Penn Avenue Fish Company: Hook, Line, and Sinker

When you think of Pittsburgh cuisine, you might not think of sushi and fresh fish.  Sure, we’ve got three rivers, but the Mon isn’t exactly the source of sushi grade tuna.  And we’re not living the Japanese life where you can munch on sushi from a vending machine…hmmm.  So where can you go to quiet your craving for aquatic-dwellers?  The Penn Avenue Fish Company has your back…or your stomach. 

The PAFC has two locations (the Strip District and Downtown).  We’ve been to both locations, but we’re always drawn back to the Strip location.  Not only is the Penn Ave location where it all began, but the amount of stimuli in this place is unreal.  Not only is it packed with patrons getting their eat on (it’s always jammed at lunch), but the guys and gals who run this eatery are really working! 

If you look to the left, you’ll see the fishmongers filleting up whole fish and wrapping up various fresh orders for the at-home cooks.  In the center, is the sushi counter.  Here you can sit and watch the sushi masters create art on a plate.  Some of those rolls are almost too picturesque to eat…almost.  At the front counter, people are jockeying for their turn to check out the chalkboard menu and place their orders.  (Don’t be surprised if Angela Earley, co-owner alongside Henry B. Dewey, writes your ticket herself.) This is also where you pay when you’re done eating. 

Fishmonger

Fresh Fish

Sushi Master

Chalkboard Menu

Besides sushi, the regular menu ranges from sandwiches and tacos to pizzas and salads.  They also have daily soups and specials.  While you might have trouble deciding what you want, trust me when I tell you that everything is fresh and delicious.  No matter what you pick, your mouth will be happy. One of my favorite sandwiches to order is the Broiled Cod Parmesan.  It might sound a lil’ boring but picture this: two generous fillets lightly coated with crispy breadcrumbs, tomato-basil sauce, and a blanket of gooey cheese all sandwiched between a fresh Ciabatta roll.  I always order extra sauce on the side and try to refrain from drinking it in public.  The hubby ordered one of the specials the other day: New England Style Lobster Salad on a Pretzel Bun.  The pretzel bun was easily the best I’ve ever tried.  (You can buy them for $2 apiece if you become obsessed like me.)  The lobster was perfectly cooked and lightly dressed.  All sandwiches come with slaw and a deli side (changes regularly). 

Broiled Cod Parmesan

New England Style Lobster Salad

If the daily grind of work keeps you away from the Strip District location (open 9am-4pm), you can eat dinner at the downtown location Wednesday-Saturday from 6-10pm.  They’re also open for lunch but don’t expect to see the orange-clad fishmongers at this locale. 

I have a few more tidbits for you before I go.  One, Tuesday is “Taco Tuesday” and you can get quite the deal (2 for $4.99, 3 for $6.99, or all-you-can-eat for $8.99).  You’ve got to try the all-you-can-eat special at least once.  Also, on Sundays….ah-hem…on Sundays…man I don’t know if want everyone to know this…okay, here it goes because I like you all so much…they have brunch!  Yes, I’m talking lobster and egg burrito and smoked salmon benedict.  I'll see you in line.  

Tuna Steak and Eggs

Penn Avenue Fish Company is serving up the freshest fish in the most amazing ways.  If you love seafood, you need to stop in here the next time you visit the Strip.  Who wants sushi from a vending machine anyway? 

I give Penn Avenue Fish Company (Strip Location): 5/5 forks

PAFC

2208 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.434.7200

Neighborhood: Strip District

PAFC

308 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.562.1710

Neighborhood: Downtown