Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Double stuffed, mile high sandwiches made with love for the last 79 years. Get there.
About ‘Wich Hunting: Anthony and I have travelled the world eating everything from Balut in the Philippines to blood sausage in Argentina. In every destination there has always been a sandwich shop. Some were good and some were bad but they all had their unique take on this ubiquitous meal. The origin of the sandwich is highly debated and we’ll dive into that on our journey as we discover, taste and debate the best sandwiches in the world.
May 8th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Do you know WHY they put all the stuff inside the sandwich? I love this story and it is so typical of how food evolves due to the circumstances they are in.
Truckers delivered their goods in the middle of the night and had to get back on the road quickly. So Primanti’s designed their sandwich to be eaten with one hand, while the driver drove the truck with the other. By combining the sides with the sandwich, a Pittsburgh staple was born. Of course, the restaurant offers a slightly humorous take on it, offering the explanation that the Primanti brothers simply forgot the plates and forks one day. According to the restaurant, Joe Primanti, born in suburban Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, invented the sandwich during the Great Depression. His brothers, Dick and Stanley, later joined him. The Primantis opened their hole-in-the-wall restaurant at Smallman Street and 18th Street in the Strip District and served the late-night and early-morning workers who were unloading fish, fruits, and vegetables.
May 11th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
I asked my waiter that question and he said there are a bunch of theories. I like yours the best and it sounds like the theory that makes the most sense.
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:58 am
Love it!!!!! This video captures the personality of Greenwood.
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:01 am
A dreadlocked local reporter had his to say: