The pop-up-to-permanent pipeline is busy this fall, with two Pittsburgh food-world favorites trading temporary kitchens for spaces of their own: La Grassa has built a following around its square, crispy-edged pizzas, while Lulá’ La Chula has introduced the ‘Burgh to the deeply traditional flavors of Oaxaca.
La Grassa to Open Brick and Mortar Restaurant
La Grassa, the nomadic Detroit-style pizza restaurant that serves up square pizzas so everyone gets a corner slice—and that’s been pinballing from location to location as a pop-up for the last two years—has finally found a permanent corner to call home. In November, the pizzeria will open its first bricks-and-mortar location at 5336 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, a site which once housed Chef Justin Severino’s acclaimed charcuterie-focused restaurant and most recently LaVia Trattoria.
For La Grassa owner Eric Grasso, square pizza with crispy edges has been a near-obsession since his boyhood days in Sharon, Pennsylvania, when his family would share trays of Sicilian-style takeout pizza after his soccer games. About 12 years ago, Grasso started making pizza at home, experimenting with different styles until he landed on the deep, doughy, 8-by-8-inch pie that would become La Grassa’s signature. For the past two years, Grasso and his wife and business partner, Hayley, have been cooking and bouncing between restaurant kitchens—including at The Vandal—to build a following for their corner-slice pizza.
The distinctive square shape of La Grassa’s pizzas—which gives everyone the same amount of crust, sauce and cheese, so nobody has to fight over the best piece—is matched by its equally adventurous toppings. Add-ons include Calabrian chili cream, Sicilian pepato, pecorino, and ’nduja. There’s tiramisu, too, for anyone with room after the last corner.
Until the restaurant officially opens—follow La Grassa on Instagram for updates—Grasso’s pizzas are available at Field Day in Lawrenceville on Tuesdays. On Mondays, they’re available for takeout at The Vandal, but it’s presale only, so get your order in the Friday before.
Lulá’ La Chula Opens Next Month in Etna
A popular Oaxacan street food pop-up in Pittsburgh since 2024, Lulá’ La Chula—possibly the coolest restaurant name ever—is scheduled to open as a stand-alone eatery in Etna next month. Owners Vladimir Martinez Rodriguez and Meghan Raffensperger will be fulfilling their long-time dream of a brick-and-mortar location after building their business from the ground up. Rodriguez grew up in Oaxaca de Juárez, in southern Mexico, where he and Raffensperger met in 2020. When they moved back to Raffensperger’s hometown of Pittsburgh shortly after, they decided to bring a taste of Oaxaca along with them—and Pittsburghers have been fans of their Oax-Mex cooking from the get-go.
Known for its richness and intense flavors, Oaxacan cuisine features corn as its star ingredient. Right now, Lulá’ La Chula’s signature dishes include tlayudas, giant crisp corn tortillas topped with beans, asiento, quesillo, vegetables, and a choice of protein; memelas, smaller, thick corn tortillas topped with beans, queso fresco, and protein; and molotes, crisp-chewy corn-masa dumplings filled with ground-beef picadillo and topped with guacamole, beans, and queso fresco. With the new space, Raffensperger plans to expand the lineup of dishes, so expect even more Oaxacan specialties on the menu.
Rodriguez and Raffensperger prioritize fresh ingredients, connecting with local producers whenever possible. Care for their customers and community remains at the heart of Lulá’ La Chula, which doesn’t turn customers away if they’re unable to afford food.“If you need food and can’t afford our prices,” it states on their website, “we encourage you to reach out.”
Lulá’ La Chula will open next month at 419 Butler Street in Etna. Check its website and Instagram for updates and future pop-up events.
Check out the rest of what city’s culinary scene has to offer in our Pittsburgh restaurant guide.
About the Author
Anna Montesanti is a freelance journalist in the Pittsburgh region. She recently graduated with her B.A. in nonfiction writing from University of Pittsburgh and is obtaining her master’s in journalism from Emerson College. She loves covering pop culture and local happenings, and in her free time you can find her trying local coffee shops and walking in Pittsburgh’s gorgeous parks.
Featured Photo From La Grassa
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