The story, dating back to 1933, goes a little something like this: Truckers delivered their goods to downtown Pittsburgh in the middle of the night. Having to get back on the road quickly, Primanti's designed a sandwich to be eaten with one hand, while the driver drove the truck with the other. A convenient meal to be eaten on the road. By combining the sandwich as well as the sides, between two slices of fresh Italian bread, a Pittsburgh staple was born.
I had eaten a Primanti sandwich years ago at a Pirates baseball game, but have always wanted to visit one of their restaurant locations. The location I wanted to visit was in Oakland, near the University of Pittsburgh. Primanti's second location. It did not disappoint. The unassuming interior was welcoming as we obeyed a sign to seat ourselves. Greeted by a young waiter wearing Steeler's apparel, he wrote nothing down as if he was making sure we would get back quickly to our haul with a full meal in hand, nearly 80 years later.
I felt it only fitting to order a Yuengling from the oldest brewery in America, located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Upon the waiter's recommendation, I ordered the capicola sandwich. Similar to proscuitto, as can possibly be seen beneath the fries and slaw in the left and right images below, it made for an amazing indulgence. The middle image below… well, that is a three cheese Primanti sandwich. Yes, a cheese sandwich from Primani Bros. If you ever happen to be in Pittsburgh, do yourself a favor and enjoy.
