14 PGH Sandwich Spots (not Primanti’s) You Need to Try

Look, we get it. Primanti’s is as Pittsburgh as it gets.

Eating there is a time-honored tradition that ranks highly on the “You might be a Yinzer if…” list. Primanti’s also lands on every single Pittsburgh to-do list.

But if you’ve lived here for a while, you’ve probably had your fair share of Primanti’s. And now it’s time to start seeing other sandwiches, starting with this list of Pittsburgh sammich spots.

Gaucho

[relevant url=”http://eatgaucho.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gaucho+Parrilla+Argentina/@40.4489675,-79.9874809,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f3e745c6a21d:0xd166914b541af57f”]

The fact that this Strip District sandwich spot was named one of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S. is reason enough to stop by. And when you do, no matter what you order, you’ll be blown away. From rosemary-braised beef to chicken and chorizo to pork tenderloin, eat and every meaty sandwiche is worth trying at least once.

Thin Man Sandwich Shop

[relevant url=”www.thinmansandwichshop.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Thin+Man+Sandwich+Shop/@40.4521088,-79.9838162,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x563ee07a31585bf6″]

Casual, gourmet sandwiches. That’s one way to characterize this specialty sandwich shop. The menu is ever-changing, except for their three signature sandwiches that feature ingredients like liver mousse, runny fried egg, and goat milk marinated chicken. The remainder of the menu is a mix seasonal and creative concoctions that you can keep up with via the “new sandwich alert” broadcasted via Twitter and Facebook.

The Yard

[relevant url=”http://www.theyardpgh.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Yard+Gastropub/@40.4514041,-79.9341076,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xfcde83a931552e54″]

This place has gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches galore. In this case, galore equates to approximately 26 grilled cheese options. Which can be overwhelming. So we’ll make it easy for you. When you’re at The Yard, order the Pierogies N’at – a combination of pierogies, kielbasa, and sauerkraut, within oozy cheddar and Gouda, between two pieces of Texas Toast.

Carson Street Deli

[relevant url=”http://www.carsonstreetdeliandcraftbeer.com/home/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carson+Street+Deli+%26+Craft+Beer+Bar/@40.4290025,-79.9831001,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f1694027dd65:0x5dd2cdad7e146255″]

We’d like to introduce you to your standout sandwich spot on the South Side, offering epic eats and a long list of local beers. There’s a good chance the sandwich of your dreams is included among the Deli Specials. And if not, you can build your own sammich starting with the bread, cheese, meat, veggies, and condiments at will.

Spak Brothers

[relevant url=”http://www.spakbrothers.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Spak+Brothers/@40.465081,-79.9425212,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f2421080bad7:0xcb34bc29e90ce0b8″]

A sandwich from a pizza shop? Yes, indeed! What can we say? When a sandwich is good, we don’t really care where it comes from. If it makes you feel better, you can order a pizza and a hoagie (hint, hint!). The hot sausage and meatball hoagies are spot on. The same can be said of the Buffalo chicken. And the BBQ chicken. What we’re trying to say is that sampling the sandwiches at Spak will require a second round.

Bluebird Kitchen

[relevant url=”http://www.bluebirdkitchen.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bluebird+Kitchen/@40.4405699,-80.0016869,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f156bf6562b3:0x167e9e1f3ff018d4″]

This breakfast and lunch spot elevates on-the-go eats for city-goers. But, for the sake of this article, we’re eyeing up the sandwich section of their menu. How about the roast beef on ciabatta? Perhaps the croque monsieur – ham, slathered with béchamel, on brioche – is more your speed. Still not satisfied? Three words: shallot-bacon jam. Which you’ll find on the roast turkey sandwich. You’re welcome.

Fat Heads

[relevant url=”www.fatheads.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fat+Head’s+Saloon/@40.4289509,-79.9801646,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xadac9193cb4e1e3b?sa=X&ved=0CJEBEPwSMApqFQoTCNfzkL6I3McCFUYbPgods9wItA”]

If you think “bigger is better,” then the Headwiches at Fat Heads are right up your alley. They’re like a regular sandwich, only bigger. Like, the size of your head big. So, bring your appetite with your and order the South Side Slopes – a massive (and delicious) sandwich that marries chargrilled kielbasa with sautéed pierogi, onions, American cheese and horseradish sauce.

Triangle Bar and Grill

[relevant url=”https://www.zomato.com/pittsburgh/triangle-bar-grill-pittsburgh” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Triangle+Bar+%26+Grill/@40.4176095,-79.8879368,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834ee68e5af7277:0x559418408e330dc4″]

The aforementioned Headwich is big. But it can’t sink the Battleship; a 26 inch hoagie and the main attraction at Triangle Bar and Grill. It’s been drawing a crowd to Swissvale since the mid-1940’s. Here, size and simplicity win the day. Start with the bun. Heap on the meat: capicola, turkey or ham. Pile on American and provolone cheese. Load it up with lettuce. And top it off with strands of white onions, oil, vinegar, and herbs.

Peppi’s

[relevant url=”http://www.peppisubs.com/locations.html” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peppi’s/@40.450205,-79.9856492,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f3dd9b37f655:0x7ecdc1afd6f60195″]

Here’s what you need to know about Peppi’s: It’s the home of “The 7.” Aka, the Roethlisburger. It’s a massive burger and sausage combo topped with cheese and two eggs. Of course, it’s not the only sandwich named after a Steeler. There’s the Heath and Joey Potter “bella,” as well as steak, deli, chicken-filled and veggie-friendly sandwiches to choose from.

Pub Chip Shop

[relevant url=”http://thepubchipshop.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Pub+Chip+Shop/@40.4285451,-79.979361,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8834f16e956a422f:0x6a1426b1b3db7538″]

This Scottish inspired spot serves up fish and chips, as well as savory baked goods, to hungry patrons on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The sandwich menu features favorites from the U.K., like Scott eggs, boxty tots, and baps. But the main attraction is definitely the classic Fish and Chips – two pieces hand battered Haddock served alongside crispy chips.

Smallman Street Deli

[relevant url=”smallmanstdeli.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/place/Smallman+Street+Deli/@40.435608,-79.9231,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x1d313dd75936a534″]

When you’re in the mood for a sandwich, it’s hard to go wrong with a place that has deli in the name. Smallman Street Deli proves that theory true, serving some of the best butcher cut meats in the ‘Burgh. Signature sandwiches, like corned beef, Reuben, pastrami and roast beef are a solid choice. The same can be said for the Rachel. It’s like a Reuben, only different – served with cole slaw instead of sauerkraut.

Uncle Sam’s Sandwich Bar

[relevant url=”http://www.unclesamssubs.com/” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/search/uncle+sam’s+sandwich+bar+pittsburgh+pa/@40.4652572,-80.0361764,12z/data=!3m1!4b1″]

If the reviews and awards have it right, this isn’t just one of the best sandwich spots in Pittsburgh. Uncle Sam’s is one of the best anywhere, ever. We’re not just saying that either. Their eats, including the french fries, have been winning awards since the 80’s. The best thing to do would be to see for yourself, starting with the Ultra Uncle Sam’s Special. It’s a bigger, meatier steak special.

North Shore Deli

[relevant url=”www.northshoredeli.com” map=”https://www.google.com/maps/dir/”/”/data=!4m5!4m4!1m0!1m2!1m1!1s0x8834f3fa975b2bb3:0x88c9d56636639de9?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiE1evt6pTSAhXJVyYKHU5jCVsQ9RcICzAA”]

Head to this hidden gem on the (you guessed it) North Shore for fresh and delicious sammies that are made to order. This place is Pittsburgh through and through. To prove it, every menu item is named after a local street. And get this, every sandwich is under ten bucks. No, they’re not skimping on the portions. The folks at the North Shore Deli pile on the goods to feed a steelworkers appetite (even if you’re not a steelworker). All in all, you’ll get a killer deal on an amazing sandwich.

Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches

[relevant url=”http://www.leonaspgh.com/” map=””]

Last, but certainly not least, the sandwiches from Leona’s are unlike anything else on this list. To be clear, they’re like any other ice cream sandwiches anywhere. They’re locally sourced; using the freshest ingredients around. They’re also innovative, dreaming up flavor combos like plum/ginger molasses, roasted fig/vanilla and strawberry rhubarb/shortbread to name a few. Oh, and one more thing, every ounce of ice cream sandwiched between those delicious cookies is 100% lactose-free.

[join]What do you think about these sandwiches? Are you willing to give them a try? Let us know with a comment here on facebook.[button text=”Click Here to Leave a Comment” link=”https://www.facebook.com/madepgh/posts/936062909800652″ target=”blank” width=”full” color=”black” size=”small”][/join] This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.