15 Distinctly Pittsburgh Foods the City is Known For

Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on January 11, 2023.

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When we get visitors to Pittsburgh, one of the most popular questions that we hear is “what are famous Pittsburgh foods?” 

The first one is easy- everyone knows Primanti Brothers. From there, what we would call iconic food in Pittsburgh can vary substantially based on who you ask. Is a pierogi a Pittsburgh food? What about Beto's pizza? Or how about something more unusual like chipped chopped ham? Or how about famous desserts, breakfast spots, and more?

When we sat down to think of it, we came up with a list of 15 definitive Pittsburgh foods. Some are famous because they were created here. Some are adopted foods from other cultures that are widely integrated into our local diet. Some are in specific categories that have die-hard followings (like our local famous chocolate shop- every city has one). Others still were created in nearby states but popularized in Pittsburgh as its first major market.

While this list is not comprehensive to hit everything that could be considered popular food in Pittsburgh, we did opt to select what we believe are the most well known and are unique to the region all the same.

For more of our opinion from restaurants mentioned below, click the respective links to learn more!

Note: This article only features foods you can find readily available in the city and/or nationally. A few items, like a Turkey Devonshire sandwich or Fussfungle cocktail, are also uniquely Pittsburgh but are so incredibly hard to find we did not feel like it would be appropriate to list them due to rarity. However, when/if we find good spots for these in the city and visit we may add them to this list.

Primanti Brothers

Primanti Brothers Pittsburgh Sandwich

As far as Pittsburgh food is concerned, none would be more emblematic than that of Primanti Brothers. This sandwich chain started in 1933 in the Strip District and was designed to help feed truckers who were making deliveries in the neighborhood. They often only had one hand available when driving, so the restaurant put their sides (fries and coleslaw) on the sandwich to have an entire meal in one bite!

This one has been expanding to many states in recent years, but no location is more popular than their original Strip District spot. When you go, no matter what sandwich you get, be sure to put a fried egg on top. You won't regret it!

Pittsburgh Salad

Pittsburgh Salad with Fries On Top

Since the success of Primanti Brothers, Pittsburgh has had a bit of a reputation of putting fries on, well, just about everything. But there is one that stands out above all others- the Pittsburgh salad!

You may think that a salad should simply be lettuce, vegetables, and occasionally a protein source, but in Pittsburgh you can quite frequently find fries on top as well! Primanti Brothers really did start something when they put fries on their sandwich.

But rather than continue of this trend of “fries on [food],” we're going to shift gears into other food types that could be considered Pittsburgh cuisine!

Pierogies

Pierogies from Apteka are a Pittsburgh Food

Pittsburgh received a rather large influx of Eastern Europeans during its steelmaking days, and naturally the region's cuisine has integrated itself into the regular diets of Pittsburghers over the years. So while we could say that this kind of food in general would be a Pittsburgh food, one item stands out as being a favorite- the piergoi.

This dumpling has a popular following in Pittsburgh and can be ordered at high-end restaurants, food trucks, to church basements, and even as a topping on sandwiches (again, the Primanti effect). So when eating your way around the city, having a few pierogies is a must!

Looking for great pierogies in Pittsburgh? Grab an order from Apteka, seek out Gosia's pierogies at events, or place your seasonal Lent or Christmas order at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church for some of our favorites!

Sarris Candies

Pittsburgh chocolate shop Sarris Candies

Most cities in the country have an iconic chocolate shop, and in Pittsburgh that store is Sarris Candies (based in Canonsburg). This specialty store opened in 1960 and has grown tremendously over the years to produce chocolate, candies, ice cream, and has increased its distribution network to over a thousand stores throughout PA and nearby states.

So, if chocolate is on your radar, the local favorite of Sarris Candies is a must. You can find them in most stores, but a trip to their main store in Canonsburg is a must for the full experience.

Prantl's Burnt Almond Torte

Prantl's Almond Torte

Much like chocolate, every city has its own local favorite pastry. Pittsburgh's comes from the bakery known as Prantl's who operates several stores in the region. 

Their prized creation is the burnt almond torte, a white cake covered in icing and generously topped with almonds on every square inch. The story goes that Henry Prantl took a trip to California during a year of an almond surplus and got the idea for the dessert as a unique way to use the ingredient. It was a hit, and hungry Pittsburghers go for it by the slice, as wedding cakes, or in other unique formats popping up- both at Prantl's and other bakeries around the city!

Heinz Ketchup

Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA

Did you know the world's most iconic condiments was created in Pittsburgh? 

H. J. Heinz started in the food industry in the mid-1800s with the production of horseradish and introduced their now iconic product, Heinz tomato ketchup, in 1875. The famous “57 varieties” slogan was introduced in 1896, and in the 20th century expanded production where it grew to the icon status as it is known today.

While production of Heinz Ketchup is no longer in Pittsburgh, the history remains, and if you visit a restaurant, friend, or other foodservice spots in the city serving anything but Heinz, no one will fault you if you tell them they're wrong.

Other famous foods created in Pittsburgh include the Big Mac (check out the Big Mac Museum nearby) and the Clark Bar! 

Pamela's Hotcakes

Hotcakes from Pamela's

In the world of breakfast foods, there are many restaurants vying for being a Pittsburgh icon. While we recognize that so many places have a die-hard following behind it, to us the standout item is without a doubt Pamela's hotcakes.

This one is a large, crepe-like pancake that is known for being quite thin and cooked crispy on the edges and is a simple yet decadent breakfast. While you would do well in ordering these on their own, we think that these are best served with one of the fruit fillings made with fruit, brown sugar, sour cream (with select fruits), and topped with whipped cream.

Throw on a side of the restaurant's famous Lyonnaise potatoes and you've got the makings of a Pittsburgh breakfast you won't soon forget.

When visiting Pamela's, it is also worth noting that you should expect a line during conventional breakfast hours at every single location. We often take to eating at this one for an early lunch (but with breakfast food) just to not have to worry about the line. Likewise, note that Pamela's is cash only.

Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey

Pennsylvania Whiskey

Kentucky may be famous for its bourbon, but whiskey's popularity in the USA can be traced back to western Pennsylvania with the Monongahela Rye.

Part of this is by its history, thanks to the Whiskey Rebellion that took place at the end of the 1700s (where the government wanted to tax whiskey producers) and part of it is for the mash bill- this one is made with mostly rye and other grains, has no corn, and uses a sweet mash processing technique. One sip of this and you'll know you're tasting something just a bit different that has its origin right here in the Pittsburgh region!

Looking for some to try? Old Overholt is one of America's longest-running whiskeys (founded in 1810 and once owned by Henry Clay Frick) and local producers Wigle Whiskey and Liberty Pole have made some pretty impressive spirits using historic recipes!

Eat'n Park Smiley Cookies

Smiley Cookies in Pittsburgh

Why is a smiley-faced cookie so popular? It really is hard to say. After this one was introduced to Eat'n Parks many locations in 1986, the city of Pittsburgh has been unable to get enough of them. Part of this could be that Eat'n Park restaurants have on-site bakeries to make these treats. Another idea is that a smiling cookie can't help but make you grin before you eat it.

How this one took off in popularity may never be known for sure, but as far as the Smiley Cookie is concerned, it is distinctly Pittsburgh.

Kennywood's Potato Patch Fries

Kennywood Potato Patch Fries

Pittsburgh's historic amusement park, Kennywood, is home to a food that guests order time and time again- potato patch fries. While this is simply an order of monster fries topped with cheese (and our favorite additional topping, bacon), the nostalgia aspect of this one ensures repeat consumption with every visit to the park.

Other Popular Foods from the Region

While the above ten items are what we would consider distinctly Pittsburgh either in origin (like Heinz Ketchup or Sarris Candy) or due to popularity (pierogies and potato patch fries), there are actually many more foods that people often consider to be tried and true Pittsburgh foods.

While the following are often considered to be a Pittsburgh food and often are prominently featured in lists such as these, their origin is technically outside of Pittsburgh. But for completion's sake, we have to mention them here. So onward to a few bonus foods!

Isaly's Chipped Chopped Ham

Virtually every Pittsburgher will agree that Isaly's chipped chopped ham is a local food, but we have to separate this one out on this list because it was technically invented in Ohio (Pittsburgh simply became a large consumer shortly after it came out).

Chipped chopped ham is an interesting one because it is a bit hard to define. This shaved meat is created by blending ham chunks, trimmings, and other seasonings, molding it into a loaf and shaving into a very thin cut of meat with a distinctive flavor. While you can get this meat on its own, it is most commonly served with barbecue sauce in between a bun (go for Isaly's spicy BBQ sauce if you can).

This meat became popular post-WWII as a lunchmeat, it has been slowly dying out in Pittsburgh culture in part due to the slow decline in Isaly's stores around the city (ours doesn't even sell the meat anymore). But the meat can be found at other delis like Penn Mac in the Strip District so you can have a nostalgic sandwich (or sammich) whenever you want!

Ohio Valley Style Pizza

Beto's Pizza

Another food that is often considered to be a Pittsburgh style is putting cold toppings on square pizza cuts (a la Beto's Pizza). The only thing that is cooked here is the crust and sauce, and mounds of toppings are added on afterward. This can then be enjoyed immediately for a unique temperature contrast, left to sit momentarily for the base layer of cheese to melt, or put back in the oven to be warmed up even longer (often not recommended for this particular style).

While this is indeed a popular style of pizza in Pittsburgh, it is actually known as Ohio Valley or Steubenville style where it was said to have been created in the early 1900s. While only just across the border in Ohio, and still technically in a region that some would consider the Pittsburgh metro, it is still worth mentioning here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Pittsburgh is said to have the 2nd highest number of pizza places per capita in the USA (just behind Orlando)? So while the Ohio Valley Style may be considered to be a Pittsburgh food, we may want to go ahead and just give the city all pizza. We have enough of it!

Klondike Bar

Heinz Ketchup and the Clark Bar are not the only mass-produced food items that Pittsburgh is known for. The metro region is also known as the birthplace of the Klondike Bar after being introduced by the Isaly Dairy Company in 1922- yes the same company known for its chipped chopped ham from above!

But like chip chopped ham, this one was technically created in Ohio and adopted as a Pittsburgh food shortly after being introduced into the market.

Pepperoni Rolls

Nothing beats a good pepperoni roll from the Strip District on a nice summer day and depending on where you get these from they can be quite large and enough to feed several people!

The origin of these is quite similar to Primanti Brothers in that they were introduced to feed hungry coal miners in the early 1900s. Pepperoni (and sometimes cheese, peppers, or other ingredients) are wrapped in dough and baked, making for an easy-to-transport food that is slightly reminiscent of a calzone. 

The only reason they're not 100% Pittsburgh? Well, this one was technically created in West Virginia and quickly came into the Pittsburgh food scene as a popular meal all the same.

The Banana Split

The Banana Split Statue in Latrobe

We finally end this list on a sweet note with the banana split! This iconic ice cream dish features three scoops of ice cream placed between a split banana and topped with various sauces, crushed nuts, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry on top.

This one is said to be created in Latrobe, PA, at Tassel Pharmacy in 1904 (although a disputing store in Ohio claims ownership in the same year). Thankfully, the National Ice Cream Retailers Association certified Latrobe as the birthplace, adding yet another sweet treat onto the Pittsburgh metro's repertoire! 

What iconic Pittsburgh foods do you love? Comment below to share your thoughts!

Looking to check out famous Pittsburgh institutions? We have numerous great options at the previous link that have die-hard followings that have stood the test of time! Or, check out our famous Pittsburgh foods webstory!

40 thoughts on “15 Distinctly Pittsburgh Foods the City is Known For”

  1. Don’t forget O fries, from the Original Hotdog shop in Oakland. They’re truly superior to Potato Patch fries (which I agree, are good!) and they have a long, rich history. Their portion sizes are part of what makes them wonderful, btw. Also, while Eat-n-Park smiley face cookies may be iconic, they are horrible. They’re dry, tough, and not very sweet at all. I refer to them as iced cardboard. They’re a *terrible* excuse for a cookie. Try the happy face cookies at Oakmont Bakery to find out exactly what a good sugar cookie is all about! 🙂

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  2. I live in Florida and have to come home twice a year for my favorite Pittsburgh food. Beto’s pizza on the way from the airport, Primanti Brothers sandwich, zucchini Parmesan at Pasta Too, a baked Italian hoagie, Chipped ham, Bethel Bakery cake and Sarris chocolate pretzels. I love food from Pittsburgh that I grew up with.

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  3. Frankie’s (Lawrenceville) Hot Sausage, they are Pgh. history!!……..not fried, or grilled but boiled in water in a specially designed huge vat with onions and peppers on a soft Italian roll……best flavor, best texture…..so moist, best price……all sandwiches are $5…..or less……I think BEST in the city, and originally Pittsburgh!!!

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    • I enjoy reading your reviews. 78 now, moved out of the burg yrs ago. We are still Pittsburghers, especially Sunday afternoon in the fall. Steeler football! You would be surprised how many of us there are so far from home.
      On my way to heaven, hope to see you there. God bless

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  4. I don’t know if these classify as Pittsburgh but Snyder’s of Berlin potato chips. By far the best potato chips out there. Also Lemon Blennd. It’s so good!!

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  5. Don’t forget Reymer’s Lemon Blennd, the lemon orange concentrate created on the North Side in a pharmacy. You can still get it at Giant Eagle and Penn Mac. It makes a good summer drink. Put it in the freezer and you can make a slushy, put a little bit in bourbon and you have an adult drink.

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  6. My absolutely favorite is the bar-b-q chipped ham sandwich. Tried to substitute local spiced chopped ham, but it just doesn’t compare to the real deal.

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  7. Kauffman, Gimbel’s, and Hornes Dept stores had the best chocolate covered strawberries. They had the cordial cream and were known as Pittsburgh’s own beside steel and Heinz

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    • This article is about local food, not popular spots. Unless Oakmont created a pastry that is iconic to the region, there is no reason why they should be in this article.

      Reply
  8. I’ve been all across the US, and no other city has a tradition of the big fish sandwich like Pittsburg My favorites are the oyster house which have become smaller but still good. Robert wholly rays on 51. And the triangle bar who closed years ago on Mt Oliver

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  9. We have been here in in South Florida for 40 years and have yet to find better sandwiches than Primanti Bros. That was the best place to go after 2:00 a.m. One night we went to grab a bite, I had 1/2 sandwich (best in the world) and my husband ate 4 1/2 sandwiches, yes 4 and one-half sandwiches. These were served to us by no other than “Chubs”, free insults for the men while he flirted with the women. My husband can boast that he had sandwiches made by the original Primanti Brothers, they put you in mind of Mario & Luigi.

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