Pittsburgh’s Strip District is known for its Steelers t-shirts, Wholey’s Seafood Company, Kelly O’s Diner, and delicious Italian, Thai, and Mexican cuisine. However, before one can truly enjoy their day in the Strip District, they must obtain their morning coffee. Fortunately, there are two great Strip District options  to start your day: La Prima Espresso Company and Prestogeorge Coffee and Tea. 

La Prima, located at 21st Street and Penn Avenue, was established in 1988 by Sam Patti. The company prides itself on being a certified organic roaster by Pennsylvania Certified Organic, and they also hand-roast their beans in small batches for optimal taste.

However, Patti didn’t initially plan to find one of Pittsburgh’s best coffee shops. He originally intended to teach Italian cultural studies, but he fell in love with Pasquini coffee machines. He initially wanted to sell the machines in the Strip District, but his showcase turned into what is now the modern-day La Prima coffee bar. 

La Prima also sells their specialty coffee blends for your own cup at home. You can even find their Rachel Carson and 1988 blends at your local grocery store. 

No matter how you like your coffee, La Prima is able to provide you with a true Italian coffee experience. The company still draws their espresso the true Italian way: one ounce pull of seven grams of espresso. They also specialize in macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos.

However, if you are looking for something other than La Prima (or want to compare one great coffeehouse to another), then head over to Prestogeorge Coffee and Tea to sample an inventory of 500 fresh roasted coffee beans and loose leaf teas. It is located right on Penn Avenue, next to Peppi’s — perhaps a minute’s walk from La Prima. 

John Prestogeorge, who served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, founded his coffee company in 1980. Although Mr. Prestogeorge unfortunately passed away in 2010, the company still treasures his classic technique of dry roasting to ensure that each Arabica coffee bean is bursting with flavor. 

Prestogeorge is not just a Strip District craze; it is known nationwide because the company ships their products to all 50 states. Their online store sells not only teas and coffee beans, but also gifts and accessories. Their accessories include french presses, filters, tea infusers, tumblers, and everything you could possibly need for your morning beverage. 

Similar to La Prima, Prestogeorge never compromises their quality. They use only the finest Arabica beans to ensure that their coffee conveys the heartiness and smoothness that Prestogeorge is known for. Additionally, the company roasts their beans, daily, every half an hour. Some of their specialty beans include J.P. Hearty Blend, A.J. Wild Blend, and Black and Gold Blend. 

Although both companies provide a great cup of joe, they also embody the soul and culture of Pittsburgh’s Strip District. It is guaranteed to see that both places are filled with daily patrons participating in lively conversations. Even if you do not like coffee, La Prima and Prestogeorge are the perfect places to sit and have a chat, make a new friend, or just enjoy the aroma of roasting beans.