Frugal Diner »

The Frugal Diner

Published: July 4, 2011 Authors: Kate Stoltzfus (Goshen College), Liz Core (Goshen College)

At the beginning, middle and end of the day, we’re all looking for a good meal (on July Fourth, especially, that can be a challenge).

In addition to the welcoming “Anabaptist” sandwich menu at Fernando’s Cafe, Pittsburgh offers a multitude of options for conventiongoers.

After scouring the sidewalks near the convention center, we found ten good eats for the Menno on a budget.

1. Cory’s Subs & Cheesesteaks: Started two years ago by a former baker. Customer favorites include Cory’s Cheesesteak (delicious!) and the Big C hamburger, made with grilled ham and cheese. Also features build-your-own subs. All sandwiches on homemade bread. 8” subs are $7.49 and can easily be split for two. 212 10th St.

2. Fernando’s Cafe: Home to the Anabaptist menu during convention week, with sandwiches such as the Martyr’s Buffalo Chicken at reduced price for conventiongoers. Other options include toasted subs and wraps, salads and personal pizzas. Plenty of inside seating. 963 Liberty Ave.

3. Peace Love & Little Donuts: “Embrace your inner hippie” with specialty mini donuts in a plethora of flavors. Banana split, Nestle Crunch, Oreo, maple bacon and raspberry cheesecake are just a few. Cash only. Individual doughnuts cost from 50 cents to $1.25; a half-dozen for $4. Open from 6 a.m. to11 a.m. and located inside Fernando’s Cafe. 963 Liberty Ave.

4. Oyster House: A Pittsburgh favorite since 1870 and voted City’s Best in 2008, Oyster House allows one to dine on eats like fish and chips and oyster patties. Plenty of old-fashioned charm – think tin ceilings, vintage photos and a bar counter – with inside and outside seating. Former President Jimmy Carter is one of many celebrity visitors. Entrees $5-10. 20 Market St.

5. Primanti Bros Bar and Grill: Home to the “all-in-one-meal” sandwich since 1933. Burgers are topped with cole slaw and fries. Other options include chicken fingers, wings, chili and salads. Recommended by locals. All meals under $7. 2 S. Market Square.

6. Mancini’s Bread Company & Prantl’s Bakery: Two businesses team up to create homemade loaves and confections such as cookies, cakes and pies. 440 Market St.

7. Pizza Parma: Award-winning pizza parlor with three locations throughout the city. Serves pizza by the slice, unique specialty pies such as Greek or seafood pizza, deluxe hoagies and gyros. Plenty of options for everyone. Open until 1 a.m. 823 Penn Ave.

8. Bruegger’s Bagels: Open all day, Bruegger’s features homemade bagels, breakfast sandwiches and drinks, paninis and baked goods. A few doors down from Nicholas’ Coffee Company. 25 Market Square.

9. Sree’s: Cheap delicious Indian food, with classic favorites like Naan bread and curry dishes. Vegan friendly. Meals for under $5. 701 Smithfield St.

For a night on the town, try this option.

10. Seviche: Tapas from $8-10. Speciality is the Latin American ceviche, a marinated lime fish, as well as other seafood. Larger entrees run towards $15. 930 Penn Ave.

Kate Stoltzfus is a first-year student at Goshen College, majoring in English/writing and minoring in journalism. She is from Goshen, Ind., and likes getting answers to unanswerable questions.
Email this author | View all articles by Kate Stoltzfus
Liz Core finished her first year at Goshen College, with an interdisciplinary major (peace, justice, conflict studies; writing; and psychology). She is from Pella, Iowa.
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3 Comments »

  • KathrynlSherer said:

    I don’t know if my first comment went through or not. I said i liked the personal interviews with different people attending convention. You could have a lot more of these from people of all ages. And what about some street interviews with people who might be curious about Mennos. Thanks for all your good work.

  • Duane Stoltzfus said:

    Thanks for your ideas, Kathryn!

  • Pittsburgh Examen… « just an apprentice said:

    [...] through the ministries of Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, PULSE and Fernando’s Cafe…for the acknowledgement of mutual treasures across various Christian traditions and between the [...]