Best pizza in Squirrel Hill (and probably Pittsburgh)

The relationship between a pizza and its city is deep and soulful. New York has the original; Chicago has its deep dish; L.A. has the California-style. There is even Tex-Mex versions in cities of the Southwest (a sweet BBQ like variety). Each pizza unmistakably resembles its home.

In Squirrel Hill - my neighborhood in the city - there are no less than six pizza places. All local; there are no chains which serve walk-ins - all delivery. Walk in, order some slices, eat-in; call ahead, order a pie, take out. ; a few of the locals even deliver.

Around the SqHill, the pizza of legend (and supposedly the pizza of Pittsburgh) is Mineo's. When I first moved here, the only thing anyone could talk about was Mineo's pizza and desserts from Gullifty's (and the dessert is a story for another time.) Mineo's is certainly a fine choice, but if you ever get a minute, saunter up Murray towards Hobart a bit and visit Aiello's.

The guys in the place are about as Italian as you can get; one is actually pretty hot. Aside from him as a distraction, the pizza is pretty authentic. I have yet to get something from them I hate, even the hoagies (which I rarely partake in but fall victim to their call occasionally).

When at Aiello's, order the red pizza. The key is the combination of a very delicious, crispy pan crust, and a homemade sauce. Put whatever toppings you want on it to your taste, because the combination of those two things really makes the pizza. The pizza is well balanced between cheese, sauce, and dough - it's solid. An all-around, no-nonsense pizza that leaves you satisfied without going overboard, leaving you feeling weighed down and bloated. It's a hard-working pizza - gets in there, and gets the job done. Like the people here, in some ways. In short, Aiello's is the Pittsburgh pizza.

If you're in a hoagie mood, I recommend a cheese steak. Now, I know that that's a Philly thing, but Aiello's hits a balanced Pittsburghian note here too. They use Mancino's Italian bread, which is definitely not store bought or GFS schlock. Order extra sauce; like the pizza, the bread and sauce make the hoagie. If you're a light eater, get a half. The whole is more of a Sunday afternoon work in progress - start at the beginning of a Steelers game and finish by the end.

As a backup or if you want something stronger and a bit heavier, the Italian hot sausage is also a good choice. And I mean the sandwich and not the hottie behind the counter. Despite working in a pizza place, he remains light and studly in appearance. But if you can order him on a plate...I digress.

Finally, although I don't think they make them there in the store, order a peanut butter and chocolate cookie. It's just sweet enough with the peanut butter - but it doesn't wash away the taste of the great foods you just ate, but instead the chocolate compliments it. It's also chunky (my favorite type of cookie) so it doesn't feel like you're cheated when you pay a dollar for it. Order two slices or a half a hoagie, and let the cookie end it gracefully.

Total price? Under 7 or 8 dollars, depending on the number of toppings you get. Not bad at all. Aiello's is my choice for Pittsburgh pizza.
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