Ed and Day’s Guide to The Strip District

Lindsay Patross

Lindsay Patross

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Lindsay Patross

Ed and Day in the ‘Burgh: Comedians, podcasters and craft beer enthusiasts Ed Bailey and Day Bracey explore hot spots, hidden gems and the best places to grab a cold brew in the ‘Burgh.

Meet the neighborhood: The Strip District

In this episode, Ed and Day spend the day eating their way through the Strip District. Named for its geography, the Strip District occupies a long flat strip of land along the Allegheny River. The neighborhood has a long history of being a culinary hub for the city. 

The Strip District continues to be a food lovers’ destination. There are over 75 restaurants in just one square mile. From street food to fancy treats, there is something for every palate. 

FOLLOW: @stripdistrictneighbors 

An authentic Italian Bakery – The Enrico Biscotti Company

“We do everything the way your grandmothers do”

After 15 years of working for a phone company, Larry Lagattuta quit his job and opened an Italian bakery. The Enrico Biscotti Company is more than a bakery, Enrico’s also has a cafe and offers classes in bread making and baking. 

Ed and Day learn how to make Italian love knots and cannoli from scratch. 

PGH Pro tip: You can buy biscotti from Enrico’s website. 

FOLLOW: @enricobiscotti 

Serious street food – Lucy’s Banh Mi

“Some of the BEST food is street food” 

Lucy Nguyen has been serving banh mi to hungry Pittsburghers in the Strip District for 30 years. 

Located outside of Bar Marco, Lucy doesn’t have a sign or a website, but she does have a loyal following of banh mi fans. 

Know before you go: Lucy’s is seasonal. Check her Instagram account @lucysbanhmi to see when she is back in Pittsburgh.

Old fashioned cool treats – Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor

“The only prescription they fill is for flavor”

Klavon’s operated as an apothecary from 1923 to 1979. The building was boarded up and unused for 20 years. In 1999, Klavons reopened as an ice cream shop and soda fountain. This Strip District spot is one of the only places in Pittsburgh where you can get an old-fashioned ice cream soda. All of the ice cream is made in-house each week in unique flavors. 

PGH pro tip: Follow @klavonsicecream on Instagram for updates on new flavors.  

Middle Eastern Eats – Salem’s Market & Grill

Salem’s is a one-stop-shop for local food. In addition to being a hallah butcher, Salem’s has a market and a restaurant that is known for some of the best middle eastern food in Pittsburgh.  

In the news: Salem’s has been selected to open a new grocery store in the Hill District. 

Old building, new brewery – Cinderlands

Ed and Day wrap up their visit to The Strip District with a stop at Cinderlands Warehouse. Pittsburghers like to use things that used to be there but aren’t anymore to give directions. The Cinderlands Warehouse is in the building that housed the Spaghetti WArehouse for many years. 

Cinderlands Beer Co has three locations, The Strip District, Lawrenceville and Wexford that offer both food and beer. 

What to drink? Ed and Day sample some Cinderland’s staples:

  • Track’s Again
  • Squish
  • Incredible Sky Cascade

They also sip a special beer “Overflowing with Love” a collaboration beer with chef Jackie Page that was created for the annual Barrel and Flow festival. 

Behind the label: Meet Pittsburgh artist Paul Roden about his work designing labels for Cinderlands. 

FOLLOW: @cinderlandsbeer