The Strip District has been Pittsburgh's food market for well over a century. The half-mile-wide strip of flat land between the Allegheny River and the hillside of Polish Hill was once lined with produce terminals and wholesale warehouses fed by the railroads and the river. Many of those wholesalers are gone, but the neighborhood's identity as the place to buy food, eat breakfast and browse on a Saturday morning is as strong as ever. This guide covers the long-running institutions and the best way to approach a visit.
How the Strip District Works
Most of the food action is concentrated along Penn Avenue between roughly 16th and 22nd streets, with Smallman Street running parallel closer to the river. Penn Avenue is where you will find the grocers, bakeries, fishmongers and sidewalk vendors. Smallman Street is home to the Senator John Heinz History Center and the long, restored Produce Terminal building, which now holds food and retail businesses. The Neighbors in the Strip organization is a useful source for current business listings.
Saturday mornings are the classic time to visit, when the sidewalks fill with shoppers, street vendors and music. Weekdays are calmer and better if you want to browse without crowds.
Italian Grocers and Specialty Foods
The Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, universally known as Penn Mac, is one of the neighborhood's anchors. It is known for an enormous cheese counter, imported pastas, olive oils and Italian specialty goods, and it has been a Strip District fixture for generations. Nearby, other family-run grocers and delis carry imported products, cured meats and fresh bread. Shopping here is one of the best ways to stock a pantry with things you cannot find at a typical supermarket.
Seafood
Robert Wholey and Co., usually just called Wholey's, is a Pittsburgh institution recognizable by the smiling fish sign on the building. It is a full-service fish market with a large seafood counter and prepared foods, and its fish sandwiches have a loyal following. Wholey's is a good first stop if you are planning a seafood dinner.
Bakeries and Sweets
The Strip is home to several beloved bakeries. Mancini's Bread Company has deep roots in Pittsburgh bread baking, and its loaves show up in kitchens and restaurants across the region. Enrico Biscotti Company is known for its biscotti and Italian baked goods. You will also find shops specializing in candy, cookies and pastries along Penn Avenue, including Italian and Polish-style treats that reflect the city's immigrant heritage.
Coffee
La Prima Espresso Company, a long-running Italian-style coffee bar and roaster on 21st Street, is a classic Strip District stop, particularly for espresso drinkers. It is a good place to start a morning of shopping. Other cafes around the neighborhood offer more contemporary takes.
Breakfast and Classic Pittsburgh Eats
The original Primanti Brothers location, on 18th Street, is where the famous sandwich stacked with fries and coleslaw started. The company's origins go back to the 1930s, when it served workers and truckers in the produce district, and the Strip location has a reputation for being open late. For breakfast, DeLuca's on Penn Avenue is a longtime local favorite known for big plates and weekend lines.
Asian Groceries and International Food
The Strip's food scene is not only Italian. Asian grocery stores in the neighborhood stock ingredients from across East and Southeast Asia, and sidewalk vendors and restaurants represent a wide range of cuisines, from Mexican to Middle Eastern. Wandering beyond the best-known names is part of the fun.
Sidewalk Vendors and Game Days
On weekends, especially during football season, Penn Avenue becomes an open-air market. Vendors sell grilled meats, produce, flowers and a huge amount of Steelers, Pirates and Penguins merchandise. On home game weekends, the Strip is one of the most festive places in the city.
Beyond Food: Things to Do Nearby
The Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, is the region's largest history museum and includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. The riverfront trail along the Allegheny is steps away. The neighborhood has also added apartments, offices and new restaurants in recent years, and it is a short walk from Downtown and Lawrenceville. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in the Strip District.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early on Saturdays. Parking and sidewalks get crowded by late morning.
- Bring a bag or cooler. If you plan to buy cheese, fish or meat, a cooler in the car keeps things fresh.
- Some shops keep traditional hours. Many long-running businesses open early and close in the afternoon, and some close on certain days. Check before you go.
- Park once and walk. The Strip is compact and walkable. Surface lots and street parking are available, but walking between shops is easiest.
- Take transit or bike. Bus routes connect the Strip to Downtown and nearby neighborhoods, and the riverfront trail makes biking an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Strip District known for?
The Strip District is Pittsburgh's historic market district, known for specialty grocers, bakeries, seafood, coffee, sidewalk vendors and sports merchandise, as well as the Heinz History Center.
When is the best time to visit the Strip District?
Saturday mornings are the busiest and most lively. Weekday mornings are quieter if you want to shop without crowds.
Where is the original Primanti Brothers?
The original Primanti Brothers is on 18th Street in the Strip District, where the restaurant began serving workers in the produce district in the 1930s.
Is the Strip District walkable?
Yes. Most shops are concentrated along Penn Avenue and Smallman Street within a few blocks, and the neighborhood is a short walk from Downtown.