This place saved the day for me many times that I can remember! But today was huge, due to the winter storm I couldn't find anywhere to get a coffee and espresso! Luckily I remembered them and instantly knew that there was no doubt they were open. I got a double espresso and a drip coffee. They are always extremely friendly and welcoming. The regulars were in there and it makes the feel even cooler. I highly recommend trying it if you haven't! And also the bakery next door is always top notch! read more

Cute little shop and delicious coffee!! They have all the regular stuff with a few specialty drinks. The menu is mixed in with some fancy italian terms.. :) I decided to go with moka which was a really good choice. And without knowing what egg cream (chocolate) is, my friend ordered it out of curiosity. We were told that it was made out of sparkling water (they use san pellegrino I believe as they also sell that as bottled drinks), chocolate syrup and foamed milk. It was served on ice. I have never had the combination of milk and sparkling water and it is surprisingly good! Good option for non-coffee drinkers. The best part? It is 2 doors down from a popcorn store(which is also a local favorite too, expect lines out the door). We ended up sitting outside enjoying coffee and popcorn for the rest of the afternoon. read more

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The best espresso in Pittsburgh, hands down. The kindest people frequent and their employees are just as enjoyable as their coffee. read more

Favorite coffee shop in Pittsburgh. In all the years I've been there, I've always had a well-made coffee drink. Stop next door for pastries, if you want something to go with the coffee. read more

La Prima has without a doubt the best Espresso and other coffee's in the entire city. Other than the great coffee, the atmosphere at La Prima is unlike any other coffee house in Pittsburgh. La Prima has an old school feel to it with a great and friendly staff, along with friendly patrons. I've been coming to La Prima about 4-6 times a week for the past 6 months and have become somewhat of a regular here. read more

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This is apparently THE place to be late Sunday morning. Espresso was divine. They have organic, fair trade coffee too. Wish I had brought some home after all. read more

La Prima Espresso Co - Don't drink your espresso out of a paper cup. It's just not right. - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sorry, folks, the single shot espresso I ordered was the most sour espresso I've ever had. I went to La Prima expecting an Italian-style experience. This was afforded in some aspects by their indoor stand-up tables, but the espresso shot was not up to par. I expected a dark-colored espresso with crema and a strong but even taste. When the shot was served to me, I was suspicious because it did not look right. I am not an expert, but since I have been on a coffee-shop exploration spree for several months, and have done a little reading on the matter, I have gotten a sense of what espresso and cafe lattes should generally look like. In this case, what struck me as off was the light, tannish color. Also the texture of the crema didn't look right, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It did not at all look like espresso I've had in Italy, which was always dark with a tiny but distinct crema layer. I put my initial impression aside, though, because I was expecting greatness. I took a sip and it was nasty. I was really surprised. I took another sip, I thought it was bitter. I took another sip and I realized this was beyond bitter, it was something different--it was sour. I was also surprised that it tasted like it was room temperature. I am not someone who likes coffee crazy hot, but the temperature seemed too tepid. I tried adding a little sugar--still sour. I added some more sugar--still sour. I couldn't seem to mask the sourness with sugar. Not that there should be anything that needs to be masked. I don't think that even steamed milk could mask the intense sourness. I took my time with it, sipping it or using the little spoon, and it never got anything besides absolutely 100% sour. The standup tables inside are just right for having an espresso. There are regular level sit-down tables outside. The shop is connected to the next-door bakery, Colangelo's, which had nice-looking pastries. There are no bathrooms available to customers. This surprised me, but it must be a Strip District problem as the next two places I stopped didn't have bathrooms, either. read more

La Prima Espresso Co - Single shot espresso - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

First, this is my favorite place to get any kind of espresso drink in the entirety of any coffee shop I have ever been to, ever. I also love the authenticity of the coffee shop. However, due to the popularity, I usually feel rushed in and out and it can be pretty crowded. I don't mind having to stand and drink my coffee but sometimes there isn't even any room to stand. Also, the parking can be hit or miss depending on when you go, but that's not their fault. That being said; anything negative is worth it because it is literally the best espresso in my favorite place in Pittsburgh (the strip district). read more

I love this little Espresso company on the strip in Pittsburgh. This place is legit and offers the best Espresso this side of the Atlantic. There menu is very much straight forward and offers most fares you would find in Italy, Germany, Austria etc. On my visit I had a straight cappuccino and it was by far the best I have had since being in Europe and this includes Seattle. As far as true Italian Espresso goes La Prima takes the cake. Overall skip the other "Coffee" shop on the strip and hit up La Prima for a true coffee drinking experience. read more

La Prima Espresso Co - La Prima!! - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great spot to grab a quick coffee. Service was quick and hassle free. Great atmosphere and it's connected to the Italian place next door.

Stopped in this morning for some coffee while in the strip. While my latte was good, the menu was a little confusing. I didn't see it listed on the menu. the pricing in general is confusing since everything is in Italian Regarding the latte... it was ok, but not the best. it didn't seem strong in my opinion compared to my favorite place for lattes. read more

Out of 200 reviews, I've written only 14 1 star reviews. that's .07%. That means I never really write 1 star reviews. La Prima Espresso in the Strip District gets one. :( They've got a good coffee but I will never be back, bc the older woman who is the barista in the morning was unforgivably rude, without reason. The coffee is good, I would have liked to become a regular, but I dont want to start every morning dealing with her nasty attitude. Yesterday she rolled her eyes at me when I asked for lots of room for cream. I am a former barista. I *know* asking for room for cream is not one of the more difficult special requests she gets! If you hate the public, you shouldn't work with them. This morning takes the cake, and I just won't be back. Here's what happened: I walked in, and she was talking to a gentleman who was obviously a regular. Because she was busy and bc I've barista'd myself, I waited patiently. And waited and waited. It was a few minutes, but an eternity when you really need coffee! She never even looked at me. Then all of a sudden she goes, "Okay lady are you going to stand there or do you want coffee?" WTF. I liked her sense of urgency, but seriously? Rude. I asked for a medium coffee in a large cup, or if that's not possible, a medium coffee with lots of room. Not hearing me, she goes, "What was that?" and the older gentleman said, "She wants a medium sized coffee in a large cup." And the woman turns to me and snaps, "And you couldn't repeat that yourself?" Even the guy she was talking to, her regular, was like, "Whoa." He tried to make some excuse for her, like, "She's just fired up today!" Then the woman slams my coffee down on the counter. Was she having a bad day? Am I the doppleganger of someone she hates? I dont know, I don't care. I believe she may be the owner because surely she should have been fired by now, as there are other posts with complaints about her. "Do not go here during the week if you expect them to open on time. I was there today and it was 615am and there was no employees at all. Managed very poorly. The older lady with a short hair cut is the one who doesn't open on time when she is scheduled. Please move this lady to a different time. 6am is too early for her." I won't ever be back. If that's just her spunky personality, well, her personality sucks. Seriously lady, you're not a morning person. You should ask for later shifts. read more

I am one of those people who needs to put things in my coffee. I can't drink it black. La Prima Espresso Company has actually broken me out of this habit. I went back here several times over a 3 day period during my visit in Pittsburgh. We stumbled across this cute Italian coffee shop on our way to watch the runners at the Pittsburgh Marathon. I needed coffee and I needed it now. This was the first place I saw. To my amazement, the coffee was probably some of the best I've had. I kid you not. I did not have to put anything in it (I did add some cinnamon though). It is fantastic! Perfectly brewed to perfection. I even bought a bag of beans of La Prima's own Grow Pittsburgh brand bold flavor that they have made locally. It's delicious! This is a really authentic Italian coffee shop attached to a bakery and a wonderful find right off "The Strip" in Downtown Pittsburgh. read more

First, purchase a biscotti from Enrico's Biscotti Co. I recommend the Chocolate Almond, but try not to eat it right away. Then, run over to La Prima Espresso Co. and order a cappuccino. Next, grab a seat next to the table of elderly Italian gentlemen (I hear they're there everyday), and watch them play cards as you sip & nom. -- This is the perfect way to start your Strip District feast. After, walk next door to the Pittsburgh Popcorn Co. (Are you seeing a trend yet?) read more

This WAS my (our) favorite coffee in all of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately they've changed espresso machines and a slew of baristas. Espresso is way too hot and tastes burnt now, not to mention the overall quality of the drinks is way down...foam half done and also overheated. Such a shame...the people are still very nice and their beans are great but from now on have to get my drinks elsewhere read more

We arrived early and had the entire place to ourselves, 15 minutes later the place was jammed with a very eclectic crowd, enjoying some of the best coffee Pittsburgh has to offer. The neighborhood is awesome with outdoor seating. I'm a coffee of the day type drinker, no cream, no sugar. I like to capture to true flavor and essence. Delicious medium bodied brew. read more

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Styled like a McDonald's. That's a sad first line. Let me try again. Authentic Italian espresso joint. There, that's a little better. Italy is known for coffee. And I'm a huge fan of most things Italian. But here's the real story: Italians helped to pioneer coffee (especially espresso); but Americans perfected it. Well not Americans in general. But a few people in America. It's called the third wave of coffee. La Prima seems ok but mostly kind of a wilted style and under par coffee. If you're from Italy or simply like coffee, you will probably find some enjoyment here. But don't come here for truly artisan coffee. The macchiato I had here once had a not very good flavor (burnt?) and way to much coarse foam on top. Exceptional third wave-quality coffee can be obtained at places like 21St. a couple blocks away, or 4121 Main in Bloomfield. Sadly not at La Prima. A few points for authenticity, minus a few for not actually being that great. read more

If you're in or around The Strip District, head over to La Prima Espresso to satisfy your caffeine fix. A note to the wise, this place gets super busy on the weekends, but the line moves fairly quickly. My favorite time of the week to stop in is early on a weekday morning, when there's no wait and a small handful of customers chatting and enjoying their coffee beverage. The setup isn't exactly warm and inviting - you go here to get your coffee and perhaps a pastry from neighboring Colangelo's Bakery (next door), then either stand at one of the few high-top tables, sit outside at one of their tables, or just leave and continue walking around the strip. A large coffee will set you back $2 while a delicious cappuccino is a bit more (but worth every penny). If you've only ever had a cappuccino from Starbucks, you'll quickly realize what you've been missing out on. Value - 5 Stars Ambiance / Interior - 3.5 Stars Customer Service - 4 Stars Location - 4.5 Stars read more

A charming place for a no-frills caffeine fix that seems to be a hit with locals and tourists alike. Really good coffee with a great bakery next doors, they share a common door. The place has no indoor seating, just a few high tables to place your coffee and baked goodies on, as you stand, burn a few calories, and enjoy the goodness of fresh coffee with chocolate croissants or spinach frittatas. They do have a few chairs outside lined on the street, but they tend to get filled up soon, especially on weekends. The place does get really loud and choc-a-bloc with caffeine-craving locals and tourists, but the line moves pretty fast thankfully. It was nice to watch groups of elderly Italian gentlemen catching up here over authentic delicious espresso and cappucinos. read more

Such a cute little coffee shop in the Strip District. Stopped here for a quick coffee prior to a meeting in the area. Not a huge selection but you can tell that everything is very meticulously crafted. My latte was delicious, and fairly priced. There were a few standing tables on the inside, but a couple of tables with chairs outside. Beware of the birds coming to hang out if you had food! While not pigeons, more on the Snow White side of birds, just friendly and curious. read more

This is probably the best place in Pittsburgh to get an espresso, cappucino, or latte. It's a small, no-frills coffee company -- don't come in here asking for a soy non-fat no-whip caramel crappacino or whatever, because you will be laughed out the door. They roast their own coffee, and you can also buy their coffee (whole bean or ground) and take it home with you to brighten your mornings. They have a coffee-of-the-month club, which I aspire to join someday. The best time to visit La Prima is a Saturday morning in early fall. The Strip will be in its full bustle. Go up to the counter, try to puzzle out the Italian saying on the chalkboard while you wait, order a coffee, and sit outside at one of the iron tables. The delicious-smelling coffee steam will waft up in the crisp morning air, old Italian men will have just started their mornings of sitting outside, smoking cigars, and making fun of each other over interminable coffees, and all will be right with the world. read more

My latte wasn't bad...wasn't anything special either. However, the customer service tainted the experience. Was barely acknowledged at the counter and had to hear the employees complain about their first world problems. I don't expect a conversation, but you can at least be friendly. I experienced none of the charm others talked about from La Prima Espresso. Wouldn't come here again. Oh yeah, and they use Torani syrup, so do yourself a favor and get a plain drink. The espresso tastes better with just milk. read more

I set out to find La Prima based on a recommendation from a friend. I haven't had time to explore too much since moving to Pittsburgh and was looking for a local shop to buy whole bean coffee. Right away she said La Prima in the Strip! I found parking on 22nd St. and it was an easy walk around the corner to find La Prima. Walking in I was hit with all the wonderful aromas you would come to expect from a coffee shop. They had a wall of coffee to the left as you walk in which is what I was after. There was a quite a selection and a lot of variety. So much so that someone like myself who is relatively new to the world of home coffee was a bit overwhelmed as to what I should be looking at. This must have been obvious because on of the staff came over after a few minutes to see if I had questions. He asked how I was brewing and after mentioning a pour over, he made a few suggestions that would work well. I went with the Washed Ethiopian Sidamo. I was told this was a creamier coffee in contrast to the dark roasts I've been using. It smelled amazing and after making a cup at home I can tell you this is a very tasty coffee and also very fresh. It will fill your kitchen with a great butterscotchy smell. It did run me $16 for a pound which too me getting into Hobby seemed a bit high but I'm sure there are much more expensive options elsewhere. I don't have a problem with it for a few reasons. One, I'm supporting a local business and two, a portion of the sale goes to charity. I just wish their price menu was a little more user friendly. You have to look up above the shelves on a chalkboard that separates out the types of coffee with lingo most people probably aren't going to understand at first. Even when I asked the gentleman helping me how much my coffee was he said, "Um, most are $14-$16." He wasn't even sure. Overall it was a lovely experience and I will be stopping back to try more. I was in a rush so didn't order a coffee while there so I can't speak to that end of the business but will be sure to do so next time I'm in. read more

La Prima Espresso Co - Washed Ethiopian Sidamo - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This would be considered excellent even in Italy. Just go for the coffee. Staff and owner are very friendly. read more

This is the best Italian style espresso in Pittsburgh. It's not third wave, but it's not trying to be. Great atmosphere, wonderful pastries next door, and fantastic coffee. read more

A couple of regulars recommended this place to me. AMAZING coffee. I had a doc with cocoa on the top and even got a chance to visit with the owner. I got there early, but but the line was to the door by the time I left. There was a ton of energy at this place and you could tell this is a local hotspot. read more

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What draws me here is the ambiance. It transports me to a grungy neighborhood caffe typically found in Italian small towns and villages. In other words, the place is a charmless room awash in harsh fluorescent lights. It has a couple of high tables but no seats (well, when the weather is good, they have outdoor seats). The regulars take their espresso standing, half chatting with each other, half watching whatever RAI programming that is showing on the TV. In addition to the espresso/cappuccino/latte, I recommend the freshly squeezed juice. I don't know why, but theirs just taste better than others. I also like to get a breakfast pastry from the bakery next door. read more

For authentic Italian, caffeinated beverages, it's as good as it gets. Due to this place and a couple others in the Strip District, there's a reason there are no Starbuck's in that are of the city. read more

This place is a classic, so if you know how, do everyone (and yourself) a favour, and try ordering in Italian. I particularly enjoy watching the grandpas walking in out of the rain and yelling DUE CAFFE DOPPIO (sp?) at the register before they even get to the front. There is no seating inside (only outside) but it only adds to the authenticity of the establishment. Feel free to grab some nibbles next door to bring over and eat with your coffee. I tend to favour the caffe mocha over everything else on the menu. They also sell coffee beans to buy and brew at your own place. I was particularly tempted by an organic Ethiopian on my last visit but restrained myself for the moment. read more

One of my good friends introduced me to La Prima back in the late 90's. They had storefront on liberty between what I believe was a movie rental joint and an indie theater. Simply amazing terra cotta type ceiling... Having recently visited the strip district location. I can confirm that 10 years later the coffee is still frigging amazing. I'd describe the house blend as unique, and balanced. Sumatra bold but not overbearing. And you'll need to check another review for latte frappa cappuccino. read more

There is a lot of great coffee spots in Pittsburgh but this is hands down my favorite. Anytime I'm in the strip I get a hazelnut cappuccino. Anytime I have friends in the city I bring them here read more

Best cappuccino in the city. Im from Florida and nothing compares to the cappuccino at la prima. Will be back for sure. read more

La Prima Espresso Co - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I went down to the strip last week and thought a mocha sounded great. Well I can't write a review on that drink because the employee dropped a dime in my drink. I was expecting her to offer to make me a new one since she was the one the dropped it in there, but instead all I got a was blank stare. The coffee shop down the street had great coffe and they don't drop anything in there as well. read more

We love coffee, we are very picky.... This is the best. This is the best coffee in Pittsburgh. Go check it out for yourself. A must for any trip to the Strip. read more

Great spot to stop while you're walking the strip. The staff is on top of making whatever you want, be it a shot of expresso, cappuccino or (my favorite) a latte. I like the place special much I even bought one of their tee shirts (very seldom done). While they ard making your drink stop next door and get a pistachio canoli...ignore the calories...you deserve this sort of indulgence! La Prima is the best! read more

I really liked this place. Every time we are headed to the Pittsburgh Popcorn company we would pass this place and the adorable older Italian gentleman enjoying their espresso at the sidewalk tables, but we have never gone in until today. We ordered a mocha cappuccino and a mocha latte and they were both brewed so perfectly, and with the slightest addition of the chocolate we did not need any sweetener in the coffee (a first for me). I am now dreaming of that mocha latte and I know that the next time I go into any coffee shop I will be disappointed when I have to reach for the sugar to aid in taking away the bitterness that just wasn't there in the La Prima drinks! read more

I'm rarely blown away by coffee. I mean, McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts make some reasonably tasty coffee at very affordable prices. I've never been a fan of Starbucks, too bitter and expensive. But when I can I will frequent local coffee shops looking for something amazing. Well La Prima is that something amazing. I first encountered their coffee at Coca Cafe. I don't usually taste coffee and say, "Wow, that coffee is really good!" But on the occasion where I first tasted La Prima, that's exactly what I said. That was months ago and I don't know why it took me so long to make it down to their shop in the Strip. Perhaps because it is the summer and one of the last things on my mind during this time is hot beverages. Now every time I brew some of those fresh beans, I feel like I'm treating myself and I enjoy the taste of just the coffee without adding sugar and/or cream. It's a very welcoming place if not a bit overwhelming with all the choices. But if you're in the Strip and looking for a good cup of coffee, La Prima Espresso Company is highly recommended! read more

I love this place... it does not get better than an authentic Italian neighborhood coffee shop! Yes, I do love my Starbucks fix but if I could have La Prima's amazing coffee be it just a regular coffee or a skim caramel latte.... I usually make sure I have cash (otherwise I would be getting three beverages for myself with their credit card minimums). I love La Prima :) If you have never been here, I highly recommend it. read more

I don't have much of a taste for coffee, I'll pretty much down anything that slightly resembles it and I'll be content. I've heard told that this place sold the "best coffee in pittsburgh" I had to test it out for myself. So on a bright day wandering around the strip, we decided to go to La Prima for some morning coffee. I was blown away by how packed it was, the line extended to the front of the store and there was barely any room. People were anxious to get their caffeine fix and I was anxious to try some of their coffee. Once inside you can see that there is a pastry store adjacent to La Prima (not a bad business idea) and while I did not try the pastries, there seemed to be a lot of happy customers pouring out of the store. Finally, the coffee. The coffee was better than average (which must be pretty damn good because I can't taste quality coffee). I gulped down my cappuccino as fast as humanly possible. It was a great start to a great day at the Strip. I would recommend taking your coffee lover friend here, they will surely appreciate the quality. Note: While they do sell the coffee at La Gourmadine, it does taste better freshly brewed here. read more

Pastries and coffee you can't go wrong. You'll need to get here early if craving an almond croissant.. they tend to sell out by noon. Their other pastries are delicious as well. Try the mele as well. You can wash it all down with an expresso or what I like is an expresso macchiato! read more

La Prima Espresso Co - croissants - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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