Pittsburgh Restaurant Tips by VeronicaG Top 5 Page for this destination

PEPPI'S: For the #7--GO STEELERS

In honor of the Steelers recent victory at their 6th Super Bowl, my son and I determined to celebrate belatedly at PEPPI'S, where we experienced a #7--in honor of Big Ben Roethelisburger.

This immense sandwich lives up to its namesake, for it makes for a huge meal: sausage, ground beef, topped with an egg and American cheese and placed on a hoagie sized bun ($7.26). We split this giant meal accompanied by a heaping order of french fries, but it was much too large for even two of us...but very TASTY!

Our son, Christopher, having journeyed from Chile for a family matter in Pittburgh, did NOT want to leave the area without sampling a #7. We were not disappointed, for it was all that we imagined.

Other choices might be:

Ultra Cheese Steak-loaded with 6 oz. of steak, provolone and grilled onions ($6.50)

The Cathedral-a triple decker sandwich with hot grilled turkey and ham covered with provolone and crisp bacon ($6.65)

Steak Salad-topped with fresh cut fries, juicy steak and grated cheese ($6.65) or Fish Sandwich ($6.10), as well as, plenty of other selections.

This casual establishment located in the North Side neighborhood was friendly and very busy. Seating consisted of booths and tables spread throughout two narrow rooms--cozy is the word! There are three other locations: The Strip district, Downtown and Point Breeze.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8pm; Sat. 10am-5pm ONLY

Address: 927 Western Ave., Pgh. Pa

Comparison: about average

Directions: North Side/West Allegheny

Phone: 1-412-231-9009

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: American

FATHEAD'S: Southside Favorite

Fathead's, a popular eatery in the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, has always been a bustling place when we've stopped by. Its oversized portions and friendly atmosphere is a draw for visitors and regulars alike.

When you enter you'll go through the bar (pic #2) to tables placed nearby or into an additional seating area, which is fronted by large windows facing the street. This is where we were seated and seemed to be particularly suited for family-dining.

On a recent visit, I wasn't in the mood for a burger so I ordered a Fried Fish sandwich--a filet of ocean white fish lightly breaded and topped with lettuce and tomato with homemade tartar sauce on the side. It was one heaping sandwich (!) served on a freshly baked bun, but I could only eat half ($7.95). We don't remember what Jim ordered, but he recalls that it was tasty!

Other selections might be:
Fat Head's Buffalo-Style Shrimps dipped in cornmeal, deep fried and coated with wing sauces ($9.95);

Mo Burger topped with Swiss cheese, sauteed roasted red peppers and red onions ($8.95);

The Killer Chicken with ham, melted Swiss cheese and sweet roasted red peppers, topped with spicy Caribbean Killer Sauce and Ranch dressing on the side ($8.95).

Fathead's has a line of shirts, hats, etc. that can be purchased and it has become somewhat of a fad to take one's photo while traveling in this gear and send it back where it is sometimes featured at the restaurant. Example: while riding a camel in Cairo

Address: 1805 E. Carson St., Pgh., Pa

Comparison: about average

Directions: In the Southside neighborhood

Phone: 412-431-7433

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.fatheads.com

Il Pizzaiolo: Appealing Pizzeria

Before leaving Pittsburgh after the Christmas holiday, our daughter wanted to acquaint us with Il Pizzaiolo, a unique pizzeria located beyond Pittsburgh proper near Mt. Lebanon in a very appealing shopping district along Washington Road (pic #2).

To say it had loads of atmosphere is an understatement, for it felt as though we were dining in an aged villa with its Tuscan-style wall art and romantic candlelit tables in a separate building a few steps away from the main dining room.

We began our meal with the Antipasto Misto--prosciutto, salami, several cheeses, roasted red pepper, artichokes, olives and a fagioli puree. A full plate of appetizers which we shared.

As for dinner, I chose the Pappardelle Con Salsiccia ($17)--handmade fresh pappardelle, sweet fennel sausage, onion, wine, provolone cheese and marinara sauce suggested by our waitress and delectable!

Jim ordered the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese ($17)--handmade fresh tagliatelle, parmigiano cheese with meat ragu and delicious! Our daughter and grandson enjoyed their choices, as well.

Other entrees were:
Assorted pizza choices ($12-$16),
Numerous panini sandwiches ($8-$14)

Pastas such as: Rigatoni Alla Siciliana with eggplant, fresh mozzarella, pecorino cheese and marinara sauce ($17)

Rigatoni Con Polpette with meatballs, pecorino cheese and marinara sauce ($17)

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca with garlic, anchovy, gaeta olives, capers, chili pepper and marinara sauce ($16) and more.

Pizzaiolo follows the Neopolitan style recipe for pizza and according to its literature has received the Vera Pizza seal of approval--which considers them 'one part artist, one part chemist and one part historian'. We would definitely want to stop here again!

Address: 703 Washington Rd., Pgh. Pa

Comparison: about average

Phone: 412-344-4123

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Pizza

Nordstrom Cafe: Cafe at Ross Park Mall

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Address: McKnight Road, North Hills, Pennsylvania

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

LEGENDS: North Side Italian

If you are traveling through the North side of Pittsburgh, to the Mexican War Streets or to Allegheny General Hospital, Legends would be a good choice for a meal. We dropped by at lunch time when the tables were filling up quickly.

We were led passed the snug counter seating to a comfortable table for two near a window overlooking the corner of North Avenue and James Street. Someone promptly took our beverage order and in minutes we were reading over the menus. It was flurrying that morning, so I quickly asked for a steaming cup of hot chocolate which really hit the spot!

The Fish Sandwich (fried cod with tartar sauce on a Kaiser roll) looked like a great choice. I ordered fries to accompany my meal and Mom chose wedding soup. The fish was very good, but the bun disintegrated as I nibbled. The fries were not very crispy either. However, Mom's wedding soup was delicious with large chunks of meat and vegetables with a delicious chicken broth. We shared a generous slice of coconut cream pie, saving some calories...ok, we should probably have skipped it, but....it was so good.

Other choices might be Penne Vodka ($10.95 & $14.95); Gnocchi Bolognese ($10.95 & $14.95); Lamb Rack Chops ($20.95); Pizza Margherita ($15.00); Deluxe Cheeseburger ($8.95).

Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm; Sun. catering and private parties.

Address: 500 E.North Ave., Pgh. Ave

Comparison: about average

Directions: corner of North and James Streets

Phone: 412-211-8000

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.legendsnorthshore.com

Six Penn Kitchen: Restaurant Near Heinz Hall

Our daughter's birthday was approaching, so I asked her to select a nice Pittsburgh restaurant for her celebration dinner. She chose Six Penn. After having eaten here for lunch, she was impressed by the sleek ambience of the place.

It was a beautiful, mild Fall evening when my Mom and daughter and I stopped by. We were shown to a plush, comfy booth by the window, where we could watch people scurrying along the sidewalks.

Our waiter seemed attentive at first and quickly took our beverage order, then delivered a basket of foccacia and thick, white bread to our table. As we chatted, he returned to take our order. Mom and I ordered the aged rib-eye steak with garlic potatoes and asparagus ($26) while my daughter chose a special of the evening featuring trout (which she said was delicious).

From this point on, our waiter seemed to lag. We had to ask someone for the dessert menu, then seemed to wait an inordinate amount of time for it to be brought to the table. Mom and I selected warm apple pie with cinnamon ice cream--when it finally came it was delectable! My daughter declined any calorie-laden dessert, so was able to leave the restaurant feeling guiltless and svelte.

We had to wait once again (patiently!) for the bill, which when it came was not itemized. By now we were anxious to depart, so I just left a moderate tip and we departed hoping the amount was correct...

Address: 146 Sixth St., Pgh. Pa

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: near Heinz Performance Hall; parking garage across the street

Phone: 412-566-7366

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: American

City Of Bridges Cafe: An Airport Eatery

I've never stopped at The City of Bridges at The Pittsburgh International Airport, but it's a sampling of what is offered the traveler.

There are a number of eateries at this top airport mall--making it a pleasure rather than a bore to be waiting to board a flight here! Once you take care of your hunger, browse through the airport mall. There are some great shops here!'

Although the airport isn't the busy hub it once was, it caters to a traveler's needs magnificently.

Rating: 0

Theme: American

EatnPark: Casual Dining and a Decent Salad Bar EatnPark Review

Eat n' Park restaurants are an institution in the Pittsburgh area, but you can only find them in Pennsylvania, much to our dismay.

When we journied from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, we often stopped at one along the way. Eat n' Park offers great salad bars and good old home cooking--the food is hearty, satisfying and reasonably priced. However, there's more to bring us to Eatn'Park--every one in our family LOVES their smiley face cookies, which are decorated especially for the season and are a popular treat!

Casual dining is what they do best and they do it pretty well. So if you are driving through Pennsylvania and spot one, stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You'll be glad you did.

Favorite Dish: Don't forget to end your meal with a smiley cookie!

Address: various

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: American

The Original Hotdog Shop: Historic Eatery in Oakland The Original Hotdog Shop Review

Be sure to stop by this popular Pittsburgh Landmark--The Original Hot Dog Shop in the Oakland area, near the University of Pittsburgh. A proudly displayed sign on the window declares that Football Hall of Famer, Dan Marino ate here for many years. Since it was such a local tradition, my husband suggested I include it in my photos of Pittsburgh!

The Original Hot Dog Shop opened in 1960, across the street from Old Forbes Field. It's "dogs" quickly became the main staple in the diets of countless college students at The University of Pittsburgh. The shop's menu offers Hot Cheese Dogs; Hot Dog Parmesan, Deluxe Kosher Pure Dogs, Beef Dogs and Slaw Dogs--all in natural casings. Their crispy fries are cooked twice in peanut oil and are a popular accompaniment. Hoagies, Pizza, Salads, Chicken and Fish Sandwiches are also served.

The Original Hot Dog shop is the place to go for simple, inexpensive but tasty cooking! Hours are Sun.-Wed. 10 am-3:30 p.m.; Thur.-Sat. 10 am-5 am. They will deliver daily from 11 am-2 am.

Favorite Dish: Any "O" dog!

Address: 3901 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Penna.

Directions: Oakland

Phone: 412-621-1185

Rating: 0

Theme: American

Website: http://www.originalhotdogshop.com

Hoss's: This has a great salad buffet!

When we drive to Pennsylvania, we make sure to stop at a Hoss's which can be found off several exits of the turnpike. The extensive salad buffet draws us, but steak, fried shrimp, chicken filets and other entrees are available. We've always found the service to be friendly and prompt!

Upon entering you'll see a large selection of entrees and you'll place your order with a cashier. Once at your table, you wait for your entree or go directly to the salad bar. There are always 2-3 choices of soups and a nice assortment of breads--try the iced cinnamon loaf! The salad buffet offers many different toppings and dressings,plus desserts. There's so much offered there's little room for an entree as well!

Nothing fancy, just quick service and good food.

Favorite Dish: I go for the salad buffet every time!

Address: In many locations in Pennsylvania

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: We find them generally off turnpike exits

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: American