North

8 Star Cuisine Review – All You Can Eat Asian Buffet

In recent years, there has been a rise in higher-end, themed all-you-can-eat Asian buffets opening in the Pittsburgh metro area.

In Gibsonia, 8 Star Cuisine came onto the scene with immediate popularity, and naturally, we had to go check it out with our friends Alex Eats Too Much and The Indian Somm for a lunchtime feast.

Although this one doesn't stray too far from the popular buffet mold, the ample variety of cuisines and a reasonable lunchtime price point made for a delicious meal out, with a few dishes standing out as favorites.

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Senza Review – Wine Bar and Restaurant in Etna

Senza in Etna is an intimate wine bar and restaurant with a focused menu of plates perfect for sharing. You may remember the original Senza in this location – we loved the former Senza concept and were sad to hear the owners left the area for a new opportunity elsewhere.

But, we were thrilled to learn the folks behind Bar Marco swooped in, keeping the vibe true to the intent of the original concept, while bringing all the best things we love about Bar Marco.

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A Sneak Preview of Butler County’s 2026 Restaurant Week

We love going out to new restaurants in the area, and we are always blown away by how many great spots there are. Even after exploring for 10+ years, we always find something new in the local food scene that blows us away.

For those who are looking to try something new, Restaurant Weeks offer a great opportunity to try a new-to-you restaurant or to sample menu items that you haven't had before.

Butler County's Restaurant Week is taking on a slightly different format from the traditional model, and participating restaurants are showcasing one signature dish from January 23rd to February 1st in 2026. Guests who try menu items will be entered to win gift cards as well!

In this one, we wanted to share a bit more about the features you should try during the upcoming Restaurant Week.

Note: This article was sponsored by Experience Butler County PA. As always, all opinions are our own.

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JJ’s World Review – Delicious Fare in Chicora

Every now and again, we find a restaurant that offers delicious food in a location we would not have expected.

JJ's World in Chicora, PA, in northeast Butler County (about 75 minutes from Pittsburgh) is one such restaurant. With a focus on smoked meats plus sandwiches, pastas, and other entrees, this one delivered a delicious meal in an unexpected spot.

So if you're north of the city looking for a tasty bite, consider this one!

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Pocha by Kye-Won Review – Traditional Korean in Saxonburg

Every once in a while a restaurant leaves us feeling so happy, nourished, and cared for that we are still thinking about it weeks later. Pocha by Kye-Won in Saxonburg is just that kind of restaurant.

The food includes classics like mandu; bibimbap; and complete meals with meats, japchae, and rice, but it also includes American classics with Kye-Won's own personal spin like burgers topped with kimchi and gochujang mayo. On top of all that, the hospitality here is off the charts- you're guaranteed to leave feeling like family.

We were guests of Pocha courtesy of Butler County Tourism, and immediately fell in love with this unassuming gem in Saxonburg.

Note: Pocha by Kye-Won also has a Sunday brunch menu that primarily features non-Korean dishes. The regular menu is not available until the dinner hours on Sundays. We have not visited for brunch yet and have not included it in our review.

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Bitter End Review – Speakeasy Vibes in Etna

We love a good speakeasy, and when we heard about Bitter End in Etna serving classic cocktails in a speakeasy ambiance (complete with green light above the front door), we made our way over as quickly as we could.

Although we had some concerns over the balance of our drinks, we always welcome more cocktail programs in the Pittsburgh region.

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Nine Two Five Review – Cocktails and More by Dancing Gnome

Ever since Dancing Gnome opened their massive new brewery in Sharpsburg, we always wondered what would happen to their original, more intimate location along Main Street.

In late 2025, Dancing Gnome announced that the original bar would be opened, renamed Nine Two Five (sometimes written Nine T(w)o Five- perhaps the most appropriate street-address-turned-bar-name you could ask for), and would be a welcoming, all-around bar with beer, cocktails, wine, food, and more.

Naturally, we visited this one on the first soft open, and while we would fully argue this one is a cocktail bar first that also has great local brews and PA wines, this one really has something for everyone- including a new food menu from Blue Sparrow!

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Allegheny County Wine & Spirits Festival Celebrates Local

We love how many festivals we have in southwest PA focusing on our regional libations.

For those who like wine and spirits and want to check out a festival with a relaxed vibe, don't overlook the Allegheny County Wine & Spirits Festival each July. This one brings roughly two dozen local producers to the stunning grounds of Hartwood Manor, and was quite the fun event.

We were invited to check this one out by Allegheny County Parks, and share more about what you can expect in this review!

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Uncorked Review – Music, Wine, and More in Sharpsburg

Uncorked is a wine bar and restaurant featuring live jazz, located in the main business district of Sharpsburg. With prohibition-style cocktails, a full food menu, plentiful wine options, and live music, this intimate spot is a great addition to the neighborhood. Although the noise level on our visit made it somewhat difficult to have conversations with our table, we appreciated the cocktails, homemade pasta, and small plates.

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The Maridon Museum in Butler Showcases East Asian Art

The Maridon Museum is a bit of a surprising find in Butler, as it focuses on stunning art from East Asia- particularly China and Japan (amongst others).

You may ask, “why is Butler of all places home to such a stellar collection?” and the answer is because local resident Mary Hulton Phillips began collecting Asian antiquities, all without actually traveling to Asia, and the collection became so vast that a museum was born in 2004 (a few years before her death in 2009).

Now, guests can visit the Maridon Museum to learn about Mary Hulton Phillips and see her stunning collection located just a block or so off of Main Street- for a very modest entry price as well!

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