Big Jim’s Patriots Road Trip Guide To: Pittsburgh
Just one week into the season and there’s already a dark cloud of fan nervousness and frankly, panic, hovering over the New England Patriots. And while it’s certainly warranted, given…
Just one week into the season and there’s already a dark cloud of fan nervousness and frankly, panic, hovering over the New England Patriots.
And while it’s certainly warranted, given that the loss in Miami was an ugly extension of everything that was bad about the preseason, that shouldn’t stop YOU, the travelin’ Pats fan from overrunning someone else’s city and having as good a time as possible.
With that, here’s a handy guide of what to see and avoid in Pittsburgh, PA this weekend.
A city that I’ve long considered to be one of the more underrated gem’s in America, and one of the better places to visit for a road game.
Photo: Big Jim Murray
1.) DO: CLIMB THE OTHER MT. WASHINGTON!
Well, not exactly climb, or even via automobile… but by INCLINE!
Cheap, touristy, and where to go if you’re looking to get some of the best views and Instagram worthy photos of Downtown Pittsburgh, the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines don’t take very long to ride, are dirt-cheap, and should be a must do for you n’ your traveling party.
Be sure to bar hop in the neighborhood up top, too; there’s some pretty good dive bars in the area.
Photo: Big Jim Murray
2.) DON’T: BUY THE HYPE ON PRIMANTI BROS.!
I’m not necessarily saying you shouldn’t get a Primanti Bros. Sandwich; you should if you’ve never had one and this is your first trip to Pittsburgh.
But what I am saying is, is they’re wildly overrated.
Primanti Bros. Is a Pittsburgh staple, and what they’re known for are stuffing their sandwiches full of fries and coleslaw.
That’s it.
That’s the gimmick.
Oh, and the stupid bread is always too big.
Often dry, and ALWAYS messy, they’re best purchased when you’re hammered and you need something to soak up the booze.
Other than that, sure, get one to say you’ve had one, but don’t expect to be blown away.
A trip to Primanti’s is fine, nothing more.
3.) DO: DRINK THE LOCAL DOMESTICS!
If you’re a big bearded, flannel wearing SadDad who’s all about “crushable I.P.A.’s” 🙄 then you can move on to the next travel tip.
Oh, I’m sure that the Pittsburgh area is chock full of local micro breweries with overpriced flights of beers that taste like the inside of a lawn mower bag, but like any other spot in America, I don’t give a rat’s ass about ‘em.
Instead, POINT ME IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR CHEAP, LOCAL DOMESTICS.
Thankfully, Pittsburgh has three of my all-time favorites.
Of the three, Iron City’s light (IC Light) is my go to whenever I’m in town, and yeah- I know you can get Yuengling anywhere now- but they taste better in Pennsylvania; that’s just science.
They’re all easily found around town, and all extremely drinkable.
Photo: Big Jim Murray
4.) DO: FILL YOUR BELLY WITH PIEROGIES!
There’s no shortage of these delicious, pillowy, Polish delights to be found all over Pittsburgh, but if want the realist of real deal Pierogies, then I suggest you grab some to go for lunch at the S&D Polish Deli
At the S&D, you’re not going to be going to a formal restaurant, what it is, is right in their name. It’s a Polish Deli. And if you’ve never been into one, you should, just to see all the interesting and tasty culinary offerings.
When it comes to their Pierogi, their Potato & Cheddar is the go-to, but I also highly recommend the Potato & Jalapeño for little spicy kick.
Photo: Big Jim Murray
5.) DO: SEE ROBERTO CLEMENTE’S STATUE & BRIDGE!
Easy to do, and both equally impressive from an aesthetic standpoint, the city closes the bridge down on game days, so you should save a little extra time to check it out so you can get a photo or two for the ol’ Instagram.
