Food

Pittsburgh has such a variety and different kinds of food available. From Mexican to Italian to Thai to burger joints to seafood and more. So many choices, and a lot of it really good. And in every price range from really inexpensive to super fancy. For example, in the Oakland neighborhood, there is a variety of ethnic places because of the university students as that's where the big universities are. The Strip District, another neighborhood, has not only different kinds of restaurants, but also a variety of markets, from Wholey's seafood (local to Pittsburgh) to several different Asian markets, and more.

One place that is talked about very frequently is Primanti Bros. and their sandwiches. Their sandwiches are unique because they look like ordinary sandwiches on the outside, but on the inside has not only your choice of protein and tomato, but also has fries and coleslaw as well, things you would normally find on the side. Personally, while Primantis isn't bad, I don't find it that spectacular as some people make it to be. And there is an Erie location too as a result of Primantis expanding, but in Pittsburgh you truly get a more authentic experience from the restaurant vibe to the sandwiches.

Some of my favorite places to eat in Pittsburgh mostly come from the places I've eaten at frequently since childhood. Noodlehead in the South Highland Ave. business district has some very good Thai food.  The restaurant itself can get busy and loud, but the food makes up for it. Be sure to try the pork belly steam bun appetizer, you won't regret it! Pictured below is from the Cal-Mex joint Mad Mex, and it is the Mad Mex Burrito (steak inside, not pictured). There is a Mad Mex in Erie but the original locations are in Pittsburgh. Really good and highly recommend Pamela's in the Walnut Street business district has some excellent breakfast and brunch meals, and are well-known for their hotcakes. Did you know, President Obama likes the hotcakes so much he had one made and delivered to the Whitehouse?

Erie offers a wide variety of cuisines throughout the city and the county. There are many restaurants that serve authentic foods from Italy, Mexico, and so many more. Just like Pittsburgh, there is a range of prices depending on what type of restaurant you would like to go to. Since we are right on Lake Erie, we offer a whole range of restaurants that have seafood options that are overlooking the Bay.  

Erie is known for quite a few different foods as well. We are credited with the creation of pepperoni balls, a deep-fried ball of dough typically with pepperoni and some sort of cheese within the middle. In the sweets area, we have the local businesses of Stefanelli’s and Romolo’s. They were once one large family business, but there was a huge family feud and part of the family moved on to create Romolo’s. Both places are known for their heavenly chocolates and sweets and are mainly known for the delicious sponge candy. It has become such a popular product that the grandson of Romolo Stefanelli, the founder of the chocolate businesses, has traveled to teach well known chocolatiers about the creation of sponge candy. When in Erie, it is a place that you must try!

Another staple food when coming to Erie is the Smith’s hot dog. I have not found a single place within Erie, Pennsylvania that does not proudly serve a Smith’s hot dog within their establishment. In addition to hot dogs, the Smith’s company also makes ring bologna, ham, and some of the best bacon that anyone will ever have. Without fail, Smith’s bacon is always the superior bacon to any others such as Jimmy Dean and Hormel. You can never go wrong with purchasing a product from Smith’s when it comes to any deli meats.