Judging by the wild reaction on our Facebook page, there have been people anticipating the opening of Primanti Bros. since they announced that the Pittsburgh restaurant would be opening two locations in Metro Detroit – and you can include myself in that mix. Whenever there’s a new place to check out, there’s always a bit of excitement.
We had already made plans to check out the new restaurant over the weekend. For one we wanted to do a review for Daily Detroit, but I have been wanting to go to Primanti Bros. for years now.
My husband and I visited Pittsburgh three years ago for a short vacation. Our plan to go to the original Primanti Bros. was foiled by a gigantic line. We haven’t been able to get back to Pittsburgh between having a toddler and work.
But now we don’t have to travel all the way to Pittsburgh to get the famous sandwich.
Don’t get me wrong I do still want to go back to Pittsburgh. I love that city! Did you know the Children’s Museum has a Daniel Tiger exhibit? Also if you’re a fan of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood they have all of his puppets from the show. All right, this isn’t a Pittsburgh blog. Let’s get back on track.
We had to chance to check out the pre-party, and that gave us the opportunity to check out the restaurant, try out some of the food on the menu, as well as some of the signature cocktails.
Of course, this can’t be a complete review – it’s a first look – because pre-parties are pretty controlled environments, and restaurants don’t often get their legs for a little bit after opening.
Overall the staff was really on point. I know this isn’t indicative of how service will be on a regular day. However, they were really attentive to all of the people who attended the party.
Because this was a party, they made sure to bring out the big hitters for everyone to try.
My husband and I tried two of the “almost famous” sandwiches, Roast Beef and Cheese, and Capicola and Cheese. Each sandwich was loaded with meat, cheese, cole slaw, tomatoes, and a handful of fries. The bread was some of the softest bread I have ever had.
We both liked the sandwiches. I know for a fact that I could not finish a whole one on my own, because I brought 3/4 of it home.
The waitstaff would walk around with different dishes for everyone to try. During this time we tasted Buffalo wings, breaded mozzarella wedges, Buffalo shrimp, pizza, and mini meatball crostini sandwiches. There were plenty more but we were both incredibly full.
I really liked the hand-rolled meatball crostini. I would get that again without question.
We got to try two of the drinks on the menu as well. They had plenty of Drunk Ducks and Buccaneers for people to try. We had one of each. While they were not terrible drinks, and I could see how people will like them, I’m a woman who drinks whiskey.
There is a chance that I would get the Drunk Duck again, just so I could get the little toy duck in my drink.
The beer specials are very mainstream. Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Molson, Budweiser, and the like.
The restaurant itself is relatively large. There are numerous places to sit.
It is also decorated with a mixture of Michigan sports and Pittsburgh sports memorabilia on the walls. My favorite thing about this location is the mural of people from Michigan.
A downside for me right now is the fact that there is no changing table in the restroom. I’m not sure if they are planning on putting one in and just haven’t gotten to it yet. I’m sure other parents of small children would rejoice if there was a changing table in the restroom.
I highly suggest checking out Primanti Bros. for yourself. Detroit has some great sandwiches, but this out-of-towner is worth a try.
Although not available at the preview, I hear from a friend who is from Pittsburgh that the Kielbasa and Cheese sandwich is really good.
If Taylor is a bit out of your way there will be another location opening in Novi in September.
Have you been to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh? If so, what are your thoughts about them expanding into Detroit?
Primanti Bros. is located in the Southland Shopping Center at 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor, Michigan 48180.
The hours will be: August 3 through 5: Wednesday, Thursday: 3 p.m. – 12mid Fri: 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.; and after August 6: Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12mid and Friday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
