Food of Pittsburgh
In 2020, Apartments Guide ranked Pittsburgh the No. 3 city in the U.S. for foodies. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a word for people that love food. Over the last four years of college, I’ve spent plenty of time finding the best spots for good food in and around the city, and although I may not be a foodie, I can confirm Pittsburgh is worthy of its praise. There are so many places to eat in the ‘Burgh that it can be hard to decide where to go! So, whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fun night out, let me tell you about some of my favorite spots in the area.
- Uncle Sam’s Gourmet Subs (Squirrel Hill)
If you love hot sandwiches, Uncle Sam’s is the place to go. They have a large menu filled with classic subs and some unique ones, like the cheeseburger sub. I personally love their chicken cheese steak. Each sandwich is guaranteed to be fresh, using local ingredients that are delivered daily, including their delicious and fresh bread. To top it all off, their fries are perfect for anyone who likes them thin and crisp, reminiscent of McDonald’s fries. I highly recommend Uncle Sam’s for a quick lunch!
- Roland’s Seafood Grill (Strip District)
Pittsburgh’s Strip District is home to many amazing and unique restaurants. But I have to say that, without a doubt, my personal favorite is Roland’s Seafood Grill. Roland’s has been around for over 60 years, serving great seafood in Pittsburgh. One of their most famous dishes (and my favorite) is the Roland’s Famous Hot Lobster Roll, which features lobster sautéed in garlic butter and placed in fresh bread from locally owned Mancini’s Bakery. The restaurant is great for a night out with a pleasant atmosphere and rooftop seating looking out over the Strip District and Downtown.
- Doce Taqueria (South Side and McKnight Road)
For those of you with a taste for authentic Mexican street food, be sure to try out Doce Taqueria. This locally owned taco shop serves up traditional and Americanized street tacos with fresh ingredients. Although the tacos are nothing super fancy, they are packed with flavor. I recommend the fish taco, featuring fried cod fillet, Mexican slaw, Pico de Gallo and their signature Doce sauce. You will not regret giving these tacos a try.
- Pamela’s Diner (Multiple Locations)
If you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for a while, you’ve probably heard of Pamela’s Diner. Established in 1979, Pamela’s has been serving classic breakfast and lunch items to Pittsburghers and visitors alike for over 40 years. The local chain is particularly well known for its crepe-style hotcakes, specialty omelets and Lyonaisse potatoes (seriously, they are amazing). It is so good that it has actually gained national recognition, being featured in the Wall Street Journal. The diner was even visited by former President Barack Obama. Just be warned, if you plan to visit Pamela’s on a weekend, expect to wait because the place is always packed!
- Texas de Brazil (Station Square)
Although this one is a national chain, I have to recommend giving it a try for one reason: all you can eat meat. Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian style steakhouse that is perfect for a fun date night, particularly if you’re a carnivore. The uniqueness of the steakhouse is that they have a rotating selection of meat that is brought to your table and shaved off directly onto your plate. From bacon wrapped filet to herb-marinated pork loin, the menu is certainly interesting and tasty. On top of that, Texas de Brazil includes a well-rounded and extensive salad bar offering a range of cheeses, salads and even sushi. So, if you’re feeling especially hungry, take your date out for a fun dining experience at Texas de Brazil.
Obviously, this list only scratches the surface. In fact, Pittsburgh ranks No. 7 nationally in restaurants per capital. Who knew? Hopefully this list helps you find a delicious meal next time you’re feeling hungry in Pittsburgh.
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