The Parking Chair Has Gone National

This Saturday night at the recently reopened Row House Hollywood Theater, things come full-circle in the best possible way. They’re screening The Perks of Being a Wallflower at 8:30pm, complete with an introduction from author, writer, and director Stephen Chbosky.

Chbosky is a South Hills kid who grew up in Upper St. Clair and turned our corner of the world into a modern coming-of-age classic. If that wasn’t poetic enough, the Hollywood Theater itself plays a starring role in the story, as the place where Charlie sneaks into late-night showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And yes, Row House is leaning all the way in—Rocky Horror screens at 11:30pm right after Perks.

One night, two cult favorites, and a very Pittsburgh full-circle moment. Grab tickets while you still can.

A new spot worth circling is opening in Castle Shannon on February 10th. El Pollon specializes in pollo a la brasa— a Peruvian-style chicken marinated in native spices and slow-roasted over charcoal until it’s all crisp skin and juicy meat. Located at 1230 Grove Road in the old Bob’s Diner, although you’ll most likely smell it before you see it.

So the rest of America is finally clocking what we’ve always known. Pittsburgh’s parking chairs are not a cute quirk, they’re practically civic infrastructure.

The Whatever You Do, Don’t Mess With Pittsburgh’s Parking Chairs (Wall Street Journal) story puts our snow-season tradition on the national stage, where reporters observe folding chairs, ottomans, toilets and occasional statues of Jesus guarding freshly dug-out street parking. If you’re in any neighborhood Facebook groups, you know this is a touchy topic.

We can only hope this article opens the door for the next great Pittsburgh export, the Pittsburgh potty, to finally get the national recognition it deserves. One cultural artifact at a time.

This beautifully updated ranch at 824 Foxland Drive deserves some attention. Perched on a quiet corner cul-de-sac, this 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,602-sq-ft home blends classic character with thoughtful modern touches.

Walk to Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson Middle School in this charming corner of Mt. Lebanon. Wood-burning fireplaces in both living spaces, wide-open hardwood floors, and a custom kitchen that feels both elevated and perfectly livable. Reach out if you’d like a tour.

👋 That’s it for this week. Thanks for reading, neighbors.

Have something you think deserves a little local love — a new business, fundraiser, or rumor that’s too good to waste at the coffee shop?

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