Hosting a Steelers watch party, or don’t want to show up to a tailgate empty-handed this season? We got you.
Every item on this list will elevate your gathering to an extra-special, Pittsburgh-focused level.
Everyone knows it is a good play to shop local, so pickup some of these treats before the big game:
Mancini Pepperoni Rolls
A Pittsburgh tradition in their own right – especially on a game day – the Pepperoni Rolls from Mancini’s will make any win much tastier (and any – knock on wood – loss a bit more bearable).
Layers of sturdy dough are mixed with tangy pepperoni to form this delectable, and portable, snack. Mancini’s pepperoni rolls are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the store, or reheated at home.
Dozens of stores in the city carry their products, and there are Mancini’s locations in the Strip, Downtown, and McKees Rocks. Chances are, you’ll smell the rolls before you see them.
Eat’n Park Smiley Cookies
It is not a true Pittsburgh gathering unless someone is bringing the Smiley cookies from Eat’n Park. The Black & Gold version of this cookie is as nearly as iconic as the original white-frosting variety.
It’s not hard to get your hands on a pack of these treats – just stop into your nearest Eat’n Park. However, if you want to send some Steelers love to anyone out of state, it is possible buy and ship these cookies online.
The Stone House Restaurant Bloody Mary Mix
Early afternoon kick-off? No problem. Start the day with a Bloody Mary using The Stone House restaurant’s bloody mix.
Located in Farmington, PA, The Stone House is a charming inn that first opened in 1822. The space, which also houses a tavern and restaurant, also produces its own bloody mary mix. Stone House’s recipe is a local hit.
And you can also purchase this Bloody mix at Pennsylvania Libations in the Strip District.
Red Ribbon Soda
For a non-alcoholic beverage option, crack the top on some locally-made Red Ribbon soda. Red Ribbon’s producer, Natrona Bottling Company, has been bubbling and bottling soda since 1904.
Independent and locally-owned, all drinks are made in small batches and carbonated using pinpoint carbonation – a rare system that produces smooth, tiny bubbles
Popular flavors include “Original Cherry Supreme,” “Root Beer,” and “Vanilla Cream.”
Red Ribbon soda can be purchased throughout the region.
Pittsburgh Pickle Co. Pickles
Pass the pickles, please! Add something sweet and tart to your football spread with a jar of pickles from Pittsburgh Pickles Co.
This group of local pickle producers believe the perfect pickle is a true work of art. They treat the cucumber as the canvas, the spices as the paint, and the brine as the brush. The result? Some unique, and dang delicious pickles!
Try their classic Pittsburgh style, the “Dill-Mill,” or “Fire & Smoke.” Pittsburgh Pickle Co. can be found in many grocers, shops, and restaurants, including Giant Eagle and the 52nd St Market.
Growler of Local Beer
Where to start? We have the lucky problem in Pittsburgh of having dozens and dozens of local breweries spread across the city. However, no matter where you decide to go, no one is going upset with the person who shows up at a tailgate with a growler of local beer.
Some of our favorite spots in the city include: Dancing Gnome Beer, Couch Brewery, Grist House Craft Brewery, East End Brewing Co., Voodoo Brewery Homestead, and Allegheny City Brewing.
Pint of Millie’s Ice Cream
Just like a growler of beer, it is always a good idea to bring a pint of ice cream to a party. Pittsburgh favorite Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream has dozens of flavors available in their two shops in Shadyside and Market Square.
Some of the brand’s classic flavors include: the Best Chocolate, Vietnamese Coffee, Chad’s Vanilla, & Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
Pro Tip: Combine Chad’s Vanilla with root beer from Red Ribbon Soda for the ultimate Pittsburgh dessert.
Pittsburgh Popcorn
Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese? Chunky Chocolate Caramel? Cheddar & Caramel Mix? Buttery Movie Style? All of the above are different flavors of popcorn you can munch on during the next Steelers game.
With eight locations in the region, it is not hard getting your hard on some of Pittsburgh Popcorn’s famous kernels. Not to mention, the giant metal tins the popcorn comes in are a lot more useful than you’d think.
Chips & Salsa From Renya Foods
Chips and salsa are a classic for any party, but upgrade your store-bought varieties and pick up freshly made salsas and chips from Renya Foods in the Strip District.
Renya’s opened in 1988 and was the first Mexican grocery store in the Pittsburgh area. The company has a “chip factory” in Cadogan, PA, where they produce blue, white, red and yellow corn tortilla chip using the “nixtamal” method. This method involves soaking and cooking the corn in an alkaline solution – usually lime water.
Renya’s Pico de Gallo, fire-roasted tomatillo salsas and guacamoles are made fresh every day.
Jalapeno-Cheese Hot Dogs from Freedom Farms
This is one of Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets. Freedom Farms – a farming empire in Butler, PA, comprising of a market, bakery, sandwich, and reality tv show – sell some of the tastiest hot dogs in city.
These dogs, loaded with jalapenos and melty cheddar cheese, are a sure hit at any grill-out. Paired with their split-top buns and pickled vegetables, it is a truly unique hot dog experience.
Freedom Farms hot dogs can be purchased at their Butler Farmers Market, and at any of their traveling markets.
Pierogies From S&D Polish Deli
You can never go wrong with a Pittsburgh classic – the pierogi. One of the city’s favorite pierogi shops is S&D Polish Deli on Penn Avenue in the Strip District. Load up on flavors like Potato & Cheddar Cheese, Kraut & Mushroom, classic Potato and more. S&D’s pierogies are sold by the dozen, and must be cooked before serving.
Dream BBQ
Head to Homewood to carry out some delicious barbeque from Dream BBQ on N. Braddock Avenue. Pittsburgh can’t get enough of Dream’s smoked turkey ribs, chicken wings, and mouth-watering sides – and you can get it all to-go.
It’s probably smart to enjoy a few ribs at Dream while making the pickup, because it’s not likely you’ll be able to make it to your destination without taking a few bites, – the smell is just too intoxicating.
And don’t miss the Mac & Cheese, green beans, potato salad and yams.
Carson Street Deli Sandwich Ring
Level up your sandwich game and bring a sandwich ring from the Carson Street Deli to your Steelers Watch party.
The Pittsburgh classic – located on East Carson Street in the South Side – is known for their delicious (and massive) sandwiches. The company only requires one-day notice for catering orders, so there’s still time to order a deli sandwich platter, or choose from their list of signature sandwiches. Don’t forget to grab a 6-pack from their unique beer collection while you’re in there.
Adam says
Smileycookie.com now provides bulk cases of 50 black & gold Smileys! Perfect for any party or tailgate 🙂
http://www.smileycookie.com/shop-by-occasion-1/football-cookies-3.html