Upon arriving in Oakland, the number of places to eat can be a bit overwhelming for a first-time Pitt student. With an enormous dining hall and places such as Chick-fil-A, Burger King and Einstein Bros Bagels all available on a meal plan, newcomers may laugh at the idea of eating anywhere else. However, there comes a time for every Pitt student to take off the training wheels and head into Oakland to expand their taste buds. When that time comes, here are a few places to check out.

Primanti Bros.

3803 Forbes Ave.

Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to midnight

Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

In order to declare oneself a true Pittsburgher, eating a Primanti Bros. sandwich is a must. Located on Forbes Avenue only a couple of blocks away from Litchfield Towers, Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh tradition dating back to 1933. While the restaurant offers salads, soups and even chicken wings, the main attraction is its “Almost Famous” line of sandwiches. Each sandwich comes with tomatoes, homemade cole slaw, provolone cheese, french fries and choice of meat — all fit together between two pieces of fresh Italian bread. Yes, it’s quite a mouthful.

Pamela’s Diner

3703 Forbes Ave.

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While coming to college is quite an adjustment for an incoming freshman, no one ever gets used to 8 a.m. classes on Monday mornings — no one. But breakfast at Pamela’s can serve as a little extra motivation to get up for that early biology lab. Pamela’s is best-known for its famous crepe hotcakes, which are thinner and better than any other hotcake around. And even with a side of bacon and a cup of much-needed coffee, the bill is affordable on even the most modest of student budgets. Pamela’s is located on Forbes Avenue, and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Fuel & Fuddle

212 Oakland Ave.

11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

While all Pitt parents would like to think that their child attends every early morning class, it’s wishful thinking. Though students may use staying up late to study as an excuse, it’s usually because they’re eating half-price food at Fuel & Fuddle — a popular Pitt spot for late-night food. Fuel & Fuddle has an array of different menu items, from individual live fire pizzas to their Wildfire Wings. Without a doubt, the best part about this restaurant, except for the food, is that its menu is half-price from 11 p.m. through 1 a.m. So if it’s late and you’re hungry, take a break from studying and head to Oakland Avenue for some pretty stellar wings.

Spice Island Tea House

253 Atwood St.

Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Closed Sunday

For those looking to try something a little different, look no further than Spice Island Tea House. Nestled in the heart of Central Oakland on Atwood Street, Spice Island Tea House serves a wide variety of southeast Asian food. For those completely new to cuisine like this, the “Ever-Famous Pad Thai” is a good place to start. As the restaurant’s name suggests, they also serve a variety of exotic teas, as well as a large selection of wines and beers. It’s a great place to take your parents and show them how worldly you’ve become.