Dining
If it weren’t The Steel City, or The City of Stairs, Pittsburgh might be known as Food City … depending on your tastes. This city gave the world, among other things, the Clark Bar, Heinz Ketchup, Klondike Ice Cream Bars, Islay’s Chipped Beef and one of the strangest sandwiches ever served. Pittsburgh also is home to one of the few remaining independent breweries in the country, the venerable Pittsburgh Brewing Companies, makers of Iron City beer. One must hope the city also has a maker of antacid.
Now, back to that sandwich. The “almost famous” sandwich is the pride and joy of Primanti Brothers, which operates several restaurants in and around the city. The sandwich can be any of the ones on the menu, but what makes it different is that the cole slaw and fries are on, not just with, the sandwich.
For a little more mainstream, consider:
Pittsburgh Rare, a favorite steakhouse in the city, which is also home to a Morton’s and a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse;
The Grand Concourse, a classy spot in the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad depot with a varied menu and great atmosphere; well known for elaborate Sunday brunch;
Wilson’s Bar-B-Q, home of true southern pit-style, slow smoke barbecue;
Baum Vivant, an eclectic and elegant eatery in the Shadyside neighborhood;
LeMont, its continental cuisine is matched by its view from atop Mt. Washington, across the river from downtown and Heinz Field;
Tessaro’s, for those who are high-protein diners and those who want not just a good burger, but a great one;
Laforet, elegant setting in an historic building with contemporary French cuisine; perfect for any special occasion;
Penn Brewery, great German food and microbrewery located in, appropriately enough, the historic former Eberhardt and Ober brewery;
LePommier, French country fare.