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How To Take The Ultimate Pittsburgh Sandwich Road Trip

March 8, 2020 by Madeline Quigley 41 Comments

Considering a sandwich topped with French fries is pretty much Pittsburgh’s unofficial mascot, it goes without saying that our city takes sandwiches pretty seriously.

All across Southwestern Pennsylvania, delis are turning sandwiches into art with fresh bread and house-roasted meats.

They’re also slathering them with mayo and cheese, because let’s get real – that tastes darn good, too.

So, if you’re looking to expand your Pittsburgh sandwich repertoire (or just wanting to grab a quick and tasty lunch), considering checking out some of the spots below.

As always, we want to see your adventure! If you head out on our sandwich road trip (even just one place!) tag us on Twitter and Instagram: @goodfoodpgh and #goodfoodpgh

How to Take the Ultimate Pittsburgh Sandwich Road Trip:

1: My Hero’s Sub Shop

Rochester, PA

Photo: My Hero's Sub Shop
Photo: My Hero’s Sub Shop

This straightforward sub shop has been a favorite in Rochester, PA for decades. The town – which is located 10 miles west of Cranberry Township – swears by them, and once you have your first bite, you’re hooked.

If you’re craving a classic sandwich, stuffed with meat, cheese, and all the fillings, look no further than My Hero’s. The meat is sliced to order, and piled high on fluffy bread.

The menu includes 19 numbered sandwiches, but the most popular is the #1, consisting of ham, salami, capicola, pepperoni, and cheese.

Subs come in whole or half sizes, but trust us – you want to get the full. You’ll be craving the other half before the end of the day (if you haven’t already finished it).

My Hero’s Sub Shop (343 Brighton Avenue)

2: Freedom Farms Sandwich Shop

Butler, PA

Photo: Freedom Farms
Photo: Freedom Farms

Freedom Farms is a bit of an institution in Pittsburgh. This team does everything from farmers markets to donut making and even reality TV.

Luckily for us, they also make a mean sandwich. Everything served at the Freedom Farms Sandwich Shop is extremely fresh and locally sourced. The sandwiches are truly farm-to-table, using meat from their livestock, fresh produce from their farm, and bread that was baked in their own kitchen.

You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but one customer favorite is “Lisa’s Chicken Salad,” consisting of chicken salad topped with melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and banana pepper rings, sandwiched between slices of their own multi-grain bread.

Freedom Farms Sandwich Shop (796 Pittsburgh Road)

3: Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe

Northside

Photo: Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe
Photo: Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe

This sandwich joint, located on Western Ave in the Northside of Pittsburgh, has been serving up delicious sandwiches since 1981. The spot is famous for their long list of sandwiches, delicious breakfast, and daily special menu.

Customer favorites include Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe’s house-roasted roast beef, or their house-roasted turkey. Can’t decide between the two? Order the “Dagwood,” which is loaded up with both.

Other items on the menu give a nod to Pittsburgh with names like the “Steel City Slammer,” the “North Side Grill,” and the “Three Rivers Reuben.” This spot is perfect for weekend breakfast, or grabbing a bite before a game on the North Shore

Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe (822 Western Avenue)

4: The Pear and the Pickle

Troy Hill

Photo: Pear and the Pickle Cafe
Photo: Pear and the Pickle Cafe

The Pear and the Pickle only opened in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood last year, but the spot is already a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.  Their thick sandwiches are loaded with freshly-sliced Boars Head meat and cheeses, stuffed with fresh vegetables, and slathered with house-made sauces and aiolis. The sandwiches are then grilled to perfection.

Already drooling? This is all without mentioning their breakfast sandwiches, which are served all day long. Start your morning (or afternoon) with an ooey-gooey sandwich, filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese on fresh Mancini Bread. How could you ever resist?

The Pear and the Pickle  (1800 Rialto Street)

5: Primanti Brothers

The Strip District

Photo: Primanti Bros.
Photo: Primanti Bros.

A list of Pittsburgh sandwiches would be awkwardly incomplete without mentioning Primanti Brothers. Long before national publications were naming Pittsburgh a “food destination,” it was sandwiches (and salads) topped with french fries that were putting Pittsburgh’s food scene on the map.

What started as a simple sandwich shop in The Strip District in 1933 has now grown to be an empire with locations across the city, and even as far south as Florida.

Stop by anytime (the original location is open 24 hours a day) to take a real bite of Pittsburgh’s history.  No matter what you order, expect coleslaw, Italian bread, and freshly-cooked french fries. That’s the Primantis way.

Primanti Brothers (46 18th Street)

7: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Strip District

Photo: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Photo: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Gaucho is already a staple on many people’s lists of their favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh.

The spot is famous for their collection of Argentinian-style meats, which are expertly seasoned, cooked over a wood fire, and served steaming hot and juicy, with a selection of house-made sauces.

While their Carne de Vaca are delicious on their own, it goes without saying that roasted pulled pork, grilled chicken breast, and braised beef topped with caramelized onions, are going to be good on a sandwich.

The menu changes daily, but pick what sounds appealing and prepare to be wowed. Vegetarians – don’t worry. The shop also has (delicious) vegetable sandwich options.

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina (1601 Penn Avenue)

8: Grant Bar & Lounge

Millvale, PA

View this post on Instagram

Who wants some pie? Thank you to @ricksebak for putting this on my radar.

A post shared by Iheartpgh (@iheartpgh) on Jun 26, 2015 at 5:11pm PDT

Grant’s Bar – located in a tudor cottage in Millvale on Grant Ave – is famous for their decadent coconut pie, which is worth any drive to procure.

However, there is another item on the menu that’s almost as famous as the pie: Grant’s fried fish sandwich. The restaurant says that the breading on their seafood is a special family recipe. They delicately season and deep fry their fish until it is perfectly golden brown.

This flakey (and buttery) slab of fried fish is almost as long as your arm, but you’ll still want to finish every bite. However, save room – didn’t you hear us say famous coconut pie?

Grant Bar & Lounge (114 Grant Avenue)

6: Smallman Street Deli

Strip District 

Photo: Smallman Street Deli
Photo: Smallman Street Deli

The Smallman Street Deli is another classic Pittsburgh sandwich spot, located in the Strip District.

Pittsburghers love the spots comfortable, no frills atmosphere almost as much as they love their corned beef, pastrami and roasted turkey.

The spot does it all, offering butcher-cut meats and cold cuts to go, as well as serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, don’t forget about their freshly made baked goods.

The shop is famous for their “U-Can’t Eat It!” sandwich, which features over a pound of meat on rye bread with mustard.  Well, you know what they say – if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again!

Smallman Street Deli (2840 Smallman Street)

9: Triangle Bar and Grill

Swissvale

Photo: Triangle Bar and Grill
Photo: Triangle Bar and Grill

Now, if you thought a pound of meat at the Smallman Street Deli sounded intimidating, than you’re probably not ready for menu at Swissvale’s Triangle bar and Grill.

From the outside this shop may not seem like much, but inside lurks an infamous sandwich – The Battle Ship.

Triangle dubs The Battle Ship the “Sandwich That Made Swissvale Famous” – and they might be right. People flock from all over the city to try to sink this sandwich.

The two-foot long sandwich weighs in at a whopping 1 1/4 pounds, and is stuffed with salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Intimidating as it may be, the sandwich is also a great bargain at only $12.25 a pop.

If that (somehow) isn’t enough of a challenge, for an extra dollar, guests can upgrade to the “Super Battle Ship,” which includes another half pound of meat.

Triangle Bar and Grill (2122 Monongahela Avenue)

10: Rudy Martino’s Original House of Submarines 

Swissvale

View this post on Instagram

Oh yesssss

A post shared by Kimberly Simmons (@kay.eye.emm) on Jul 7, 2016 at 11:23am PDT

As luck would have it, two Swissvale sandwich legends are located a quarter of a mile apart on Monongahela Ave, making it easy to ditch the car for this section of the road. And, let’s get real – you’re probably going to need to walk it off after trying to eat Triangle Bar’s Battle Ship sandwich.

Rudy’s Subs can now be found in several spots around Pittsburgh, but to get a taste of the original sub, one must travel to their location in Swissvale.

Rudy’s is known for their iconic Pittsburgh cheesesteak, which they introduced to the city 1959. Although the cheesesteak is still a popular menu item (there are now seven varieties), sandwich options have since expanded to include dishes like “Pepper and Egg,” and “Eggplant Parm.”

No matter what you order, keep in mind  that it’s not a Rudy’s sub without the special Rudy’s dressing.

Rudy Martino’s Original House of Submarines (1918 Monongahela Avenue)

11: Carson Street Deli

South Side

Photo: Carson Street Deli
Photo: Carson Street Deli

The Carson Street Deli is officially known as the “Carson Street Deli & Craft Beer Bar,” which is good news for anyone who likes to wash down their sandwiches with a delicious craft beer (ie: everyone).

These fresh, and locally sourced sandwiches are a favorite for diners on the South Side. No matter if you build-your-own, or order one of their signature sandwiches, you know you are going to get a quality meal.

Two customer favorites include the “Carson Street Reuben,” with lean corned beef, Russian dressing, swiss cheese and fresh cole slaw on marble rye bread, and the “Cheesy Beefy” with hot roast beef, melted hot pepper, swiss cheese, green and red peppers, onion and ranch dressing, all served on a french baguette.

The restaurant has a beautiful courtyard, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat on a nice day.

Carson Street Deli (1507 East Carson Street)

13: Lebo Subs

Mt. Lebanon

Photo: Lebo Subs
Photo: Lebo Subs

Lebo Subs is another newcomer to the Pittsburgh sandwich scene, but the shop is gaining attention south of the Monongahela River.

This shop is working to bring  “Jersey-style” subs to Pittsburgh. While the ingredients are locally-sourced, each sandwich is piled high with their signature lettuce, onion, tomato, vinegar, oil, salt and oregano combination – just as they do in Jersey.

One customer favorite is the restaurant’s namesake “Lebo” sandwich, which features swiss, turkey, ham, roast beef, and bacon. Be sure to checkout the roast beef, which is cooked in-house.

Served cold or hot, these sandwiches are hard to beat.

Lebo Subs (632 Washington Road)

Bonus: Mt. Pleasant Sub & Pub 

Mt. Pleasant

Photo: Mt. Pleasant Sub & Pub
Photo: Mt. Pleasant Sub & Pub

This spot gets an special mention on our list, not for their oven-bake subs (although they are great),  but for their wings that everyone cannot stop raving about! If you are a bit sandwiched-out after this epic road trip (we don’t judge), consider a drive to Mt. Pleasant for some hot wings!

These giant wings are served whole with a variety of sauce options. Any wing fan will be pleased!

Mt. Pleasant Sub & Pub (207 N Church Street)

What about dessert?

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read our other Pittsburgh food road trips:

Ultimate Pittsburgh Doughnut Road Trip

Ultimate Pittsburgh Ice Cream Road Trip

Apologies if we forget your favorite sandwich! Don’t fret – just share it in the comments below!

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Comments

  1. Marlene says

    October 21, 2017 at 7:41 am

    Pittsburgh Sandwich Society food truck

    Reply
  2. Jeff Brooks says

    October 21, 2017 at 9:03 am

    King Cap, Foster House in Belle Vernon. Trust me. Try it. You’ll be glad you did…

    Reply
  3. Adele says

    October 21, 2017 at 11:35 am

    Mr. Hoagie in Dravosburg

    Reply
  4. Mike says

    October 21, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    You forgot Pepes 🙁

    Reply
    • Eric Murray says

      February 3, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      My favorite was Poratabella Mushrooms while adding steak to it….

      Reply
  5. ron says

    October 21, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    I am from Swissvale and can heartily and hungrily attest to the greatness AND tastieness of Triangle and Rudy’s sammies!! Awesomeness!!

    Reply
  6. Alex says

    October 21, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    Any list without a stop to Big Jim’s in the Run is bunk.

    Reply
    • Eric Murray says

      February 3, 2020 at 3:53 pm

      Good place and deserves to be on the list.

      Reply
    • Pam says

      March 8, 2020 at 10:57 am

      Absolutely!! I can’t resist the Reubens and Wedding Soup!!

      Reply
  7. Ed Dooley says

    October 21, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    What happened to Fatheads on the Southside? Last time I was up in the burgh they had a top 5 sandwich in the US…

    Reply
  8. John says

    October 21, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Meatball hoagie at Frankstown wood fired pizza in Penn Hills just doesn’t quit.

    Reply
  9. Nathan says

    October 21, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    I don’t see Peppis Olde Tyne Sandwiches on here!!! What’s up with that!? They have a question about them in Trivial Pursuit for cripe’s sake!!!

    Reply
  10. Donna Beth Barth says

    October 21, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    North Shore Delight in Northside….

    Reply
  11. Heidi Bizon says

    October 22, 2017 at 8:35 am

    No mention of anything vegetarian 😔

    Reply
    • Diane Davis Santoriello says

      October 23, 2017 at 10:30 pm

      What’s Cooking at Casey’s in Oakmont makes a great eggplant parm on Mancini’s bread.
      Firehouse subs in Robinson makes a wonderful veggie sub!
      Rudy’s makes a yummy pepper, onion and egg sub!

      Reply
    • Dan says

      October 24, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      Because most people wouldn’t put a vegetarian sandwich on a list of their favorite sandwiches….

      Reply
    • Jen says

      October 25, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Gaucho parrilla Argentina in the strip mentioned veg sandwiches 🙂

      Reply
    • Jen says

      October 25, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      Gaucho Parrilla Argentina mentioned veg sandwiches 🙂

      Reply
  12. Tim says

    October 22, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    In memorium: old timers like me fondly remember The Mystery Sandwich from Chiodo’s Tavern in Homestead before it became a Walgreens.

    Reply
  13. PJ Nied says

    October 23, 2017 at 9:39 am

    The Triangle still tops my list for great food and service. The Battleship is praise worthy!!!
    For fish sandwiches Nied’s Hotel in Lawrenceville rocks.

    Reply
  14. Diane D says

    October 23, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    Frankstown Wood Fire For sure! Everything they make there is excellent!

    Reply
  15. Brandi says

    October 25, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    HAVE to try Ruvo’s Italian Restaurant in Connellsville! Meatball sub, Hot sausage, or Italian sub are all equally AMAZING! Everything is made fresh every. single. day. Definitely worth the drive!

    Reply
  16. Britt says

    October 26, 2017 at 2:59 am

    The Upper Crust Shop, in Butler! Small, intimate, family owned and operated. Open Monday to Friday, from 11AM to 1:30PM (just during lunch). Closed Nationally Observed Holidays, as well. It’s a small menu, with delicious sandwiches…that keep you coming back for more!

    Reply
  17. Frank says

    October 26, 2017 at 4:20 am

    Foster House King Sandwiches in Belle Vernon and let’s not forget Uncle Sam’s

    Reply
    • Luke says

      March 8, 2020 at 1:56 pm

      Agree. Uncle Sams not on list is crazy talk.

      Reply
  18. Matt says

    December 6, 2018 at 6:42 am

    For the love of god, please stop putting Primanti’s on these best sandwich lists! They are not good and nothing but complete yinzer hype.

    Reply
  19. Tracy says

    December 16, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    Thank you, Matt! It embarasses me to no end that people associate that slop with Pittsburgh.

    Reply
    • Eric Murray says

      February 3, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      Angus sirloin steak sandwich is my favorite, but do have a need from time to time as a local. I do reduce the fries amount, but trying to cut down on fried foods a little. I prefer the older locations such as the strip or oakland.

      Reply
  20. Jan Hvizdos says

    March 8, 2020 at 10:43 am

    Porked in Lincoln Place has the best sandwiches! Stop by and taste for yourself.
    http://www.porkyourhunger.com

    Reply
  21. WiliWali says

    March 8, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    For nostalgia, stop at the I.S.A.L.Y.’S in West View for a chipped ham on white bread.

    Reply
  22. Dave says

    March 8, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    Not sure how they left out the North Shore Deli on east ohio st. This place has been voted best sandwich shop in the burgh numerous times over the years. All the meats are fresh and they have a very extensive menu. The place is usually jam packed during lunch. Their prices are also relatively low with alot of meat. You will not be disappointed if you stop through here. In the summer time stip by out front for a hot sausage right off the grill. (Keep in mind deli sandwichws are the star here).

    Reply
  23. Sarah says

    March 8, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    The Bridgeside Market
    Sewickley

    Reply
  24. flo airhart says

    March 8, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    Delallos in Jeannette, PA make awesome hoagies and bakery !

    Reply
  25. Stephen says

    March 8, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    I think tracy and Matt should hook up…..right about the strip and Oakland shops being the best. I hate to admit it, but I love me.some fries and slaw on a samwitch

    Reply
  26. Jim says

    March 8, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Danny’s Bethel Park

    Reply
  27. Ralph says

    March 9, 2020 at 7:50 am

    BRIDGESIDE MARKET in Sewickley! I can’t believe they are not on this list!

    Reply
  28. Dakota says

    March 9, 2020 at 8:20 am

    DeCarlo’s in Elizabeth

    Reply
  29. Jeffery Hickman says

    March 10, 2020 at 9:15 am

    The last one that is a Bonus….Sub and Pub in Mt. Pleasant is closed. The owner passed away.

    Reply
  30. Jim says

    March 11, 2020 at 9:29 am

    Decarlo’s in Elizabeth has great sandwiches and hoagies.

    Reply
  31. Meghan says

    March 11, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    Ham salad at Portmans farm, Bridgeville PA. Only available every other weekend!!

    Reply
  32. Melanie says

    March 12, 2020 at 5:25 am

    Robert Wholley’s Fish Sandwich (plenty of FISH PILED HIGH)

    Reply

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