“Eat” listings
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Burgatory
The burger wars are heating up in Pittsburgh, and we’re all the beneficiaries. One of the most notable recent entries is this bar and grill, which offers unorthodox fixin’s like avocado wasabi and banana ketchup, as well as spiked shakes like the Apple Pancakes & Bacon shake with gala apple & caramel vodka. $$ (09/2011)
932 Freeport Rd
412-781-1456
burgatorybar.com -
Salt of the Earth
This is the restaurant local foodies have waited years for—the brainchild of local celebrity chef Kevin Sousa was delayed several times before opening to stellar reviews. The menu varies, featuring fresh local ingredients and palateexpanders like snails and sweetbreads. $$$ (08/2011)
5523 Penn Ave
412-441-7258
saltpgh.com -
The Library
Book worms will appreciate the menu’s literary-themed dishes—Wings of Icarus, Edgar Allen Potatoes—and the menu’s presentation, tucked into an old hardback. At its heart, this is a solid bar and grill with an extensive draft list. $$ (04/2011)
2302 E Carson St
412-381-0517
thelibrary-pgh.com -
Nine on Nine
Whether you choose the formal dining room for dinner (try the fennel-crusted tuna with squid ink pasta) or take to the bar for something quicker but no less delicious (like the lobster mac ‘n’ cheese), a meal at this downtown favorite is not to be missed. $$$ (04/2011)
900 Penn Ave
412-338-6463
nineonnine.com -
TAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT
Hidden in a maze of North Hills shopping centers, this joint is a treat for lovers of Indian food. Go Monday or Thursday for the $10 buffet, featuring goat curry, vindaloo and everything else you’d expect. The paneer (Indian cheese), fresh from the tandoori oven, is a standout. $ (01/2011)
7795 McKnight Rd
412-364-1760
tajmahalinc.com -
GRILLE ON SEVENTH
This Cultural District spot is great for dinner or happy hour before a show. The traditional American fare—steak, chicken, seafood—is prepared with care, and daily drink specials attract a loyal customer base to the bar. $$ (01/2011)
130 Seventh St
412-391-1004
thegrilleonseventh.com -
SPOON
Spoon offers a new take on American cuisine, combining fresh ingredients on a constantly changing seasonal menu that features bold dishes like bacon-wrapped king salmon and braised lamb and oxtail pappardelle. The bar offers a full complement of cocktails, mixed up with the same creativity and care. $$$ (01/2011)
134 S Highland Ave
412-362-6001
spoonpgh.com -
J’EET CAFE
The name is a play on Pittsburghese— “J’eet jet?” being townie slang for “Did you eat yet?” This café is primarily a brunch spot, serving savory crêpes along with topnotch coffee. For a classic taste of Pittsburgh, get the pierogi crêpe—garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes with caramelized onions, housemade applesauce and sour cream. $ (11/2010)
4200 Penn Ave
412-682-5338
jeetcafe.com -
BISTRO 922 PENN
The small Sharp Edge chain is known as the best place in town for Belgian beers. This downtown location is the newest and perhaps swankiest, with a larger menu full of panini, mussels and small plates to supplement the legendary burgers. $$$ (11/2010)
922 Penn Ave
412-338-2437
sharpedgebeer.com -
KIVA HAN
A charming and popular little coffeeshop in the university neighborhood of Oakland, Kiva Han features a great lunch menu. The baked tofu sandwich is one of the hidden gems of the city’s lunch scene. $ (09/2010)
420 S Craig St
412-687-6355 -
SMILING BANANA LEAF
This laidback Highland Park eatery features traditional Thai dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere befi tting its whimsical name. $$ (09/2010)
5901 Bryant St
412-362-3200
smilingbananaleaf.com -
WAI WAI
This authentic spot serves Chinese dishes like fried lemongrass wontons and dinner boxes that come with rice and an egg roll. The homestyle tofu is so good it could satisfy most meat-eaters. $ (07/2010)
4717 Liberty Ave
412-621-0133
waiwaipgh.com
