Noodles, dumplings, black-eyed peas, greens, pork and sauerkraut, cornbread … They’re all eaten by different cultures to bring good luck for the new year. Pittsburgh claims its own tradition: the New Year's pretzel. The German-American novelty is said to have originated in Sandusky, Ohio before making its way to our city.
It’s not like the soft, salty pretzel you get at concession stands. This baked good garnished with icing, dried fruit, and nuts is like a dessert bread. (But not too sweet!) The treat occasionally comes in savory flavors, too.
If you want to bake in some good luck for 2026, here are some places to find a New Year’s pretzel in Pittsburgh:
Bethel Bakery
📍Bethel Park
Get classic flavors like nut, cinnamon, or apricot or go savory with their pepperoni cheese pretzel.
Pastries A-La-Carte
📍Pleasant Hills
Order cinnamon, nut, or apricot flavored pretzels at this south Pittsburgh bakery — and don’t skip the espresso bar!
Cibrone’s Bakery
📍Castle Shannon
This family bakery has been carrying on the New Year’s pretzel tradition for nearly 70 years. Choose from a danish or nut pretzel.
Prantl’s Bakery
📍Downtown, Shadyside, North Side, Bellevue, Greensburg
Prantl’s always carries a variety of flavors like cinnamon sugar, nut, or strawberry cream cheese.
Oakmont Bakery
📍Oakmont
Order a large pretzel in flavors like cinnamon, cherry nut, or raspberry, or get a danish six-pack for a variety.
The Pretzel Shop
📍South Side
You can get a classic pretzel with icing or cater your get-together with a pretzel sandwich ring.
Cafe Chocolade
📍Oakdale
Gluten intolerant? You can still keep this Pittsburgh tradition with a gluten-free pecan or walnut pretzel.
Giant Eagle
📍Various locations
When in doubt, check your local Giant Eagle. The bakery makes a plain iced pretzel that’ll do the trick.
