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Summary

This travel guide takes you on a culinary road trip through Pittsburgh, highlighting the city's rich Appalachian culture and diverse food scene. From historic diners to scenic parks, each stop offers a unique taste of Pittsburgh's heritage and culinary innovation. Whether you're indulging in a cheese dog at Jim's Famous Sauce, exploring the Jewish and East Asian cuisines of Squirrel Hill, or enjoying a modern take on the pepperoni roll at Rolling Pepperoni, this journey is a feast for the senses.

🍽️ Day 1: Pittsburgh's Culinary Journey

Embark on a food-filled road trip through Pittsburgh, exploring the city's unique Appalachian culture and culinary delights. From historic diners to modern cafes, this journey offers a taste of the city's diverse food scene.

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🍔 Jim's Famous Sauce

A historic drive-up joint known for its cheese dogs with sauce, offering a glimpse into postwar dining culture. Established by Greek immigrant Jim Damianos in 1948, this iconic spot in the Mon Valley still exudes its sturdy postwar vibe. The cheese dog with sauce is a must-try, delivering a broiled bun of melty, peppery transcendence.

Tips

Try the cheese dog with sauce for a peppery transcendence.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +1 412-466-1644
🌐   Website: https://jimsfamoussauce.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 20 min
📍   Address: 2600 Skyline Dr, West Mifflin, PA 15122, United States
🔗   Profiles:

🍜 Murray Avenue Kosher & Taiwanese Bistro Café 33

Experience the heart of Squirrel Hill's Jewish community at Murray Avenue Kosher, a pillar of the neighborhood since 1967. Additionally, the area has seen a profusion of outstanding East Asian restaurants, with Taiwanese Bistro Café 33 being a standout. The no-frills space with warm service is popular with nearby college students, offering juicy xiao long bao and slightly sweet Taiwanese sausage fried rice.

Tips

Don't miss the xiao long bao and Taiwanese sausage fried rice at Café 33.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (412) 421-1015
🌐   Website: https://www.facebook.com/MurrayAvenueKosher/?rf=158702277497438
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 20 min
📍   Address: 1916 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
🔗   Profiles:

🍕 Rolling Pepperoni

Rolling Pepperoni offers a modern take on the traditional pepperoni roll, a coal miners’ lunchtime classic. Located in Lawrenceville’s Butler Street, this unique bakery by Katt Shuler presents variations like the Hometown (peps, provolone) and vegan and Greek riffs, showcasing the region's culinary heritage.

Tips

Try the Hometown or the vegan and Greek riffs on the traditional pepperoni roll.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (412) 929-0235
🌐   Website: http://www.rollingpepperoni.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 6140 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
🔗   Profiles:

🍳 Grandma B’s

Located in the Hill District, Grandma B’s diner serves up comfort food like dirty grits and loaded fries with a tangy house-made “Big Al” sauce. This establishment is a part of the area's rich history, where many Southern and Black families settled during the Great Migration, and it continues to be a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

Tips

The loaded fries with “Big Al” sauce are a must-try.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (412) 681-4087
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 10-45 min
📍   Address: 2537 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

🌳 McConnells Mill State Park

A scenic park offering riverside walks, secret waterfalls, and lush greenery, perfect for a nature break. McConnells Mill State Park, located less than an hour’s drive from the city, provides a serene escape with its 2,500 acres of trails and stunning views of the Slippery Rock gorge.

Tips

Explore the trails for stunning views of the Slippery Rock gorge.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (724) 368-8091
🌐   Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/mcconnellsmill/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 1.5 hours
📍   Address: 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
🔗   Profiles:

🛍️ Strip District

The Strip District is a vibrant area showcasing Pittsburgh's immigrant story, with a mix of markets, grocers, and restaurants. It preserves the city’s immigrant story in its hand-painted signs, vendors, and old standbys. Visitors can explore a variety of flavors at Robert Wholey & Co. seafood market, Mediterranean and Asian grocers Salem’s and Lotus Food Co., and Pennsylvania Macaroni Company or “Penn Mac” for a taste of local and international flavors.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Jam-Packed Day in THE STRIP District Pittsburgh, PA [vlog]", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WqsISY4UE", "channel": { "name": "The Traveling Stewarts: History & Travel"}, "published_date": "1 month ago", "length": "5:50" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh - The Strip District", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmj8WW12dtA", "channel": { "name": "Dean Bog"}, "published_date": "Oct 20, 2023", "length": "14:49" }</div>

Tips

Visit Robert Wholey & Co. and Penn Mac for a taste of local and international flavors.