u201d respectively. A more English-friendly version was adopted in 1886 and thus, the Maiden City Coraopolis was formed.<\/p>\n

Cory, as it is known by locals, was a railroad and industrial hub in its heyday, home to both oil and glass companies and the Neville Island & Coraopolis Electric Street Railway throughout the 20th century. It unfortunately suffered the same economic depression felt throughout the region in the 1970s and 1980s.<\/p>\n

Like other municipalities, the slow growth that\u2019s followed has made it a certified haven of affordable homes and enterprising small businesses.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s one way to make the most of a trip to the Maiden City for less than $40. Bear in mind that a handful of these businesses close between 4 and 6 p.m., so you\u2019re best suited to head out during the day or as early in the evening as possible.<\/p>\n

First stop: A small town stroll + window shopping<\/p>\n

Fifth Avenue essentially runs the entire length of Coraopolis and is home to many of its businesses. If you start at the northern end of town and head south, you\u2019re sure to see as many as possible.<\/p>\n

If antiquities are your kryptonite, stop by Emma Jeans Relics<\/a>, or go more modern \u2014 but, still retro \u2014 at Classic Replay Video Games & Toys<\/a> or Megarod Toys and Entertainment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Outdoor seating at the corner of Grant Street and Fifth Avenue. Photo by Jennifer Baron.<\/p>\n

Like hunting for new outfits? Visit Project Angels Boutique<\/a>. Want to learn how to infuse your next home dish with international flavor? Try Caribbean Nation Style Grocery<\/a> or Donna Brazilian Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With such a wide spread of offerings, you\u2019re sure to find something interesting, entertaining or delicious.<\/p>\n

Total: Free<\/p>\n

Looking to spend a little extra? Buy something. I won\u2019t judge you.<\/p>\n

Second stop: Grab a flight<\/p>\n

Smack dab in the middle of Mill and Mulberry streets on Fifth Avenue is Cobblehaus Brewing Co.<\/a> \u2014 one of Pittsburgh\u2019s premier brewers that takes inspiration from European methods and flavors.<\/p>\n

Find some flavors you\u2019re both amicable to and order a $12 flight to sample a few brews with your boo.<\/p>\n

Total (including tax): $12.84<\/p>\n

Looking to spend a little more? While it technically puts us out of budget, one way to affordably add dinner to your night out is by planning your trip around one of Cobblehaus\u2019 food truck nights. Regulars include Roger\u2019s Cuisine, Milanes Mobile and Hibachi Lou. My suggestion is to catch Mediterranean Taste<\/a> and snag one of their \u201cOn The Go\u201d platters: your choice of chicken, beef, lamb or falafel with tahini sauce, veggies and pita. At $10, it won\u2019t be a huge meal to split, but it\u2019s good enough for balling on a budget. If you\u2019re not a beer drinker, visit the nearby Bella Bambini Distillery<\/a>, which specializes in fruit-infused spirits.<\/p>\n

\"\"A lane at Paradise Island Bowl and Beach. Photo by Jennifer Baron.<\/p>\n

Third stop: Visiting Paradise across the Ohio<\/p>\n

All right, I have to admit: We are technically heading out of bounds for this last stop. What can I say, I\u2019m a sucker for some bowling, and Paradise Island Bowl and Beach<\/a> is a little too close to ignore. If you\u2019d prefer to keep things strictly to Coraopolis, skip this stop and add over $20 to your meal budget, but a little whimsy on Neville Island never hurt anyone.<\/p>\n

Cheer on each other\u2019s gutter balls or engage in a fierce competition against your partner \u2014 just remember to leave those feelings in the alley. During warmer weather, take a stroll on the beach once you wrap up. You might catch the sunset, or a few high school rowers practicing out on the water.<\/p>\n

Total (including tax): 23.43<\/p>\n

Grand total: $36.27<\/p>\n

If you budgeted a few extra bucks, you can stop in at Janie\u2019s Hard Ice Cream<\/a> for evening scoops, or forgo food truck dinner for a meal at Lviv European Kitchen<\/a>, which serves pierogies, haluski, stuffed cabbage and other delights.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a caffeine addict and this date didn\u2019t click with you, here\u2019s a totally separate idea. Coraopolis has a surprising number of cafes and coffee shops (Queen Beans Cafe<\/a>, Anchor & Anvil Coffee Bar<\/a> and POP Cafe<\/a>) that are all relatively close to each other. Head out in the morning to walk the Fifth Avenue business corridor and stop in every cafe for a coffee or tea. Take tasting notes to compare, if you\u2019re inclined. I wash my hands of any ensuing caffeine jitters.<\/p>\n

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