I’m open for discussion with this one. Maybe some friendly back-and-forth, Hell, I’ll even take a fiery debate from at least one of you 👀, because I truly believe what I’m saying.
This story isn’t the typical one-off sandwich that got famous and inspired a wave of copycats selling their own version.
It’s a whole menu. And unlike other cities where you go out for cheesesteaks or wings, in Pittsburgh, you tell people “we’re going to Primanti’s” -because the restaurant itself is the foodigenous.
And to be clear, it’s not the tasty sandwiches that made it famous, it’s the heaping pile of crispy French fries and unapologetically gluttonous scoop of tangy coleslaw crammed into every one of them that put this Pittsburgh institution on the map.
There’s no denying that Primanti Brothers is quintessentially Pittsburgh. It’s been a Yinzer tradition ever since Joe Primanti first opened a modest sandwich cart in the Strip District of the Steel City. According to “their” original story Joe’s sandwiches were such a hit with locals, he was able to open a brick-and-mortar shop that same year. His brothers Stanley and Dick later joined him.
That year? 1933- smack dab in the middle of the Great Depression!
The Anatomy of a Primanti Sandwich
Primanti Bros’ footprint has grown significantly in the blink of an eye. They currently have 42 locations.
It wasn’t that long ago that you could only try these stuffed monstrosities in Pittsburgh and oddly enough Florida.
If you have the good fortune of coming across one of these locations outside of “The Burgh”, of course- try it. But for me, I’m a sucker for the original location. 46 18th Street- The District
There’s something authentic about eating a grilled steak, melted provolone, tomatoes and all those fries and slaw in ear shot of someone asking:
jeet yet? – translated Have you eaten yet?
Don’t be a jagoff, if I did why would I be here –translated No kind sir, in fact I have not
There’s not one “must have” sandwich, in fact it’s probably best to try them all and find
your personal favorite like mine-
Capicola & Provolone- and for the record I legit ask for it as “cap eh cola”- when in Rome, ya know, I’m not an animal.
Like all sandwich combos, it comes with the house made sweet & sour coleslaw- never mayo, fresh tomatoes (only in August for me) and….. I add an egg before a pile of skin-on, fresh cut fries gets crammed in between 2 thick cut slices of soft Italian bread.
But honestly, the thinly sliced pastrami also slams. So does the thick cut kielbasa & cheese. And don’t sleep on the tuna, yes with the fries- it’s delicious.
The reality is anything topped with fries is better! Just facts.
Pittsburgh is a picturesque city that could have rivaled Paris in its beauty if designed with that intention and it’s best viewed from above. Take one of the funiculars up their respective hills for a spectacular view.
This working-class city might not have that one defining foodigenous, but it does have Primanti’s, the signature restaurant and it really shouldn’t be skipped. Perfect for a pre-game snack or a post Warhol Museum bite.
