Whether you’re just visiting or you’ve lived here you’re whole life, Pittsburgh is a city in which you can satisfy virtually any craving. If you want to dive into the local scene and get a real bite of what the city has to offer, you’ve got to check out these foods that practically run through the veins of every local Pittsburgher.
Pierogi
Pierogies have a deep-rooted history in Pittsburgh, stemming from the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Eastern European immigrants, particularly from Poland and Ukraine, brought their culinary traditions to the city. These dumplings, filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut, became a staple comfort food for the working-class communities due to their affordability and delicious taste. Today, pierogies are a staple to locals – so much so that there is an annual Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival and the playful “Pierogi Race” during Pittsburgh Pirates games.
Recommended Place: Pierogies Plus
Must-Try: Traditional potato and cheese pierogies with caramelized onions and sour cream.
Beer-Infused Cheese
In Pittsburgh, beer is practically part of the local DNA – just check out that Iron City beer sign proudly perched on Mount Washington. Just like pierogies, the city’s love affair with beer goes way back, rooted in its industrial and blue-collar history from the 19th century.
Though, nowadays, with the craft brewery boom, there is a modern twist to the beer scene appealing to both beer aficionados and those who may not be regular drinkers. If you find yourself in the latter category, you can still enjoy its flavor by trying out the homemade beer-infused cheese dip at The Yard. It’s a tasty nod to Pittsburgh’s changing beer culture and a little something special for those who just love good food.
Recommended Place: The Yard Gastropub
Must-Try: Beer cheese dip served with soft pretzels for dipping.
Pittsburgh Pickles
The popularity of pickles in Pittsburgh is undeniable, with pickling traditions, events like the Picklesburgh Festival, and local businesses like the Pittsburgh Pickle Company contributing to the pickle craze. This city believes pickles are a really big dill.
So, for those craving the tangy goodness and perfect crunch of a delectable pickle, the Pittsburgh Pickle Company offers a variety of dill-iciously fermented cucumbers available at convenient locations such as Giant Eagle, Walmart, and Whole Foods.
Recommended Place: Pittsburgh Pickle Company
Must-Try: Pittsburgh Style Pickles – a local favorite with a perfect crunch.
Pittsburgh’s Best New York-Style Pizza
Craving an (almost) authentic New York-style pie? Believe it or not, Pittsburgh has you covered.
While there are many local places to choose from, Fiori’s Pizzaria in Dormont is constantly hailed as Pittsburgh’s best pizza joint. This little hole-in-the-wall earned its popularity in the city for crafting exceptional New York-style pizza with a perfect balance of crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and tons of cheese.
Recommended Place: Fioris Pizzaria
Must-Try: Savor their classic New York-style pizza with your favorite toppings.
Pittsburgh Salad
While the true origins of the Pittsburgh Salad are unknown, rumor has it that it all started in the 1960s at Jerry’s Curb Service in Beaver, Pennsylvania, after a customer ordered a steak sandwich without the bun. The resulting creation supposedly featured fries and salad dressing, birthing the inspiration for this iconic dish. Though we may never be able to trace the original recipe back to its humble beginnings, the Pittsburgh salad remains a local favorite that embodies the city’s unique–and perhaps slightly unhealthy–approach to food. These “salads” typically consist of a bed of fresh greens, topped with a healthy serving of grilled steak or chicken, French fries, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and occasionally hard-boiled eggs. Smother some ranch dressing over the top and your tastebuds will be in for an authentic Pittsburgh treat.
Recommended Place: Dad’s Pub and Grub
Must-Try: Steak salad featuring French fries and cheese.
