This is probably the best place in Pittsburgh to get an espresso, cappucino, or latte. It's a small, no-frills coffee company -- don't come in here asking for a soy non-fat no-whip caramel crappacino or whatever, because you will be laughed out the door. They roast their own coffee, and you can also buy their coffee (whole bean or ground) and take it home with you to brighten your mornings. They have a coffee-of-the-month club, which I aspire to join someday.
The best time to visit La Prima is a Saturday morning in early fall. The Strip will be in its full bustle. Go up to the counter, try to puzzle out the Italian saying on the chalkboard while you wait, order a coffee, and sit outside at one of the iron tables. The delicious-smelling coffee steam will waft up in the crisp morning air, old Italian men will have just started their mornings of sitting outside, smoking cigars, and making fun of each other over interminable coffees, and all will be right with the world.