La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District

4.7 ( 658 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM See Hours
$1–10
205 21st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
+1 412-281-1922
La Prima Espresso Company in Pittsburgh's vibrant Strip District is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Nestled at 205 21st St, this espresso bar captures the essence of authentic Italian coffee culture. Patrons rave about the inviting atmosphere, where locals gather to enjoy their favorite brews while engaging in spirited conversations in Italian, transporting visitors straight to the streets of Italy. Customers like Rebecca Schmidt cherish the rich Caramel lattes and mochas that keep them returning. Suman Hazra appreciates the quality of their coffee, opting for La Prima's beans for home use. The casual setting, though simple, perfectly complements their top-notch beverages. Alan K highlights the collaborative spirit of the neighborhood, with a bakery next door providing delicious pastries that pair beautifully with the coffee. While the seating is limited, the lively ambiance is a treat, making it an ideal pit stop during a day spent exploring the Strip District. Whether it’s a traditional cappuccino or a delightful vanilla latte, La Prima guarantees a satisfying experience. If you seek a genuine taste of Italy in Pittsburgh, La Prima Espresso Company is an essential stop for your caffeine fix and a quick indulgence.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair accessible seating
    • No wheelchair accessible parking lot
    • No wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Onsite services available
    • Offers takeout
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Sells prepared foods
  • Dining options
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • No restroom
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cozy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Paid street parking
    • Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For La Prima Espresso Company - Strip District

Rebecca Schmidt
May 17,2025
My family and I love La Prima! Everytime we are in Pittsburgh we always stop to grab our favorite Caramel latte and mocha drink! Highly recommend this place. They are a true authentic Italian establishment. I love when my family is there we get to experience the local Italian community come together where they grab a coffee play cards and we get to listen while they talk in Italian. It's like we transformed from Pennsylvanian yinzer community into the streets of Italy. We love everything about this place, it's a must if you are ever in Pittsburgh PA.
Suman Hazra
May 15,2025
This is the OG coffee spot in pittsburgh and for a good reason. The cafe itself is pretty simple, looking with some chairs and tables on the outside for you to enjoy the coffee. Their coffee is top notch, and in fact for my coffee at home, I only get coffee from La Prima. Got the vanilla latte and as expected, it was very good. Just the right amount of syrup. It was little pricey though. They don’t carry a lot of food, but then you can just go next door and get amazing pastries and pies and pizzas. Whenever I want a good reliable coffee to go, this is my spot.
Alan K
May 10,2025
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.
Hawra
May 2,2025
Visited this cafe and loved it! The feta and spinach pizza was delicious, and the coffee was fantastic. Enjoyed walking around while savoring both. Highly recommend!
Adrienne Fernando
Apr 14,2025
Had a 6oz Cappuccino. The flavor tastes exactly like the beans I roast at home and I’m all here for it. There’s a bakery/pizza place connected next door and I tried their pastries which went well together with La Prima’s drinks. The baristas were very friendly and inside was so lively it felt like I was back in Italy. I recommend coming here for your caffeine fix or afternoon pick me up.
Michael Najanick
Apr 8,2025
Busy and enjoyable! Every time we go here any day on the weekend, the line is down the sidewalk. But it really is a great tasting coffee and worth the wait. The line moves pretty steady.
Nana Potenza
Mar 3,2025
I typically get an Americano or cortado. Simply the best. When I’m getting breakfast or brunch in the Strip District, I wait to order coffee and go to La Prima after. Not only is the coffee/espresso great, but the service is too. Never disappointed.
Tom Smith
Mar 2,2025
My daughter and I were in town for a Pens game and saw this place the night before when having dinner on Penn Avenue. We returned the next morning and we were not disappointed. The coffee is exceptional, the staff is friendly, professional, and prompt. The atmosphere has a very neighborhoody vibe that corporate coffee chains couldn't come close to creating. There was artwork from local artist Joshua Hoffman on the walls, old Italian guys playing cards on a table in a corner, conversations buzzing about, and a steady stream of locals coming and going from contractors, retirees, students, and the like. There is a bakery attached next door that has incredible pastries, and there is outdoor seating. It's been a minute since I had a nice shot of espresso in such an awesome atmosphere, but this place pulls it off in spades! We will definitely be back here whenever we're in Pittsburgh!!

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