The best ice ball cart in the city! Nestled in the Allegheny Commons Park (near the tennis courts), Gus and Yiayias is a north side staple. In addition to their ice balls, they offer peanuts and popcorn (their popcorn is so good!) I usually go on a hot summer day after taking a walk through the park. The cart is only open until 6 pm on most days so get there early. In addition to food, they now sell merch online! My favorite ice ball is a cherry and banana one. So good and refreshing. Definitely go check them out! read more

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The best In the city best flavors it's a family business wonderful people great atmosphere they've been around all my life and then some

Gus and Yiayia's ("yiayia" is the Greek word for "grandmother") is a food cart that first opened in 1934 and is located in the Allegheny Commons Park. The food cart sells ice balls (which are similar to shaved ice or snow cones), popcorn, and peanuts. Gus and Yiayia's is famous in the local area, but today I visited them for the first-ever time. On a hot day, I had to wait in a line of other customers, but the employees quickly served the customers. As of September 2023, the ice balls cost $1.25 for a small, $2 for a medium, and $2.50 for a large. The popcorn costs $2, and the peanuts cost $1.50. Extremely inexpensive! Flavors for the ice balls include cherry, grape, orange, pineapple, root beer, blueberry, banana, lemon, lime, peach, watermelon, cotton candy, strawberry, and combinations. I ordered a medium-sized ice ball with the flavors of cherry and orange. The employees treated us nicely and had change in one-dollar bills. I believe that the medium size was 10 ounces. My husband and I really enjoyed the taste of the cherry and orange. I appreciated that the plastic cup was type-1 plastic and could be recycled in my community. read more

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My kids and I have really enjoyed our visits to Gus and Yiayia's. The employees whosever may be there are always kind and respectful. We were able to sit on the benches and enjoy the park scenery. It was a beautiful day and a nice to be with family enjoying a cold treat and the popcorn is wonderful! Next time I will definitely get the peanuts also. read more

Oh no. They really are closing for good? I was hoping the torch would be passed. The Pirates and all of Pittsburgh won't be the same.

Brings me so much joy to see Gus & Yiayia's on the North Side every summer, as I know it does for so many others! They couldn't be friendlier and there's nothing like the simplicity of a snow cone or popcorn on a hot summer day. Definitely stop by and visit if you're in the area (or even if you're not). read more

Gus And Yiayia's - a hot dog cart on the street - Street Vendors Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I'm so sad to hear they're closing shop soon but was glad I got to get a cone before they do! The cart is so cute and nostalgic and same goes for the snow cones themselves. There was a huge group of kids in summer camp under the age of 9 that came up for snow cones and the staff were so patient and kind with them, it was cute to see! Gus and Yia Yia's will be missed! read more

Gus And Yiayia's - Street Vendors Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Pittsburgh Legends!!!! Ice is top of the line too!!!! I've been walking by this stand going to Pirates games since I was 5 years old. Now, 27 years later, I get to bring my 5 year old. He said it's his favorite Icee ever!!!! read more

Gus was an amazing man and he sure is going to be missed! Memory eternal! He made the best ice balls in town and it'll still remain in his memory! He's always provided great service and an amazing old fashioned ambiance!! read more

Always a treat! If you are in the area, a must stop to enjoy a treat and talk with Gus. Just like the old time days when you were a kid. If you have a kid take them. Shaved ice with so many of the flavors everyone loves. You can also have some popcorn or peanuts. Treat yourself! read more

What could be better then some fresh shaved ice with some sweet syrup on a hot summer day? not much go on over to Gus 's ice stand its adorable right across from the tennis courts there is some construction going on as of this writing but I was able to park and walk over no problem a vintage wagon serving up fresh shaved ice and nice hot pop corn I do believe it was Gus himself that shaved my ice. lots of flavors classic flavors cherry, lemon ,cotton candy, blueberry right next to an old Pittsburgh city park a short walk away are picnic tables sit relax and enjoy this great Pittsburgh summer tradition according to some now make it your own tradition 3.oo for my ices and popcorn obviously a cash only...good old fashion money read more

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Gus & Yiayia's is one of our favorite stops. Gus has to be one of the kindest people living and the prices are incredible. We give it 2 paws up! read more

Gus And Yiayia's - Finny patiently waiting for his plain icy. Gus is so sweet and talking to him while he waits!!! - Street Vendors Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Best shaved ice-- this is an awesome stop on a hot day when you are tailgating at a Steelers game on the northside make sure to ask for Gus's favorite. Also grabbed some Popcorn!! read more

Gus And Yiayia's - Gus and the shaved ice cart!! - Street Vendors Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Always awesome. The best Pittsburgh tradition out there!! I've been coming here since I was a kid, and so has my mum!

Love their ice balls and popcorn. Very interesting to talk to Gus. I highly recommend this institution of Pittsburgh.

Came here this afternoon for an ice ball for the first time in about 20 years. It is EXACTLY how I remember it. Just a little cart next to the tennis courts. They sell ice balls, peanuts, and popcorn. Of course we had to get all three for our trip down memory lane. I had a banana ice ball but there are many flavors to choose from. There are several benches to sit and relax on while you enjoy your treat. What I liked the most were the kids at the cart yelling when the meter maid was coming so everyone could go move their cars haha. I was happy to see after all these years this cart is still standing. Hopefully I will be back much sooner than another 20 years! read more

What a blast from the past! This cash only cart serves classic snacks such as popcorn and ice balls. The cart is very easy to find. It's near the tennis courts of West Allegheny Commons park. You'll be able to see the cart because it's adorned with rainbow colored umbrellas. Everyone was super friendly and I was served with a smile the whole time. There's a wide variety of flavors for the ice balls. I got purple and red. They were very sweet and complimented the ice perfectly on this 90 degree day. The best part? It was only $2.25!! There are many benches nearby. This is a perfect little place to stop by and enjoy summer. I hope I'll be able to stop here with my kids one day in the future. read more

Probably my favorite Pittsburgh tradition there is. There's nothing better than Gus's shaved ice. I've been saying that my whole life. There's something about the way they do it, and whatever brand of flavors they are using. It's not like other places. Also highly recommend their popcorn! Your visit would not be complete without it. The atmosphere is awesome as well. You can't find better people serving you your ice! read more

Proud Pittsburgh tradition and institution on wheels. Nothing beats fresh popcorn and yummy snow cones on a warm summer day. The cart itself is a beautiful piece of artwork making a delicious and memorable experience. read more

After reading the other reviews Gus and Yiayia's is everything I expected and more! Tip: I'm not sure if the address is correct; it states W Ohio Street but it's more Ridge Avenue. Head toward the the local community college you'll see a small park and well maintained tennis courts. There you'll didn't the bright orange beauty of a snow cone cart. I love snow cones but really all about the experience and this is definitely a spot you can enjoy on your own or with a group of friends. I thought all snow cones were the same until I visited this spot. The ice has a different consistency since its hand grates from a large block. I holds the syrup perfectly and you can taste the flavor in serving from the beginning to the end. Their syrup is also unique; it taste different (in a good way) from the random the tasteless food coloring you get at other spots. If you're in Pittsburgh this is a must stop spot! read more

Took a group of children (20) to get snow cones. Staff was extremely friendly and patient with us!

It's been around since I was a child. Family owned Gus And Yiayia's Italian Ice is a fixture on the North Side. They have many different flavors but mines is pineapple mixed with lemon. Stop by on a hot day and get an Italian Ice read more

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Pittsburghers love their local traditions, and for many of us, there's nothing better than a trip to Gus and Yiayia's on a hot summer day. Gus Kalaris and his wife, Stella have been selling hand-shaved ice for decades, and the stand dates back to 1934 when it was operated by Gus' father, George. Don't delay, make this part of your family tradition, it's one of life's simple pleasures, and a connection to Pittsburgh's past. The prices are more than reasonable and the product is as authentic as it gets. read more

I've been coming here since I was a wee little girl. My dad and I had a tradition of coming to the North Shore, getting a lime ice ball from Gus & Yiayia's and walking to the ball park to watch the Pirates. I now am no longer a Pirates fan (honestly, I really wasn't as a child either), however I still do LOVE to come to Gus & Yiayia's. It's a Pittsburgh tradition. What is more refreshing than a fresh ice ball on a hot Summer day?! read more

This is a Pittsburgh institution. If you are anywhere near the North Side you have to stop here for an icy ball and peanuts.

We had a great stop at this street vendor while on a segway tour of the North Shore. We were told this vendor cart has been in this family for 80 years. Eighty years of fabulous popcorn and refreshing flavored ice. The popcorn was the perfect size for our little stop, fresh popped and loaded with butter and salt. Not sure if we were served by an actual family member, but two happy friendly guys were there manning the rather impressive cart. Get yourself a little taste of history. read more

Best shaved ice - great Peanuts and popcorn - when you just need a snack while walking through the park:)

I stopped by here this past Thursday with my fiance near dusk for an ice-ball. It has been many years since I last stopped at Gus and Yiayia's and it was nice to see that everything is still exactly the same. It even appears that Gus is still working although he is no longer shaving the ice himself. If you have never been to Gus and Yiayias, it's a mobile food stand near the tennis courts of the Allegheny Commons park and they have been in that same location for as long as I have been alive. The stand serves both popcorn and ice-balls but their ice-balls are what they are known for. You see they have a big block of ice on the cart and a hand shaving tool and shave it for you whenever you order and then top it with one or a combination of their many flavors. This last time I decided to go with a lemon-lime mixture while my fiance went with the cherry. The ice was nice and refreshing especially against the evening heat and I enjoyed the taste of my syrups as you got a lot of the flavors but they weren't too sweet. My fiances' cherry ice ball was quite different though as it was a bit over the top sweet for me. Who can begrudge an ice ball for being too sweet though as I am that's exactly the way that most of the kids prefer it.. The bottom line for me is that I would definitely come here again in the future. Personally its like a walk down memory lane for me and I really enjoyed it. The ice balls are good and they are reasonable priced so why not stop by an enjoy one? read more

I'm so glad I got to finally try out this Pittsburgh landmark! (I grew up in the South Hills so going all the way to the North Side for a snack was unheard of!) I think the cart is in its 79th year! When we stopped by Gus served us our ice balls straight from a big block of ice! I got the cherry flavor and loved it. And at $1 per ice ball who can beat that??! I plan to go back with my family many times this summer! read more

Gus And Yiayia's - Street Vendors Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Gus and Yiaiya's is a great place for kids, for fun, for all! It is a stand on the street. There's a cute old man who scraps ice with this little thing and scoops it in a cup. It's a WHOLE BLOCK OF ICE! They have ALL kinds of flavors you can add and there's popcorn and peanuts if you want too. Small cup - $1 I don't know the prices of anything else. I wish they would have a sign though for all the flavors they have so I can choose better. But a nice place for kids to get something fresh off a cart. read more

I love stopping at Gus's tiny orange cart after taking the kiddies to the playground or coming back from the Aviary or Children's Museum. It's a pretty traditional icey ball, that's what we call them , or "shaved Ice" I suppose you can refer to it that way too. The icey ball is pretty standard, they shave the ice down put it in a cup and then pour flavored syrup over top , you get the deal. May I suggest you get the popcorn, it's buttery and fresh and salty. Yumm-o now that's where the flavor is in the popcorn. I think its 2 dollars for a large. They also sale roasted peanuts too. My mom's been taking me to Gus and now I take my little brother and sister to Gus and I am sure they'll still be around for even newer generations to enjoy. read more

I'm surprised that this little cart doesn't have more exposure on Yelp, but I'm sure that the locals are all familiar enough with it and the associated history. It seems that just as many people stop by to say hello to Gus and the regulars as they do to get the shaved ice or other snacks. The ice is nothing too complicated and only costs a couple bucks, but it is hand-shaved from a giant block of ice and then topped with the homemade syrup of your choice. It tastes good, isn't too decadent, and is perfect for a warm day. Here's hoping that they'll continue running this tradition for a long time to come. read more

I recently moved to the North Side . Today I found this wonderful oasis while on my bike. I stopped to buy a bag of popcorn, only to discover that my wallet was at home. To make a long story short - I a total stranger, left with my popcorn and an IOU. My day has been MA DE! The popcorn was good too. read more

A Pittsburgh landmark!! I've been going to Gus & Yiayia's since i was in diapers and nothing has changed. Delicious hand shaved ice served at rock bottom prices. A great spot to visit after a Pirates game or a trip to the Aviary!! read more

Honestly one of the coolest places I've ever been. A little slice of the way things used to be. Gus is the man!