I was pleasantly surprised to find that Big Dog serves Intelligentsia Coffee, which is great. The baristas are always friendly and professional. Every time I've been there I've had good, fast service. The pour-over coffees are quite good, but they do take a little bit longer since they are not often ordered here. The espresso (usually Black Cat) is also good, with the baristas knowing how to properly extract a shot. However, the milk they use is so awful that I can't order milk drinks anymore. After multiple attempts ordering a cappuccino (thinking maybe it was just a bad batch of milk or a new barista) the terribly sour taste of the milk drove me away. If you are adding heaps of sugar, you may not notice, but I find the milk to be sour and sharp rather than properly complimenting the espresso with natural sweetness. On that note, the pour-over coffees are great, and the tea is also worth ordering. The atmosphere and location is great, with the patio in the summer and fireplace in the winter. Probably the best place in South Side. read more

So I'm not really a coffee aficionado but I'm a big fan of coffee shops and the different atmospheres in each. Simply put, Big Dog has just about the perfect vibe. Just off of busy Carson Street, it's quiet enough back there to feel isolated from the action going on only a block or two away. But it's really right in the middle of the active South Side. The girl at the counter was very friendly, and sincerely asked about my day and what was going on as she prepared my drink. As I sat outside on the small porch another staff member walked by and exchanged a second friendly greeting. The interior, as well as the staff, is very friendly too. The front room has a couple old chairs that looked very comfortable and I'm pretty sure I'll be sitting in one of them next time I stop by. They also have a slightly larger room towards the back with a few pieces of art on the walls and a small porch, open to the great outdoors (of Pittsburgh). I'm surprised how long it took me to get to Big Dog after hearing so many good things about it, but it won't be long until I'm back. read more

Great dirty chai. Overly sweet moon pies. The atmosphere is really cute inside and their outdoor patio is non-smoking. read more

Whew. I thought I was doomed after leaving all the good espresso/lattes I had discovered back in NYC/Brooklyn. (Feel free to check out all my NY coffee reviews, if you are bored out of your mind.) Alas, I was saved by Big Dog. I give 5 stars for good coffee drinks, nice easy going smart people, and an overall chill vibe. read more

This place is great for a nice cup of coffee and a conversation or a good book. I loved the decor and the wood burning fireplace. It was so cozy that I could have stayed for a while, and with the delicious Intelli coffee, there is no reason I wouldn't. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Pittsburgh. Until then, I highly recommend trying it out. read more

Among the best coffee and coffeehouse treats I can find around the 'burgh. Their coffee and espresso selection itself is great, as is their cold brewed iced coffee. And their service is consistently friendly and helpful. What's good mean? My favorite order in summer is an iced latte. I often enough go to Caribou because it's right downstairs, and sometimes go a block to Crazy Mocha... both are good, I like Crazy Mocha better. But when I get to Big Dog and get my iced latte there, it's that first sip where I always say, "oh, that's good"... it's just a richer tastier drink... what can I say? They have a variety of treats, especially the oft-mentioned oatmeal bar, which are consistently very good. This isn't a slick corporate chain kind of place, but it definitely has an identity of its own. Cozy seating at about a dozen small tables, plus a few outside. Pets are welcome. A favorite for me to walk a couple of blocks and relax or read or have a 1:1 meeting. read more

Big Dog is a cozy little coffee shop, a far cry from what you'll find a few blocks away in the South Side Works. Big Dog is a beautiful shop that is warm and inviting (particularly if you sit by the fire in the winter.) The drinks were overly priced and were done right - fast. If I lived in the South Side I would be there more often. read more

Wow. Best coffee shop around. I started to come here often when studying for my LSAT. It's has a great vibe and nice staff. The owner is especially great. I'm moving from the south side and I will definitely miss being able to walk here in 2 minutes. Coffee may be slightly overpriced, but the great atmosphere makes up for it. It's not like Starbucks.. they're very personal and friendly. Best of all... it's DOGGY FRIENDLY. I think that alone makes Big Dog 5 stars! read more

Huge fan of the iced coffee here. Not sure what kind of beans they use, but it has a unique flavor that I enjoyed black (typically go for some sugar and/or milk depending). The location is cool in that it's off the beaten path, but that also means parking can be "interesting." I normally stop by when I'm already parked in the area for the close-by Goodwill or.... actually I don't really shop anywhere else in the SS Works. read more

I've been a big fan of Big Dog for a long time! When I lived in South Side it was perfect to walk to as it's a block off of East Carson street. It's in a quiet section and feels very homey! When I left the South Side I made a point to stop there because it's that good! I always love the hot chocolate and my favorite place to drink it is right near the fireplace. There is plenty of seating up front and in the back. The most recent time I was there it became Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls for the day! I was so excited that one of my favorite coffee shops partnered with Netflix to host an event for one of my favorite TV shows! I loved that the baristas played along and wore flannels and backward caps. It was so much fun! Thanks Big Dog! read more

Really cute coffee place- seating options inside and out. I got the caramel latte and it was fab. I gave 3 stars (3.5 if I could) for the service. I think the women in front of me was a regular since the two women baristas were chatting her up, but then once I got to the counter they turned stone-faced. Huh? I was polite but they would only give me 1 word answers to my questions. Then I watched another two gentleman get treated totally differently. That bothers me. read more

AMAZING COFFEE. locally owned and off the beaten path. A great way to escape the SouthSide noise. This is everything you want a coffee shop to be. read more

Big Dog Coffee is great little coffee shop near South Side Works in the South Side of Pittsburgh. The coffee is great and staff are friendly. Free Internet is available just ask for the login/password. Note: don't park on the lot to the side as this belongs to the private apartment building and you might get towed. read more

Very cute atmosphere. They have a little back patio for nice days, and a lot of cozy seating inside. Medium soy vanilla latte costs about $5 which is comparable to Starbucks. They use Intelligentista coffee, which is a great quality. The only thing that detracts me is the same disease that a lot of independent Pittsburgh places have, which is Holier Than Thou Hipster disease. The people behind the counter are definitely always working hard, but love to throw the side eye at you if you have questions. read more

This is a great find! It is cosy and colorful yet clean. I find so many places that are trendy are not clean but this coffee shop is great. Awesome selection of pastries and the coffee is good. I hate bitter/acid coffee, not there. The music is great, instrumental (at least when I was there) and not too loud but good ambiance. They even have a kid's high chair! Seriously this has to be the perfect coffee shop to work and relax or be out with the family. read more

Cozy coffee and study place. The coffee here is pretty good, but the place is very packed almost all the time.

This is one of the cutest coffee shops....I tried the blackberry Italian cream soda and it was pretty good. Also, there is a patio on the side/back perfect for warmer weather! read more

Winner. Good coffee and friendly service. Comfy and funky place to hang out for a short or long time, eavesdropping on guys arguing about what quarterback you would want if you needed to go 80 yards in a driving rain for a touchdown to win the game (Marino? F Marino!). I'd like to go back and try the oatmeal bar, that looked killer with fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and other stuff in a pick-your-own topping selection. read more

Big Dog is certainly one of the cozier coffee shops in the 'burgh. The soothing colors and comfy chairs offer a welcome retreat from the slate grey Pittsburgh environment in the winter months. In the summer, the sunlight pouring in through the windows entices you to sit and enjoy an iced coffee before meandering along. It's kind of nice that this shop is tucked away from the hub-bub of Carson Street and the rest of Sah-side wackiness. It's got a peaceful, less hurried, almost European feel. I've sampled the coffee and various baked goods here. The coffee is smooth, but not overly robust. The baked goods, without fail, have been good. I've been meaning to get around to the oatmeal bar that folks have been raving about. The baristas have never been snippy or sullen. Pittsburgh could definitely use a few more coffee shops cut from this cloth. read more

Quiet, cozy, lots of seating..good place to get some work done. Cute outdoor seating. Awesome art on the walls!! read more

Big Dog Coffee - Outdoor seating - Desserts Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Nothing I love more than a coffee place like this, super cozy with fun seating, good peole and delicious desserts and coffee. I like to duck in here after grabbing dinner anytime I am out in the area. read more

How did I not know about Big Dog until now? I dropped in last week with a friend and was so pleasantly surprised. I love the space... it was quiet, comfortable, and I could picture myself spending a few hours here with a good book. I didn't check out the back area but it looked like it had a decent amount of additional seating. It's not far off Carson but feels like it is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, a much different vibe than that typical of the South Side. I ordered an iced caramel latte (I usually stick to cold brew or iced Americanos, but for some reason I was craving sweetness). It was not overwhelmingly sweet as those kinds of drinks can often be. I thought the caramel and espresso flavors were balanced and I had no trouble finishing the refreshing drink on what was a very hot day. The barista was friendly, quick, and attentive. Great coffee and a great space. I can imagine it gets quite full on the weekends, but I am going to make it a point to return when I have some time to kill. read more

This is a great local coffee shop in southside. Perfect location for a morning walk to grab a coffee

The staff has been fantastic, visited twice on a road trip. Great coffee. The mango smoothie was NOT good; gotta use real fruit!

Love love love this cozy little place. I just left Espresso A Mano and this place is more impressive! I love the homey feel of the place with a mix of oversized chairs, rockers, and tables. It is also significantly bigger than expected; they also have an outdoor area. I love the mix of old pieces and fireplace in the corner. I could imagine this place having a very intimate, warm atmosphere in the fall. The breakfast blend coffee was very smooth with no weird aftertaste. It was just a tad lukewarm; I would've preferred it a little hotter but not too big of a deal. Their bakery items seem very fresh and homemade. The whoopie pie was amazing. The oatmeal cookies were so soft and the creamy filling added a nice richness to the sandwich. A good spin on the classic oatmeal cream pie, but even better! Overall, I am definitely in love with this charming place. I think this is my favorite coffee shop in all of Pittsburgh. I love the quiet music. It seems to be a little undiscovered hole in the wall. Would recommend this to anyone visiting or living here! They also stay open till 10:00pm during the summer! A plus. I've noticed that quite a few places close early here in the city, so I like that they stay open late. read more

Nice place! I stopped here on a Saturday around 11 AM. Ordered an Americano and toasted croissant with jam (they also have bagels toasted with cream cheese, oatmeal, and an assortment of baked goods). The Americano was good, though not great. The croissant was absolutely delicious. I took a chocolate chip cookie with me, and it was also great. The place is beautiful -- very spacious -- but if the weather is agreeable, there is also a cozy, peaceful outdoor patio. I sat outside and brainstormed notes for an hour or two. I think they have WiFi but I'm not sure. I'd definitely come back if I stay on the South Side again. read more

Loved the homely feel of the place. I was immediately treated with warm welcome as soon as I walked in. The pastry selection was awesome! I decided on a homemade oatmeal pie & raspberry mocha. Both were delicious read more

Big Dog Coffee - Raspberry Mocha - Desserts Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The best coffeehouse in the Burgh, hands down. If you love Starbucks, stay away. The is not your run of the mill same old, same old coffee chain ala Starbucks, Caribou, Crazy Mocha, etc. etc. tt is the one and only and it shows. It took more than a year to renovate this South Side loft into a very comfortable and neighborhood feeling coffeehouse and you can tell down to the minute details. From the real fireplace (I am sitting next to as I type) to the handmade coffee bar when you first walk in, Big Dog is something better experienced than described. Everything is made fresh on premises, including the pastries and soups. If you are in the area and looking for a really good cup of coffee or my personal favorite - Mocha Bianca - stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

Beautifully decorated and great tea selection! Really appreciated the recycling signs.

Best coffee shop in Pittsburgh, great coffee and pastries as well. The shop itself is really charming and I love all the baron batch art they have! read more

This is the best place to get coffee in Pittsburgh. There are other places that sell incredible coffee- Espresso a Mano, Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea, La Prima Espresso, and Marty's Market come to mind. However- if you want your coffee shop to be supremely comfortable for doing some work or meandering around the internet- look no further. I've never had Wi-Fi issue unlike many places. This is the best place to unwind no matter what the weather's like outside and enjoy some coffee while getting some work done. Their chai tea latte is the best I've had in the city. Some places can't get that right. The atmosphere is great, it's a beautiful old town home with multiple fireplaces, eclectic furniture, and bright colors everywhere. The staff are very friendly. It's a great place to go and I'm sure you'll keep coming back. read more

Cute little coffee shop. Younger crowd. Limited seating. Free WiFi. I got the Chai Tea and a Whoopie pie which was a homemade version of a Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie. Both were delicious. This is a great place to kill some time. Loved the 50's/60's music they played. The boyfriend got a Mocha. He enjoyed his as well. read more

Big Dog Coffee - Mocha - Desserts Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A hidden cafe. Very nice garden and a lot of choices of seats. I didn't see any dogs :'( Coffee was good. Worth the 20 minute walk from office. read more

Best coffee and staff in the city! Unfortunately not many people carry cash these days and I was not able to tip the talented, kind and helpful baristas read more

Nice place with good lattes. Only came once while in Pitt for a swim meet and looking for somewhere to hang out early on a Sunday morning . Comfortable seating areas and plenty of outlets if you need to charge your phone like me. read more

This is probably my favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh. It's so cute, the modern art creates a welcoming and casual vibe. The coffee is also incredible. They use intelligentsia coffee which is a national roaster/distributer, but still high quality beans. The coffee is brewed expertly with careful attention to detail. I got a V60 pour over and even though it was prepared by a barista-in-training, it was still delicious and well made. I will be back! read more

Favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh! Great coffee, greets service and never that stuffy feeling! Plus I enjoy all the art in the walls.

Easily my favorite coffeeshop in Pittsburgh, and that's saying something based on how many wonderful third-wave coffee places there are here. Very high standards for coffee, numerous great food options, cozy atmosphere, very friendly staff. I love it here, definitely worth stopping by if you get the chance. read more

Pros: They carry exclusively Intelligentsia Coffee. The shop was beautiful and comfortable. As out-of-towners, we thought the neighborhood had a funky vibe. My wife's macchiato was great! Did I mention they have homemade hohos? Cons: my French press came out weak (watery), probably because the grounds were too coarse. I wish they offered pour-over or Clever brewer options as an alternative. Overall, we'll be back, but there is some room for improvement. read more

Finding this coffee shop a few blocks from my new apartment last year was an absolute game changer. Reminiscent of some of my old haunts in San Francisco, like Blue Bottle and Ritual - if you've never experienced good coffee, you owe it to yourself. Furthermore, the atmosphere and service is exceptional. Go now, you will love it. read more