Jessica M.'s Profile

This is a great place that I worry is overlooked due to its unassuming location in a strip mall among many, many other strip malls.  Seek it out!  I've only been here for lunch, since I'm only in this area during the workweek. What a great deal!  As many have mentioned, the banchan are all delicious - the potatoes are a favorite, but today I had some tofu that was just so flavorful, a real treat.  Whatever they bring is a fun treat worth trying.

I often get the dolsot bibimbap, especially at this time of year, when the sizzling pot is a welcome break from the winter weather. But the Lunch Box is an excellent deal, and a great way to try many things at once. The amount of food you get for $7 or $8 (chicken or pork, respectively, which is what we had), counting the banchan is amazing.  I love that I always leave feeling full, but not overfull, and not queasy from having eaten too much oil or MSG.  The friendliness of the staff is the icing on the cake.

I can't write a full review as I've never eaten a full meal here....I've been twice so far after eating elsewhere and strolling about Squirrel Hill looking for a nightcap. The bar is great!  The bartender, Sean, is wonderfully inventive, and has come up with a list of cocktails that are a real pleasure to consume in this chill, intimately-lit space.  On my first visit, I had a martini made with some of the lemongrass-infused vodka. Last night, I had the Biddle, a remix of the margarita including Cynar (artichoke bitters) and Thai chili. It was served very cold and went down with a spicy bite. Delicious!  Can't complain about the unobtrusively cool soundtrack, either. I'll be back.

A Yelp victory! We were driving back from Ohio to Pittsburgh and knew we would be hungry somewhere around Wheeling. A quick search later, we drove a minute or two off 70 and walked in from the cold rain to this adorably decorated, welcoming spot!

The space is bright and kitschy, adorned with Wheeling Steel and other down-home, nostalgic goods.  Divided into rooms, the restaurant manages to feel rather homey in spite of its size.  We had a big variety of food - I had a sandwich (turkey with brie and apple butter - mmm), and my friends had a crepe (with a starter of the tomato basil soup topped with puff pastry) and steak salad respectively.  We all enjoyed what we got quite a bit, and delcious craft brews for $3.25 only sweetened the deal.

There was a bit of a wait that Saturday night.  There was a film premiere at the theater across the street that night and the staff was, by their own admission, overwhelmed by all the customers.  As we were not in a hurry, we were glad to see such a great little spot humming with activity -- and I'm sure that, on any normal night, service is likely fine.  They were all in good spirits and checked on us several times, once we were seated.  I can't wait to stop here again, to rest and fortify myself on another long drive.

I had to check out this new location of Melt on a recent trip to the Cleveland area - I'm a big fan of the other restaurants.  We were going to Lakewood for a show and figured that stopping here, before we got into the city, might mean less of a wait.  Hardly so! At 9:00 p.m. on a rainy Wednesday night, we were told that the wait for a table was an hour and a quarter for our party of two.  No worries, as the bar is large and we found a couple of stools.

Agreed - what's not to love about a 40-beer draft list and this great menu? My boyfriend, on his first visit, was stoked to find that they do vegetarian versions of many sandwiches, like The Dude Abides and the Smokey Russian (which he got and loved). I tried the Purple Parma, slightly less heart-attack-inducing than my choice last time, the (delicious) Monte Cristo.

It's true that the space just doesn't feel quite as organically kitschy as the others, though they have tried hard to replicate the experience with the plastic Santas, tin celiing and neon.  However, you've gotta give 'em credit for giving burb-dwellers a convenient alternative to Applebee's and Ruby Tuesday.

I love the Scarehouse! I had no idea what to expect going in, but I had heard friends speak highly of it. I was not disappointed!  From start to finish, it was a long and winding road of surprises around every corner. Just when I thought I had gotten the hang of making my way through, a wall would come to life, and my heart jumped. From the skilled actors to the unnerving tactile experiences, this is an attraction that removes you from the tedium of daily life for a good long while. I was simultaneously terrified and not wanting it to end!  I went with just one friend, but I could see this being fun with for a group excursion as well.

The wood-fired oven, which was the main draw for me, was out of order, alas. We had some wine and beer with our meals.  The wine and beer were delicious, and the selection offered was great; many locals. The space was very lovely and comfortable; it was a nice day and we sat in the front of the restaurant with the large front windows open to the lively street outside. I believe there is seating out back as well.   The food was not very exciting.  We started with a cheese and portobello "fondue" that had the grainy consistency of a tapenade, served with 4 small slivers of bread - not enough to eat it all with.  We moved onto sandwiches that were passable - I had the roasted vegetable, and it was a mass, cold, of vegetables that were fine enough, yes, but served on two slabs of cold bread with a few hunks of goat cheese inside.  All elements were quality, but the combination did not transcend its individual components.

I will try this place again once the oven is in order. It's a great space and I'd like to think they can do a better job.

Why is it so quiet in here?  I mean, don't get me wrong, having a respite from the press of people at the Brillobox or the Cantina is appealing! but I'm surprised that more people don't stop in.  What's better than getting delicious local brews from East End Brewing Company, artfully mixed drinks, delicious organic bites, (and POUTINE), all while you have a choice of comfortable inside or outside seating and Billie Holiday plays?

I love this place! It's so great for weekday lunches.  You can't beat getting two delicious curries and rice for just $5!  So filling, and you can even split it with a friend.  Additional hot food, like samosas, is available, not to mention the goods in the rest of this comprehensive grocery.  I love all the cookies and snack foods, and the soft drinks too.  Always something new to try, and at great prices.

I ate here recently with a friend.  It was pretty dead at lunch hour. Just us and 2 other tables. I had the lemongrass soy chicken, which was tasty. Also had the crispy rolls and the coco tofu (shared with a coworker). Everything was yummy, I just wish there was a bit more vegetable variety in the dish than just a pile of tofu/soy protein and some brown rice. Other dishes have more variety so I will have to try those.

I was a bit worried that the cult feeling would be overwhelming, but the workers were friendly and it was easy enough to ignore the TVs on the walls.

I like this place, though I don't feel as excited about it as I do Point Brugge.  Went in on a recent Saturday night at about 8:30, were told there would be an hour-and-a-half wait, and waited about 45 minutes.

On this trip I focused on trying all of the things that were new on the menu.  We got the poutine, which could hardly be anything but delicious with those fries and cheese curds from Arsenal Cheese in Lawrenceville.  I also had the garlic soup, which I was really excited about, but didn't love.  The soup was monotonously starchy, with little to break it up or add interest, and even the cheese on top failed to excite.  We finished with a large order of the mussels, the new spicy Creole preparation with andouille sausage, peppers, onions, celery and crumbled Maytag Bleu.  These were very good, though I am sure I will order my traditional white wine order next time. Ah, we are creatures of habit!  

The decor is, true, sterile and, ok, a bit bland, but in a clean, modern way, I thought.  It's hard not to compare this to such a memorable predecessor, and it's not exactly the same, true, but this is still a fine restaurant and worth a visit.