As many of you know I am a born and raised Pittsburgh Northsider and although I’m getting up there in years, I remain loyal to my community. As the old proverb states: “It takes a village to raise a child” emphasizing that a child’s upbringing is a collective community effort, rather than solely the parents’ responsibility. Maybe that statement is why I still to this day have a strong connection to the North Side of da ‘Burgh! I Recently visited and spent some time with the owners (Charla Thomas and Erica Sumpter) of “Iida’s Sandwich Shop located at Observatory Hill, 3921 Perrysville Avenue. I first met these hardworking entrepreneurs while being a judge at the Northside Sandwich event at the American Legion on the Northside. The event features several (I believe eight) Northside sandwich restaurants each providing their signature Samich (Sandwich for non-Burghers reading this blog). What most impressed me with the ladies was their never quit attitude and drive plus they make a mean sandwich (Pittsburgh Chopped Cheese). Let me explain, we, as judges, visit each of the tables to taste their signature sandwich. I immediately noticed that Ida’s Sandwich Shop table was having some serious power issues at their station … rather than quit, they prepared their sandwiches running back and forth to the back kitchen. Not only were their efforts more physical than the other contestants but they delivered a knockout product. That’s when I realized that I need to visit this great Northside establishment. A little background … Ida’s was named after Charla’s Mama who inspired the sandwich shop. Immediately you can feel the love and pride when walking through their door. The Reuben is one of their signature sandwiches but there are so many others that I have to come back and try … like the Northside Po Boy and friend Chicken sandwich on a Brioche Bun! Not only is this place a great sandwich shop but the hired help is from the neighborhood! When travelling through the Northside make this gem a destination point and you will not be disappointed. So, why is the Northside a special place? Because it has special people … people that represent our City so well.
Ida’s Sandwich Shop … 3921 Perrysville Avenue, Observatory Hill … Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15214 … (412) 208 9944… NORTHSIDE STRONG!