La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District image

La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District

Bar Espresso bar

One of the Top rated Espresso bars in Pittsburgh


Address

205 21st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Website

www.laprima.com

Contact

(412) 281-1922

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (614 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 7 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (25) espresso (21) great (9) service (9) cappuccino (8) staff (8) Pittsburgh (7) good (7) drink (7) Italian (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Anthony D. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow - totally overrated and disappointed. My wife and I were visiting Pittsburgh and we were told repeatedly how great this place was. Let’s first start with the incredibly rude customer service. They were extremely unwelcoming and had no intention of providing us customer service. 3-4 people were behind the counter all just incredibly rude. How about the 18% tip that we left them and they didn’t even say thanks.The cappuccino was pretty good (I’ll give them credit there) but far from anything special. We walked a bit further down Penn Avenue to Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange and the coffee was much better. We told them about the poor experience we had and they were so kind to offer us a coffee on the house. We tipped the cost of the coffee, but THAT is how you treat customers. So disappointed after wanting to go here and HIGHLY recommend Allegheny - simply better coffee.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jyun-Syun L. 2 years ago on Google
    I love their cold brew too! Bold and flavorful
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Briana 8 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing espresso bar. The coffee was sooo good, and you can tell it’s a popular place because it was packed outside. I recommend getting some biscotti from Enrico’s which is right around the corner, and dipping them into your coffee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt B. 1 year ago on Google
    Old school real deal Italian café. Quintessentially Pittsburgh.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jim H. 6 years ago on Google
    The espresso here is a masterpiece! So smooth, rich and creamy with absolutely no bitterness. It’s espresso the way it’s meant to be. Every drink here is top notch. They’re so good Mr. Bunch, the CEO of PPG, had them set up an espresso bar for his daughter’s wedding. Amazing espresso and coffee served in a simple atmosphere. In season, they have outdoor seating available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylvia K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place. Simple, quick, and easy service just how I like it. Authentic espresso and the cappuccino that I ordered had a great flavor. The barista surprised me as he flawlessly made latte art for my to-go order despite it being near closing time. Will definitely come again and recommend for anyone visiting the Pittsburgh strip district.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tyson 5 years ago on Google
    Stopped in for coffee on the Pittsburgh stop during our recent road trip. Friendly staff, GREAT coffee. Outside the store was a table of guys enjoying coffee and a card game, they spoke Italian and looked like they were regulars. Great shop!

  • 5/5 Ammar N. 2 years ago on Google
    Good service, friendly staff Aldo reasonable prices . Coffee taste , one of the best within the city ! Pure Italian taste . Since you enter the place you smell the aroma of the coffee beans ! Just wish they have seating area . And extend opening hours .

  • 5/5 Sean R. 9 months ago on Google
    The best cappuccino and coffee in the city, young man named Cj and a young lady named savanna are the best, always make a outstanding cappuccino plus they have great personalities. I can’t remember all of the staff’s names but everyone at the strip district location always make a great cappuccino and provide great customer service. Once you get a cappuccino from this place, your ruined because, you will not find a better place than this little gem.

  • 5/5 Tiffany W. 1 year ago on Google
    Love coming here! Asked the worker for something with lots of caffeine, cold, and big and he made me a frizz with some half and half! First time trying this particular drink, it wasn’t bad but I do like their lattes better! Always great service!

  • 5/5 Alan K. 7 months ago on Google
    La Prima Espresso in the Strip District offers great espresso in a no frills space that is in the spirit of the Strip District neighborhood. Authentic international culture vibe. The neighboring bakery offers all the sweet treats that accompany an espresso drink perfectly. There's something refreshing about two neighboring businesses offering complimentary products and services to create an organic neighborhood experience as opposed to trying to put each other out of business or the hipster food hall concept where all the businesses roll up to the same corporation's income statement. Don't expect to linger at this location long due to limited indoor seating. La Prima Espresso Strip District is the perfect pick-me-up pit stop while on a mission to take in as much of the Strip District as possible.

  • 5/5 Travis E. 1 year ago on Google
    They said this was the best coffee shop in the city and I have to agree. The espresso is phenomenal. I really enjoyed the vibe and outdoor seating.

  • 5/5 Tim A. 1 year ago on Google
    Walked in, purchased espresso beans to go and espresso to dine in. Service was fast and friendly. Espresso was consistent and amazing as always. Bar Italia is our go to and can't be beat. When we can't get it at the strip we always order online.

  • 5/5 Michelle K. 5 years ago on Google
    My favorite coffee house we went to in Pittsburgh! It has a fun, authentic atmosphere and we got to chat with a lot of Italian people who come in to drink their espresso with a croissant. I got a plain latte so I could taste the actual flavor of the espresso, and it was incredible!

  • 4/5 Dan M. 1 year ago on Google
    White pizza with red onions and gorgonzola incredible, have them warm it up if possible. Delicious slice of pizza. Cannolis are great as well Friendly staff

  • 5/5 Florentina P. 1 year ago on Google
    We found this place by accident when visiting our family in Pittsburg and we haven’t stopped talking about it. The espresso was amazing and the guys behind the counter were the most friendliest and helpful. I get it ordered to Maryland and serve it in my Barber shop in Timonium. We are visiting our family in March and this is on the top of our list. I can’t wait to have a cappuccino and a pastry from next door!

  • 5/5 Gu L. 1 year ago on Google
    Small and cozy cafe with coffee and other drink options. Americano is delicious. There are all types of beans that they put on the shelf for sale.

  • 5/5 Peter S. 1 year ago on Google
    There are many good choices for coffee/espresso in da Burgh, but for my money, La Prima in the Strip is still the place. Delicious all around, vibrant scene, service is European courteous, sense of people and community is very apparent. Always love coming here. Raising my glass to all the older Italians who gather here on the reg. Alla bella vita!

  • 5/5 Emily T. 1 year ago on Google
    A simple old world coffee/espresso shop. Their brand of coffee is my favorite in the city, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The shop itself is connected to a bakery with fantastic goodies to pair with your coffee.

  • 3/5 Whitney B. 1 year ago on Google
    If the coffee wasn’t so good & consistent, I would give it 1 star. But, suffice to say the staff make this place barely tolerable. I get it — customers sometimes want a Starbucks-esque drink. Or worse, Dunkin. Not many people are accustomed to an “authentic” style Italian espresso bar. BUT! If you can’t extend some level of humility to the public, don’t work in customer service. That said — I went there this morning while waiting for Enrico’s to open. I walked to the counter & began my order — “14 oz, extra dry…” cut off by —“we dont sell sell chai” from the employee … —shocked that I was just cut off “extra dry cappuccino with one raw sugar” I almost couldnt believe that I was interrupted like that. I am picky with how dry I prefer these drinks, but I decided to let be. No apology for the interrupt. The drink was good, don’t get me wrong. It was dry, but I prefer drier. I also got a bag of beans & the employee was astute enough to ask if I needed them ground (I didnt, god forbid). Again, no applogy for the interrupt, and no “thanks” as I tipped him.

  • 5/5 Raymond S. 2 years ago on Google
    The employees were very friendly and quick. Vanilla latte with half the sweetener was really good. Next time I'll get an extra shot of espresso though. Good bean flavor

  • 5/5 josh l. 2 years ago on Google
    Kind quick service, with direct connection to next door backer and Italian restaurant.

  • 5/5 Chris B. 1 year ago on Google
    Best coffee in Pittsburgh. Met the Owner Sam, he's the nicest guy in the world. He's very caring always says hi to me when I arrive. The staff is very pleasant, always quick with every order I get! Definitely recommend to anyone who has never been to this establishment.

  • 5/5 Julianne S. 1 year ago on Google
    The best coffee shop in Pittsburgh! The espresso is great and they sell a large variety of bags of coffee. The staff is friendly. This place is the most authentic espresso bar I've been to and reminds me of when I was in Italy. Highly recommend :)

  • 5/5 Randy H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great coffee!! Their house blend of beans is a nice roast, not burnt like some other coffee roasters. Take a bag home! Their espresso drinks are well made from an experienced barista. Will definitely be back.


Call (412) 281-1922 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Prepared foods
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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