Food

This section will be an attempt to provide a sample of the classic and unique college fare around campus. It obviously can't include every restaurant, eatery, or bar; but I will include the longer standing classics. Note, this section is out of date as several establishments have changed or did not survive Covid.

Essie's Original Hot Dog Shop, often referred to as "The O" or "The Dirty O", has had a campus presence since 1960 and is a traditional late night student eatery. In 2001, Gourmet Magazine ranked the hot dogs fourth-best in America and The New York Times named it to a list of one of the "high spots in a nation of hot-dog heavens" in 2002. It is also known for its heaping portion of french fries, listed as some of the nation's best by CNN, and its cheap pizzas. Sadly, "the O" did not survive Covid.



For out-of-towners, no trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a stop at Primanti Brothers. Luckily, Pitt has one right next to campus on Forbes Avenue. Their sandwiches are always profiled on tv, and they have a national reputation for their size and components which include french fries and their special coleslaw.


Another long standing campus eatery is Uncle Sams Subs, known for their cheesesteaks. They're not exactly what you get in Philly, but they're pretty good and the best in the 'burgh. The campus location is now closed, but there is still a location in the adjacent neighborhood of Squirrel Hill.


Right next to Sams is Fuel & Fuddle, a bar with a decent sit down brick oven menu. Good sweet potato fries. Fuel
. Unfortunately, Fuel & Fuddle just closed up its doors.

The best ice cream in Pittsburgh, and one of the best I've had anywhere, is Dave & Andy's. It's old fashioned homemade style, made right in the store. It repeatedly ranks as Pittsburgh's best, and was ranked as one of the top 10 non-chain ice cream shops in the nation by USA Today.


For on campus pizza, I often went with Sorrento's (pictured below), which has been around since 1973. I also like Milano's but some people swear by Antoon's a block away. Sorrento's is no longer with us, whether you swear by Antoon's or not, it is your only option (pick up only).


And the best breakfast, without a doubt, is at Pamela's, which has giant omelets, crepes, pancakes, and the like. Pamela's left such an impression on Barack Obama during his campaign tour that he brought them to DC to cater events at the White House.


For straight out pub fair, Peter's Pub in Oakland is the oldest continuous operating campus bar as far as I am aware. One can get good Pittsburgh-style steak and chicken salads (that means expect fries on top of your salad). It is a good place to catch a game and it turns into a full fledged college bar in the evening, sometimes providing live music upstairs. Peter's changed ownership and is now Mario's. I can't speak to the current food offered.


Of course, there are more places to eat. There are tons of good ethnic food restaurants such as Spice Island Tea House that features Burmese/Indonesian, India Garden, Lu Lu's Noodles for Chinese, Ali Baba for Middle Eastern, Korea Garden, and Mad Mex. For more upscale eateries, try the The Porch or The Union Grille. There are also the typical chains like Five Guys, Chipolte, Qdoba, Subway, Bruegger's Bagels, Panera Bread, etc.

Anyway, hope this helped to give you a feel for Pitt. Feel free to post or PM any questions you may have if you are planning to visit in person!