The City of Bridges. Steel City. City of Champions. The 'Burgh.
Coming from a family with a history of being Pittsburghers for generations, nothing could truly replicate Pittsburgh's majestic nature. From the food to the people, to the music, to the Terrible Towel, Pittsburgh has been put on the map for generations. While many traditions in this city have not caught on nationwide, to me it's still pretty special because Pittsburgh has much to do with my ancestry.
Here's my list of what makes Pittsburgh such a unique city.
1. Primanti Bros.
To start things off, I'd like to introduce one of the finest eating establishments known as Primanti Bros., a true Pittsburgh favorite. The signature sandwich, The "Almost Famous" Sandwich, can be ordered with meats like turkey, roast beef, salami, or even without meat. What makes the sandwich "almost famous" is that it comes piled with coleslaw, tomatoes, and french fries, between Italian bread slices.
Personally, I've had Primanti Bros. about two or three times, but it's all worth it to come back for another sandwich after traveling hundreds of miles to see family.
There are lots of local eateries that I can recommend, but for starters, I recommend Primanti Bros. just to set the Pittsburgher mood.
2. Professional sports
Of anything on this list, of course, I have to mention sports. Pittsburgh lives and breathes sports.
With the Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pirates (MLB), you can't go wrong.
Yes, it is biased, but the Steelers fanbase is especially something like I've never seen. Steeler Nation is no joke. At least once a month, I see a car drive by with a Steelers bumper sticker/license plate frame or a house adorned with Steeler banners, but more often the former. (Confession: I have never been to a Steelers game, but believe me, that is on my bucket list.)
Pittsburgh has also had its share of professional basketball in the past. If an NBA team becomes a reality there, you know I'm going to be a fan.
3. Mr. Rogers
If you watched plenty of PBS as a kid like I have, chances are you've watched plenty of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Fred Rogers, (right on above picture), to this day, continues to remind me of the mark he placed on America and Pittsburgh as a whole.
The reason why I included Mr. Rogers is because you can find many things in the city that reference him and the TV series because of the positive influence he had on children of many generations. The show was produced by Pittsburgh's PBS station, WQED.
You simply can't talk about Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood without mentioning Pittsburgh.
4. History
Some historical structures in American cities have come and gone, and Pittsburgh is no different. However, Pittsburgh does have its share of history spread across the city. Whatever history Pittsburghers can upkeep, they do their best to maintain it. From places like the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Golf Club, and the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, history knows no bounds in the Steel City.
5. Community
Like many areas, Pittsburgh has a sense of community. Go around for a stroll in neighborhoods like Point Breeze and you might encounter a friendly "Hello!" or two. Despite the setbacks of the steel crisis, Pittsburgh is still quite a place for one to work and live.
With this community, things continue to take shape all of the time. Everywhere I look, I am amazed at how much Pittsburghers have been investing more into improvement for the city no matter what capacity. It gives me hope that Pittsburgh is not done, yet.
