The Strip District - it sounds like a red light district but it is really a region of Pittsburgh, PA known for its wholesalers, restaurants and funky shops. The Strip is a favorite weekend destination for Pittsburghers and is a must-see for out-of-town visitors.
Traditionally, the Strip District, a flat strip of land on the Allegheny River's south shore just east of Downtown, was filled with warehouses and small factories. The restaurants were there primarily to service the Strip's workers. It has only been in the past 20 years or so that retail shops, wholesalers with retail front-ends, restaurants and dance clubs have opened.
Wholey's Seafood epitomizes the strip experience. Wholey's, one of the region's largest seafood wholesalers, also has a large retail establishment with fresh & prepared fish, sushi, a butcher-shop and fruits and vegetables.
Each ethnic group has its presence in the Strip. Sunseri for Italian meats, cheese and olives. Reyna Foods for Mexican and South American specialties (we especially like the Jamaica Tamarid and Guaranara drinks), Asian grocieries... You name it. There is even a store called Candy-Rama filled with, you guessed it, candy.
Street vendors abound too, selling ethnic food, used CDs, Pittsburgh city prints & photos, bootleg sunglasses and a little bit of everything else.
We recommend starting your Strip adventure early. Go to breakfast at one of the famous spots like DeLuca's. Work off the carbo-load by walking the Strip - head towards town stopping at the shops. Just stop wherever you please, you'll find a little bit of everything. Other Strip favorites include Feinberg Novelties, USA Gourmet, Rubino Produce and Benkovitz Seafoods. Do make sure you visit the Senator Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. It's a great place for local history and nostalgia. After that, hit Eides, the best place in the city for comics, music and sci fi.
Then, turn back away from town and head back down the Strip. Since you've worked off Breakfast, it is now time for lunch. Try Primanti's, for their famous sandwiches (with the cole slaw and French fries inside the sandwich) or our favorite - Mallorca. Now, Mallorca isn't in the Strip, but rather in Pittsburgh's South Side, and is known for its huge portions of Paella, lobsters and shellfish. It's a great stop to top off any visit to Pittsburgh.
Fish cutter
