shadysider023's Profile
Pgh Restaurant Closings/Changes
Got a tip that Stagioni in Bloomfield will be moving into the old Southside Le Pommier space. I'm interested to see how it might pan out.
Review: Root 174
I really enjoyed my first visit to Root174 back in August and I can't wait to get there again. Thanks for the write up.
Ate at the "new" Legume and...
Had very similar thoughts on Legume when I dined at their old location about a year ago. Pleasant, quality ingredients, but nothing I found crave-worthy or memorable, which are my unoffical standards for a good meal. I have had meals I personally enjoyed more at Avenue B and Root 174, restaurants I consider to be in the same general genre.
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Avenue B
5501 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Need A Couple of Restaurant Recommendations for Pittsburgh Area
If you go to Dinette for dinner, you could always do dessert at Spoon (right across the street) or a sweet crepe at Paris 66 (w/i a block - not really a true destination spot either but something different). Not sure how important location is to you.
Sunday Breakfast in Shadyside
glad you have a great time. Avenue B is one of my favorites and I have also had fish there that I consider some of the very best prepared I have ever eaten. Cheers!
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Avenue B
5501 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Sunday Breakfast in Shadyside
Just an FYI, Spoon would be a bit of a hike and not really on the way from 5th and Aiken to Avenue B. Soba is also slightly out of the way but more doable and a more pleasant walk. There are also a smattering of pub/sports bar-like places along Walnut if something like that would fit the bill. Soba is great though - interesting cocktails and a great bar area!
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Avenue B
5501 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Pittsburgh Public Market
I went last weekend (9.19) and was slightly dissappointed as well. I didn't purchase anything. I really like this idea though and hope it continues to grow!
Pittsburgh near William Penn Hotel -- recs pls
the new sharp edge bistro on penn isn't going to blow you away with their food but its decent and the beer selection is on point.
http://www.sharpedgebeer.com/location.htm - scroll down to the penn ave location
The Southside
I don't know much about golf but there are tons of food options in Southside.
Definitely check out Yo Rita. Fathead's (large beer selection and big sandwiches) is a popular casual spot. I also recommend Kassab's for reasonably priced and pretty tasty Lebanese fair. Kassab's is also BYO. These places are all walking distance of the Rex.
If you are looking for something a little nicer, check out Dish. Great Sicilian food in a cozy atmosphere. 17th Street Cafe is another decent neighborhood spot - a little nicer/pricier than Fathead's, etc listed above. Dish will have some seafood on the menu - not sure I can really recommend or think of any place in Southside that specializes in seafood per se.
Further up Carson is Cafe Davio, another good spot. Tiny old school italian leaning place, open kitchen, large portions, BYO. Make a reservation.
There are more places as well! If you are looking for something specific, post back, I am very familiar with the southside.
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Yo Rita
1120 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Davio Cafe
2516 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Pgh Restaurant Closings/Changes
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10136/1058564-46.stm
that is the link to the article. highlights (at least for me!) included a new Mad Mex location on South Highland, a place called Spoon opening in the old Red Room space, a new Sharp Edge location opening downtown, and also a possible Penn Ave Fish Co location downtown. all good things!
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Red Room Cafe
134 S Highland Ave Ste 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Sharp Edge Restaurants
288 W Steuben St, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
No more Lucy (Strip Disttric, Pgh)
I also saw this guy yesterday. And I saw the buns. Didn't try anything.
Anybody ever have the tacos outside of Reyna's? They smelled really good yesterday but I didn't go for it.
Pgh Restaurant Closings/Changes
The Pittsburgh based blog 'Joe and Betsy' had a write up on the place...http://joeandbetsy.com/2010/03/05/day-76-the-eve-of-something-great/
Downtown Pittsburgh lunch spots
I work downtown (on Grant Street) and am always looking for new lunch spot recommendations. Sometimes lunch might be quick take-out but other times it might be a sit down affair (sometimes casual, sometimes not) with my coworkers.
What are your favorite spots? I feel like there are places I may be missing. In my crowd, here are some go tos.
Take-out: Mixstirs on Grant Street - salads, wraps, smoothies, etc - pretty decent and generally fresh although I don't recommend the tuna or chicken salads (dont appear to be made on site - sweet and goopy and blech)
Sit down - fancier: Nine on Nine (service is very good, food is OK for lunch - perhaps a bit overpriced), McCormick and Schmicks (yes, a chain, but everyone always seems satisfied and the prices are reasonable)
Sit down - casual: Chinatown Inn (I am torn on this place - not the best, but very quick lunch turnaround and tons of under $10 lunch deals), Mark's Grill (I like this place - totally old school, cheap, and not fancy, but the food is good)
Please let me know what little places I might be missing! Any good deals or lunch specials I should take advantage of?
Mexican in Pittsburgh?
My boyfriend has been for lunch (multiple times) and said it is pretty good. They initially had some sevice kinks but the boyfriend said things were running smoothly on his last visit. I hope to join him for a weekday lunch there soon.
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
Upscale-ish lunch in Shadyside, Pittsburgh?
Typhoon is very nice for lunch. I have not been to Plum for lunch but have been for dinner, and it is a great space.
I would double check hours at all these places. Some have been cutting back lunch hours.
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
Cookie Table
i have seen these 'cookie tables' also pop up at high school graduation parties. I have also heard that elaborate graduation parties are a southwestern pa thing. anyone know?
i remember doing the rounds of high school graduation parties. lots of rigatoni and fried chicken and stuffed cabbage available. I always bypassed those and went straight for the 'cookie table'. tassies, thumbprints, cheesecake cup things with the cherry, buckeyes, maybe a PB cookie with a hershey kiss - these were all classics..
Seeking Good Seafood and BYOB in Pittsburgh
Cafe Du Jour (1107 Carson - Southside) could fit your requirements (save for being in the East End). Usually 1 or 2 seafood preparations on their small menu, BYO, cozy but casual. I have had both salmon and scallops there. FYI, it is cash only. Not overly romantic but small and usually filled with couples.
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
Trader Joes Hummus
I didn't really like it and thought it was overly lemony or something - and I will pretty much eat anything. Anyone else have this reaction? I am talking about the new 'smooth and creamy' hummus.
LA Chowhound needs Pittsburgh help
Lunch near convention center - If looking for a super casual soup and sandwich type place, try Mark's Grille (923 Penn). Not fancy - old school, cheap, and tasty. Decent sushi, etc can be found at Penn Avenue Fish Company (2208 Penn - a bit more of a hike).
Dinner downtown - Six Penn, Eleven.
Dinner for four coworkers - I think it would definitely be worth it to make your way to the Southside. 10+ blocks of bars and restaurants.
Casual - Fathead's - big sandwiches, lots of beer
Nice(r) - Dish (sicilian - pretty cool little joint, make a res), 17th Street Cafe (comfortable neighborhood joint), Cafe Du Jour (casual BYO)
You could even grab a beer or two at Fathead's and then head to Dish for dinner.
Also, FYI, November 20th is 'Light up Night' in Downtown Pittsburgh. Nothing too crazy but downtown will likely be a bit more lively and restaurants a bit more crowded. It could actually be a nice night for a downtown dinner. And there are fireworks! We love fireworks.
http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/do/light-up-night-2009 (for more info)
http://snickies.wordpress.com/ (my pgh blog - have reviewed some of the places mentioned)
Looking for safe dinner for 8 in Pittsburgh
I would have to agree on the Max and Erma's/Cheesecake Factory comment. Everyone should find something there. And going the to either the Shadyside M&E's location or the Southside Works Cheesecake Factory will provide nice areas to walk around or do some shopping.
Other non-chain 'safe' places could include Elbow Room (Shadyside) or Folino's (Italian - Southside). Reasonably priced and you could certainly do worse. Also Del's in Bloomfield (more red sauce Italian- American) isn't a bad place - I actually like the homey feel and old school antipasti salad.
What to do with butternut squash puree?
Ellie Krieger (Food Network) has a 'healthy' mac and cheese that uses b-nut squash puree - obviously can't compare to the real thing but I thought it was tasty in its own way.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/macaroni-and-4-cheeses-recipe/index.html
Pittsburgh - Casual dinner in downtown area (or walking distance)
Considering your parameters, I also agree with the Six Penn Kitchen recommendation - I think it would fall in the 'new american' realm.
I also enjoy Seviche, another spot within walking distance of your hotel - this place has a latin/asian flair - no outdoor seating though and no reservations - more of a trendy bar feel.
Looking for fun but GOOD food in downtown Pittsburgh
Considering 'fun', 'slightly upscale' and '40th birthday', here are some recommendations:
Downtown:
Seviche - fun, casual, lots of flavored mojitos, good food, tapas style - I don't think they take reservations
Lidia's - Italian - more upscale, located in the Strip District - good food, handmade pastas, relaxed environment - seems like it would be a nice choice for a 40th bday event
Southside:
Dish- tiny, cozy Sicilian joint off Carson Street - great food
17th Street Cafe - leaning toward Italian - relaxed, quality establishment - my family has celebrated a few events here!
Nakama - OK, so not the most foodie worthy place ever, but I am looking at your 'fun' criteria! this is hibachi style dining, everyone around a big grill and an enthusiastic (most of the time) cook...they also have sushi and a great bar - this place gets packed but you should be able to get a res in advance
Mallorca-Traditional Spanish/European joint - big portions, interesting menu options, jovial environment - also a 'special' event type place, but not stuffy - there is a tapas bar affiliated wtih Mallorca right next door - Ibiza - this might also be a good choice - upscale, fun atmosphere, decent small plates, wine flights
Also: The new casino in the North Shore area should be open by that time - they are promising some new upscale dining options there...no idea whats its going to be like, but its something to look out for!
My website has some other Pittsburgh restaurant reviews:
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
BYOB in Pittsburgh
I replied to this post awhile back but would like to add a few more places:
-Kassab's - Southside - super casual, not fancy, but standard lebanese food
-La Feria - Peruvian - Walnut Street, Shadyside - again, not fancy at all but good, interesting, home cookin-like food
-Chaya - Squirrel Hill - very good sushi, small place
-Piccolo Forno - Italian - very good, reminded me of Italy - Lawrenceville
-Paris 66 Bistro - French - Shadyside/East Lib - I did not have a good experience here (see my review - http://snickies.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/review-paris-66-bistro-pittsburgh/) but the concept of the bistro is promising and its very nice inside
-Cafe Davio - Southside - I have not been here yet but saw the Munch review in the Post Gazette and also got a tip from a very reliable source (in the same week) that this was a great spot...apparently 'JP's cafe' on Carson (near Southside Works) becomes a BYO Italian spot at night linked to the Davio in Beechview. This is on my 'to try' list.
Tamari in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
Thanks for the report. I passed by this place about two weeks ago before it was open and I loved all the outdoor seating. I will have to try it!
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
Greek restaurants in Pgh
Kassab's is good. They definitely have mousaka on the menu, although I have never tried it.
I have several Kassab visits chronicled on my blog:
http://snickies.wordpress.com/
Any new chow places in Pburgh?
thanks burghgal...I *think* there are people out there that might be interested in reading but its hard to find them sometimes...thanks for taking a look!
Any new chow places in Pburgh?
Haven't been anywhere new new in awhile, unless one counts Hofbrauhaus or Dinette (see my reviews here...http://snickies.wordpress.com/)
I really want to get to Yo Rita (Southside), since Sousa is doing a stint there..he talks about it on his blog...http://www.nacl15206.com/
A recent random find: Whole Foods is really good for breakfast/brunch! Prices aren't bad and I love the omelet station. They have a hot bar with breakfast items too.
Also recently went to Karmic Yogurt (newish) in Shadyside and liked it.
