Nathaniel Clark – A&E Editor

nuc5002@psu.edu

Photo Credit: Nathaniel Clark / The Behrend Beacon

Are you tired of eating the same boring, classic sandwiches from Bruno’s or Subway? Are you looking for something more adventurous or peculiar? Well then, do I have the Erie staple just for you! Located on Erie’s Peach Street and right next to the Millcreek Mall is Picasso’s: The Art of Food. 

As you may expect from how I sold this restaurant, Picasso’s is indeed a sandwich shop, but it definitely is not ordinary. Known for its wild sandwich ideas, the only traditional sandwich available here is the “Starry Night,” a Reuben. As the name implies, almost everything in and around Picasso’s is art-themed. From the sandwiches to the overall eating experience, creativity is key. 

Before I get into the eating experience though, I must first highlight some of Picasso’s excellent sandwiches. Firstly, I must highlight their critically acclaimed bestseller the “Mona Lisa.” A panini-pressed sandwich with turkey, artichoke hearts, spinach, tomato, creamy pesto, and Havarti cheese between two pieces of multigrain bread. Just like its moniker, the sandwich is food perfection

Of the fifteen mainstay sandwiches on Picasso’s menu, my two favorites are “Van Gogh” and “The Scream.” The first of these sandwiches has ham, bacon, and cheddar with their made-in-house creamy chipotle sauce and, most importantly, their mac and cheese. Outside of their sandwiches, Picasso’s is known for their delicious macaroni which has six different varieties. While it sadly has no mac, “The Scream” makes up for its absence with delicious pepperoni, sausage, banana peppers, homemade hot ranch, and pepper jack cheese. 

As you eat these delicious sandwiches, make sure to take in the ambiance of Picasso’s eating area. Every wall in the restaurant is covered with murals done by local artists. While it does cause some mild confusion with the clashing artistry types, the sight is still compelling. 

When it comes to sides, Picasso’s offers some absolutely delicious tater tots. While they taste fantastic plain, you can get one of various homemade sauces dip the tots into. There are also their in-house pickles which are amazing to munch on. 

Additionally, Picasso’s has you covered if you ever feel inspired to make your art. The restaurant’s tables are coated to allow its visitors to draw on its surface with chalk. You can draw whatever your imagination desires as you wait for them to call your number. 

Even from my short description, you can tell that Picasso’s is beaming with personality. Maybe that was why Insider.com named Picasso’s the best place in Pennsylvania to stop and eat on a road trip in 2020. Nonetheless, if you are in Erie and hunger for a sandwich, make sure to stop at Picasso’s: The Art of Food.