Sam Patti founded La Prima Espresso Co. in 1988. His original business plan was to sell and service commercial espresso machines from his showroom in the city’s historic market and restaurant district known as The Strip. Soon the showroom evolved into a full-service espresso bar, where it has become a must-stop Pittsburgh destination. Join the locals and visit the first La Prima Espresso location at 21st Street and Penn Avenue - or head over to the coffee kiosk in Carnegie Mellon University’s Wean Hall.
La Prima
Est. 1988
I remember visiting La Prima when I attended Carnegie Mellon University and indulging in their chocolate croissants and robust flavored iced coffee. Therefore, I had to visit the original location in the Strip to see how it compared. Pittsburgh treated us with sunshine yesterday; therefore, after grabbing a cappuccino and a blueberry muffin I eagerly walked outside and sat myself at a small table outside the coffee shop.
Springtime in Pittsburgh!
Captured on the walk from the Strip District to Downtown Pittsburgh
So far in Pittsburgh, La Prima’s coffee shop experience felt the closest to how it felt drinking cappuccinos and espressos in Italy, France and Spain.
Date of Trial April 9, 2019
Purchased Medium Cappuccino
My favorite cappuccino in Pittsburgh to date!
The Ratings
Overall - A+
Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)
Presentation - 5
Boldness - 3
Sweetness - 2
Price - $2.95 (for middle size)
Orchard Hill Church in the Strip
Expected to open in Mid-May!
Cheers!
Nancy “Brew” Geronian
