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Hometown Tour: Ritter's Diner in Bloomfield

Ritter's Diner
Kevin Battle

The memories came flooding back as soon as I entered the door. The quintessential Pittsburgh diner.

A place in which my dad, brother, and I shared many lunches while I helped them remodel a property nearby years ago.  The atmosphere inside Ritter's Diner on Baum Blvd. in Bloomfield just feels right.


The word 'iconic' is overused in today's world.  However, it is one of the best words to describe Ritter's, which has been owned by the Velisaris family for decades.

Weather kept this classic, stand-alone diner from being the first stop of the KDKA Radio Morning Show's 'Hometown Tour.'  But, we made up for Mother Nature today as we were blessed with a picture-perfect morning.

We had a great visit with great friends and guests: John & John, State Representative Sara Innamorato, Barb & Jenna the 19-year veteran of Ritter's, actor Billy Hartung, Pirates broadcaster Joe Block, Pittsburgh on-air legend PJ Maloney, and Mr. Orestis 'Art' Velisaris.  Mr. Velisaris and his brother, George, immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1951 from Greece.

Shortly after that, brothers Peter and Perry Velisaris arrived, as well.  They all worked hard very hard together in order to live the American dream after growing up under oppressive regimes overseas.

The family's impact on our community has benefited generations of Pittsburghers.  Enjoying our meals and conversation today made us feel like part of the family.

Thank you, Ritter's Diner!