Pittsburgh is a city steeped in history, and that legacy extends to the food as well. From the regional tradition of pierogi-making to famous Depression-era sandwich shops, it’s easy to enjoy both fine dining and homemade cuisine in this culture-rich city.
Primanti Bros. in PNC Park
Primanti Bros. has been providing Pittsburgh with hearty sandwiches since 1933, when Joe Primanti decided to sell sandwiches for a fair price to customers during the Great Depression. Their trademark sandwich is a delectable monstrosity piled high with not only tomatoes, meat and cheese, but homemade coleslaw and French fries. The idea was that busy truckers and shift workers would be able to hold their entire lunch in one hand.
The Primanti Bros. trademark sandwich loaded with meat, cheese, tomatoes, coleslaw, and French fries.
Pamela’s
For an appetizing breakfast, look no further than Pamela’s Diner, a staple Pittsburgh restaurant since the 1980’s. Pamela’s Diner is well-known for its delicious hotcakes, and is never too far away, with locations in The Strip District, Oakland, Millvale, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. If you do choose to eat at this family-friendly diner, be sure to bring cash, as the restaurant accepts cash-only.
The exterior of the Pamela’s located in Pittsburgh
Eat ‘N Park
Eat ‘N Park is a family-owned restaurant chain located throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, which originated as a drive-in restaurant with carhops and is known for its trademark Smiley Cookies. Eat ‘N Park is a family-friendly restaurant and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so feel free to stop by anytime for a guaranteed delectable meal.
Eat ‘N Park is a family-friendly restaurant located in Pittsburgh and other regions.
Pierogis
Eastern Europeans settled in Pittsburgh in the 20th century and continued their traditions once they arrived, including the Polish tradition of hand-making pierogies. The Polish immigrants shared their recipes with other members of the community and pierogi-making became a regional tradition. During their trip to Pittsburgh, Colleen, her daughters, and her niece had the opportunity to make pierogies with Helen Mannarino, owner of Pierogies Plus. Located in the McKees Rocks neighborhood, check out this restaurant for a taste of authentic Polish cusine.
Colleen, Shea, Dunovan, Tessa, and Helel pinch pierogies together at Helen’s restaurant, Pierogies Plus.
For other pierogi options, check out S&D Polish Deli for a two hour pierogi-making class (http://sdpolishdeli.com/sdpolishdeli/index.php/2-uncategorised/38-pierogi-making-class?template=sdpolishdelisubpage) or head to St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church to purchase some Ukrainian-style pierogies (http://www.saintgeorgepittsburgh.org/pyrogy.html).
