Shortly after landing in Pittsburgh, we headed to The Strip. (Shortly, because first I had to stop and buy shoes. I didn’t have shoes that matched my dress, but I’ll spare the guys from the rest of that story.) We drove around two circles looking for parking, as I hung my head out the window, panting like a golden retriever, drooling over all the street vendors. When we were finally pedestrians, I got a closer look. There was huge, steaming hot pepperoni sandwiches on sale for $5. There was a long table full of cannoli, biscotti, whoopie pies, and tons of stuff covered in powdered sugar. We spotted several grills, one with ribs, one with seafood, one with chicken skewers. But, we had to resist. Lunch would be at the famous Primanti Brothers 46 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, where all sandwiches have cole slaw and fries.
Outside, a long line was forming, but it moved pretty quickly. Our friend Bobby met up with us, and then some other guests of the wedding. (We’re in Pittsburgh for a wedding.) Lon got the Cheese Steak, which is more like a high school beef patty and not the sliced meat found due East (in Philly). We knew what we were getting going in (since we saw them making it while on line), but we weren’t prepared for it being so under-seasoned and tasteless, like a boiled burger patty. Ick!
I got the Capicola & Cheese which was better because the sub-par ham-like meat was salted and a tad spicy, a needed contrast to the slaw and unseasoned fries. We all loved the thick puffy white bread and that the sandwiches were easy to bite through, but the fries were soggy and lacking enough cheese. All six of us were generally underwhelmed.
The tales spread about this place must have gotten exaggerated over the telephone game or maybe its changed over its 70 year history. First of all, these are good size sandwiches, but not humongous, OMG, no one can finish it. Nope, these were easily finished and the part that wasn’t (the cheese steak) wasn’t because of size–it just wasn’t tasty. For $5.99, the value is not bad, but you might want to stop telling visitors that this is your main place. Two from NY, three from San Francisco, and one from Chicago are not impressed.
We should have gotten the pepperoni sandwich…
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That’s a shame. This place was on my list of sandwich shops to try. This year I tried the White House in Atlantic City, also legendary. Pretty good, but hard to say it’s worth the line. I am a huge fan of
Defonte’s in Red Hook. They make a sandwich called the Valentino…sooo good, makes me rub my belly.
I was in the Strip this morning, too! But, luckily, not at Primanti’s. I’ve never been a fan. I think the reputation as the ‘Burgh’s premier sandwich shop(s) because of the mere mass of the sandwiches and the nostalgia of older folks who wound up many a drunken night carousing in the Strip with one of these monsters. I’ve tried many times to get a straight answer of what folks like about these things, but natives seem miffed at the notion that the sammiches are icky.
I hope the rest of your meals are much tastier!
Bill, we saw a Defonte’s open in the city (3rd and 21st). Have you tried it? We were wondering if it was worth trying.
Hey Ehrrin, thanks! We have brunch plans with the wedding group tomorrow but we are going to Eleven for dinner. Haven’t decided for Monday yet.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on the Defonte’s in Manhattan. I assume they use the same ingredients, techniques, etc., but sometimes there’s just something about getting it at the right location with the people behind the counter who’ve been working there for years. If you’re going to write it up, I def suggest you take a trip out to Redhook. You can also try the rugelach at Margaret Palcas bakery…pretty excellent.
I saw Primanti on Man v. Food, and I think the fries and coleslaw on sandwich idea is perhaps what made it look appetizing. Too bad though–so many people have sworn that place is the greatest place in Pittsburgh.
Hope you’re having a great time!
EMC, I think that’s where we saw it too and saved it onto our list immediately. We love the idea so I think we’ll be doing our own version when we get home. =)Hope you’re having a great time in Philly!
I hate to waste my money or calories on bad food, but I’ll dish up and fatten up for something great. I hope the food gets better.
I haven’t heard very good things about Primanti’s either. A friend of mine was out there last year and seriously unimpressed. Having never heard of it before going with an authentic Pittsburghite, he was soon surprised to get a sandwich piled high with fries and coleslaw. Definately not somplace he’d return to. It couldn’t compare to say…The Pop Shop in Collingswood NJ. We immediately put that on the list after having seen it on Bobby Flay’s throwdown. A definate must for all. Just a small 50s style sandwich and shake shop, they offer more than 20 versions of grilled cheese. Have been there 3 times in the last year. It’s worth the drive! And the sundaes rock! You’ve got to get the Fly Eagles Fly-it’s that time of year. Check it out.
Laurie, that sounds great but seems pretty far for us. It looks like it’s close to Philly on the map so maybe if we make a trip there at some point.
you have to put hot sauce
I happen to like spicy but if someone happens to not like spicy, they just have to eat bland food?