Brick & Barrel serves up hearty fare with a side of history in Indiana Township
Brick & Barrel co-owner Jeff Brungo wants customers to enjoy more than just a meal when they visit his eatery and bar in the historic Cross Keys Inn in Indiana Township.
“There’s history here. We have original bricks from 1850,” Brungo said of the former hotel and stagecoach stop.
The building dates back to 1850 and was first used as a grain and cattle weigh station and was designated a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark in 1973.
There’s a cozy gas-burning fireplace in the library, an expansive seasonal patio featuring a large fountain and a separate bar with exposed brick and bistro-style tables.
A speakeasy was created during prohibition and according to Brungo, it was once a brothel.
The storied history makes for great conversation over the more than 120 bourbons patrons can peruse.
A full bar and extensive draft list is available for non-bourbon fans.
“It’s just the feel here. Sometimes an old building can be a pain, but it’s just amazing. Bourbon just fits here,” said Brungo, of Hampton.
The menu features wood-fired pizzas, burgers and the aforementioned bourbon.
With an emphasis on hearty and homemade, executive chef Conner Cummins of Hampton makes sure many of the dishes are heaping.
“You won’t leave here hungry,” Cummins said.
Take the newly added Pork Shank ($32) for example, with almost two pounds of slow-roasted pork topped with homemade gravy and served with mashed potatoes.
“We had such success with the pork shank when we introduced it during Oktoberfest, so we decided to add it to the menu,” Cummins said.
An updated menu is in the works and Brungo said he chose the Brick & Barrel name because of the bourbon and the brick-fired oven used to bake specialty pizzas like the Little Miss Figgy ($19) with marinated figs, the Mona Lisa ($16) with fresh basil and lots of garlic, the spin-bacon me crazy ($18) with bacon and spinach and the firestarter ($19) made with a spicy tomato sauce, sausage and hot peppers.
The American menu features appetizers including mussels, meatballs, homemade mac n cheese and risotto balls.
There are salads, specialty sandwiches, vegetarian options and a children’s menu.
“We haven’t really overhauled the menu and it will debut early next year. It’s nice to update the menu every few years,” Brungo said.
Six years ago, when Brungo and his co-owner business partner Chris Hildebrandt opened Brick & Barrel, they had to navigate the pandemic.
“We made it, but us and many other restaurants are still recovering — getting help, especially in the kitchen — it’s still something we’re dealing with,” Brungo said.
The uber-popular motherclucker ($17) sandwich is a must-try, Brungo said.
“It’s so good. Everyone orders it.”
Sous chef Michael Sunday, 39, said he enjoys making great meals in a great venue.
The Aspinwall resident used to dine at the Cross Keys Inn when he was a kid.
“The burgers are a fresh-beef blend with short rib and chuck, which gives it an extra pop of flavor because of the higher fat content,” Sunday said. “It’s nice that we can be in this building and keep it going.”
History and legends
Brick & Barrel staff like to strike up conversations about the ghostly legends that have survived since the 1800s.
Diners are encouraged to ask staff members about reports of mysterious handprints, cologne odors and lights turning on.
“And we’re told there was a man named Walter that still hangs around,” said manager Brittney Davenport of Plum.
Customers can check out original Cross Keys keys hanging on the 1850 brick wall and view a historic black-and-white photo of the Cross Keys Inn.
The second floor offers multiple private dining rooms that are at-the-ready, whether it’s date night or family time.
The building was known as the G.F. Thomas Tavern until 1876.
Next was Cross Keys, which served as a stop for food, drink and rest for travelers making their way between Kittanning and Pittsburgh on what was then the Kittanning Pike and is now Dorseyville Road.
Cross Keys earliest record on Allegheny County’s property holder’s map dates back to 1851.
A framed sign reminds diners that the infamous spirit known as “Kathy” still lingers.
“If you feel a breeze in your ear, that means that Kathy is near,” reads the sign.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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