1. Primanti Brothers for Pizza

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

I had a pepperoni pizza at Primanti Bros., and it nearly broke my Pittsburgher brain. I’ve been to “The House That Slaw Built” countless times in my life, but I rarely veer from a cap-and-cheese piled high with those “Almost Famous” yinzer fixins.

It doesn’t matter that there’s a whole menu to explore outside of sammiches; the thought of ordering something round, flat and not covered in fries seems … well, wrong. To covertly try a Primanti Bros. pie, I visited one of the chain’s suburban eateries — where, I felt, it’s more acceptable to go rogue when ordering. Could I even get the word “pizza” out of my mouth as my taste buds demanded capicola drenched in Red Devil sauce?

My nervousness faded as soon as the host seated me at a booth with a poster above it proclaiming “In Pizza We Crust.” For $20, I got an 18-inch pie, which is a bit much even for a professional eater. (You can sensibly order a large slice for $1.99 when you dine in.)

I happily gobbled a large portion of my colossal lunch. I enjoyed the zestiness of the sauce and the cupped pepperoni grease traps on a thin crust that was soft and chewy, but buckled under a metric ton of mozzarella. I washed it all down with an I.C. Light draft because I can’t break every tradition.

The to-go box has the words Pizza Bros printed on the top and a Tic Tac Dough board on the back. I’m down for another game of Primanti pizza if anyone wants to play — winner gets the first slice and a cap-and-cheese.

2. Live la Vida Loca at Viva La Vida Mexican Bar & Grill

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

If you like Mexican food with a twist, the color pink and eye-popping murals, visit Viva La Vida Mexican Bar & Grill in O’Hara.

Head chef Gustavo Badillo fuses south-of-the-border fare with other cuisines, including sushi, fries loaded with steak, pico de gallo, avocado, jalapeños, sour cream cheese dip and filet mignon with jalapeño butter. Because why not?

Local artist Ashley Hodder painted murals of famous Mexican entertainers throughout the space. It complements the menu, which is a culinary form of entertainment. Did I mention the margaritas that light up and smoke?

3. Hot Dogs for Breakfast at Grim Wizard Coffee & Nicky’s Hot Dogs

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

It’s 11 a.m., and I’m consuming a hot dog and a Hell Hound iced latte inside of a heavy metal cafe. As a black-clad foodie who loves cookouts but hates the sun, this is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Allentown’s Grim Wizard Coffee hosted its first Hot Dog Brunch with Nicky’s Hot Dogs, a roving business that specializes in Chicago-style street food. Like the new Pope, I’m a devotee of the Windy City’s famous frank on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, neon-green relish, chopped white onion, sliced tomatoes, dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers and celery salt.

Nicky’s offers brunchier items, too, such as a Polish sausage-and-egg sandwich, pepper-and-potato hash and a bacon-egg croissant, but starting your day with a hot dog is hardcore. And if anyone criticizes you for your nutritional choices, tell them the devil made you do it.

This story is part of our 2025 Best of the ‘Burgh staff picks.