Second Take: Over the Bar (OTB)
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
Some of you may remember my first trip to Over the Bar (OTB). I liked the experience, but have always felt like it wasn’t a very representative trip. I had gone out on a Sunday afternoon after working on projects around the house all morning. As you might expect, the restaurant was nearly empty at [...]
Review: Birmingham Bridge Tavern
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
I go to to the South Side frequently—more now than ever, that I’m scheduling meetup outings along side my restaurant review blog. Think about it: Pittsburgh’s South Side lines up far too well with two familiar FoodBurgh themes: good food and good beer—all rolled into one. At first glance, the whole area appears to leave [...]
Review: The Sharp Edge
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
I am always surprised by the number of people who have never heard of or tried The Sharp Edge. Granted, I was one of those people at some point, but my introduction was years ago in grad school. Now, I’m definitely a fan of the atmosphere and what they seem to aspire to. The food, [...]
Attempting a Market District Beer Purchase
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Commentary
After Thursday’s trip to Market District, I was inspired to give the whole beer-in-a-Giant-Eagle thing a try. When I walked in, there was actually a big display of Christmas Ale 6 packs from Great Lakes Brewing Company. Having grown up in Ohio, I tend to get excited that particular seasonal brew: it takes me back [...]
Overview: The New Settler’s Ridge Market District
Posted by mike | Filed under Community
This is a tough one for me to write up. Mostly, that’s because your sense of my credibility is impaired by the fact that Giant Eagle is very clearly working to court some blogger buzz. They’re sponsoring a contest here, hosted a VIP blogger reception/tour, and sent us all home with enormous gift baskets filled [...]
Review: Rivertowne Pour House
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
As you all should have seen in my recent post, the upcoming TRASH XIX Homebrew Competition is to be judged at the Rivertowne Pour House—a brewpub out in Monroeville. I’m helping to organize that event, but I’ve actually never been to Rivertowne. Wanting to correct that situation, I invited a friend of mine out last [...]
Review: Bado’s Pizza Grill and Ale House
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
At some point a few years back, I was searching the web for a fun new place to head out with some friends. Somewhere in that quest, I stumbled upon Bado’s Pizza Grill and Ale House in Mt Lebanon and even managed to convince my friends to head out and give it a try. You [...]
Review: Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
I’m going to come out and apologize right now: Rock bottom is not the typical “local establishment” that I like to review on this site. It’s part of a national chain, though not sufficiently dispersed that you’ll find them everywhere—just in 14 states. That said, they do a pretty respectable job of delivering both good [...]
Review: PD’s Pub
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Reviews
Continuing in my exploration of Squirrel Hill, I decided to zero in first on those restaurants that I already enjoy on a regular basis. These are primarily the places I really like, and I’m highlighting them first because I want more people to give them a try. That was my rational on Monday night, when [...]
Event: East End Brewing’s Keg Ride
Posted by mike | Filed under Beer, Community
If you’re into craft beer or just like supporting local entrepreneuers, you should be paying attention to Scott over at East End Brewing. Later this month, he’s sponsoring the brewery’s self-proclaimed “best event of the year:” the Keg Ride. I’ve never participated in this event before—primarily because it’s been less than a year since I [...]
