Lawrence Hall: Community Dining in a Popular Community (Wed., 2/12/25)

Whatever you’re in the mood for, Lawrence Hall probably has it.

One of several dining concepts that have been inordinately successful in Pittsburgh is the “social hall” wherein large tables beckon smaller groups to choose plates from three or more kitchens, order drinks from a common bar, and share meals and memories in a massive room. Federal Galley is doing it on the North Side. So is City Kitchen in East Liberty. And, now in Lawrenceville, you can sit down, order from your phone, and chat away with table mates you might not have known before entering the hall. You can also order at the individual restaurant’s counters. Runners bring your drinks and plates to you. This is no food mall, but a festival of treats. Currently, Lawrence Hall offers four menus prepared by Cuddy’s Soul Food, Loaded, La Palapa, and Toma, respectively. Cuddy’s offers wings, ribs, oxtail, and turkey drums, just for example, while Loaded has smash burgers, dogs, fried chicken sandwiches, and, of course, lots of potatoes—fried or baked—that are, yes, loaded. At La Palapa you can choose from a wide offering of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and salsas.  And Toma has house-made Italian fare like buffalo chicken arancini, parmesan meatballs, pasta, subs, and even Sicilian pizza. All beverages and spirits are concocted at Dear James (an ode to Captain Lawrence for whom the neighborhood was named) which prides itself with margaritas, martinis and a Martinez, Bloody Marys and a Bloody Maria, and all kinds of craft cocktails and mindful mock-tails. 

The fun (and fear) of social hall dining is not knowing how crazy busy any night might be. Sometimes there’s plenty of room, other times it’s a good wait.  But Lawrence Hall is a good bet. There’s no shortage of good “people-watching” along Butler Street and, unlike the North Side, there’s plenty of Plan B options nearby. Open Monday through midday Sunday. 4609 Butler Street. (C.P.O.)

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