Primanti Brothers

Keep your gastronomic analyses away from this one.

Primanti Brothers is one of those establishments that you know you can always go back to and be guaranteed a good meal.This is due entirely to reputation, which seems to be a commonality among all of the greats. But beyond that, Primanti is a purveyor of simply delicious, good quality foods. They are in line with Katz's Deli in NY.

Primanti Brothers was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression in the Strip District in Pittsburgh. Essentially located in a port of commerce, this sandwich-cart-turned-restaurant maximized its location and capitalized on an untapped market. It was a hit.

Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Top 100 Places to Chowdown Countdown,” Primanti brothers actually came in #3, which I feel is actually a bit generous.

For all intents and purposes, Primanti Brothers is basically a deli. However, on all of their sandwiches, they put homemade coleslaw and freshly made French fries. That’s right…on the sandwich between two slices of Italian bread. And they won’t make it with fries or slaw “on the side” either. I like that. When a restaurant has an established tradition/trademark and won’t deviate from it, I think it speaks to their authenticity. It also says they are proud of how they do it and want you to experience what we like. Being unapologetic about your product is awesome.

I ordered the corned beef and cheese. It arrived piping hot and exactly as advertized. I took a bite and was impressed. The corned beef was well cut and seasoned and the provolone was oozing and the aroma danced in my nose. I found myself removing some of the fries and slaw but still kept some so that I was able to experience the true authenticity of the Primanti Sandwich. It was very satisfying. The crunch from the freshly made slaw contrasted the soft interior of the fries or the savory taste of the meat.

Every college town has a place like this. Each location has its own succulent variations of sandwiches and carbohydrate contributions that will appease the drunken undergraduate in us all. However, Primanti Brother’s were the first to gain notoriety. And there has to be respect given for that.

I think that the college chowhound would certainly make his/her way down to one of the five Pittsburgh establishments and be completed sated after a night of drinking.

I went to Pittsburgh again because I wanted to see my favorite hockey team play. They lost to the Nasville Predators.

But would it stand to reason that I drove six hours just for a nationally recognized sandwich?