Iron City Literature

Iron City Literature opened in 2009 in the heart of Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood, quickly becoming a gathering place for readers who appreciate both serious literature and the gritty beauty of steel country. Owner David Russo, a former steelworker's son, curated the store's collection with an eye toward voices often overlooked by mainstream publishing, including Appalachian writers and labor historians. The storefront features a bright, modern interior with reclaimed industrial fixtures that pay homage to Pittsburgh's manufacturing past. A small but well-stocked cafe serves coffee from a local roaster alongside pierogies from a nearby shop, giving the space an unmistakably Pittsburgh flavor. The monthly storytelling night, called 'Mill Stories,' has become a local institution where neighbors share tales of family, work, and life in the city's changing landscape.