If you think of Pittsburgh, you probably think of steel mills, the black and gold of the Steelers, and sandwiches piled high with french fries. But according to Laine, the digital marketing pro behind the beloved @PittsburghPizza Instagram page, there is another title the city deserves: A True Pizza City.
In the latest episode of the Pizza Story Podcast, two Pittsburgh natives and fellow marketing enthusiasts, Erica and Laine, geek out over the unique landscape of the “Burgh’s” pizza scene. Here is the inside scoop on why Pittsburgh pizza is having a major moment.
The Ritual of the Neighborhood Shop
For Laine, pizza wasn’t just food; it was a childhood ritual. With a mother who worked weekends as a nurse, Laine and her brother grew up on “Dad’s weekend pizza runs.” That nostalgia is the engine behind her page today. Pittsburgh is a small world with a rich heritage of Italian immigrants. You have these legacy shops where you step into a literal time machine—cash only, no frills, and a menu that hasn’t changed in sixty years.
The Styles of the Steel City
Pittsburgh doesn’t just have one style; it has a high-contrast mix that caters to every craving. The Pittsburgh Style found at shops like Fiori’s is thick, doughy, incredibly cheesy, and features that signature oily, crispy bottom that fans would never change. Then there is the New York Hybrid, where local favorites like Mama Lucia’s and Badamo’s bring that foldable, giant-slice energy to the city with a local touch. Finally, you can’t talk about Pittsburgh without mentioning the Cold Cheese Phenomenon. It’s a polarizing legend, specifically at Beto’s, where cold, shredded provolone is piled high onto a hot, thick crust. As Laine puts it: “When you’re craving Beto’s, nothing else will do.”
A Marketing Pro’s Take on the Review Epidemic
As a digital marketing expert by day, Laine has a “hot take” on the current trend of influencers ranking pizzerias with decimal points. While visibility for pizza is great, Laine chooses a more compassionate path. She often jokes that she is like the girl from Mean Girls who wants to bake a cake filled with rainbows. Her philosophy is simple: if she doesn’t like a pizza, she simply doesn’t post it. These owners are some of the hardest working people in the world, and Laine feels it isn’t her place to assign a number that could make or break a small business. She and Erica agree that if you have a bad experience, you should tell the owner privately rather than blasting a legacy shop that has been the neighborhood’s backbone for decades.
The Ultimate Pittsburgh Pizza Bucket List
If you find yourself in the 412, Laine recommends several non-negotiables for your pizza tour. For the legacy experience, you have to hit Fiori’s, Vincent’s Pizza Park, Mineo’s, or Aiello’s. If you are looking for an artisan slice, Badamo’s in Dormont or the Northside is a game-changer. For a true Strip District vibe, check out Colangelo’s, Bella Notte, or Pizzeria Davide. If you want to find a hidden gem, Tomato Pie Cafe is essential, though you have to keep an eye on their unique operating hours.
The Future of @PittsburghPizza
After eight years of posting, Laine’s page remains a labor of love. Now a new mom, she’s less focused on being a formal influencer and more focused on the relationships. Whether she’s getting invited to a backyard pizza party or discovering a new food truck, she’s in it for the community. If you want to know where to eat in the Steel City, follow Laine on Instagram @PittsburghPizza for the best slices in town.
Follow Pittsburgh Pizza on Instagram @pittsburghpizza.
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