5 Pittsburgh restaurants to try in 2020
Start off the new year by visiting some of the restaurants that opened in 2019. Whether you’re into upscale bar food and boozy brunch items or modern twists on classic dishes, Pittsburgh’s got a place to suit every palate.
KIIN Lao & Thai Eatery, Squirrel Hill
For a bite of something out-of-the-ordinary, head to KIIN Lao & Thai Eatery in Squirrel Hill.
Husband-and-wife team Norraset and Rujira Nareedokmai transformed their former restaurant, Bangkok Balcony, into a celebration of Lao cuisine and culture. It opened in November.
The second-floor space above Forbes Avenue seats 85, including a communal table. Kiin, after all, means “eat together.” Colorful murals by Henley Bounkhong, a Lao-American graffiti artist, are a feast for the eyes.
The menu is divided in two: more familiar dishes made in Thailand’s Isan style and lesser known, but equally delicious, eats from the neighboring country of Laos.
Start with a shareable plate of Lao curry puffs with potato, onion, yellow curry powder and cucumber sauce for dipping. A family-style platter of Kua Mee, a mix of wok rice noodles with fish sauce caramel, egg, tomato, bean sprouts, lime and a protein.
Cap off your exotic taste adventure with a signature cocktail such as the Phongsalay Hot Toddy, a potent concoction of Benedictine, ginger liqueur, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and your choice of tea.
Larder of East End, Larimer
How do you celebrate 15 years in the craft beer-making business? You collaborate with a culinary tour de force.
Scott Smith, owner of East End Brewing Co., partnered with Chef Justin Severino and Hilary Prescott Severino to open a restaurant within the 2,000-square-foot production facility in Larimer.
Larder of East End opened July 5. Historically, a larder is a cool room for storing meats, so this is definitely a place for carnivores. The seasonal menu features an array of smoked meats such as chicken wings, brisket and pulled pork. Fret not, vegetarians, there’s stuff for you, too. Enjoy smoked pickled beets with goat cheese tahini, smoked maple and sea salt or roasted cauliflower dressed up with golden raisins, caper, lemon and pistachio.
Customers order their meals at the walk-up counter. There’s seating for 85 in booths, small high-tops and long communal tables. In warm weather, the large patio is open. With a rotating selection of canned beer options and 15 taps, there’s plenty of it to go around.
Lola’s Eatery, Lawrenceville
Lola’s Eatery is a culinary love letter to Lower Lawrenceville and the owner’s Mexican-Filipino heritage.
Venture inside the historic Engine House 25 on Penn Avenue for unique, seasonal takes on brunch and lunch.
Send Noods is a tantalizing combo of sautéed mushrooms, crispy kale, caramelized onions, nitamago egg, bacon and house-made soy brine. Friends with Benedict is a willow bend Calabrian chili muffin with roasted garlic-tomato jam, chipped ham, poached egg and champagne hollandaise.
Like a little booze with your brunch? Lola’s is located in a winery, so there are lots of options available. Order a Michelada, an Arsenal Cider mimosa, Sangria, some Engine House 25 vino or other local libations.
The eatery operates Mondays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On off-days, the space is available for private parties and baking classes.
Frick Park Tavern, Regent Square
If you want a comfort food with a side of nostalgia, Frick Park Tavern is a new, go-to destination.
Consider the restaurant Regent Square’s communal living room. The homey atmosphere is as warm and inviting as the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Chef Jimmy Brown creates his namesake meatloaf using veal, beef and pork covered in a tangy glaze. It comes with whipped potatoes and a seasonal vegetable.
Dive into a classic prime-chuck burger fully dressed with melted cheddar on a brioche bun or a Reuben piled high with house-made pastrami, molasses sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye.
Watching your meat intake? Try the cauliflower steak with ancient grain pilaf and harissa aioli.
The joint is filled with black-and-white photographs of nearby Frick Park. Brown’s mom, Louise Brown, was Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Pittsburgh for 25 years.
Raise a toast to her service with a signature cocktail such as the Nature Trail, Pyrat Rum, local apple cider and spices.
The Vault Taproom, South Side
Beer lovers with a D.I.Y.-attitude will feel right at home at The Vault Taproom.
The iPourIt self-serve draft wall boasts a rotating selection of beers and wine. Beverage names, brands, styles, ABV, IBU and price per ounce are displayed on screens above each tap.
But, this isn’t a free-for-all. Upon arrival, you must check in with a credit card and driver’s license. In exchange, you’ll get a scannable pass you can swipe for up to 32 ounces of beer, 12 ounces of wine or a combo of the two. This allows you to taste-test multiple items or go for a full pour. Once you’ve reached the limit, you can visit a staff member to access additional ounces. Responsible drinking on East Carson Street! What a concept!
A good way to sober up is to eat. Thankfully, The Vault has an abundance of food options.
Indulge in the Brisket and Bourbon Mac, 12-hour smoked brisket, Vault Buster cheese sauce, caramelized onions, bourbon, brown sugar and green onions, or the The Piggy Bank Pork Sandwich. The brioche bun is layered with pork, white cheddar, Bank Robber BBQ Sauce, caraway slaw and grilled scallions.
Kristy Locklin is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.
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