Dear incoming Pitt freshmen:
You're new to Pitt, we've all been there. We get it. Sure, you might not know what the 'coming-back-from-a-party' etiquette is yet, but if I can tell you anything before you move in, I want to share what the top 10 late night food spots to hit up.
10. Sorrento's Pizza
Located on Atwood, this pizza place is perfect if you're heading back to the Quad post-South Oakland shenanigans. Bonus: it's pretty good for the ole college budget. A large 14" pizza is only $8.80 and breadsticks are $3.75. Plus, you can order online here.
Did someone say 'amen', or was that just me?
9. Forbes Gyro
If you're in more of a Greek mood, Forbes Gryo is the spot for you. Located on Forbes (duh) two doors down from the Subway, you can get all the Greek food you want. What's the best part? If you're craving Greek food one night, you can get it until 2:30 AM.
8. McDonald's
It's McDonald's, so you know what you're getting. It's open 24 hours and is on Forbes Avenue right next to Rite Aid. Plus, there's a bus stop at the corner, so whether you're coming from the South Side or the Pete, McDonald's is an easy stop.
7. Qdoba
Once again, Qdoba is a chain, so you now what you're getting. Qdoba, like the previous two, is also on Forbes Avenue and is equally convenient. Similar to Chipotle, except Qdoba is open until 1:00 AM.
6. Quaker Steak & Lube
Chicken wings + spicy sauces (or mild) = magic. There's even more magic when you can get wings to go until midnight and when you can order online (Also, on Forbes Avenue.)
5. Primanti Bros.
A Pittsburgh classic! (Take it from me, I'm from Pittsburgh originally). The original Primanti's is in the Strip District, but the food is just the same and way more convenient after a long night wandering Oakland. Bonus: they're open until 3:00 AM. If that's not a beautiful thing, I don't know what is.
4. Peter's Pub
True, it's a college bar, but that doesn't mean there's no food! Peter's is located just off of Forbes, and is open until at least 2:00 AM. Everything is also pretty cheap, too, so your college budget works.
3. Hemingway's Cafe
It's been called the greatest college bar in Pittsburgh ('nuff said). But honestly, everything is pretty cheap (your college budget thanks you). Hem's is a few doors down from the O and Towers, which is yet another convenient stop.
2. Antoon's Pizza
Just like Sorrento's, Antoon's is also on Atwood. The pizza is still awesome (how bad could it be, it's pizza!) and for $5 you can get a large pizza hot out of the oven. Also, the location is key if you're heading back to your dorm.
1. The 'O'
Like Primanti's, the Original Hot Dog Shop is a Pittsburgh staple. Sure, the food is greasy and unhealthy, but it's still awesome. I've been going there since I was five. Trust me when I say that the O is a Pitt staple, too. The O is right on Forbes Avenue and just a few doors down from the steps that lead up to Towers patio. The O is open until 1:30 AM, FYI. And my personal recommendation would be to try the O fries and an O dog with cheese. You'll thank me later.
Sincerely,
Sasha Kotarski