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Primanti Bros
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
2 Market SqPittsburgh, PA 15222
Neighborhood: Downtown
(412) 261-1599
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
144 reviews for Primanti Bros
Review Highlights
"easily the best cole slaw i've ever had as well."
(in 27 reviews)
"And OMG, you Yinzers and the French fries on everything."
(in 19 reviews)
"you have your choice of meats (steak, pastrami, etc."
(in 24 reviews)
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144 reviews in English
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Review from Jessie B.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Primanti Bros sells sandwiches. Only, calling these sandwiches doesn't really do them justice. And I think there may have been salads and some other stuf fon the menu... but really, it's all about the almost famous sandwiches!!
The sandwiches come with fries and coleslaw (vinegar based not mayo based!!). No, not on the side, but on the sandwich. And as weird as it may sounds, it tastes really good that way!
I didn't get anything to wild, just a turkey sandwich. The bread was fantastic, soft but still sturdy, and there was plenty of turkey. The fries could have been crispier, but they weren't limp and soggy so I can't complain too much there! My husband had a bowl of soup in addition to his sandwich and I stole a taste... Very flavorful!
Service is where a star is lost... We had to flag someone down to get my water refilled and my mother-in-law had to ask for tartar sauce for her fish sandwich twice. Our waiter was friendly and took decent care of us other then those 2 minor hiccups.
I can definitely see why these sandwiches have the following that they do. I can see myself going back next time my travels take me to Pittsburgh. -
Review from Kamilah B.
Philadelphia, PA
I guess you have to try this out if your not from Pittsburgh!
I had the sweet sausage, Hubs had hot sausage, my oldest had ham and my youngest ordered chicken fingers. The chilli was good, but the bread it came w/ was stale. They put cole slaw and french fries on the sandwiches. I thought that it just made the sandwiches bland and starchy. But not bad...just blah. The bread was nice and soft and they have several different kinds.
I am not a beer drinker, but they looked like pretty good prices. The place was very crowded and you seat yourself. We lucked up on an empty table, although it was by the door. The place looks much bigger on the outside. -
Review from Serena R.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can respect Primanti's and the following they have, but I just don't like their sandwiches that much. I probably have them once a year b/c someone from out of town wants to go there.
Sometimes I forget how much I don't like the sandwiches until that one time a year. Sorta how you perceive the Holidays to be this joyous time and then reality hits you and realize that's it's completely overrated.
I usually get the Cappicola and Cheese sandwich and it's alot of salty meat, with some bland fries, mild cole slaw, cheese completely hidden by the other ingredients between two slices of bread. Maybe Primanti's should make up a secret sauce b/c it's always so damn dry.
I think I need to learn my lesson and stop going there. I would have given it 2 stars but it seems like such a Pittsburgh staple that I didn't have the heart to dock them any stars. See, this Pittsburgh girl still gives props to her roots! -
Review from Michelle P.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012
Why i love visiting different towns. Food with their own uniqueness. Grab a Yuengling and enjoy!
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Review from Bill K.
Albany, NY
2/1/2012
The meat and cheese of your choice topped with slaw and fries is what I call a sandwich! They are huge and delicious. I couldn't eat these all the time, but always a must when in the Burgh.
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Review from Leslie L.
12/20/2011
I can't believe I never wrote a review for Primanti Brothers. For sure it's the largest sandwich I've ever eaten. It does have it's own special flavor that you won't find anywhere else. It's perfect at 3:00 a.m. when you 'forgot' to eat dinner but went out 'dancing' all night long. The Italian bread is thick and awesome. The fries and cole slaw just make this sandwich. (If I was there right now I'd head over for a breakfast sammie.)
Recently we were in Ft. Lauderdale and after lunch we spotted Primanti Bros. My husband double parked, ran inside, got a sammie, brought it back to the car and we ate the whole thing. Now that's a good sammie! -
Review from Niran A.
11/22/2011
I tried Primanti Brothers when I was in Pittsburgh for an Eric Clapton concert. Like many tourists, I tried Primanti Brothers because I saw it a thousand times on TV. The particular location I went to is tiny - much smaller than it seemed on TV. Regardless though, the sandwiches are pretty good.
I sat at the bar and ordered the pastrami sandwich with the provolone, slaw, fries and tomato. The slaw was exactly how I like it; vinegar instead of mayo is the way to go. The fries were pretty good but not amazing. Not sure if they double-fry the fries but they needed to be a bit crispier on my opinion, especially when you consider that they will get automatically soggy on the sandwich. The pastrami had a nice taste but could have tasted more "homemade". The Italian bread was a nice touch, but eat quickly or the bread will dissolve into the meat/slaw.
Two complaints. The sandwiches are not as big as you would think. They are bigger than most deli-style sandwiches but not quite as colossal as I thought it would be. Also, the meal is served on a piece of wax paper... This is probably tradition but I think a plate would better suit. All in all, my experience was good at this tourist-flocking sandwich shop. -
Review from Napualokelani K.
Woodbridge, VA
12/2/2011 1 photo
Went to Pittsburgh for the first time to attend the Steelers/Patriots game. A colleague is a Pittsburgh native and told me Primanti Bros is a MUST - plus Ive known about this legendary place for years. I got the steak, and while the meat was GREAT, Im just not a fan of the sandwich with the fries and the cole slaw. The slaw is vinegar based rather than mayo based and I didnt like the taste of it.
The ambiance of this place was cool to watch the other games before we headed to Heinz Field. I would come back to try some of the other sandwich offerings w/o the slaw & the fries.
SIDE NOTE: The dude with the light eyes (Avery, I think) from Greys Anatomy was standing in line behind us (we were sitting at the counter) and when I realized who he was I asked if it was him. He slowly responded and said Yes like he was trying to be undercover. I asked if I could take a pic with him and he said after he ate - PSSSHHHHHHHHH, NOT!!! Its not like youre Idris Elba homeboy, Im good on that. Later at the game, I saw him on the big screen as he started the waving of the Terrible Towels. Meh... probably not even a Steelers fan. -
Review from Pepe P.
Saint Louis, MO
12/20/2011
ALWAYS my first stop when back in the Burgh. Folks need to lighten up -- it is a sandwich joint. Not fine dining. Cold, cheap beer and sammies with fries and slaw on them -- the way they have been doing it since the 1930s. Thats what the advertise and that's what they deliver -- every time. Cap and cheese with a frosty IC Light -- heaven.
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Review from Nicholas O.
Washington, DC
10/29/2011
The food here is outstanding, and the beer is damn cheap. This is a must visit if you're in Pitt.
Sidenote: While there, I saw Bruce Vilanch slamming down a sandwich. If that fat bastard eats at Primanti's, you know they are serving the best sandwiches around. His poor assistants (I think they were his assistants, or I hope so, for their sake) probably had to wipe the messiness of his face. They had their heads down following in Bruce's large sweaty shadow walking out of the place, most likely ashamed of what they just witnessed. You can't unsee certain things. -
Review from Sal d.
9/29/2011
Ok I think I fouled up on my order... I went with the spicy sausage and all I could taste was potatoes, which maybe if i didn't order chili fries I would have been more in to. After my chili fries with nacho cheese, which could have been tastier, maybe if they switched the cheese to a sharp cheddar and some pepperchinis would have helped.
As far as the sandwich goes, I should have gone with something with more meat, rookie mistake, and maybe a side of chili instead of chili fries. My favorite part of my sandwich had to be the coleslaw, that was on point. I'm not sure if I should have put Ketchup on my sandwich or what the hell to do with the heap of potatoes in the sandwich? I really can't wait for a rematch with this place, because I think I need another shot to get my order right.Listed in: Burgh List
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Review from Colleen B.
Orlando, FL
I am going to echo Colleen C here: "A solid 4-stars for a solid-as-hell sandwich!"
We sat outside on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. It was busy but we were able to be seated immediately. The waitress was running around like crazy but she took pretty good care of us. She did get my order wrong but I was willing to keep the wrong sandwich but she came back within 5 minutes with my correct one and apologized. That is great customer service. I am glad she did get me the correct one because I really wanted the ham and provolone.
So, the thing here that stands out to me (loving the north bread and missing it since I live in Orlando) is the BREAD! So freaking fresh and moist. So fluffy. You make fingerprints in it when you hold it, I love that.
So my concern, the coleslaw... I hate mayo but here they make it with vinegar, win!
Amazing bread, coleslaw, fries and tomatoes with whatever meats you want, delicious.
This is a must stop in Pitt just as everyone knows and tells you so do yourself a favor and listen to them!Listed in: The Burgh - Pitts that is, Northern Bread...
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
A solid 4-stars for a solid-as-hell sandwich!
I mean, why mess with silverware?...just pile all those side dishes (slaw and fries) between those buns and get to work. You should be full for approximately 29 hours.
On a recent beautiful day in Pittsburgh, my pal Rachel C and I popped over to Primanti Bros. Of course, an institution...visitors must at least try it once. Like Deep Dish pizza in Chicago or bagels in New York. You just gotta, ok? Locals seem to be split on whether its worth it...so, saddle on up to give it a shot yourself.
Sitting outside on Market Square in the sunshine (and with Batman filming in the near distance!), we embarked on my first Primanti experience. Bros is right...these are definitely NOT dainty sandwiches, by any means! DO not come here on a first date, there is literally no way to eat this beast politely.
My turkey and cheese was a "lighter" option, if that exists...but I will still full for the requisite 29 hours or so. Did it blow my mind? No. Did I find it fun and interesting and did it taste good? YES! Wash it down with a Diet Coke and we were set to jet to take Pittsburgh by storm the rest of the day.
Or, needed a nap.
Wear the stretchy pants.
*accepts credit cards
*great for groups
*very quick
*friendly serviceListed in: Pittsburgh: Tourist Vision!
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Review from J. L.
Bethesda, MD
9/8/2011
Clearly should have read a few reviews before going here. Whenever I go to these types of iconic regional dining establishments, I order the house specialty to best judge the place on its supposed merits. Since it was 11 in the morning, I chose not to order Primanti's #1 best seller, which the waitress told me was beer, but perhaps that would have made my experience better. As it was, I ordered the #2 best seller, the cheese steak. It was heinous.
Think a grimy, mechanically separated Salisbury-style steak with a meager slice of provolone on sliced Italian bread served signature Primanti-style: with coleslaw, tomatoes, and fries.
First, the steak was disgusting: terrible flavor (smelled and tasted like hippie armpit, which I'm not necessarily opposed to as long as it's not involved in something I'm trying to eat) with a gross, processed meat texture. Secondly, the fries easily overwhelmed the sandwich, with their old fryer grease taste. Additionally, the sandwich was unwieldy and threatening to fall apart at every turn--a trait I don't hold against decent-tasting sandwiches, but this lack of structural integrity just added insult to injury.
My dining partners were equally disgusted by their choices: corned beef and ham & cheese sandwiches, respectively. Easily the best part of the meal was the Smallman Street Fries, and those were equally lack-luster. The "bacon" was simply bacon bits (oh, the humanity!), the chili was uninspired, and the cheese sauce and sour cream did little but soggy the fries. (Did I mention they tasted like old fryer grease?)
I will never go back and I will immediately disregard the culinary opinions of anyone who thinks Primanti Bros. produces decent food. -
Review from Evan B.
9/21/2011 6 photos
Why waste time? Want a sandwich, fries and slaw? Put it all in one, this is what Primati Bro's does.
Every sandwich here is huge, not really due to the protein, but due to the handful(s) of fried and slaw and the thick bread each one is built with. I opted for the Colossal fish and cheese sandwich (6.99). The fish had a nice crisp batter, the fires were a bit soggy , the bread was nice and soft and the slaw was decent. Alone I loved the fish, All together the starch of the bread and fried over power the fish. There was hot sauce at the table to help add flavor (frank's red hot style).
Seating is odd, seat your self and you will get service when you are noticed. Drink come in to go cups and the menu is on paper for you to keep as notice to you doctor of your 1000+ calorie meal.
My coworker also got the cheese fires for extra cholesterol and to max his per diem. Cheese wiz smothered soggish fries. It was decent but it did not blow me away by any means.
Bottom line, if you are a tourist, give it a try, if you are a local come for the nostalgic name. -
Review from Greg E.
Mars, PA
12/22/2011
I love this place. Their sammies are awesome. I am not a coleslaw fan but like it and choose to eat it here. The pictures below describe it nicely. It's a sandwhich with coleslaw and french fries on it. It may not sound right but it's excellent. The service isn't the best but it's usually because they are verrrry busy. It's not your healthiest place but hey, who cares.
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Review from Amanda C.
9/19/2011
I heard from everyone that the Primanti sandwiches are the quintessential Pittsburgh food.
We scored a nice seat outside and indulged in some Iron Hill beer that was on special for $2 for a 20 oz beer. The sandwiches were fine and were inexpensive.
Be warned that everything here comes with french fries, even the salads. -
Review from Fatal L.
Sparks, NV
9/5/2011
I've developed a new take on vegetarianism, called, "fuck it on vacationsim." It developed on a recent trip to Hawaii, and I'm glad, because I got to splurge on this on a recent trip to steel town.
Had eaten too much at Joes Crab shack 40 minutes earlier and wanted something to take on the plane. I now wish I'd skipped the crab shack and tried these hot off the grill, because the hot pastrami and corned beef were awesome at 1.5hours later in airport, and 4 hours later in ANOTHER airport. Sure they got a little soggy and the fries were mush, but it was still good, which means I missed out on something by not getting it fresh.
Live and learn, now my generally animal fat free belly has something to look forward to if I ever get to Pittsburgh again.
I wish I had realized they were serving these at the Pirates Park. I saw no food of interest and only had beer... not even yuengling, just some other crap. -
Review from Brad K.
Moraga, CA
9/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When there's this much hype about a place, it's hard to live up to, but they did a pretty damn good job. Maybe not the best sandwich I've ever had in my life, but if it was any random sandwich shop I'd happened to stumble into, it would definitely be five stars without a second thought.
The chili cheese fries were among the best I've ever had. I don't know what they do to them - it's not the chili that's particularly great, it's not the cheese that's particularly great, and it's not the fries that are particularly great. But somehow, putting them all together just turns it into unbeatable awesome.
The sandwich itself (I got the corned beef) was very good despite the fact that I hate coleslaw. But they don't mean the typical mayo-and-carrot-and-purple-onion coleslaw; they make it with vinegar and oil, so it's basically just like seasoned lettuce. They put a bit much of it on, which overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients at first, but just pull about half of the slaw off and you have a kick-ass sandwich. The hot sauce goes really well on it too. And for a pretty reasonable price, I might add. Normally, I'd expect it to be about twice as much with that kind of reputation and downtown location. -
Review from Jason H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/10/2012
If you pass through Pittsburgh this place is a must visit. Their specialty sandwich is like no other. They're a little short on conversation but I guess that's part of the packaged deal. If I ever moved to Pittsburgh I'd move near one of their locations ; )
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Review from Stephanie O.
Cincinnati, OH
6/19/2011
I'm from Cincinnati. By nature I'm supposed to hate Pittsburgh. However, I've had an obsession with Jordan Staal since I was 12, I took a college visit to the U of Pitt, and I DEFINITELY prefer a Primanti Bros sandwich over a 3 way anyday.
Chillax, I'm not horny; a 3 way is a Cinci "delicacy" featuring spaghetti topped with a very thin chili and cheese. Calm down children.
Anywhoo, whilst making this visit to Pittsburgh, I told my padre it was absolutely necessary we eat here. Why? I've seen Adam Richman, Guy Fieri and every other chubby traveling food dude drool over these. I wanted one. Bad.
When you walk in, it's a dive, for sure. Seat yourself, everyone's in sweats, eatin a big hunk o' meat stuffed with french fries and coleslaw.
An Ohio girl can get used to this.
At the (also very chillax) waitress's recommendation I took Cappacola, which apparently is a Pittsburgh tradition. My dad took the Tuna Fish, and we waited...ten minutes. My food is here. And it looks AWESOME. My first bite was, orgasmic. Yes, orgasmic. This sandwich turns me on.
Sorry 3 way.
But this...sandwich...is...amazzzzzzzzzzzing! It's spicy, it's crunchy, it's sweet, it's salty, it's...hey there's bread too! ALL IN ONE. My dad also enjoyed his sandwich, at least I think he did. I'm not quite sure. I was into this love affair way too much. If this were considered cheating on a boyfriend, I would cheat. Every week. Maybe everyday, depending on how often I can get to this sandwich.
I love this sandwich. You will too. You will also be full. Oh so very full. You will have coleslaw coming off your chin and french fries overflowing your basket after you're done. And if you do not finish, you will take it home, or to your hotel, or to the spirit shop down the street and munch on the leftover french fries while the cashiers aren't looking because you're not supposed to be eating in there. (SSH!)
It's THAT good.
P.S.: I got a pen that says Primanti Bros on it. Yeah. Be jealous. -
Review from Ron D.
Chester, PA
12/2/2011
great place for a good sandwich that is unique to Pittsburgh. Price is good beer was cold. A must if going to Pittsburgh. Not saying it is best food ever. Saying it is well worth the experience. Sorta like first philly cheesesteak.
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Review from Woodrow B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2011
Wildly overrated. I compare it to Pat's and Geno's in Philly, good when your drunk, but only when your drunk.
I went to Pitt for 4 years and I have to say I never understood the Primantis hype. I dont know how you get famous for putting fries on a sandwich when the fries suck. They are soggy and tasteless, maybe the worst I've ever had. I will say the coleslaw is pretty good, and I'm not usually a coleslaw guy, but it doesnt make up for all the other shortcomings.
Half the sandwich falls out while your eating. The "cheesesteak" might be the most tasteless sandwich ever. You have to use a whole bottle of hot sauce just to get a little flavor.
Primantis sucks...go to Fatheads on the Southside or Uncle Sam's in Oakland. -
Review from X P.
Arlington, VA
5/31/2011 1 photo
I walked in, sat down, and ordered an IC light. Looked around, and realized that this restaurant looks awfully like one of the restaurants I saw on the food network where the guy goes around and eats these ridiculously large meals. After eating a Pittsburgher (the second most popular dish) and trying the colossal fish sandwich, and a capicola sandwich, I've decided that the best part of my meal was the IC light.
My friend's colossal fish was the best of the three and it's best eaten as two meals. My Pittsburgher was the pitts and I wouldn't order it again. Unlike your pitts on a 90+ degree day, it was really dry. The sandwich was only salvaged by my grotesque use of hot sauce. The concept isn't that ridiculous either. Just get fries and coleslaw and put it in your sandwich. The chili cheese fries were mediocre as well, but the portion again was hugemongous.
I'd come back here if I were in Pittsburgh again because its just a nice place to chill at on Market Square. But the food is only serviceable. Substituting quantity with quality can only get you so far.
The ambiance, service, atmosphere, and tradition makes this place pretty unique, but it don't make the food taste better. -
Review from Terry C.
5/18/2011 3 photos
When i told everyone I was going to Pittsburgh - Primanti Bros is one place everyone said I should try.
Primanti Bros.'s sandwich = meat + cole slaw + french fries
I ordered the pastrami and it was really good! The pastrami was lean and warm. I'm not a big fan of cole slaw but their cole slaw was pretty good. It was more like pickled vegetable; the pieces were big instead of chopped up finely which i liked. The french fries were a bit of a challenge to keep inside though.
I would recommend trying Primanti's if you're in the area! -
Review from Quintessential C.
West Chester, PA
6/17/2011
Its good for you to know that though the location (strip street) is in a bustling neighbourhood, there is free parking at the back for Primati customers! we parked elsewhere not knowing, and paid a tenner for 1 hour.
So anyways, we came in around 4pm on a saturday afternoon and though it was full, there was no line. We were seated almost immediately. The menu says "pittsburger cheesesteak": is the second best. Dont ask them whats #1 since they will always say "what you order is". Okay! that doesnot help!
So we ordered the colossal fish, pastrami, double egg & cheesesteak.
HUGE portion sizes. I could barely finish one half of the s/w. LOVED the pastrami. The others were just okay. Infact I didnt like the cheesesteak much. Yumm fries, but they get mushy sandwiched with the coleslaw.
The coleslaw has no mayo - its vinegar based, but delish!
We ended up going there twice (Pittsburgh downtown restaurants are strangely closed on sunday mornings), I dont think I will go back though. -
Review from Erica S.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011
I was excited to try to Primanti's, what with Food Network/Adam Richmand blowing it up and my boyfriend being obsessed with it. I was also scared; scared it would let me down, like another sandwich place with the same concept in Chicago that was gross.
And well: Primanti Bros is better. It was delicious. I had the pastrami and it was wonderful and had nice crispy edges from being fried on the grill. The bread was soft and easy to bite through and the coleslaw was perfection. Coleslaw is my least favorite, unless it's vinegar based and this was vinegar based. It wasn't too vinegar-y and I could tell there was a little something sweet in it. All in all, it paired well with the rest of the sandwich. The fries were crisp and not at all soggy as well. It was marvelous and I could've eaten another one.
Except that I had two huge yuenglings because I was in pennsylvania. you can't get it here, ok?
Also, the guy working the day we went here was SPECTACULAR. Seriously, it was kind of crowded when we got there, then super crowded and he got everybody out within twenty minutes. That's service. -
Review from Marci L.
Pittsburgh, PA
4/5/2011
luv this place!
My first trip to Primanti's was back in the 90's and I've been hooked ever since. I like the fact that they have opened up the more resturant / bar
atmosphere locations, but the one in the Strip will always be my favorite.
The fries are just greasy enough to make the sandwich sinful! I'm not a big Cole slaw person but I can't resist a roast beef w/egg at the closest Primanti Brothers!!! -
Review from Rachel C.
2/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Have you ever watched them make this sandwich? It's a special craft for sure. They take two pieces of white Italian bread. Pile on your choice of meat and cheese....then the grand finale....cole slaw and fries! Then the put both hands on the sandwich and proceed to smoosh it all down flat. All this is done with their bare hands, no gloves here, so all you sanitary peeps beware!
I don't know why it's such a fantastic sammy, but trust, it is! I think it's just the combination of delicious (and fatty) ingredients that does the job. It's just one more food experience that makes Pittsburgh's dining unique.
If you're visiting Pittsburgh, go here? If you're new to Pittsburgh, go here! If you just need your fill of a sandwich with more sides on it than you usually order in a regular sitting, go here! -
Review from Ches P.
So had a short stop at pittsburgh before heading out to the airport and decided to go on a food adventure... After getting lost and going to the closed location, I finally found this one at market square. I paid for parking and boy was it worth it!
The classic pastrami is too good! Crisped edges and stacked with vinegary slaw and crisp homey fries! Lived up to the hype! Trip was worth it. -
Review from Jeff S.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/24/2011
This place was featured on Man vs Food, which happens to be one of my favorite shows so I knew I wanted to hit it for lunch while in Pittsburgh. I tried really hard to be blown away by the experience but in the end it was just "A-OK" for me. Nothing really special about it.
First, our server was horrible and I have hard time with poor customer service. Trust me, I'm not a guy with ridiculous expectations either, I rarely (if ever) complain to a manager, etc.. Anyway, she was really preoccupied with this group of young guys who were drinking a few beers and giving her some attention. To say she was train wreck would be an understatement so I'm sure it felt good to have a couple of buzzed construction workers flirting with her BUT I don't want to suffer over her self-indulgence. Just saying.
We both ordered the pastrami sandwich and it came out rather quickly. The bread, which is made fresh daily was amazing; it literally melted in your mouth. The pastrami was just "ehhh, ok." It was lean but it didn't seem to pack a real punch from a flavor standpoint. I prefer mine I little more charred up with some seasoning. I could probably go with out having the fries on my actually sandwich as well. Apparently, that's there big move; they put the fries and cole slaw on your sandwich. I was also a little bummed about the fries; they end up getting really greasy and soggy. I'm a fries "well-done" kind of guy so this didn't really impress me from a flavor or texture standpoint. In the end, it didn't add to the flavor of the sandwich for me; it actually made it a big soggy mess.
The portions are enormous and the price is right for lunch. Well under what I think they could charge for the amount of food they give you.
For those Pittsburgh-ians who travel to the Los Angeles area, let me recommend Langers (look it up). The place is a landmark in Los Angeles and their pastrami and corned beef is absolutely second-to-none. In a fight, it would smoke Primanit Bros. like cheap crack. Just my two cents. The neighborhood is a little sketchy though so pack some heat if you have it! -
Review from Julie S.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2011
Tiny little place and very popular...highly suggest going early if you're a newbie in town and never had their sammiches before. They get pretty busy after 12.
I couldn't decide what to get, and was told their number 2 popular choice is not that great and I should try salami or black angus. Tough! So, I ended going with roast beef. I really enjoyed it, not greasy at all, and I actually ate the whole thing. Ha unbelievable, it was that good!
Overall service was great. -
Review from Kerry B.
Arlington, TX
1/16/2011 2 photos
It wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't good.
As soon as we walked in the door the place was jammed back with people who were not interested in seating anyone or telling anyone they would be seated. On one side of the restaurant there were literally two girls working, and one of them was pregnant. You can imagine the chaos. I wanted to have this "Pittsburgh" experience that I've heard so much about but honestly I was more than underwhelmed.
After being seated, it took the waitress 10 minutes to get around to actually saying hello to us and in between that time a large group of people decided to squeeze in a booth behind our table making my friend having to get up every time a waitress or another person needed to squeeze back there.
The sandwich at best was mediocre. The coleslaw was a bit too vinegary for my tastes and became sickening after the first half of the sandwich. I needed a lot of ketchup to even finish the sandwich. Not to mention I got a nice souvenier of vinegary smelling hands afterwards.
If you're a tourist, go do it to say you had a colossal sandwich and lived the "Pittsburgh" experience. Apart from that, I don't know why you'd return. -
Review from Dennis L.
Manhattan, NY
6/17/2011
So after hearing about all the raves and reviews about Primanti Bros, I had to try it for myself. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit disappointed. I think it is more of a novelty thing than anything. I would say yes, you should try it if you happen to come to Pittsburgh, but try not to expect a lot because that might have killed the sandwich for me.
The sandwich is packed with great meat, but the fries were pretty soggy and coleslaw that day was a bit too much pepper for my liking. I thought the fries might have been soggy because of the coleslaw so I ordered another order of fries (since I'm generally a fries fiend), but even those were soft and not up to par. I was pretty disappointed at that. However, the meat was pretty delicious. I got corned beef and it was delicious slices and it was cooked well.
I would say overall verdict: try the place but try with an open mind. -
Review from Stephen L.
Harrisburg, PA
3/7/2011
Get into Pittsburgh, go to Primanti's. It's a time-honored tradition, and I know I'm FAR from the only person who does it.
This is true Pittsburgh. It's real food for the real people of this real city. No flair, no fanciness, no pussyfooting around. You come hungry, you get a great sandwich, and you wash it down with some Iron City beer. Congratulations, you now know what this city's about(well, that and the Steelers). Adam from Man vs. Food had it right, capicola and egg is where it's at, and the fresh fries and slaw really put this place in a league of its own.
Simply put, you've gotta try this place. It gets on all the "places to eat before you die" lists for a reason. -
Review from janani s.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2010
1. DON'T get the cheese-steak ("2nd most popular item on the menu") and DO get the corned beef sandwich. Much much better, not that it's going to be good.
2. DON'T expect anything fancy or amazing. If you've ever been to canters or langers in LA, primanti's corned beef is just a shoddy knock-off version. Less meat, less flavor, soggy/dead fries. And that coleslaw is pathetic.
Oh well, when in Pittsburgh... -
Review from Kenyon H.
Hoboken, NJ
8/23/2011
the Primanti Bros sammich was everything I expected it to be...and I inhaled it! That's all I'll say.
-
Review from Jeff M.
New York, NY
9/27/2011
Really bad service. Make sure to get in the face of the wait staff or count on being ignored
-
Review from Harrison H.
Atlanta, GA
11/4/2010
Not bad, not great either. I was reasonably pleased with the size of the sandwich, although it's not "HUGE" like some others have mentioned here. But then again my appetite is considerably larger than most peoples, so I don't think I am a good judge of portion sizes.
I had the pastrami and cheese sandwich. I like the idea of fries and slaw on the sandwich. It sounds weird, but it adds an interesting taste that was pretty good. But honestly speaking, it's still just a sandwich. There is definitely nothing mind blowing about this sandwich, and I didn't even leave satisfied to be honest.
When I got back to my hotel I had some candy so that I could go to bed happy. -
Review from Brett M.
Newport Beach, CA
1/11/2011
eh.
Go here once to say you did. You'll get a sandwich with soggy fries and coleslaw on it. It will be pretty huge. That is all.
I might go back to check out the nightlife. I'll update my review then.
