It is not a measure of food or service quality. Many are closed on Sunday and some on Monday. Ritter's is always open. Don't expect good or authentic Southwest cuisine. There is limited variety in ethic food available.
Exceptions are groceries and all clothing.
A better downtown choice is the Shops at Station Square . Walnut Street in Shadyside contains most typical mall stores, the local boutiques have moved to the neighboring streets. The Oakland area is only a university campus town. Local shops are along Carson Street on the South Side and in the Strip District . Natives have a local dialect.