The Original Oyster House is a legendary Pittsburgh eatery for exceptional seafood since 1870.
IN THE
Burgh
Pearl of a Pub
The Original Oyster House is a legendary Pittsburgh eatery for exceptional seafood since 1870.
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
The Original Oyster House in Pittsburgh’ s Market Square is the oldest bar and restaurant in the city. It was added as an historical landmark in 1971 by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
When the tavern originally opened, oysters cost one penny, and a pint of beer set you back a dime.
Photo by JONATHAN RUGGIERI OF JERONIMO CREATIVE
Fast-forward several decades, and Pittsburgh teenager Louis J. Grippo visited the local establishment one evening with friends. He was unceremoniously kicked out of the pub, but declared as he was shuffled out the door that he’ d return one day and buy the restaurant.
He became a Marine, and later attended law school. His first foray into food came when he opened a hot dog stand in the Hill District. In 1970, many years later, Grippo’ s prophetic words came true when he became the fifth owner of the Original Oyster House. The Grippo family continues to own and operate it today.
Through the years, the bar has served as a backdrop for 25 feature films, including“ Three Rivers,”“ The Cemetery Club,” and“ Night of the Living Dead.” It has also been featured on the Travel Channel’ s“ Food Paradise.” Professional sports figures, politicians and Hollywood celebrities have all flocked to the local institution. But mostly, it has attracted
regular, everyday Pittsburghers who simply love great seafood.
The kitchen still prepares daily the original recipe for breading the seafood that was created by Mrs. Americus( wife of Louis Americus, who owned the Oyster House from 1916 to 1970). Mr. Americus contributed to the restaurant in a different way, adding to the wall decor. Each year, he attended the Miss America pageants and returned with photos of the contestants, which line the walls of the Original Oyster House.
The main feature, which is the great food, includes oysters on the half shell, as well as breaded oysters, clam strips, Maryland-style crab cakes, shrimp, scrod, New England clam chowder, salmon salad and the Monster Fish Sandwich. A staple of the fare includes the Famous Ribbon- Cut Pittsburgh Taters.
Taste some history with your family with a trip to the Original Oyster House. For more information, visit originaloysterhousepittsburgh. com. n
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