Pittsburgh-want good local food
I'm going to a conference in Pittsburgh this week and staying at the Sheraton Station Square. Refusing to eat any chain restaurant junk in station square I'm wondering what's close by. I'd like to know the places locals like (I'm assuming I'm not far from East Carson Ave).
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ryan acewex@gmail.com
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mkmccp
Apr 7, 2008 06:50 PM
Hey Rick- what's the beef w/ the G. Concourse brunch? Did it go downhill? But thanks for the agreement with the Kiku- my first experience w/sushi was there about 24 yrs ago, when i was but a youngin and sushi was first making a presence in the 'burgh, and I still luv it.
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re: mkmccp
We go there once a year with family and it's never really been great. The ambience is great, the food is average at best. It all sits out in the steam trays overcooking and picked over. They do however have that neat little automatic donut machine that a lot of people don't know about back in the bar area, and the bagels are great. We go for the atmosphere more than the food. I much prefer Lidia's or even Max's Allegheny Tavern for brunch if looking for good food.
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You're actually farther than you would think from the hotspots on E. Carson... it's a long, long walk, 20 blocks or more. So I'd start with a drink at Bar Louis ;-)
Of the Mt. Washington restos (up the incline) I think most of us are in agreement that it's Isabela on Grandview or nothing. You can also try the Monterrey Fish Grotto, which we haven't been to lately. Reports on it have been mixed since McCormick & Schmick apparently hired away the talent.
If you do make it to E. Carson, you have a ton of options. Dish (good Sicilian), Cafe du Jour (eclectic bistro), Ibiza (tapas, some here knock it, but it's been good to us), Tusca (Italian/Greek tapas potentially with distracting music), Fatheads (many beer selections, overstuffed Pittsburgh sandwiches), Double Wide Grill (never been, but it has its fans), Little Tokyo Bistro (solid sushi plus noodles, hibachi, etc.), Le Pommier (French), Taco Loco (the real deal for tacos, off on Jane St.), and Pipers Pub for a pint and a soccer or rugby game on the tube. And if you must, there's even a Primanti's. There are other places, but I think the above list should sate most needs. Just skip over Nakama despite the crowds inside.
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re: Panini Guy
Taco Loco has moved once again. Now it's adjacent to a bar on E. Carson (Old Mill Tavern or something of the like) and unfortunately I think it's gone downhill. They changed their guacamole for the worse - possibly packaged. Also their prices have gone up (I guess that's everywhere though) but to pay $15 for enchiladas verdes...they better be perfect. I don't think they have their limeade anymore either. Their chorizo taco was waaaay overseasoned to the point of being inedible.
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mkmccp
Apr 7, 2008 04:50 PM
well, although its part of a chain, there is the always good Grand Concourse, which also serves a wonderful Sunday Brunch. In the South Side, there is Cafe Allegro on 12, right near Jack's Bar. Jack's doesn't do much other than killer fries, but it is a Pittsburgh tradition, and you will meet some very interesting folks there, also has a v. good import selection. Up on Mt. Washingon there is the Grandview Saloon/steakhouse, the Georgetowne Inn--which may be a little old-school men in suits and cigars but the view is spectacular and you can take the Incline up to it thats right across from where you are staying. Way down on the other end on the S.Side is a mexican place, forget the name but on 27th and Jane, right off Carson in the 2700 block. Authentic. Le Pommier on Carson and near the Birminham Bridge is a very good French rest. and has been around for years. For awsome burgers, try Fatheads, its a bar but good food. There is also Kiku, a very good Sushi bar inside the shops at Station square, as well as Melting Pot, for fondue. Its a chain but I don't know how many are around the U.S. I hope this gives you a good start.
