Mr. Smalls in Millvale switches focus to food, outdoor concerts

The scent of grilled burgers and Mexican street corn will fill Butler Street in Millvale on weekends as Mr. Smalls Cafe takes over the road for socially distanced food, friendship and live music.

It is the latest move by the music venue to stay afloat after being hard hit by covid-19 restrictions, said Ricky Petticord, assistant operations manager.

The Mr. Smalls Café Street Series is 4 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 1-9 p.m. Sundays. The all-ages event is limited to 100 people. It is free but requires a food purchase.

Mr. Smalls Café, which Petticord calls a sustenance and beverage emporium, opened just before the pandemic closed down large gatherings at the popular entertainment venue this spring.

With local art on the walls, pinball machines and vintage video games, the eatery offers a lively alternative atmosphere where concert-goers can grab a bite to eat before a show.

“Before covid-19, the café served as our daily box office for events and as a place patrons could come hang out,” Petticord said.

Until large-scale shows make their return, management has decided to focus on growing the café’s offerings with events such as the Street Series and a new menu of locally sourced food, desserts and drinks.

Performer Liz Berlin said the inaugural weekend of the outdoor series was invigorating.

“It was beautiful to see the musicians finally have a place to express themselves and the people who attended soak up the music,” Berlin said.

“It’s great having Mr. Smalls Café open again. Once the word spreads that it’s open, I’m hoping people will think of it as a place to come grab lunch or coffee. We are all struggling these days, and right now the best thing you can do to help local venues is to support them in anyway you can even if it’s just a cup of coffee.”

Outdoor tables abide by social distancing guidelines, and daily hours make it a spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The café entrance is along Butler Street just past the steps of Mr. Smalls Theatre, a converted church.

An extensive menu appears to have options for every palette.

There’s a BBQ blackbean burger; a Tijuana street dog with bacon, pico, avocado and salsa; and Grandma’s grilled cheese served with tomato on Texas toast.

Thirsty customers can choose from craft beer, wine, Tupelo Honey tea and the Millvale Bulldog (cold brew with vodka, Kahlua and cream topped with cola).

Featured on the outdoor stage Sept. 25-26 are Sierra Sellers, Tyler Heaven, Jeremy Caywood, Sam Stucky and 28 North.

For more information, visit mrsmalls.com