The Strip District, Pittsburgh – A Foodie’s Dream Destination | Your Shopping Guide

The Strip District, Pittsburgh – A Foodie’s Dream Destination

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. These are the shops which I personally visited, shopped and enjoyed the food. The opinions are my own. They don’t include all the shops in the Strip District but certainly, the post would provide an insight about the strip district. If you stumble upon a shop which you love, then do a favor for me – comment about it, so that I could also check it out!

Information Courtesy – StripDistrictneighbors, Shop websites

I have been living in Pittsburgh for almost 3 years and I should say that Strip District is one of my favorite community nearby.  I wished to pen down about the Strip for long and finally, it saw its dawn. If you are living in burgh or plan to visit burgh, then I humbly request to include Strip in your “Must-See” Plan. And if you love food and wish to experience the finest ethnic international cuisine, then you will thank me wholeheartedly for letting you know about this place.

Imagine a place with beautiful Graffiti art on the walls, roadside shops with vibrant items, family-owned restaurants serving deliciousness, wholesale shops selling international ingredients, shops selling fresh cut meats and sea foods, beers on tap and the nightlife like Vegas.  If you wonder and wish to see such a place, then call it as “The Strip District” – a place in Burgh like no other.

History of Strip District:

The Strip District is a living history and it can be witnessed through the great buildings such as the Pittsburgh’s Opera building. The history thrives even now in the form of wholesale retail shops like Pittsburgh Macaroni Company, which is more than 100 years old.

Initially known as “Norther Liberties of Pittsburgh”, the area was later named as Bayardstown when the burgh residents – James O’Hara and George A.Bayard purchased the land and planned it in 1814. Later, it was included as the Burgh’s fifth ward. The easily accessible area became perfect for the industrial development and became a home for the iron mills aluminum production and glass factories providing employment for people from all over the world. In addition to the industrial hub, the place became wholesale produce center, when the rail lines were removed from the Liberty Avenue. By early 20^th century, the place had become heart for wholesale business overshadowing other industries and now, merchants import cheese, coffee, and spices from all over the world.

Strip District is a one-half square mile area of land located on the banks of Allegheny River outside the downtown Pittsburgh. The streets from 13 to 33 form the area with the major hub being the streets – Small man Street, Liberty Avenue, and Penn Avenue.

If you are a foodie who loves to enjoy a wide spread of cuisines or looking for the finest ingredients from all over the world at a lower price, then Strip District will never leave you disappointed.

Wholesale retail shops:

Asian Market:

If you would like to shop ingredients for your Chinese dinner, then do visit the whole Asian Grocery shops – WFH (Wang Fat Hong) Oriental Food Market owned by a Hong Kong couple sells Chinese items to buyers as well as for retailers. One can find stacks of lotus root, chestnuts and Chinese sauces stacked up in irregular aisles thus making it harder for the buyer to search for.

The Lotus Food – another well-known Asian Market and our personal favorite selling fresh fishes, tofu at an affordable price, fresh vegetables, quail eggs, duck eggs and Chinese cookware. They do sell Smelt fishes and I have bought from them few times. Ensure to visit them on weekends for freshly caught fishes and be prepared to stand in a queue for billing.

Italian Market:

Who wouldn’t love pasta and pizzas? If you would love to try a variety of pasta and pizza sauces prepared in an authentic way, then ensure to stop by “Pennsylvania Macaroni Company”. I am sure that you will be awestruck.  Family owned third-generation Italian grocery store homes more than 5000 imported Italian and specialty food products. Known as Penn Mac, the store stocks up a wide variety of olive oils, fresh olives, stone grounded flour, cheese counters and diverse selection of Pasta. They do sell Kids pasta – pasta of various animal shapes, Legumes, and Nuts. This is one of our family favorite shops and I do love their infused oils and sauces.

Mediterranean Market:

Do you love Mediterranean spices and Greek feta? Then, do visit Stamoolis Brother Co, founded by Five brothers from Greece in the 19^th century. The shop now sells a wide selection of cheese, Greek feta, olives, hard-to-find spices from Greece and delicious array of homemade dips.

Labad’s Mediterranean Grocery – Another grocer in the Strip who sells Mediterranean ingredients. Stop by to check their products and as well as the interior.

Mexican Market:

If you would love to purchase only freshly prepared tortillas, then don’t forget to pay a visit to the shop – Reyna Foods Inc., a Mexican and Carribean Wholesale grocer. The corn and flour tortillas are prepared freshly on-the-spot while you watch it. Do you need anything else to say to a foodie? They do carry a wide variety of salsas, seasonings, cheese, beans and not to mention about their diverse selection of dried peppers which are hard to find anywhere else. Don’t forget to try their freshly prepared Tamales!

Polish Market:

Pittsburgh being the larger consumer of Pierogi, it is no wonder to find a Polish market – S&D Polish Deli in the Strip. The shop sells freshly prepared Pierogi, Kielbasy, pastries and polish gifts. They do sell Gluten free Kielbasy. I haven’t tried their foods personally but then loved their wide spread of deliciousness and varied options. They do ship nationwide.

Korean Market:

Stop by the shop – Sambok Korean to purchase ingredients to prepare a Korean dish.

Fresh Meat and Seafood:

Salem Market and Grill, a grocery shop found in 2010 sells fresh poultry, lamb, and goat. They do sell halal and hand cut poultry and meats. They do sell mejdool dates, spice rubs, and fresh mint. The shop is our personal favorite and we make sure to buy fresh poultry hand-picked by us. They do have a restaurant adjacent to the shop serving deliciousness like chicken shawarma and desserts like Turkish Baklawa. Their Chicken Shawarma is my favorite.

Robert Wholey and Co – They are our favorite go-to shop for fresh seafood. They do sell a wide variety of fresh fishes like Pacific wild caught salmon, red snapper, catfish, lobster, shrimps, bass fish and hand cut steaks. They offer a wide selection of sausage and fresh vegetables. Their array of vinegar will never leave you to return empty handed. Though we have never tried poultry from them, we used to buy fresh fishes from them.

Strip District Meats – They have a selection of exotic meats like Kangaroo, Elk, Alligator antelope and Camel. The shop which is running for 50 years, also carries rabbit, quail, duck, and goose. And they do say that if you couldn’t find the exotic meat you are looking for, then they will ensure to find that for you. Stop by if you love exotic meats.

Chocolate and Candy:

Mon Aimee Chocolate – If you are a chocolate lover and wish to experience chocolates from all over the world under a roof, then do visit this confectionery shop to discuss the chocolates, relish the inner child in you and satisfy your sweet craving.

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – A premier candy shop where you can feel like a kid and enjoy candies from all over the world. They also sell the finest, freshest homemade fudge and specialty chocolates and ice cold root beer from the tap. They also offer over 300 flavors old fashioned glass bottled soda. They do have the best deal in the Burgh – Grab a box from the Pittsburgh Candy Buffet Wall and stuff as much as candies for just $5.00

Specialty Stores:

Penzey’s Spices – If you love to purchase premium quality specialty spices, then ensure to visit this national chain. They sell spices from all over the world – from Spanish saffron to lavender buds; from Italian seasonings to spicy Indian spices. They do have amazing gift options based on your needs – for a passionate baker or a spice lover.

In the Kitchen – Another favorite of mine who sells cookware, bakeware and artistically designed kitchenware. From the mini spoons to the crock pots, they have everything you need in your kitchen pantry. Ensure to check their clearance items and you might find some good deals.

Penn Fixture & Supply – A wholesale retailer who caters to the needs of restaurants, hotels, caterers and commercial kitchen for about 60 years. They are open to the public. They do sell large sauce pots, glassware, handmade pottery, ceramic ware and wide pans catering to all your needs. Whether you cook for yourself or would love to cook for a party, you will find everything you need here.

Roxanne’s Dried Flowers – An artistically designed shop selling a variety of dried flowers, bouquets, incense sticks, specialty oils and a personal favorite of us. Ensure to restrict yourself from emptying your pockets as their collection is amazing and leaves you awestruck. If you would love to decorate with natural flowers and handmade items, then do check out their shop. We bought in-house plants, handmade wooden Ganesha, incense stick and cookbook (that’s gifted by my bestie – SAN, he knows how to make me happy) from the shop. We loved the shop as well as the attention they pay to every customer and helps them in finding what they need.

Eating Outlets in the Strip:

Breakfast:

Pamela’s Diner: Pittsburgh’s Favorite family diner serving the best breakfast in the town since 1980. Their crepe style hotcakes are quite famous. It’s our personal favorite. We have tried their famous crepe style hotcakes, Pittsburgh Hash and Pamela’s famous hash. We loved it and I should say that you won’t be able to finish the plate. It’s worth every penny you spend and keeps your tummy full. Be prepared to stand in a queue as it is one of the famous establishment in the strip. And they open early by 8 AM.

DeLucas Diner – Home of the Best Breakfast in the town since 1950. Again, it’s our favorite and we have tried their pancakes and French toast. They do sell buckwheat pancakes and crepes. Ensure to wait patiently in a queue as it is one of the most happening places in the Burgh.

Lunch:

Thin Man Sandwich Shop – If you would love to have a lighter lunch and want to hop on the go, then do visit the shop where they sell tasty sandwiches. The shop is owned by a trained chefs and specializes in modern sandwiches prepared deliciously and excellently with local fresh ingredients.

Primanti Bro’s – Do I need to say about this Pittsburgh landmark? It has become a ritual for every visitor to Burgh to visit this shop and try their famous unusual sandwich. The iconic sandwich has two thick slices of Italian bread with the toppings stuffed between them along with fresh tomatoes, a meat of your choice and a fried egg. The toppings are usually the ones which are served alongside the sandwich in other shops like French fries and coleslaw.

Breads:

Mancini’s Bakery – Initially formed by James Mancini, an Italian immigrant, the shop is now owned and run by Mary Mancini Hartner. Jim, who loved to bake, apprenticed himself as a baker and on learning the techniques, he experimented and developed his own bread formula. He then habituated himself to bake 1000 loaves in the night and sell them following morning freshly for his customers. The bakery now bakes more than ten thousand loaves a day with the same Old techniques which James practiced. We personally love this shop and always gift ourselves their delicious herbed bread, focaccia, and their spread.

Hot Drinks:

Presto George Coffee: Again it’s our personal favorite coffee shop. They do sell coffee beans from all over the world – from Arabica to Indian Monsoon Malabar coffee. Select your favorite coffee bean and ground them freshly. Carry a bag of strong coffee with unaltered flavor and aroma. We always buy a pack of bread from Mancini and grab a cup of coffee from Presto George.

Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange – Another favorite shop of ours selling Gourmet coffee and flavored teas. I have tried many varieties of flavored teas from the shop for my family back home and for my mad kitchen experiments. They serve teas from Darjeeling to Charleston, fruity flavored tea like blueberry vanilla and autumn fruit tea, flower teas like hibiscus tea and lavender tea.

21^st Street Coffee and Tea – Coffeeing the people in Pittsburgh since 2006 featuring Intelligentsia coffee and kilogram tea. The ambiance of the shop is appealing and soothes your sense with the neatly arranged canvas paintings. Their lattes served in the pastel kitchenware is a cup of deliciousness and we personally tried it. I should say they serve the best latte in the town.

La Prima Espresso Bar – Another coffee shop in the strip serving espressos!

Biscotti:

Enrico Biscotti – Rated as one of America’s Top Bakeries and One of Pittsburgh Best Bakeries, they sell artisan bread, biscotti tins, and gift basket. They do have a restaurant adjacent to the shop where they sell wood-fired pizzas and delicious homemade soups. They do organize bread baking class where they teach you their techniques of baking a perfect bread and organize culinary tours.

Ice cream and Gelato:

Klavon’s Ice Cream – A family owned ice cream parlor selling homemade traditional ice creams crafted with love. They do sell sundaes, soda like peach soda and floats like root beer floats. We tried the crowd pleaser – Homemade Vanilla ice cream topped with banana slices and chocolate sauce with a cherry on the top.

Gelato shop – This is a street side shop selling some delicious gelato on the cones. Do stop by if you prefer gelato than ice cream.

Apart from the mentioned shops, ensure to visit the farmer markets to purchase some fresh produce at an affordable rate. There are flower shops on the way and be sure to pick your favorite bunch from them. There are shops which do sell Pirates T-shirts and caps on the pavement.

Strip district also has antique shops and pottery shops. The strip is home for some of the fine wineries available in the town. Stop for a taste tour in one of the wineries to pick a favorite one.

Other than the above mentioned specialized local restaurants, one can find eateries serving international cuisines like Pho Van serving Vietnamese food, Kaya serving Caribbean cuisine and Penn Avenue Fish Company serving delicious sea foods.

Do you love Donuts? Then, do check Love, Peace & Little Donuts, founded in 2009, has become one of the burgh’s landmark with its handmade and handcrafted little donut with crazy toppings in the world. They are utterly buttery delicious.

The Strip District is surely a dream destination for every foodie who loves to explore various cuisines and love to cook only with the finest ingredients for their loved ones. If you are in Burgh and if you haven’t visited the strip yet, then I highly recommend you to visit the strip on weekends in the morning. For your information, the strip is busy on late mornings and mid-afternoons on weekdays and most of the shops are closed by evening.

If you are visiting Burgh, then do include the Strip District in your plan.

Hope the post gives an insight about the Strip District. If you visit Strip District and find any interesting store, then do let me know.

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Thanks,

Karthi