The Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh - Bloomfield

What neighborhood should I cover next? How can I change the format of these? What improvements can I make?
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Instagram : @dean.bog

[@stephen_hawes]

I LOVE that you're doing this series! I'd love to see Shadyside or Lawrenceville. I've lived in both and enjoyed them each tremendously for very different reasons.

[@DeanBog]

Thank you Stephen! Both great neighborhoods indeed.

[@TheKennykelly]

Lawrenceville has changed so much to

[@dannelson7534]

"When the mafia was gon ARAWN we didnt had nunnadeeze prolems"

[@chef4208]

Ready to leave NYC and Pittsburgh looks great so far. Cant wait to watch the rest of the series.

[@Nunyabisnatch]

Oh man. Oh man. I'm going to take a trip down memory lane like a yinzer stuck in the past. Here it goes... Bloomfield holds such a special place in my heart because I spend my prime years living and working there. I lived in a rental house on Cedarville that had an old cast iron bathtub in the basement that I used to soak in. My three roommates and I paid $700 for a 3 bedroom house! All the furniture was included and from the 1960s, and I absolutely adored it. We had a vintage record player in a cabinet that we used to listen to for hours and hours. I remember hitting up the Goodwill that used to be next to Ritters and scoping out the new releases at Paul's CDs. I also lived in a real dumpy looking place that was really nice looking on the inside on Garnet Way. I didn't have a car, so I walked everywhere and did everything in Bloomfield. In 2003-2005, Bloomfield had everything. It had a video rental store with a specialty independant section where there were all sorts of handpicked DVDs from the really cool staff, maybe it was a Blockbuster, definitely not Dreaming Ant. Sure Save was disgusting, so I did all my shopping at Donatelli's Market. They had the best italian bread, homemade pasta, and sauce. They even had a really decent cheese and produce section for such a small place. I would just wheel my groceries back home in my old lady cart. I used to sneak into Vygor to exercise, since they had a separate entrance that went around where the staff hung out. Man, was I in excellent shape. I sat in the laundromat for hours because we didn't have a washer and dryer and sipped coffee from Crazy Mocha. A lady with loud makeup and a pink visor had a job sitting in laundromat. She was one of the many colorful character of Bloomfield. There was an elderly Italian man that used to walk around yelling "Bella! Bella!" at every woman. He was a bit intense, but pretty entertaining. I sang drunken karaoke at The Pleasure Bar and the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. I worked as a waitress at D'Amico's Place for 3 years and would just walk around the block to my apartment, reeking of the gorgonzola cheese I had to chop up at closing. The waitresses used to smoke cigarettes while they cut people's bread. It was so old school Pittsburgh. HA! All of the nurses/doctors/and staff were always chain smoking in front of the "No Smoking" sign at West Penn Hospital. I remember stumbling into the secret after hours club (the castle) on Cedarville with someone who knew the secret knock. It was always full of drunken strippers and old men. I used to walk down the Pittsburgh steps and explore the hollow area down near the train tracks. The hollow was a great short cut to Gooski's in Polish Hill, which was the coolest bar ever. When I was a whipper snapper, Bloomfield WAS the hipster neighborhood. Lawrenceville had absolutely nothing worth glancing at that point in time, excluding prostitutes and drug addicts. The rent in Bloomfield was once dirt cheap, and it had a quirky, rough around the edges, blue collar vibe. I have so many wonderful memories of Bloomfield, but I'd never want to live there now that I'm almost 40. I've become much more uptight and boring with age. The parking was always horrendous there. I had to circle the block for hours and pay for a parking pass. It was dirty and the ugly houses were so close together. Grass is basically non-existent. I can't believe how expensive it's become! Even if Bloomfield isn't my thing anymore, it's still a very special place to me.

[@cindykerrckarma]

hey Dean, your videos are amazing. The Wilkinsburg and Frick Park neighborhood videos lead to watery eyes as that's our 'hood. Thank you for featuring local people and getting to the heart of each unique part of our beloved 'burgh. You are a treasure.

[@chaoticcactus5792]

I'm a resident of Bloomfield, and watching this video was very enjoyable! It's so interesting seeing you visit all the shops I know, and "The Hollow" is actually down the street from my house. Very fun seeing you visit all these different neighborhoods, keep up the good work!

[@GoHarloFilms]

Bloomfield actually means "One Way" in Italian

[@zachz96]

LOL. You always need to go one extra block to get anywhere.

[@debbiechyle4812]

I used to live in Bloomfield in the 1980's. I was born and raised in pittsburgh on the northside in 1956. I love pittsburgh now and forever.

[@kellydietrick9751]

Yinz hit the nail on the head with these neighborhood videos. Pittsburgh is the most walkable city with the most diverse and wonderful neighborhoods I have ever lived in or visited. Do Squirrel Hill next. Home of Mac Miller and the Blue Slide Park. Home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country including the Tree of Life Synagogue. Home to a great Eat 'n Park , "Pittsburgh's first modern eat in your car food service " started in 1949. And yeah should have been Park 'n Eat but that was already taken. Keep the video's coming.

[@user-nc2cg2pj9g]

When I was a child growing up in Bloomfield. We had tree lined streets and it was AMAZING 🥰

[@MoshiMichi]

Thank you for your wonderful work highlighting our city. As a Pitt staff person, you make me immensely proud. H2P! Speedy healing to you! Be well and keep it up!

[@garrettcolbert2550]

Homie I just found this and it’s gold. Pittsburgh is blessed with community’s, downtown looks good driving in but the treasures are in our neighborhoods

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

Your like the Rick Seaback of the youtube generation!

[@curtOphoto]

You have content for years with this series, should be great! Just use a map of Pittsburgh and a dart for the next neighborhood to do.

[@DeanBog]

Oooooo I like that idea!!

[@kentharvey7323]

You know, a quick glimpse of a map showing where the neighborhood is in relationship to downtown might be handy. Yet another great video. Thanks!!!

[@tomobakac7079]

@@DeanBog are you croat ancestery?

[@zeminoid]

I loved it so much, especially when in the woods randomly you added another you, it was amazing how I wasn't expecting it at all especially on a video like this. Keep it up bro.

[@daneiben8776]

Nice video! I'm gonna defend Bloomfield parks for a minute... -the Bloomfield pool area has a pool, dek hockey, softball field, bocce courts, and playground. Maybe you can't throw a frisbee per se, but these are great things for a community -not sure if friendship Park wasn't big enough or you didn't count it because it's in friendship, but it's in between the two streets you profiled so, accessible to the community -same with arsenal, it has tennis courts, playground and room to throw a frisbee. Maybe it's technically Lawrenceville, but accessible to Bloomfield residents

[@geoffpecar]

Dan Eiben i hate to be one of those “acktually” people, but i believe friendship Park is technically in Bloomfield according to the official city designations. Friendship starts about a quarter mile east of it i believe :)

[@daneiben8776]

@@geoffpecar even better.

[@leveraged6694]

So true, everyone thinks the grass is always greener and they are looking for a better life or better ‘you’. But wherever you go, there you are. I’m from Ben Avon, live now in Charlotte, NC and hate it. It’s more of a WASPy every man for themselves vibe here. Would love to move back some day. Great series, keep up the good work!

[@shelly8965luv]

I always loved the Bloomfield/Garfield section of the city as I recalled it when I was a teenager working at West Penn Hospital (now known as West Penn Allegheny Health System) As a teenager, I would shop in Bloomfield's Little Italy, spent much time there as a teenager.

[@RobMoses]

Wow, that was an incredible video Dean! Great job. I'm looking forward to watching all your other neighbourhood videos. Great advice at the end of the video too by the way.

[@1melannlit]

I'm from Texas and am fascinated by the Burgh (thanx Steelers). I watch Pittsburgh Dad as well. I think it would be fun to include some of the Burgh "traditions" in a feature episode.

[@AdamSrgnt]

I hope this series keeps going and going. Good stuff, man.

[@Crittbeast]

Thank you for making these films in our city Dean!

[@DeanBog]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@conniecutruzzula9199]

Dean I'm a little late but I'm catching up on your videos. I've seen 3 so far and loved them, I lived in Bloomfield for many years. I live in Sharpsburgh now and I watched that video also. I'm in a senior apartment now. You are doing such a goodnight job on Pittsburgh neighborhoods. 👍

[@Nkwenkl18]

Dude I’m blown away by the quality of your videos. You are doing a serious service to Pittsburgh

[@haileyshingler5470]

Not sure where you got your dividing lines for these neighborhoods, but to everyone that grew up in Pittsburgh and knows it, no parts of Penn Ave are considered Bloomfield. That whole little business district on Penn Ave Kraynick's, the galleries, Spak brothers, all that is Garfield. Then as you head towards downtown Penn Ave is upper Lawrenceville. And Friendship is between Garfield and Bloomfield.

[@aprilflynn]

When I first moved to Friendship I bought a mattress at the Original Mattress Factory in Sharpsburg and was talking to an older lady who worked there to arrange the delivery. She asked me where I lived and told her Friendship. She said "Friendship, I never heard of that. What's your address, honey?" I told her and she said "Oh no, that's Bloomfield, honey. You live in Bloomfield." I later learned that Friendship did indeed used to be part of Bloomfield, but at some point in the recent past some people decided it was a different neighborhood.

[@sneechienichi]

Your videos are great! They really capture the feeling and spirit of Pittsburgh. I think East Liberty and Highland Park would be interesting especially with their history. Or “then and now” places that aren’t there anymore like Silver Lake or Luna Park. Or more videos like the parking chair one, maybe on trollies or other Pittsburgh quirks. Panther Hallow, Schenley, Frick - The museums and cultural institutions - the options go on and on! Thanks for making these! Can’t wait to see more! :)

[@DeanBog]

Woah. Awesome feedback. Thank you so much. I dig your ideas! I made when on Schenley awhile back but it got taken down because I used copyrighted music. I dig the trollies. Or maybe just one about Pittsburgh public transportation as a whole?

[@richardquinn7824]

Great video! I'm very excited for what comes next. As others have already said Sq Hill, Shadyside and Lawrenceville would be great. The editing is brilliant, beautifully shot too

[@MrTreespine]

I just binge watch all of your videos. You are smart, interesting and your video editing is excellent. Keep on keeping on Sir!

[@jockwhite3]

Well done. Well filmed. Well narrated. You obviously know your way around a camera and certainly understand editing. Great B Roll. Love the super imposed bits as well. Your casual narration style and occasional insights reminds me of our old pal Rick Sebak. There is a lot of hard work behind these short documentaries. I really appreciate what you have done and recorded.

[@BriCzar]

really enjoyed this video! wish you would have mentioned Friendship Park, which is not as substantial as other city parks, but it's what we've got and enjoyed by the neighborhood, despite some local authoritarian types trying to prevent people from fully using it ( the old outdated "passive park" signs, ugh). Also, Garfield really deserves it's own video, as it's really developing and defining it's self outside of Bloomfield. Good first start though, liked the music and the "self interviews" :)

[@Baddestdeath]

Wilkinsburg and homewood next 😈😈😈

[@cartergetsy5484]

Lmfao 😂

[@EJM-dh4ep]

Your videos are nicely done. Don’t stop until you investigate/highlight every Pittsburgh neighborhood. Thanks.

[@NyxaGrayheart]

Thanks youtube recommends. Your work is really legit my man. Gonna binge watch the rest lol.

[@stevenhardy6842]

Wow. So well done. I only have vague knowledge of Pittsburgh, but found this entertaining & informative. I love your advice to enjoy where you are.

[@mrcuttime22]

I like how you got all WISE GUY at the end. Effective bookends!

[@afinklt1]

What you said at the end is so true man. Older I get the more I realize I love where I live lol

[@20stevieray]

that last message hit hard man....

[@avjackson8131]

love this !!! can't wait to see more.

[@caseykc56]

Used to go to Bloomfield with my family, miss Pittsburgh so much. Been trying to get back there for a long time. New sub excited to see more videos

[@mikek8718]

I absolutely love your videos and I love being from Pittsburgh!! Thanks!!

[@danaedwards5849]

Fantastic man just Fantastic!😍

[@paul-pz1nn]

That was great! Great idea for a series. You should see if any of the local stations would want to make this a spot. I'd love to see one about Aspinwall. What would be cool is if you started a little into the history of the neighborhood, would be cool to see how it started into contrast of what it is or is turning into.

[@DeanBog]

Thank you Paul!!

[@MaxGillespie]

Just discovered your channel - you style is so dope, and this is a sick concept for a series. Looking forward to seeing what's coming next!!

[@dayne6563]

Great work brother. Your artistry is a blessing to Pgh

[@glove8888]

I'm not from Pa but my family is from Brackenridge Pa. I grew up visiting a lot and have always been fascinated with the history of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. It's awesome you're making these videos.

[@trishtruue]

Thank you for doing this Grew up in Pittsburgh but now live in Oregon but I can’t take the Burgh out of this lady Brings back memories and get to see how much Pittsburgh has grown up 🤩

[@nickliberto6583]

I knew some Colaizzis growing up in the Bloomfield area in the 1950's. Not sure if they're around anymore. There is a professional bldg. across Friendship Ave. and Winter's Funeral Home....yeah, it's still there. In the back of the pro bldg is a parking lot. a short walk to the entrance is lined with pictures of older Bloomfield residents from way, way back. The Pleasure Bar.....the Plaza movie house and the sidewalk fruit stands.....Machi's was one of them. At the Bloomfield Bridge at Liberty Ave. there used to be Drake's Bakery with dancing ducks that lit up at night ( ducks-Drakes).....and a large Ice Cream makers.....Borden's....with Elsie the Cow....she also lit up at night. Lots of good memories and very safe walking the street day or night.

[@vatohomeslice6684]

Man, this is so well done!

[@TM-bn8pv]

I found you through the Penn State vlog 2 years ago (PSU Alum). Checked out some of your other videos at the time and subscribed. Now, seeing you really grow as a filmmaker and the Neighborhood series, I got the bell checked on your channel. I grew up in Johnstown, then after State College I moved to Pittsburgh for work. Bloomfield was where I called home for awhile, right at the end of Gross St. And easy walk to Spak Brothers. Let me tell you, living that close to Spak Brothers and their pizza did a number on me! Also was right across from Garfield, which was a little rough looking, but never any problems. After Bloomfield, I bought a house in Highland Park next to the park and walking distance to the zoo. Let's just say, I'm very happy about the location. I love it here. Not far from Shadyside, Oakland, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, some shopping across the bridge, some mom/pop shops and rsstaurants within walking distance, of course the park, the community swimming pool, and a small baseball field across the street, etc. Very quiet on my street as well, with plenty of on street parking and also a driveway that is thin as hell, but long. I could go on and on, but, hopefully you will do Highland Park. Only downfall is that I have to take 28 to work.

[@Amero2323]

Oof 28 does suck in the mornings, especially if you're running late. Or at night, when you wanna get home. Or during the day when it's under construction lol!

[@clarkewi]

Very cool vid. I like hearing from the longtime locals.

[@tomjilink]

Thanks Dean, this will make me look at my own neighborhood with different eyes.

[@paultomanio539]

What awesome videos Dean ,I've watched them all and am dying for more ,I grew up in Arlington which has an amazing park and very old structures. Please do a video on Arlington ,you won't be disappointed, u wanta see some city steps and an amazing park with tons of history then Arlington is where u wanta be...... Either way keep up the great work ,I can't wait for the next episode......

[@mitchellwakefield1188]

These videos are such high quality. Well done :)

[@mashaivanova1125]

I know half of your interview people! I miss Bloomfield. Thank you, I subscribe!

[@ErrataStigmata47]

Moving there next month! Can’t wait

[@jponder924]

I wish you would have spent a little more time on Polish Hill! Such a strange wonderful little area (Well-it was 19 years ago at least) Love this series. I am hoping to be moving back soon and its been very helpful!

[@Elise__Mae]

Polish Hill is next! Can't wait!

[@bomcabedal]

Spent three months in Bloomfield last year. It was awesome.

[@PSYKAT0G]

Went back and watched this, just noticed the "goin through changes" reference in the background as you mention gentrification, nice touch.

[@Henry-ep6qy]

Missing home, thanks for this

[@devonc3948]

I've lived here for 3 years, I don't do much exploring - this was really cool to see the various places throughout and some of the people. I think a lot of people that are from these places could be followed-up on later to see if they'd like to add anything they felt was missing. Would be cool to see a spin-off: "People of The Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh"

[@trumphatesyou]

I wish I had social media to share but these are great! I dont even live near the city but I deliver around all the neighborhoods in this great city

[@laurenonmoonlightdr]

I went to Nursing School on Friendship Ave in Bloomfield, which was right next to West Penn Hospital. We walked down to Liberty Ave quite often to eat.

[@xiangliu667]

Love it Can’t wait for north Oakland

[@ChaoticManifesto96]

I hope you do either Lawrenceville or millvale

[@unveiledweddings_podcast]

Highland Park & Morningside!

[@joelm6631]

U seem to be find moments....seconds in each video.....so on point....it's magical to see u capture the emotion at the same time....I'm glued man.... I lived through SSide Soho effect...sad

[@barbaravanwhy4564]

Love these

[@bboozie9225]

Keep up the work us yinzerz appreciate u man

[@eddiewhitfield3111]

Love the outro, keep it up!

[@meekymango]

New to pa just came across your video 📹 supper cool dude , moved to pa from the west cost a year ago and I know nothing so really great video honestly entertaining thanks bro

[@CodeBleu724]

Drum & Bass night at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern Wednesday nights was so much fun.

[@DickMallary]

I lived in Oakland 50 years ago, left town and just returned - living downtown in the "central business district." Would love to see Dean's take on my neighborhood.

[@emmettfrisbee]

Love it. A young persons perspective. I'm sure you are learning history before you were born.

[@angelabarry4053]

You should've come on down into Lawrenceville..that's where you see the children. There are two Schools, Arsenal Park, Butler Street Activities. Etc.etc.etc....

[@BrianP215]

Love these videos, I hope you can include Southside Flats/Slopes, I feel like there could be so much content not only on East Carson St. but the area as a whole.

[@DeanBog]

Thank you! Definitely considering Southside. Theres a looooot to cover there.

[@heroineburgh]

Hey - we love Pam! She portrayed a character in our video series, and her brother-in-law produced our theme song. Keep up the fine work, Dean.

[@glove8888]

Awesome video bro

[@hoonparadise9942]

Good vid Dean

[@tfm1593]

my son and I love your work!! Please do Squirrel Hill, yes I'm super-biased since I grew up there...it's a complex little neighborhood...I believe it's the Fred Rogers zero-point from which the vibe emanates to the rest of the city and eventually around the globe.

[@DeanBog]

Thank you so much!! Did he live in Squirrel Hill? The neighborhood has such a fantastic energy to it.

[@tfm1593]

@@DeanBog he sure did! - lokagraph.com/listing/where-fred-rogers-lived-in-pittsburgh-mr-rogers-home-address/

[@tfm1593]

@@DeanBog Yes, crazy energy. I grew up there playing basketball at the JCC, and listening to rap music as it was just emerging, and now two major rappers (Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller) have come from Allderdice, my high school...and everyone in Sq. Hill feels that this happening was pretty obvious. Jeff Goldblum, Antoine Fuqua, Mr. Rogers...in the Sq. Hill lens its makes perfect sense.

[@Nunyabisnatch]

Squirrel Hill is a fascinating neighborhood. You could discuss the Jewish community. I’ve heard there’s an Eruv around Squirrel Hill.

[@MichaelJGardner737]

Thank you kind sir. This is actually the neighborhood I grew up in...😁

[@nickbland9140]

Cool video!

[@Elise__Mae]

Please consider Beechview -- you've already focused on neighboring Dormont, but Beechview is deserving of a look!

[@jessiarcana4416]

Give Carnegie a shot! Hurricane Ivan devastated the Neg, but we're making a serious comeback! It's a great little town with a lot of diversity and locally owned businesses, nightlife, culture, restaurants, etc. Totally biased but 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@patswayze7359]

I'm glad you interview real Pittsburghers

[@rebelrebel224]

I live here and it's by far the best place ever!!! Love all your videos 🤗👏👏👏

[@WhiskeyBrewer]

Yay!!!!!

[@rebelrebel224]

@@WhiskeyBrewer this guys videos are the best🤗😄👏👏👏

[@WhiskeyBrewer]

@@rebelrebel224 I'll watch more then babes :D x x

[@rebelrebel224]

@@WhiskeyBrewer yayyy🤗🤗👏👏👏

[@DeanBog]

Thank you! It really is a great area aint it??

[@caramelturtles]

Love this!!! Come visit my neighborhood observatory hill. Looking forward to seeing more neighborhood

[@schnarfschnarf5886]

Love the one your with.

[@robreid2652]

Very well done. Modern day rick sebak.

[@samuelburns]

What are you using to record? The quality is great!

[@nickliberto6583]

I remember sitting in a bar with a few friends in Brooklyn, NY. I paid for a round and let my change sit on the bar. The bar tender leaned over and told me I was from Pittsburgh. I asked him how he knew. He replied...."Pittsburghers let their change lie on the bar....natives here never do that."

[@mazyarkanani6708]

I worked in the Children’s Hospital in 2010, visiting from England. Walked to my apartment down Penn Avenue towards Penn Aiken dairy. It might be hip but its also creepy at night and not very safe.

[@shedsheddington3374]

I hate to do this to you, but when I wandered by Kraynicks the other day, there was a condemned sign on the building.

[@michaelalmoznino1768]

Amazing 😉 videos love ❤️ Pittsburgh Did you cover McKees Rocks ?

[@brianfinch8264]

Come to Edgewood!

[@egyptiansushi]

I realize you briefly admitted the Garfield/Bloomfield distinction, but it's kind of a shame that this video is actually kinda focused primarily on Garfield! Why not just think of the title of this episode as Garfield? Seems disheartening somehow to kind of deny that all that art scene, bike shop, etc actually belong to what is thought of as a more struggling neighborhood than Bloomfield.

[@dmzabo3914]

egyptiansushi , nailed it!

[@princemabika7324]

I like how you edit your videos

[@Cassandria]

I used to go to Bloomfield all the time when Del’s was there. haven’t been there since they closed down tho..

[@RyanHizer]

i rly like this dude

[@benjamingeyer8907]

Do Wilkinsburg or Mount Oliver!

[@WPIALInsider]

This series needs to continue wayyy past 5 episodes. Do Greenfield!

[@dmzabo3914]

That is the second Bloomfield bridge by the way. The old one was red. And a couple from Bloomfield got married on the new one the opening day of the new bridge. There was a Winky’s fast food joint at the base of the old bridge. Remember that? And a Don Allen automobiles building right behind that. You could see that building in left field at Deans field. Johnny Unitas played on that field back in the day. I think the team was the Bloomfield Rams? There used to be a Bloomfield hall of fame in the bank on liberty ave. Forget the name of it?

[@RayWyland]

Please make a video for Edgewood!