Bites Nearby: Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Mexican food right here in Richland Township.

Overview: I went to graduate school in New Mexico and had the opportunity to travel to nearby Mexico quite a bit, so I consider myself a bit of a Mexican food expert. When I moved back to the Pittsburgh area, it became my personal challenge to find good, authentic Mexican food. I’m happy to say that Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar is one great find in this quest! I have learned not to judge a restaurant by its outside, strip-mall exterior. As often as not, you step inside and are instantly transported into a lovely setting as is the case with the Richland location of Emiliano’s. It also has a bar area for just drinks and snacks [although you can order a meal there]. Decor: Contemporary with a Mexican theme –- a nice, friendly …

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Bites Nearby: Dive Bar & Grille

This fabulous restaurant and lounge is no Dive.

Overview:   The Dive Bar & Grille is located in the Pine Tree Shoppes off Perry Highway in Wexford. It's almost invisible, which is a shame because its menu and atmosphere scream, "Notice me!" The menu is extensive and the food is interesting, well-prepared, and yet reasonably priced. The Dive is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday. It has a terrific happy hour, with food and drink specials, that runs seven days a week.  Frequent diners can enjoy 10 percent off with the "Very Important Regular" card. Décor: The interior is unique, as it almost seems to be built upon the great-room concept. The bar, bar eating area and restaurant eating area all open to each other. The big fireplace had a full couch in front of it on the rainy…

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Bites Nearby: Ichiban Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Dinner and a show come together at Ichiban.

Overview: A special event deserves a special dinner, so when my son Kenton turned 20, we took the family to Ichiban Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Pine. It isn’t just dinner; it is a show while the chef prepares your meal right in front of you. A traditional hibachi steakhouse, Ichiban seats you and your party around a big table with a grill in the center. Smaller parties might be added to larger ones, depending on how busy the restaurant is that evening. Decor: Ichiban is Japanese all the way in decor. The restaurant, in the Village at Pine, features a large, lovely interior with traditional Japanese accents and long grill tables. Drinks: Ichiban has a full bar and, of course, offers tea along with non-alcoholic beverages. Specialty …

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The Happy Hour Extravaganza Begins!

Four days. Nine restaurants. Two tired, middle-aged people.

A few months ago my husband and I were on our way home from a graduation party when we decided to stop at a local restaurant for a drink before diving back into life. As we sat at the bar our entertaining bartender told us we should come back for happy hour during the week -5 to 7 p.m., she said. Well, Steve and I just laughed -- who can go out from 5 to 7? Most of the time, we work until 6 or 6:30, then he has the drive home and I usually have things to deal with at home or meetings I have to attend or the million other things that everyone older than about 25 has to do. I mean, no one our age goes to happy hour any longer. But then he had a thought: Our children were going to be out of town at the end of August. We couldn't actually take…

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Bites Nearby: North Country Brewing Company Sports a Rustic Look

Slippery Rock brew works offers delicious beer and fun food.

Overview: North Country Brewing is a brewery and eatery located in Slippery Rock. Looking like a bar you might expect from somewhere out west, this is one of our favorite places in the area. You can go into North Country after hiking or after a movie and feel at home. It seems like we always end up here after a long hike at McConnell’s Mill State Park. Decor: North Country is a rustic bar with lots and lots of wood inside. The building has been around since 1805, according to the restaurant's website. It is a fun place with lots of eclectic items on the walls. A nice outdoor seating area is ideal for warm fall days and nights. Drinks: North Country Brewing has its own beers that are not only delicious but many have fun names in honor of …

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Bites Nearby: Poor Richard's Wexford Ale House & Grill

You won't be "poor" or hungry after a visit here.

Overview:   Poor Richard's Wexford Ale House & Grillis a mouthful, but its food is more than a mouthful. This is a casual, seat-yourself restaurant off Route 19 in Wexford. The food is definitely a cut above pub fare. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. It's closed Sunday. The focus is good, casual food, great prices and an extensive drink menu. There are lots of specials, including daily food specials, 50-cent wings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday [by the dozen, dine-in only], and happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday [$2 well drinks, $3 drafts, $4 select appetizers, dine-in only]. It was quite busy when we stopped in for an early dinner after a hectic day…

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Bites Nearby: First Watch, The Daytime Cafe

Fresh ingredients distinguish breakfast/lunch offerings.

Overview:   Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, First Watch serves breakfast/brunch and lunch. It has a "2 for You" lunch special from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. that includes a half-salad or half-sandwich or a cup of soup (choose two) for $6.89. There is a kid's menu. First Watch is a restaurant chain that opened its first spot in 1983 in California. It now has around 100 restaurants spread across 13 states. The restaurants use only fresh ingredients, so some items may be seasonal. Décor: Bright and cheery, as you'd expect from a breakfast place. Lots of big windows. Large, primary-color paintings of fruits and vegetables. Very pleasant and very clean.  The Drinks: Coffee is served in a pot that is left at…

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Bites Nearby: Bella Frutteto

An orchard view and good food make for a lovely night out.

Overview:   Bella Frutteto means "beautiful orchard." Its name comes from the lovely view of Soergel's Orchard from the restaurant's patio. Bella Frutteto serves authentic, contemporary Italian cuisine. Reservations are suggested on weekends as it is a popular dining spot. It was very busy the Saturday night we were there. Although the restaurant is not affiliated with Soergel's, many of its specialties feature apples.  It is open daily for lunch and dinner. Décor: The dining areas are decorated in warm, muted tones. The lighting is dim, almost too dim, but the atmosphere overall is congenial and intimate. The bar is newly remodeled and very large. It sports four large-screen TVs and the website encourages patrons to join them for Steelers…

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Bites Nearby: Blue Water Tavern Provides Good Food in Relaxed Atmosphere

But with new ownership, will things change?

Overview: Blue Water Tavern is a fun, contemporary restaurant located in Pine Township along Perry Highway at the end of the Pine Tree Shoppes shopping center. An added bonus for the summer is its lovely outdoor patio seating. Quick note – as we read the menu during our recent visit, I noticed some listings marked with “NPL.” When I asked our server what that meant, he told me the restaurant was just bought by North Park Lounge and the menu had been revamped. He was unsure what else would change, but you may want to make a note that other changes might be in store for the restaurant. The drinks: The NPL is known for its full-bar menu, and Blue Water Tavern is no exception. There is a wide variety of drinks and the usual iced tea, soft …

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Bites Nearby: Tomato Pie Café

Delicious, Italian-themed cuisine is set near lovely North Park.

Overview:   Tomato Pie Café is located on the border of North Park across from the batting cages. It's open from Easter until Christmas and closes in the winter. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Its cuisine is Italian-themed. It accepts only cash, but an ATM is on the premises. We went for lunch, so our selections were from the lunch menu. Décor: The charming exterior is bright tomato red with a pretty courtyard. The drawback is that it sits right on busy Ingomar Road, but the restaurant staff have really made an attempt to make the space resemble an Italian courtyard. It's very welcoming.  Inside, there is not much décor to speak of; it feels more like a roofed …

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