5 Must Visit Pittsburgh Restaurants

While Pittsburgh may be known more for its 6 NFL Super Bowl Championships, its cultural side should not be overlooked. A cauldron of European and American styles, the cuisine in Pittsburgh is second to none. As a student at the University of Pittsburgh the past two years, I have found 5 restaurants that every urban explorer should try at least once.

Jerome Bettis' Grille

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh's Sports complex, between PNC Park and Heinz Field, Jerome Bettis' Grille is every sports fan's dream. Filled with over 50 plasma and LCD TV's, this location is the perfect spot for any out of town fan that needs to see their home team play. With a menu featuring Burgers, Fries, Wings, and Ribs, it provides the perfect game day atmosphere.

Owned by former All-Pro NFL Running Back Jerome Bettis, the Grille captures the affinity that the people of Pittsburgh have for their sports teams. For any one visiting Pittsburgh, Jerome Bettis' Grille is the perfect place to pick up a bite to eat before heading out to see a Pirates or Steelers game.
-Jerome Bettis' Grille

Quaker Steak and Lube

Opened during the Gas Crisis of 1974, Quaker Steak and Lube was originally intended to be a place to preserve the tradition of old style gas stations. Over the past 35 years they have developed into one of the country's foremost authorities on Chicken Wings.

By combining their succulent extra large wings with their various award winning dipping sauces, Quaker Steak and Lube is now synonymous with delicious wings. The establishment is infamous for their "Atomic" Wings, which are heralded as the hottest wings on the planet. 50 times hotter than normal hot sauce, Quaker Steak and Lube adds a bit of excitement to the meal, as customers are required to sign a mock health waiver before they can purchase this fiery delight.

Don't fret if you don't like hot and spicy food, Quaker Steak and Lube also offers wings with milder tastes, such as their award winning Parmesan Pepper and Asian Sesame sauces.
-Quaker Steak and Lube

LeMont Restaurant

For travelers looking for a more formal meal, LeMont, located near Downtown, provides an atmosphere and menu that are both top of the line. Named Pittsburgh's most romantic restaurant by CitySearch.comCitySearch.com, it is situated on top of Pittsburgh's Mount Washington, providing a beautiful downhill view over the city, as well as the Ohio and MonongaLeMontivers. LeMont is one of only 26 restaurants in Pennsylvania AAA's awarded AAA's prestigious Four Diamond awards.

For all of their accolades, they are not just a name only establishment. Their menu, filled with delectable dishes, such as the Roast Raspberry Duck, will appeal to any prospectiLeMonttomer.
-LeMont Restaurant

Essie's Original Hot Dog Shop

If you're looking for a boardwalk or ball park style meal, there is no better place to go than Pittsburgh's own Original Hot Dog Shop. Located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland, the establishment was originally just across the street from Forbes Field, where the Pittsburgh Pirates won their 1960 World Series Championship, and has always been part of the city's rich tradition.

Nicknamed the "Dirty O" for its modest appearance, you shouldn't be swayed by your first impressions. Their 'O' Fries are world renowned for combining grease, potatoes, and cheese into a delicious late night treat. They also serve homemade hot dogs that are over one foot long.
-The Original PrimantiShop

Primanti Bros. Restaurant

Known for their gargantuaPrimantiches, Primanti Bros. Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown (with locations also in Oakland and South Side), has come to represent not only the city's good food, but also the lifestyle of its blue collar citizens.

Opened during the GreaPrimantision, Primanti Bros. gained popularity because of their innovative sandwiches. They have a large selection of meats and cheeses, all of which come topped with and abundant amount of fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes, in between two hearty slices of Italian bread, that are cooked fresh on their 70 year old grill. Weighing over 2 pounds and costing lessPrimanti, the Primanti Bros. Sandwich provides a great way to get a great taste of Pittsburgh without overspending on a tight vacatioPrimanti.
-Primanti Bros. Restaurant