The Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

Hoot's

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14) • $

"This is one of those places you'd never go unless someone told you to. Tucked in a side entrance off Walnut Street, it's definitely a dive and in an area where you wouldn't expect to find good food. The food IS good though. Huge portions and SUPER CHEAP PRICES. They have a full bar - nothing fancy, but a good selection of standard bar goodies. Bar prices are also super cheap. I highly recommend the fish sandwich. It's crunchy and delicious and a very unexpected treat. It does have way too much bread though - I end up tossing half the bun and just eating it that way. Deducted a star because although they have a separate entrance to get into the "non-smoking" restaurant side, chances are that you will leave the place smelling like an ashtray. The smoking bar and non-smoking restaurant are connected and the servers go in between the two a million times a day, so the dividing wall and swinging door are more for show than actual function."

Maietta Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (12) • $

"Maietta can be hard to catch sight of along a road that bustles with commerce and trafficy, but one would be remissed in their foodie duties for whizzing by in ignorance for superlative Italian can be had here. Due to inclement weather and some health-related family issues, my birthday observation had been delayed by almost a month. This weekend's snow had me trapped at my parent's place after a friend dropped me off there late the previous night once our concert let out and late-night eats were had. After calling Maietta Restaurant, a place I'd been itching to try after I learned of its existence mere months ago (again, it's easy to miss), we assumed Dad and I would have to head over in his four-wheel drive white pickup truck to retrieve the food. Surprisingly and heroically, when they were told of our situation, the fine people at Maietta insisted on delivering dinner to us in Brookline, and deliver it on time they did. The smorgasbord arrived 45 minutes later (as the person on the phone informed us it would be) and was still as hot as it would have been had it come straight from a kitchen window for dine-in. Minimally-breaded flaps of fried oysters the size of tomato slices oozed with oceanic juice, putting far too many seafood eateries to rest. A colossal, ideally baked potato steamed when broken with knife and fork.A creamy cole slaw that managed to be sweet and tangy simultaneously was superior to anything scooped out of a local delicatessen case. Gnocchi melted in our mouths with little chewing needed and was dressed with a vibrant, opulent, triumphant tomato sauce. An eggplant parmesan served as a cookbook-perfect example of this Italian staple with its delicate texture, rich flavors, and generous amounts of cheese. The lasagna, however, would upstage all else with its sublimely al dente pasta sheets, heavenly ricotta filling, and of course, that regal, blood-red, tomato sauce and mozzarella tandem that surely tops the kingliest of pizza pies. A heartfelt thanks must go out to the fine people running Maietta Restaurant for making my belated natal day celebration special. Foodies may love their trends, but as a certain Huey Lewis and the News hit song from yesteryear declares, "When they play their music, ooh that modern music, they like it with a lot of style, but it's still that same old back beat rhythm, that really really drives 'em wild!"They say the Heart of Down Home Cookin's still beatin', and from what I've eaten, I believe 'em."

Shorty's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (97) • $$

"If you are in the north shore, stop by Shorty's! It's so fun. There is bowling and arcade games. Outdoor seating with a fire pit with a view of the river. We had a mock-tail meet up there for sober friends because Shorty's has mock-tail menu with great options. I got the mock-tail espresso martini, and mojito. We also shared apps the food was so good. I highly recommend their case queso. The staff were AMAZING. I will be back!"

Waffles Incaffeinated - North Huntingdon

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (23)

"Came here on a Sunday morning. I was surprised to see how empty it was. Good for us though, because it allowed us to sit on their outdoor patio on a beautiful morning. My daughter and I shared the country Benedict and the bananas foster. Both dishes were perfectly fine, but my daughter and I agreed that they also weren't dishes we would crave or want to have again. They both tasted a little "flat" for lack of a better word. My wife ordered the PB appletta crepes. A huge disappointment. I didn't try it, but even looking at it, it seemed as though little care or thought was given to this dish. A dry "crepe" waffle looking thing with a blob of peanut butter and some sliced apples. Come on guys! Do something with the ingredients. My wife left much of it on her plate. On top of that, I think each dish was in the $14-16 range. A bit pricey for what we got. On a positive note, the atmosphere was very nice and our waitress, Justa, was friendly and efficient."

Wise's Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3 (5) • $

"I have been a customer here since I was a kid. The waitresses are generally crabby, the pop is served by the can, and the AC is marginal on a hot day. The food is all home made and it is very good. Obviously the "chicken patty" is an exception to the homemade, but the pies, soups, and breakfasts are out of sight. The French toast is simple, and you get 3 slices with fake maple syrup, and if I had to choose one meal to eat every day for the rest of my life, this would be it. Maybe it is because it reminds me of how my great grandmother made it, maybe just because it tastes great. The place is a small town staple, and it takes you back to a time when people actually gave a crap. I like it. It is cash only, but they had an ATM on site last I was there."

Gina's Carry Out Favorites

★★★★☆ 3.8 (13)

"The meatball sandwich was good however next time I'll order a side of sauce. By the time I got home to devour my sandwich it could have used a bit more sauce. This is the second time I've ordered from here. They are fast and don't have to wait!"

Hard Times

★★★★☆ 4.2 (6) • $

"Hard Times has one of the best Philly Cheese Steaks I have ever had, and I tend to try the Philly Cheese Steak everywhere I go. It is a huge sandwich, and well worth it. The "whole" is an 18 inch bun from Mancini's Bread. The other food is good too, but I'm always mad at myself later if I don't get the Philly. You can get the same Philly at the Crooked Dock, but I think they are always better from Hard Times. I don't know why. The only complaint I have about hard times is that it is always freezing inside. Still, I'll wear a coat in July while I eat that Philly."

Denise & Earl's

★★★★☆ 4 (2)

"Had some yesterday and I must say the food was good. The chicken is worth a return trip,as well as the sides. Next time I'll try the fish."

Kelly Hotel

★★★★☆ 4.4 (12) • $

"I came in after a failure of a weekend. The water on the gheny' is a little too high so the outfitters cancelled on me, then the hardcore rainfall before getting the camp site settled in resulted in the trip being cut short. I know Marienville is not a premier destination but Kelly's Hotel is a must stop, especially if you are hungry and want something more delicious than Fox's pizza or any other fast food. I ordered the hot roast beef sandwich and it was LATHERED with the thickest, most delicious gravy. Potatoes and everything was home made. Grandma's cooking at an affordable price. Sometimes I feel like I eat like I have two assholes, and the Kelly Hotel definitely provided portions to that effect. There's a cool bar next door as well that is also part of the hotel. If you are coming through, stop here."

The Fireplace

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (21) • $

"just moved to the area and a decided to check this spot out with another couple. it was a Saturday evening and the place was filled with people. the bar and the restaurant had a nice vibe. very large menu with a lot of options but i went with what they're famous for the fish. my cajun broiled cod was delicious. it came with a side and either a salad or soup. the bread for the table as a loaf that came out hot fresh out of the oven. we will be going back again"

Johnny L's Sub & Six Pack Shack

★★★★☆ 3.5 (18) • $

"It finally happened. After driving past this place for over 20 years, I decided to stop the car, park, and venture inside to explore and assess this place to see whether it's interior matched the exterior.For 20 years, I would sit at the traffic light, look over at this place, and told myself that someday I needed to go inside here. Although the exterior looks a bit questionable, and not very inviting, I often heard that the food was decent.Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by a woman working the counter. No one else was in the dining room so I started to wonder if I made a mistake by stopping .However, after looking over the menu and observing their great selection of bottled beers, things were looking better. We placed our order and took a seat.The fish sub and pizza came out quickly and tasted great. Soon after our arrival, the dining area started to fill up and the phone began to ring for take-out orders. I was happy to finally be in the know about this little spot I have driven past for way too long.The dining room is basic, a little worn looking, but comfortable. Their menu features about 15 different subs ranging from 4.50 to 9.75, plenty of side orders, 4 different sizes of red or white pizza, and Stromboli.Looks like Johnny L's isn't a place to pass by without stopping any longer."

Cedars

★★★★☆ 4 (18) • $

"Cedars is a great spot for a beer and dinner or lunch. Have eaten here a few times with Linda, and we both love it. The service is great, ate in the dining room this time. Just so we could relax. I got the lamb and chicken dinner over rice. Linda got the Lamb Dish which has cheese melted into it. You can't go wrong with anything at Cedars, but we generally get the lamb because it's so good. You can eat at the bar too if you want. And they have a #### ton of draft beers, at a nice reasonable price. Never had anything but good service and delicious food every time we've been here. Highly recommend."

1700 Penn Ave Helltown Brewing

★★★★☆ 3.9 (39) • $$

"I went with a large group and there was plenty of space for us to mix and mingle. The bar tenders were friendly. I enjoyed my season mule. I didn't eat any food there as it was snacks like chips and pretzels."

Thunderbird Restaurant & Lounge

★★★★★ 4.8 (5)

"My husband and I decided at the last minute to try this restaurant. We were able to get last minute reservations which was wonderful. We had such a great experience. The cheese ball was delicious. I ordered the Seafood Oscar and my husband ordered haddock Au Gratin. The salad dressing tasted homemade. All of our food was delicious. All of the waitresses were super friendly and accommodating. We loved it so much we made reservations to go back the very next weekend. The prices are very reasonable."

Al Patti's Bar and Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (14) • $

"It's a hole-in-the-wall. And a fantastic hole-in-the-wall at that. My kinda place. Everyone was super nice. It was clean. Food excellent. My group shared the pulled pork tots and the pierogi appetizers. Very nice. I had a great burger and incredible onion rings. Made my visit to Indiana perfect."

Ponce's Place

★★★★☆ 4 (2) • $

"Stopped by for dinner the other night as I had a hankering for some Italian Cuisine. Great local family bar/restaurant and very friendly. I engaged a group conversation with patrons sitting at the bar. Chicken Parm was fantastic with homemade sauce. Stuffed Cabbage Soup was the special and very tasty. They had one of the best ciders Bold Rock Blackberry, I've ever had on draft. Looking forward to my next trip back, can't recommend them any higher."

Levity Brewing

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)

"Great food, wonderful atmosphere, and great service! Sense I have been coming to Levity, this place is the #1 spot for great drinks and food! Must try the Paisano, Tang Glider, and the Imperial Soft Pretzel! Beer cheese is a wonderful!"

Olde Tyme Cafe

★★★★★ 4.8 (6)

"I come here for breakfast and/or lunch every now and again. It's one of the few places left to eat in the small town of Cambridge Springs. This place features home-style country cooking, no-frills, and not expensive at all. The kind of joint where the regular crowd of old-timers comes in every morning for coffee and conversation, and you'll see soldiers in here occasionally from the local Army National Guard Stryker Brigade. Not a fancy place by far, they serve breakfast and lunch, and the hours are Mon.-Sat. 7am-2pm, and Sunday, 7-1. The only thing I wish this place had was real butter instead of a margarine blend, otherwise a decent place for breakfast or lunch."

Dry Dock Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (4)

"Omg... if you want to have a good time doing pretty much nothing- COME HERE...! This place is a non-pretentious, non-drama, super friendly place to grab a drink, in a/c comfort, and chill the day away.$2 Burgers on Saturdays?? Are you kidding...??? Can't wait to come back up (from Pittsburgh) to try them...! Sorry we didn't make it back for the band Frank- once we got back to our cottage and ate something, we were too bear to go back out. Tell Charlie & Braden we said Hi."

Rivers Club

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"Newly renovated in 2016, the Rivers Club is a great place for hosting events. The staff is very professional and the location is excellent.On issue I've noticed is often difficult to find your event. The Rivers Club is on multiple floors, so giving your attendees good directions is essential. The Rivers Club is located Downtown, yet I rarely have issues finding street parking, although many choose to park in their garage. Although not a member myself, I have several friends who belong and they enjoy the convenient, central location."

Riverside Inn

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (6) • $

"This is the cutest historic building in this tiny town! I needed a place to stay last minute and was able to check in for 2 weeks at a very reasonable price. The rooms are pretty clean for the most part (the actual room & sheets were clean however the comforter could've used a wash). They have a balcony for smoking if needed. However, the rooms really smell like cigarette (but I guess that's pretty normal for a hotel). They do have a restaurant and bar downstairs (super convenient). The food isn't great but they do have a few things that are definitely worth ordering like their fried cauliflower, Jalapenos and their salads (instead of croutons they use fries! ). Breakfast is pretty basic but definitely the best meal they serve. I wasn't impressed with their dinner but they do have some super yummy soups and pies!! The only negative thing about this inn is that after midnight you are completely on your own (like there is no one else there besides the other guest). Normally, I wouldn't complain. I like my peace and quiet BUT...one night there was another guest next door who was beyond drunk and knocked on my door pretty late and then tried to open my door. At first I thought he/she is drunk and maybe had mistaken his/her room for mine. No biggie...right? Nope, 5 minutes later and I hear knocking and someone trying to open the door again. At that point I realized I had to do something. So I went to the door and asked who was there. I heard a man say "It's me your next door neighbor. Do you run a business? I was confused and asked if I knew him and what he needed. He said no and he got straight to the point and told me he was looking for "sexual services". I was still super confused, tired and irritated at that point! I told him to leave me the hell alone or else I'd be calling the cops but of course being the A-hole that he is he tries to open the door again (these doors don't have dead bolts locks). ( Hindsight, I now understand exactly what he was asking for ). The bar was still open so I decided to call and see what all could be done but I got a very short answer from the bartender and that was "Do what you have to do. Call the cops. Click. (This is probably the only thing that killed my experience there). Everything else was pretty on point and overall a good experience. Pros: Cheap. Quiet. Convenient bar and restaurant downstairs. Beautiful building. Cons: Have to check in by midnight. After midnight you are on your own (I mean completely on your own, unless there are other guest and that could turn into a nightmare pretty quickly) and the lobby doors are open all night long."

Hunter's Roadhouse

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Super friendly place with friendly locals and a friendly owner. Great beer specials like $2 Coors Light Drafts during Pirate games and they're only $2.50 regular price."

Smitty's Bar & Resturant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (14)

"Wings are yummy! My dad eats there a lot and always raves about their food. He usually orders the Carolina Reaper wings (way too hot for the normal person to eat). I ordered hot butter garlic which has a slight hot taste but mostly buttery/garlic taste. Super yummy!"

Miller's Hoagies

★★★★☆ 3.8 (12) • $

"Just tried the super fish, happens to be the hoagie shops best kept secret. 4 pieces of fish on a hoagie bun. However I would have liked a little more lettuce a little more tomato but it was awesome. You really need to try this Hoagie it is definitely one of their best."

Rocky Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (18) • $$

"Service was great - the mozzarella ravioli was delicious - very good sauce. The filet tips and pierogies were also very good - a surprisingly awesome flavor combination."