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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