Sharing The Best of Pittsburgh and Southwest Pennsylvania
For many years we heard the renown of Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks, and we were itching to get out there to enjoy some Eastern European cuisine that has become ingrained in the Pittsburgh diet.
While the food here is cheap and in impressive portion sizes as well, I have to say, something about my meal was a bit off.
Read morePierogies Plus Review – Fresh and Frozen Pierogies to Go in McKees Rocks
Generally when walking through the Strip District, if we pass by one of our favorite restaurants, odds are good we go inside and order something. Over this years, this has meant we missed a few hidden gems located right next door as our craving for something we knew overtook our desire to find something new.
Maiku Sushi is one of those places, as its location next to one of our favorite restaurants (Gaucho) made it hard for us to go in. As it turns out, this was a mistake. After trying the Vietnamese food here we have to say it is pretty delicious and worth your visit!
Read moreMaiku Sushi Review – A Hidden Vietnamese Gem in the Strip
Sly Fox Brewing is a popular craft brewery that has been making beer outside of Philadelphia since the mid-90s. But it wasn't until 2019 that this one expanded into Pittsburgh with a taproom just steps away from Point State Park.
As we believe that downtown is in need of more places for good, craft beer, we were eager to check this one out shortly after it opened to try their beer and housemade pizza. Sadly, we left this one fairly disappointed.
Read moreSly Fox Brewing Review – Taphouse and Restaurant Near The Point
We always love it when breweries have a full food menu on-site, and in late 2019, Hop Farm Brewing in Lawrenceville introduced a food menu from Provision!
If that name sounds familiar, you are right. Provision is the same restaurant concept that was found in the inaugural class of chefs at Smallman Galley and later at Federal Galley for a long stint as well. We were quite big fans of this one at both galleys, and are happy to report that their menu at Hop Farm features many of the favorites available at the stalls!
Read moreProvision Review – A Great Food Menu Comes to Hop Farm Brewing
Bonfire is a two-story restaurant concept in South Side by Chef Chris Bonfili, former chef of the now-closed Avenue B restaurant. While the South Side neighborhood may not have historically been on anyone's radar as a dining destination, restaurants like Bonfire are helping to slowly change that.
At Bonfire, you can dine in the more formal upstairs space with dishes like mussels, blistered shishito peppers, arctic char, and strip steak. Or, you can relax in the more casual space downstairs with options like flatbreads, mac and cheese, and sandwiches. Either way, the menus are a far cry from the bar food typical of this neighborhood.
Read moreBonfire Review – A Wood-Fired Oven in the First Floor Restaurant
I have to admit, I had The Dream BBQ in Homewood on my to-do list for quite some time. It was always one of those places I wanted to go to, but for many reasons would not end up working out. But one day I got frustrated by not working it in with an outing and made an expressed trip to try out their meats and sides.
While I ended up quite enjoying the ribs and the greens, the tenderness of the meat and wings overall fell a bit flat.
Read moreThe Dream BBQ Review – Delicious Flavors But Lacking Tenderness
We'll never say no to more options for brunch in Pittsburgh, and in late 2019 Lola's Eatery opened in the stunning Engine House 25 in Lawrenceville (home to the winery of the same name as well as the Clemente Museum) to help satisfy that need.
Naturally, I had to check this one out as soon as possible and was joined with a friend for a rather affordable, and delicious, dining experience.
Read moreLola's Eatery Review – Affordable Brunch at Engine House 25
Salem's Halal Market and Grill in the Strip District is one of those restaurants that was always on my list to try but was one I never quite made it to. After finally making it in after many years of saying “I should go”, I have to say, I regret waiting so long.
From the huge menu, the delicious Middle Eastern food, to the reasonable prices, this one really has everything we look for in a restaurant.
But in reality, simply visiting once barely does this one justice. So before my first meal was over I was already thinking about my return trip!
Read moreSalem's Halal Market and Grill Review – A Middle Eastern Feast in the Strip
Pennsylvania liquor laws are weird. In fact, we'd go as far as saying they're awful. Between the state-run liquor stores, limited accessibility of beer and wine outside of producers and select sellers, and other oddities, finding a good bottle to enjoy in Pennsylvania does not come without its challenges.
Thankfully, some of the most archaic of regulations have been changing in recent years, and one such change has allowed for the creation of a unique store in the Strip District called Pennsylvania Libations.
Their products? 100% Pennsylvania-made spirits.
Read moreDrinking Your Way Around the State at Pennsylvania Libations in the Strip
We have to be a bit honest in saying that the concept of a pop-up bar is becoming a bit overdone these days. In 2018, we had no fewer than six holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh and 2019 looks to be no different.
Thankfully, the new bars coming into the pop-up scene this year are being led by some of the city's finest bartenders. Chrismukkah in East Liberty is one such bar as it is managed by the team behind the bar program at Federal Galley (one of our favorite restaurants in the city).
Naturally, we went to this one as soon as they opened!
Read moreChrismukkah Review – Federal Galley Offers Holiday Libations for a Cause