Quiet Storm Vegetarian + Vegan Café proudly & humbly served the Pittsburgh community (expressly Garfield) from 2001-2013.

Developing relationships with local vendors & farms and employing creative cooks, servers & baristas, Quiet Storm served as the mind hive for meetings, family gatherings, first dates & brunch with friends, creating an atmosphere fueled by creativity, coffee & the unexpected.

I used to say, “You haven’t been to Pittsburgh until you’ve been to Quiet Storm.” Quiet Storm was my restaurant for most of its 12 years. What I meant was, every type of Pittsburgher crossed our threshold, some several times a week.

Actually, some several times a day.

I knew why. First, to quote Detective Dale Cooper, we had damn good coffee. Quiet Storm Brew was a custom blend of Nicaraguan, Ethiopian & Espresso Roast from Dean’s Beans. We had a La Marzocco that mostly worked (one of many that mostly worked) & made decent espresso. No latte art, just diesel shots.

Second, the food was intentionally craveable – big portions, dank scrambled tofu, deeply flavored soups & stews, comfort jawns like smashed taters and mac & cheese, and recognizable meat-free facsimiles that weren’t about “accuracy” as much as “stupid deliciousness.”

But I think the main reason was it was just a cool place – to grab coffee, to eat a meal or two, to work all day, to bring your kids or parents, to date or break up, to conduct an interview, to take selfies, to make new friends or run into old ones, to sleep.

It is missed, that is certain.

– Jilly MacDowell

OUT NOW

Limited copies available!

  • Commemorating 10 years since closing the adored storefront in Garfield, the book features narratives by owner/chef Jilly MacDowell, artwork, photography, show flyers, menus and most importantly, recipes. A portion of proceeds from book sales will go to animal rescues in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia & New York City.

  • Very limited edition “stormy blue” Quiet Storm mugs are available for sale now!

    NOV 28 UPDATE! Order mugs NOW for pick-up at East End Brewing on Tues, Dec 5!

  • Our pop-up brunch on October 1 sold out in 24 hours! THANK YOU.

    Proceeds from brunch will go toward publishing costs.

  • Support the author over on jillymacdowell.substack.com. Your annual subscription will allow for reprints & Quiet Storm Book 2! Founding subscribers get a free copy of Quiet Storm Book.

Author/Publisher

Jilly MacDowell

I started out as a graphic designer, talked my way into editorial, sidled into webmastering, and then took a long detour into the restaurant business. As the sole owner of a vegan & vegetarian BYOB diner in meaty, drinkin' Pittsburgh, I was challenged, tested & ultimately rewarded.

My background in writing & design was integral to the success of both the physical restaurant & the catering business that supported it. In 2013, I closed the doors after 12 years and wound up living in a great little beach town.

Since then, I've returned to my design (and now writing) roots as well as to the city I call home, Philly. I’m proud to be a Point Breeze homeowner. When I’m not working from home or rescuing alley cats, I’m exploring Philly on foot, finding inspiration.