I set out to find La Prima based on a recommendation from a friend. I haven't had time to explore too much since moving to Pittsburgh and was looking for a local shop to buy whole bean coffee. Right away she said La Prima in the Strip!
I found parking on 22nd St. and it was an easy walk around the corner to find La Prima. Walking in I was hit with all the wonderful aromas you would come to expect from a coffee shop. They had a wall of coffee to the left as you walk in which is what I was after. There was a quite a selection and a lot of variety. So much so that someone like myself who is relatively new to the world of home coffee was a bit overwhelmed as to what I should be looking at. This must have been obvious because on of the staff came over after a few minutes to see if I had questions. He asked how I was brewing and after mentioning a pour over, he made a few suggestions that would work well. I went with the Washed Ethiopian Sidamo. I was told this was a creamier coffee in contrast to the dark roasts I've been using. It smelled amazing and after making a cup at home I can tell you this is a very tasty coffee and also very fresh. It will fill your kitchen with a great butterscotchy smell.
It did run me $16 for a pound which too me getting into Hobby seemed a bit high but I'm sure there are much more expensive options elsewhere. I don't have a problem with it for a few reasons. One, I'm supporting a local business and two, a portion of the sale goes to charity. I just wish their price menu was a little more user friendly. You have to look up above the shelves on a chalkboard that separates out the types of coffee with lingo most people probably aren't going to understand at first. Even when I asked the gentleman helping me how much my coffee was he said, "Um, most are $14-$16." He wasn't even sure.
Overall it was a lovely experience and I will be stopping back to try more. I was in a rush so didn't order a coffee while there so I can't speak to that end of the business but will be sure to do so next time I'm in.