Sure, Pittsburgh’s most famous meal is a sandwich topped with French fries, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give other restaurants a try! Here are seven awesome Pittsburgh Restaurants to help stray away from the classic Primanti’s sandwhich:
1. Pamela’s Diner
source: Yelp
Pamela’s is known for their breakfast, especially the hotcakes (pancakes) which are so delicious. You can even ask President Obama, who said the pancakes were some of the best he has ever tasted during his visit to the diner in 2012. Also try a side of potatoes with your breakfast, and for the odd person who doesn’t like brunch, Pamela’s offers a selection of wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. If there is one restaurant worth waking up early on the weekends for, Pamela’s is it. Check out one of their locations in Oakland, Shady Side, Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebo and the Strip District.
2. Shiloh Grill
source: www.theshilohgrill.com
Shiloh Grill is located on Mount Washington within walking distance of Grandview Avenue. For all the bacon lovers out there, Tuesday is bacon night and you can get a basket of bacon for $1. For 21+ year olds, Shiloh Grill has $6/glass Winey Wednesdays and seasonal cocktails (Hello pumpkin flavored drinks in the fall)! Order a basket of bacon to snack on while you wait for one of their mac and cheese entrees. After dinner, walk down Grandview Avenue to see the most popular view of Pittsburgh and to work off those calories.
3. Tako
source: Maniac Magazine
Tako opened in late spring and is already a hot spot in the Cultural District. They serve what my friend and I like to call ‘fancy tacos,’ and you’ll never want to make tacos from an Old El Paso kit again. Have fun trying to choose from a variety of chicken, pork, steak, fish, octopus, and mushroom tacos. Tip: If you can’t pick, have your date order a different set of tacos (each meal comes with two) and then switch tacos. Another cool thing about Tako is you can create your own guacamole, but since we live in a cruel world where guac is extra, expect to pay a few dollars for the green goodness. It is SO worth it and you won’t regret it.
4. Conflict Kitchen
source: Conflict Kitchen
If you want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, Conflict Kitchen is the perfect place to do just that. The concept behind this Oakland restaurant is to serve food from countries the United States is in conflict with, and they are currently featuring Cuban food. As you wait for your food, you can read a pamphlet about the food, culture, and politics of Cuban. I would suggest ordering the ropa vieja or the lechon asado.
5. The Pleasure Bar
source: Cook and Eats
At the Pleasure Bar, you experience tasty Italian dining, so don’t let the name of this Bloomfield restaurant make you nervous. If you are craving Italian food, this is the place to go because they have a wide variety of dishes. You are able to pick your favorite type of pasta and pair it with the sauce of your choosing. The Italian specials include gnocchi, ravioli, and lasagna, and as for entrees, you can never go wrong with chicken parmigiana. If you’re not in the mood for Italian, you can build your own burger, order a buffalo chicken salad or a sandwich. If you go to the Pleasure Bar with a big group of friends, you can order a family style dinner and pick a food from each of the four groups.
6. Fat Head’s Saloon
source: Bridges, Burgers, & Beer
When you go to Fat Head’s Saloon in the South Side, you better go hungry. The portions are pretty much as big as your head. Literally. They call their sandwiches, ‘headwiches.’ Your stomach will have a hard time choosing between 20 different types of sandwiches and over 10 burgers (there are also wings and salads). If you are a vegetarian, there are appetizers, salad and sandwich options for you. When you go, try one of Fat Head’s most popular sandwiches, the Southside Slope. It’s topped with perogies.
7. Penn Ave Fish Company
source: Pittsburgh Magazine
If you enjoy eating seafood, Penn Ave Fish Company (located in The Strip District and Forbes Avenue Downtown) is the place to go. If you do not eat seafood, this obviously is not the place for you. Their sushi menu is extensive and includes over 20 different types of sushi from California Roll to Lollipop Roll: tuna, salmon, crab rolled in cucumber and ponzu. Other unique items on their menu include: Squid Fries and the Sea Cucumber and Seaweed Salad.