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My experience may different from others because I am an attractive female who went in with 3 young African American males. Good friends of mine who spent a helluva a lot of money in Pittsburgh that weekend - who work hard and expect good service for good money like everyone else. We were greeted with reserved distant service. The waiter said something nervously like \""It's all good,\"" or something that people don't even say anymore. A round of Patron Margaritas were horrible. They tasted entirely like sour mix and we couldn't even take more than two sips. Of course, when we ask that they be taken away and replaced with shots of Patron, we were got the \""oh, you're that type,\"" look and it took a while to convince the waiter that there was sincerely something wrong with the drinks. Being used to that look, black folks often stomach bad food just to not appear to be complainers, but these drinks were horrible! \n\nSo in the spirit of good faith, we ordered the some appetizers. Shrimp cocktail, crab bisque, and two oyster samplers. The soup was bland, shrimp were large, but had a wierd texture that didn't seem fresh or like they'd been scrubbed to hide something, and oysters were not evenly sampled on both orders. One appeared to contain mostly one type instead of the 8-9 different types. We plunked down the $200 for the appetizers and drinks with a nice tip and said ciao - went and had dinner at Sonoma - which was much better... Fish Market needs some lessons on hospitality and diversity OR new management. | 01
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Terrible crab bisque. My husband liked the fish stew though. It had lots of beans, was thick and chili-like. The rest of the lunch was so unnoteworthy, I can't remember what I ordered, though almost all of it was still on the plate at the end of lunch. I do remember the bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the day. | 01
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Literally the worst restaurant experience that I've ever had, including McDonald's and 24-hour scarf-and-barf diners.\n\nPittsburgh is undergoing a bit of a food renaissance, yet the Original Fish Market continues to put out an inferior product in a horrendous atmosphere at an obscene price. \n\nOur fish was tasteless and rubbery, my white wine came out at room temperature, the restaurant was extremely dirty, and our server was clearly apathetic. \n\nThe Original Fish Market opened in 1998, and quickly found a place in the market in a city where Red Lobster was still considered \""good seafood\"". As top-notch restaurants entered the market, the local palates grew up in a big way. The Original Fish Market seems content to remain frozen in time competing as a mediocre option in an under served market space. Unfortunately for them, their market space is now flooded with options offering a far superior product at a fraction of the price. | 01
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I went for lunch last week. The food was awful. Do not waste your money at this restaurant. | 01
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One of the only places open downtown after 10 pm mid-week. Terrible service, average and overpriced food, in a hotel lobby, doesn't make a good combo. | 01
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Seriously, terrible. Just all around terrible.\n\nWe've been to the OFM twice now... the first visit was acceptable, but the second was absolutely terrible. We had late reservations for a quick bite after a lovely night at the O'Reilly to celebrate my husband's birthday. As sushi lovers, we thought this would be a great way to end the celebration. We sat at the sushi bar and couldn't get the attention of our waitress or the sushi chef. After an exhausting 20+ min wait in our seats and just as I was about to go find someone, we finally were able to place our order. \n\nAgain... waiting, waiting. Oh, our wait was enhanced by guests of the hotel (tweens loaded with makeup from what appeared to be dance competition and their drunk parents) standing behind us. No, they were not eating, they were just standing there... yelling, at 11pm. \n\n\nOur server returned to bring my husband's glass of warm white wine and commented on how terrible our experience must be, but did nothing to help... no drink refills, no offer to call the manager, nothing. Hubby sent the 14$ glass of bath water, I mean, wine, back to the bar, only to have it replaced with, you guessed it! another glass of warm white wine. \n\nOur sushi was finally ready and it was edible but not enjoyable... no flavor in the fish and hard rice. We left before finishing our 40$ meal (1 glass of wine, 1 water, 1 roll, 2 orders of sashimi). \n\nI almost asked for the manager, but frankly was tired of waiting and just wanted to get out of there. To top it off, we paid $12 for valet parking that would not be validated unless we spent $50 at the restaurant. We will not give it another chance and suggest you don't give it a first. | 01
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This place really should be much higher quality for first the prices and second the only food option at the Westin. I stopped by here two nights ago on a work trip to grab some food. The wine that I ordered was out (which was fine) and substituted - but for a place with a giant wine cellar I wouldn't suspect that should be an issue for the glass wines.\n\nWhen I went to order I asked the server how the scallops were - and asked her to be honest. She said that they are the most well done in Pittsburgh. Well I think she meant that literally because the scallops were as tough as a tire and there presentation was poor with a pile of over salty spinach and some kinds of blobs smeared around the plate. I was a little bummed about my experience when the 55 dollar bill came for one entree and a glass of wine.\n\nAlso a one off thing but the overhead light on the table was like a 10K watt surgical spotlight. It actually hurt my eyes to look at the table it was so bright. That should be an easy adjustment for the management. Food quality on the other hand - you need a new chef. | 01
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I've been meaning to go back to the Fish Market for so long. I remember the great crab legs I had years ago. I finally had the chance last week and was surprisingly disappointed.\n\nThe service was great. We sat at the bar and in no time both bartenders greeted us with smiles and menus. I guess my main concern was the food quality. I ordered the beet salad with warm goat cheese (was not warm at all) and shrimp and scallop linguine. Both were not unique in flavor or presentation. It was as if I made it in my own kitchen. My boyfriend enjoyed his lobster bisque and his seafood jambalya that was perfectly spicy.\n\nI do applaud the venue for offering a diverse and affordable wine list. And, with all due respect to owners, I think the atmosphere needs a serious update in character and aesthetics. Especially since other key hotels are more pleasing to the eye. This should be vital to one of the BEST hotels in the city! \n\nI'd like to return someday to give it another go. We shall see.\n\nP.S. Invest in better wine glasses. Ugly. Ugly. Ugly. | 01
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I read the reviews here and still decided to try it out. It's SUPER close to work and I was craving some miso soup. I am really glad I didn't let the reviews stop me. I thought that they had pretty descent Sushi. The city of Pittsburgh isn't exactly a mecca of Japanese cuisine, but I think it's VERY comparable to other places throughout the area. I got the OFM roll and it was extremely fresh and really delicious. I totally recommend! | 12
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I was pretty disappointed by this experience. And I usually avoid hotel restaurants for this very reason, but I was tired and I was staying at the Westin, so here I am at the Original Fish Market...\n\nI sat at the bar and ordered dinner. The bartender was very friendly and made sure she was taking care of me. So props to her! I got a menu and a sushi menu. OK, I'm pretty sure Pittsburg isn't the most awesome place for sushi, but let's give it a shot! I started with the gumbo, which came out warm and kind of bland. It wasn't good at all. And then I had a roll, which was decent. And a spicy scallop roll. Now, everyone has their own take on spicy scallop, but this was by far the furthest from what I could imagine a spicy scallop roll could be. \n\nIt was a small roll cut into 6 pieces (maki). It had a very small amount of raw scallops, which didn't taste super fresh. Then the roll was topped with the \""spicy\"". I can't identify exactly the spices that were on top, but I've had this type of spice combination on other Japanese dishes. So I know it's an off the shelf thing. Basically, this was the worst roll I could imagine.\n\nSo all-in-all, the food was sub-par at best. And the entire menu was overpriced. I would definitely eat somewhere else if I had any energy at all. I'm sure the room service would have been better. | 01
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just went for drinks. Seemed nice. Good happy hour | 12
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Have you ever eaten in a place where the whole seems far less than the sum of its parts? Believe me, the Original Fish Market fits that description. I met my mom and dad here for a pre-concert (Bonnie Raitt) dinner and honestly I wish we'd gone someplace else. \n\nTo be fair there wasn't anything particularly wrong with the food or service. I've enjoyed seafood restaurants before and while my dinner was okay, it was only just \""okay\"". There wasn't anything particularly memorable about it. Nothing that made me say, \""Wow\""! My parents didn't hate their dinners either but they weren't impressed.\n\nAnd therein lies the problem. The Original Fish Market wants to be a swanky hotel restaurant. It certainly sets its prices high enough ($25.00-$45.00 per entree). But the quality just doesn't match the price. | 01
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First time I've eaten here I went during lunch time. Not crowded but service was quite slow so I took off a star. My girlfriend ordered from their sushi lunch special and I ordered the bison burger. You're probably asking why order that when at a fish market. Well I originally planned on fish but I hadn't had bison in a while and it caught my eye. Well the menu is a bit pricey and I don't mind paying for good food so I had high expectations. He bison burger was mediocre (took a star away) The menu said bacon, but none showed up. No worries probably better for me. I felt at $15 for a bison burger this thing should freaking be awesome. Not the case. I would put it at $8.99-$9.99 price range I would pay since they gave me chips as a side. So they lost another star for over priced for the value I received. The girlfriends sushi meal was a bit over priced for a lunch menu. Two basic rolls and miso soup for $16. This would easy go for $14 at other places during lunch. So ultimately would I give it another shot? Yes, but only if it is convenient. I would not go out of my way or tell friends about this place. \n\nHelpful advice for the OFM. Actually have lunch specials. If you charge the prices you charge the food needs to be worth the price or you will lose return customers. Two rolls of sushi and a burger shouldn't cost me $33 unless you are going to blow minds! | 01
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Had awesome service and pretty excellent sushi. They have these lettuce wraps which are to die for! Highly suggest them. | 12
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I come here perhaps twice a week for the past few months. The lobster bisque and salmon are great. Apart from that, try their salmon and tuna sashimi. If you're at the sushi bar, you're in and out with a wholesome meal within half an hour which is great when you're travelling for work and need a quick meal | 12
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I've been to the Fish Market many, many times over the last 18 years or so. It doesn't change much. They get maximum money for average seafood (or anything else). \n\nThe sushi wasn't great this last trip (last week), and didn't taste terribly fresh. The Miso soup was barely average. I did like the Tataki roll, but it was the only saving grace of the meal. \n\nOverly expensive for what you get, and service can range between average and terrible. \n\nOh, and the bartender that's been there for as long as I've been going is seriously crappy, and I'm amazed he's lasted so long - is that a union gig? | 01
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McCormick & Schmick's knockoff is the best way to describe this completely non-memorable place. \n\nI agree with the other person who said \""it's trying to be a swanky hotel bar/restaurant\"". That may sound dumb but as someone who frequents hotels & their restaurants it can easily go either way. I've found you can get a great read on a place by the vibe of a hotel lounge. \n\nI hope for Pittsburgh this is not the case. Did I expect more from a Westin? Yes. Am I surprised? No.\n\nSub-par sushi. Tasted like takeout from Wegmans (holler, Rochester!). My Sauv Blanc was room temp & obviously an old bottle because it tasted nothing like it should (Kim Crawford is my standby so this was extra disappointing). Walk across the street & check out the Tonic Bar, I wish I had. | 01
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Stopped in for lunch. No greeter so we weren't sure where to go. Super expensive for the portions. My salad had dressing only in the center. The rest was dry. My sweet potato fries that came with breaded shrimp tasted BBQ-ish weird. But the worst was that my breaded shrimp actually had a curly hair cooked into the bread ing. It was disgusting. The waitress apologized and offered to replace but my appetitive was gone by then. She however did not offer to comp the meal. I would absolutely not return nor recommend it to anyone. Way too overpriced and the hair was a disgusting unwanted bonus :-( | 01
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In the lobby of the Westin. Service was friendly and exact. Good was excellent, especially since I thought it would be a mediocre \""hotel lunch\"" at best. Scallops with potatoes and corn hash and some lovely mushrooms as well. Cajun shrimp butter was fantastic too! | 12
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Not good. I suspect the servers are over worked or spread too thin b/c the service sucked. The food was ok, but nothing special. It's a shame b/c better service would have made the experience decent. | 01
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We checked this out for lunch, since we were staying at the Weston.\n\nThe sushi, I thought, was pretty good. Nothing outstanding, and I probably wouldn't seek it out again, but it wasn't bad. My friends ordered other things off the menu; the verdict was largely that the food looked good, but was bland; this was especially apparently true of the fish sandwich.\n\nThe attached bar is *small* with a very limited selection of beers and liquors. Perplexingly, they also have loads of bar seating, but don't open that area for happy hour time. It seems you could not get appetizers and hang out until some point later in the evening.\n\nSuper expensive too. Go somewhere else for lunch, there are many better options in the area. | 01
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I try to go here for lunch at least once a week. I believe it is the best lunch spot in the strip if not Pittsburgh. It's so good that it actually makes me smile thinking about it. I get the smoked salmon salad or the spicy thai wrap. I keep telling myself to branch out but they're such perfect lunches. Their cookies are delicious too. And the lady at the cash register is really nice! Absolute A+ | 12
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Went here on a Monday at around 7:00. The bar was filled with the usual suspects; guys in Brioni suits drinking away the stress, unfortunate weather and reality they have to head home to the wives who just dropped 3-5k at pottery barn.\n\nThe drinks were solid, and very fair priced (based on NY and Chicago pricing) The open(ish) floor plan would accommodate a happy hour very well. The food on the other hand - absolutely horrible.\n\nWe had lamb, chili prawns, ahi, chicken (something) and Chorizo. The 'fusion' southern Spain meets some Japanese influenced small plates works, but the execution was deplorable. \n\nVerdict: Drink but avoid the food at all costs... | 01
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SO disappointed with this place! I've been wanting to try it for some time and finally did and boy...what a letdown. I had heard that it was one of downtown's happening Happy Hour places, but on the Tuesday night I went, it was 99% empty. The menu was pretty random and everything we tried was really average. The drinks weren't anything special either. No innovation here in the food, drinks, or decor. | 01
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Cavernous and huge floor plan. The location of Bossa Nova is perfect if you're downtown - either coming from or going to a show at Heinz Hall or walking across the Alleghany over the Clemente bridge to go to a game. The place is handy if you're with a large group. The timing was probably bad - the Monday nite of Thanksgiving week at 8 pm but there was no more than a 4 or so tables going off. I fear that BN may not be long for this world. However, the price was right for me and my girl - 4 glasses of wine and two trays of tapas (the Chef's cheese platter and the veal & pork meatballs for $50)! Agree with another reviewer that the servings were generous and tasty. What was missing? Lack of a mood or beat in the place. And, the server who took care of us - she did a good job but she seemed bummed out as if waiting on us was a chore. If not for the lack of ambiance and the somewhat feckless service, no problem assigning this place 5 stars. I think we just hit it on an off nite. | 12
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It's always surprising to me when you go to a bar/nightclub/restaurant and they actually have good food! It DOESN'T surprise me when most of those food and drink items are pricey, so they better be worth it! \n\nCocktails were STA-RONG. My caipirinha was really wicked strong and my Cosmo was pretty much cranberry juice with a splash of vodka. Looking to party, here you go! Looking to dance...meet me in the middle of the wide dance floor to drop to some pretty excellent DJ tunes. It's nice that there's wide windows that open up in the summer that people can gawk at you dropping it from the street!\n\nI like that there's actually a business downtown that stays open past 9 pm! You'd be surprised the crowd you get here on any night of the week. Thursdays are salsa night and Friday/Saturday you get a mix up the after theater crowd and the night owls. Throw in a random Steeler (hi Charlie Batch) or Pens sighting and you've got a hip place! I love how the place is decorated like a Mad Mex restaurant that's ready to throw down on the dance floor! \n\nAlthough you will always have your creepers....case in point last night. A strange man claiming to work at Saks went around kissing our hands. But who doesn't come out of a bar without a creeper story. It just adds more flavor to the place...or a good story to tell the day after! | 12
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Never been before and went on a Thursday night at 6PM before a show. Upon arriving, all the good seating near the windows was blocked off for private use (and remained unused). The \""host\"" told us to go find our own seating wherever we wanted. The setup is interesting with a large open bar area and a small number of tables around the perimeter. We took a seat at a table. The bar seating was fairly full with some milling around in the area and standing, and probably a total of 30 people there. We saw at least 5-6 staff, a couple sitting around playing on their phones.\n\nWe sat at our table for 20 minutes and never had a single person come by, not to say we will be there shortly, not to take a drink order, nothing. We could tell this wasn't going to be good so left and no one even noticed.\n\nIt was a little more bar than restaurant, so we weren't sad to leave. | 01
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Girls looking for a sugar daddy, guys looking for a cougar, or if you're just a pretentious douche: Bossa Nova is the place for you.\n\nThe atmosphere is downright tragic for how hard it tries. The bar prices scream to the proletariat: \""Let them drink beer down the street! We only want the bourgeois in here.\"" Even the DJ they had during the Gallery Crawl a few weeks back was tragic. I mean I know that the DJ has to appease the sugar daddies and cougars but is every place in Pittsburgh required to have 80s music? I'm sure it is in the liquor license application.\n\nThat said, the barstaff is generally friendly and very quick - most likely so you don't realize you just paid eight dollars for a beer. | 01
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I never ate here nor could have possibly gotten a drink no one would wait on me.\n\nMy friend who wanted to be a socialite of some kind asked me to come with her. I don't know what she was thinking. Not my scene whatsoever! We had come from a free Devo concert. I was dressed in converses, a side pony tale, and bright pink 80's garb. \n\nI have never seen so many idiots occupying one space. The chicks looked at me like I was an alien. Not everyone needs to wear 5 inch heels, gobs of makeup, and clothes that is so tight that your breathing is impaired just to get a little cleavage popping out of a minuscule ugly dress.\n\n I like fashion, I love heals. It was the glassy, vapid, duplicates that I saw that made me give my friends a hug and kiss then seriously BOLT out the door! Super bad energy in this place. I jumped in the first cab I saw and headed to Lawrenceville. I didn't even say goodbye to the friend who had brought me there. Smoke bomb disappeared! She knew I would hate it but just didn't want to go alone. I was pissed.\n\nThe night was not lost. My awesome \""fiends\"" from LA (stunt man Curtze, and Elvis impersonator slash gangster screen writer) met me out and we dive bar-ed the rest of the evening away. I meant to write \""friends\"" but didn't change it because fiends, haha... much more appropriate. \n\nI am not saying that people who like this place are any particular sort. Some of my favorite people like Bossa Nova. Just stating my personal experience. | 01
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This rating is for the drinks only and atomosphere, and based on my personal taste a bit ok a big bit. This is definately a \""I'm a young professional pittsburgh business person and I've arrived.\"" Status bar or \""I'm a young college girl and I've just had my first boob job care to help fund my nose job too?\"" Bar , I did not try the food becaused I moved from a place where we have awesome brazilian restaurant where fresh meats melt in your mouth accompanied by tart sweet grilled pineapple, and real slow cooked brazilian beans mmmm. Soooo after seeing how pittsburgh does Mexican food I'm not willing to drop my pennies to risk the disapointment of pittsbugh attmepts brasilian. \n\nThe bar is roomy with nice lounge seating which is nice for those who don't want to participate in the round the bar meat market. The guys make for fun people watching, either all suits or in their pirates jerseys. Or the occaisional jersey shore look a like meat heat in his v neck t shirt who is too good to attempt so much as a toe tap to the beat of the music. Then there's the balding old man with twenty something on his arm who already looks like she has botoxed up her face in an attempt to mirror her idol kim k. There are few older gay gentlemen I would have liked to chat with who mad things a little more interesting. There was an awesome looking woody Allen meets Andy Warhol look a like with cool glasses, and an awesome white frizzy mane.\n\nThe women range from down to earth girlfriends in for chat, drink and dance to wifes and girlfriends grinding it up on the dance floor with their man to the cougars. Warning Cougar dance zone, these women looked decent though and I'll give it to em they weren't afraid to shake it. \n\nMy biggest gripe about this place (I know I haven't gotten there yet), the drinks are sugary syrup crap. You can only put too many sugary alcohols together before you get a tummyache, you might as well be drinking the syrup flavors starbucks puts in your coffee. Stick to something on the rocks or a vodka soda most places cannot screw that up too badly (aside from Bar louie) but I will get to them later. Price is lame also 8 bucks and up for a mojito and they use coconut rum in it! Yuck. Sorry my college days of only being able to handle coconut rum are over, it is was frat guys give girls with a roofie.\n\nAnyway moving on my biggest gripe was that there is a cop standing by the door, who looks like he just walked away from beating a non white person to death. I know I know cops have the hardest job and I will be the first to say it, but this guy has a thick energy so nasty it hits you in the face from across the room. The way he was looking at the non white people who were a little to \""loud\"" for his tastes, no louder than the booming music mind you. Made my stomach churn. Also they used him to close at 1:15am on a saturday. Thats pretty lame for a downtown bar just because they were not packed. Bars in Salt Lake City Utah do that, come on BossaNova this is pittsburgh aka drinkersville, not mormondryville. Just sayin.... | 01
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Extremely disappointed. My wife and I walked into the restaurant to have the hostess tell us that is was open seating. Okay, that's fine..... as we walk to find our table I'm wondering 'why don't the just have a sign there because she wasn't very friendly, nor timely with the direction.' That said, we sat down at a table set up for dining that was nicely presented. Unfortunately we sat at the table for approximately five minutes without recognition from any employee at the restaurant. At this point, we decided to dine elsewhere. As we walked out, there was still not one bit of attention given, again. The hostess never lifted her head from whatever she was reading. I think that a sign would have served a much better purpose. On the back side it could have said \""thanks for your business\"" .....or lack, there of. | 01
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I've been going to this bar randomly over the last 5 years. It's definitely gone downhill.\nMy last experience here was when I was trying to plan a birthday party during happy hour on a Friday during the summer. When I called to reserve some space, they told me they only reserve seating areas for people who pre-purchase food. Which, the pre-purchase options were about $10-12/person. I wasn't about to pre-order food for a casual birthday get together. So, figuring they'd probly be very busy on a Friday night, we got there around 4:30. There were MAYBE 6 people around the bar. No one in the lounge seating area. I sort of felt undervalued as a customer for not being able to reserve space when no one was there. 5:30 came around, the bar got a little busier, but no where near the packed house crowd they painted as a picture for me when I tried making reservations.\nOur waiter was sub par. People sat without drinks for 20+ minutes, and some people just didn't get to order, because one person would order a drink and the waiter dashed off, leaving others to call out after him (to no avail.) He would basicalyl take 1-2 orders, and run off, not to return for 10 minutes. \n\nThis place is average in food price and quality. But the attitude of this place could be better. Go to Six Penn instead. They have outstanding service without the pompous attitude, and in the summer they have a roof top patio with a bar and lots of seating. Best in town! | 01
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Go to salsa night on Thursdays super FUN | 12
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The menu was small and underwhelming. The flatbread pizza most likely came out of the box. They didn't have the sauces, so the gave us ketchup to go with over cooked shrimp/bacon and extremely greasy fries. | 01
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I live very close so I decided to have a light dinner and drinks before the salsa crowd was wheeled in. I noprmally google a menu before my visit to have an idea of the cuisine. I sat at the bar and ordered wine. (stemless glasses, huge turn off, but there are trendsetters, and everyone else). The actual menu was the menu online chopped in half. (There were only about 6 items on the actual menu). I chose the shrimp skewers. I was literally the only person at the bar outside the staff, that consisted of 5 20somethings eating humus and crackers and a 40something with a cheap french press dolling out samples to the others. I was served the spicy shrimp and offered no water, or receptacle for said shrimp's tails. Bad service! I was LITERALLY THE ONLY PERSON at the bar. My wine glass remained empty for at least 10 minutes before my server found a loll in her humus eating gabfest to see if the one customer may need something. After I finished the second glass, I managed to flag down one of the all black outfitted staff who was still eating something with her finger as she went back behind the bar to ask for a check. \nI've been to BOSSA NOVA many time before, and I understand the short service when a the bar is beyond capacity, but again, I was the only person at the bar. There were some people seated at tables, but the bar, just me. \nSo if you are looking for wannabe pretensious night club full of party goers that can't remember what going out looks like, than you've found it. If you want, good food, good music, and a fun atmosphere, then run over the valet at bossa nova on your way to anywhere else! | 01
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First impression:\nThe guys here were borderline rude to me when I dropped my car off. I thought I had talked to someone on the phone and made an arrangements. It turns out there are two Monro Muffler locations on Penn Ave and no employee at either shop thought to bring this up (then, or at any point), as I had called the wrong location (I found out days later).\n\nService:\nThey took my car in anyway and said \""they'd get to it tomorrow\"", well tomorrow became the next day and the day after... \n\nGot a call that the mufflers I bought for the car turned out to be the wrong ones so I called around, tracked down the right ones, and dropped the correct ones off there within two hours of the call.\n\nQuality of work:\nAll in all it took a week for them to get the work done and I was under the impression they would be welding the whole system together. It turns out they just use clamps and bolt stuff together. I asked them to make me some tail pipes for me with bends over the rear axle and they couldn't do it with 2.5\"" pipe, turns out they are incapable of bending anything over 2\"" pipes there. Instead we agreed it would be easiest for them and cheapest to install short turndown pipes. So really it wasn't a terribly difficult job to be done.\n\nOverall impression:\nI gave two stars instead of one because they didn't actually break anything or lose my car or burn it down or anything. Pricing came in just over what we had agreed on because of the addition of the turndown pipes. I could have saved a lot of money and time and done it myself. | 01
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This is a gret place to go if you like Martini's! The food is pretty good and the decor is awesome! There are always some randoms bartending and you're never sure if you'll get a hipster or old mother Hubbard, but they always serve great drinks! | 12
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Olive or Twist, a narrow bar tucked away in the Cultural District, has friendly service, reasonable prices, and pretty decent bar food. While it's not a sports bar per se, it's a great place to watch a game... like Game 7 of the Stanley Cup. Go Pens!!\n\nIf they renovated their bathrooms, they would definitely deserve a five-star rating. | 12
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We came downtown on a Sunday afternon before a show looking for cocktails, seemingly this was the only place open on a Sunday. Olive of Twist is very dark, but it makes for a nice date spot. They found a way to make exposed brick walls and large indsutrial fans classy.\n\nTheir cocktails are absolutely great, at the top of the list is a proper gin martini with an olive or twist. They may also make the best sidecars in Pittsburgh, but for $8 - $10 a drink you should expect as much.\n\nThe calmari was excellent and we'll keep them in mind for their extensive dessert menu. | 12
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Don't bother. \n\nWe were kind of desperate to find a place that wasn't too pricy and close to our hotel on a Monday night. We saw this place, with the low lighting and witty name (although we weren't sure if they're cleaver enough to make the theater reference or if it was simply a mistake).\n\nThey boast a new menu and I got the pasta with goat cheese and almonds. I didn't have high expectations but this was like family meal before your serving shift. It was boring and flavor free. My boyfriend got a steak sandwich that looked punny. Oh, and the grocery store wine was way over priced.\n\nBoo! | 01
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Love the atmosphere and martini menu here. Nothing like a Frosted Grape martini and exposed brick to make you feel like a class act. I've also enjoyed any sandwich or salad I've ever gotten here. Highly recommeded! | 12
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Nice surprise.\n\nExpecting bar food when looking for a quick dinner while in town on business from Florida, we were presently surprised by the variety and quality at a reasonable price. The Buffalo Chicken spread was a flavorful hummus fare served with pita bites that were wonderful while warm. I had the Ahi Tuna Taco Platter that was tasty as well. The house Merlot was short of the $9/glass price, but overall this was time and money well spent. | 12
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Friday night girls night out and we were on the town. Olive or Twist located near the cultural district right across from the theater was the place to be. It is mostly the young professional crowd. The decor is brick with lounge couches upstairs, welcoming you to grab a martini and have a seat while searching eyes as people go by.\n\nI can't say this is a south side meat market vibe but the young are here to mix and meet. This particular night we were full of giggles and playful flirtations. There was some kind of CMU business men event going on and within a minute the bar was packed with young eligible bachelors in suits. Way too dressy for my taste but it was fun to talk and check people out. Everyone was friendly and from my perch on the bar it seemed everyone had mixed drinks in hand so I joined in with my signature dirty martini. It was made just right. The ambiance and music was light. I was having a good time and an even better time when offered drinks and striking up conversation. I didn't get to sample the food because we had already eaten but I will def be back. This place would be ideal for a date night. Stay tuned... | 12
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Sooo blacked out here that\nWe heckled the guitarist.\nNot sorry. He sucked. | 12
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I only went here to have a few drinks, and talk with a friend who wasn't sure if he wanted to eat or not. We were escorted to a table and were cool, the waitress was friendly and tentative since our conversation was rollin'. Long story short we were there for 5 hours, just drinking, and if our waitress could of re-worded her words, our experience wouldn't have been so sour. She came over and stated \""I'm leaving here is the check, if you would like to stay you're more then welcome to order from the bar.\"" So we continued to talk not thinking anything of it, or someone was going to pick up her tip. WELL not two minutes later she comes back to us and says \"" IM LEAVING, I need you to pay your check.\"" At this point me being me, gets a little annoyed, as my friend is looking at me like no she didn't! So he paid as a gentlemen do, and we continued the night, as they dimmed the lights and shut off the music we got the hint we've been talking way to long. If she could have been a tid more polite, it would have been a good experience. The atmosphere was great, the food looked good, but your sour mouth ruined it all. | 01
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I get it. It gets busy when you're a bartender/waitress sometimes. I've been there myself. But you can explain why things are late or why it takes nearly half an hour to pour a glass of wine without being incredibly rude and cold, and if you even say it with an apologetic smile, most customers will understand. Food was fine, won't go back for fear of the server. | 01
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Bossa Nova's step-sister bar, but not the evil jealous step sister more like the older a little more mature caring step-sister. At least in the way of making a carefully crafted unique martini or cocktail. \n\nAtmosphere is a little more cramped, but usually you can still find a table late on a week or weekend night if you do not mind sitting in the back. It is fine for me because I don't like being sandwiched at the bar with other people's conversations in my face. \n\nI didn't try the food but my friend ordered the Tuna appetizer and she said she loved it just wished the portions were a little better. But for the price it wasn't bad. \n\nI ordered the Perfect Pear cocktail with Pear Absolute Eldleweiss flower liqouer and a splash of pineapple juice it was delicious! Not too sweet and I despise sweet drinks. The perfect blend of soft tangy tartness. Much more creative then the drink menu at Bossa Nova.\n\nFor the drop in spot after a show or just happy hour with friends I found this to be a pretty down to earth and decent spot. The waitress was not that great but she was young, some things are forgiven if the product is just right. | 12
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Came here for drinks and appetizers while in Pittsburgh for the weekend. They have a lot of specialty martinis to choose from. I tried a few including the sparkling pomegranate and tiramisu - both really good. For appetizers, we shared the calamari and buffalo chicken dip. The calamari was served with some kind of teriyaki sauce which gave it lots of flavor - delicious. I liked how the buffalo chicken dip was served in a martini glass - it was good but nothing special. \n\nI thought the service was good.. we sat in the dining area and had someone waiting on us the entire time. We walked by the bar on our way out - it was crowded with several groups of people standing around the bar. I'm glad we were at a table. | 12
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The genius of the \""Olive or Twist\"" name got us in the door here, but we didn't have the best experience with their mixers.\n\nWhile here, we sampled the blueberry mojito and the cucumber basil martini. The blueberry mojito had an overpowering taste of rum. As a strong drink, it was good. However, the rum killed any blueberry or mint flavor in the drink. For the cucumber basil martini, the basil is the primary flavor in the drink and kills any undertones of the cucumber. The sole basil flavor of this drink made it unappealing.\n\nIn addition to a cocktail menu, they also offer a reasonable selection of beers including microbrews. | 01
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Found you on Yelp and weren't disappointed. Very friendly waitstaff and good food (bar fare). Yummy desserts. The acoustics downstairs were terrible. Exposed brick everywhere and no noise dampening. Not the best place for an intimate dinner or quiet conversation on the weekend. But a young, fun, party like atmosphere. Convenient to cultural district. | 12
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I ... don't know why I keep going back to Olive or Twist. Seriously, you could check my Foursquare stats and see that I've been to this bar more frequently than any place I've ever called my favorite spot in Pittsburgh. \n\nWhy? I moved up here from Orlando to be with my boyfriend who I had just started dating. I moved because Orlando on a whole sucks and I was ready to get out. My boyfriend used to play in a band as does one of his best friends now. This was their favorite spot to hang out out because all of the (female) bartenders know and love them. They used to get free or greatly reduced drinks, could be as loud and obnoxious as they wanted, etc. etc. - the ush. \n\nI tag along now because I didn't know many people in this city at first, obviously. The bar is way too small for the number of people who try to pack in at night. I've had several items off of the menu and they all left a lot to be desired. The drinks are poured strongly. At first I thought this was because the bartenders knew how the boys liked their drinks, but now I realize they're just heavy handed. \n\nNothing here really sticks out for me. I can get the drinks properly made elsewhere for the price. Same with the food. I guess the only reason I agree to go back time after time is because of two of the bartenders - Amy and Linda. Those two are the most kick ass bartenders in Pittsburgh. Considering I currently live in Heinz, it's also pretty damn close, which works in its favor (can't wait to move ... ). \n\nOlive or Twist has a great location and, if Amy and/or Linda are working, you're sure to enjoy yourself. Just keep those expectations low. | 01
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Love this place. Stiff martinis and cocktails, cheap drinks, good service, nice atmosphere to chill in the upstairs lounge and hang up with your friends. Classy crowd and much more mature, older, and professional crowd. There aren't any of those college frat boys or belligerent drunks there, which is so great. Very nice place to wind down after a long day. | 12
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In town on business and I always try to find places like this. Wow, a martini bar not named the Blue Martini? OK, I'm in!\n\nSo I strolled over and walked in. First impression was it was a cool, cozy, and trendy joint. Liked the exposed brick walls, lighting, etc. Only problem is, I don't go to a restaurant or a bar to eat and drink the atmosphere!\n\nSo I grab a table in the bar. It was about 5pm and there might have been 15 people in the whole place. Two bartenders made eye contact with me so I figured they would be waiting on me. I figured wrong. I sat there for a good ten minutes and was getting ready to get up and leave when the younger tender came over and said with a \""deer in the headlights look\"", do you want a drink or something???? Well hell, what was your first guess? I refrained from quoting Foxworthy and saying \""here's your sign\""!\n\nSo OK we were off to a bumpy start. I didn't have a martini, however there was a few options on the drink menu. I was just here for a bite, so my review is based on that.\n\nA few minutes later the other bartender comes back with my water and gives me a menu. I ordered some turkey wrap with a fruit salad for a side. I say \""some\"" turkey wrap because it was really that unimpressive! \n\nIt seemed to take forever for it to arrive. Given the fact that it wasn't busy, it did take a long time to arrive. When it did, it looked OK. The fruit salad looked as if it was ready for the trash, so I bypassed that. The wrap just had zero flavor and was loaded with lettuce........way to much. The only flavor that presented itself was blandness! It was very disappointing.\n\nAll in all, I think this is probably a way better bar to have a drink in then a restaurant. I will return to try a martini, but I will pass on the food. | 01
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The cocktail menu options were mouth-watering. Great place to grab a drink with friends, especially on ladies' night out! | 12
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We were in Pittsburgh for one night and Olive or Twist was near our hotel. There were many other restaurants, but this place looked nice. The atmosphere was nice, and if I was rating only for atmosphere I'd give it 4 stars. However, I'm mainly rating their food and service. We were greeted promptly, but after that the service was spotty and it took awhile to receive our drinks/food even though there weren't many people in the dining room. \n\nI ordered the Traditional French Dip Sandwich and Fries. I enjoy a good French Dip and have tried many of them at all types of restaurants and this one was the worst I've ever eaten. In fact, I couldn't finish it. The meat tasted like old lunch meat and the bread was nothing more than a cheap, glorified hot dog roll that was soggy. It wasn't soggy from the Au Jus, but it tasted like they steamed the roll for some reason. \n\nOverall, if I was going back to Pittsburgh in this area, I would stay far away from Olive or Twist. | 01
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I'm reviewing Olive Or Twist strictly as a weekday lunch person. I haven't had drinks there, or been there during an evening or weekend rush.\n\nI absolutely love this place. Its seating area is small - maybe seven or eight tables? The lunch menu is delicious. I get the grilled cheese and tomato soup every time, and it's perfect. The friend I go with gets the French Dip and sings its praises all day long.\n\nThe prices are a bit on the high side - over $10 for lunch - but frankly, the food is so good I'm glad to pay the extra couple of dollars. \n\nThe bartender is always the same guy when I go, and if he's the only one up front who has to seat me I get a distinctly unhappy vibe off him. Killing him with kindness does not work. Other than him, the staff seems great, and I'm happy to give them my business. | 12
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I've actually had OK experiences at this place in the past but this trip was especially bad. \n\nI tried to stop here with my husband for an appetizer and a drink before heading into the theater district - bad move. Upon being seated the server explained that they were no longer serving food because of a water leak or something unsanitary-sounding. Klassy. \n\nFor reasons I truly can't explain, we decided to stay for a beer before heading to our destination. We both threw down a brew nasty, paid and left. Unfortunately for Olive or Twist, the visit would probably be our last.\n\nOn a positive note, there was an interesting man setting up for what looked like a live acoustic set. His warm-up sounded good but we left before he really got started. \n\n\nWhen it's all said and done, we should have just went to the Sharp Edge down the street. Probably a much safer bet for future endeavors. | 01
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Owner or manager was very rude when we presented our yelp deal. | 01
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This place is pretty good. The buffalo chicken spread and the jerked salmon are awesome. The service is always good especially at the bar. They have an upstairs lounge that is open for happy hour during the week. If you are looking to grab a few drinks after work with friends, the lounge upstairs is a good choice. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced with happy hour specials M-F. ($2 off all martinis and half price buffalo chicken spread) | 12
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My favorite bar in town love the live music and the martinis - fave is the strawberry shortcake! | 12
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This bar is cramped, overpriced, and the service is unbelievably slow. Happy Hour runs 4-6, so you'll show up at 5, have no place to sit or stand, and will only be able to get *maybe* 2 drinks during happy hours You'll then be told that the upstairs (which is actually not bad) will be opening at 5, even though you're asking at 5:20 (this has seriously happened all three times I've been there).\n\nSeriously, avoid this place. When one of your co-workers suggests a work happy hour, direct them anywhere else. | 01
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Food was good, had scallops, ahi tuna salad and chicken wings which were all tasty and at a good price. Drinks were the highlight, try my favorites of the night, jalape\u00f1o Moscow mule and suit and tie. | 12
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Me and one of my besties recently came here for a girl's night out on the town. Since we're both parents and don't get out often without our children in tow, we wanted to make sure that we fully enjoy our food and drink wherever we decide to go.\n\nWe actually enjoyed ourselves very much, thank you, at this wonderful downtown spot. We both ordered specialty martinis. I had the Pink Lemonade and she had the Dragon Berry Cosmo. Both drinks were delicious! We also ordered Olive or Twist Calamari and the Thai Chicken wings as appetizers. (Yes, I know that's a lot of food for two people. But, didn't I say we don't get out much in the evening without kids in tow?) Yummy is the word for both. I like my wings crispy and my calamari not overdone and both fit the bill.\n\nNow, about my braised beef short ribs. Like some people wouldwalk a mile for a Camel, I would walk 10 miles for beef short ribs. If I can take my fork and push the meat into collapse and have a good sauce to go with, I'm all yours! My last name should now be \""OliveOrTwist\""! Likewise, my bestie sat in silence and payed homage to the crabcake gods/goddesses that prepared her crabcakes. A moment of slence please....\n\nOkay, I'm back. But seriously, if you want to feel transported from Pittsburgh and imagine yourself in a hip little bar/restaurant in a more trendy city, this is your place. | 12
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Very disappointed. I had been to Olive or Twist for drinks and really enjoyed it but had never been there for a meal. I was going to a show at the Benedum with a friend and made reservations about a week and a half before the show. We arrived about 15 minutes early for our 6:00 reservation expecting we may not be able to be seated yet. The problem is that even though I called and made a reservation (including the person answering the phone taking my name and phone number and repeating the date and time) we were told there was no reservation for our name. The hostess said something along the lines of \""are you sure you called here to make a reservation and not somewhere else\"" Yes, I'm pretty sure I called the right restaurant... She kept looking at the room of empty tables, looking at the book and then looking at us. After a few minutes of back and forth, she told us the lounge upstairs was open and we were welcome to grab a table up there. So we trudged upstairs. All that was available were small high top tables. Being a Friday night, it was packed with the happy hour crowd and was pretty noisy. Not really the environment we were looking for but we decided to make the most of it.\nWe started with the Buffalo Chicken Dip appetizer. It is served in a martini glass with toasted/fried pita chips. It was tasty and we were surprised at how much dip there actually was. \nThe problems with food began with the pacing of the meal. We had our appetizer for under five minutes when our entrees came out. It may not have been a big deal if we were at a real table in the restaurant downstairs, but being at the high top bar tables, we had no room for our drinks, appetizer and meal. We found ourselves stacking stuff and pulling things off the table in order to fit everything. It was frustrating. Not to mention that we would either have to let our entrees get cold as we finished the appetizer or let the appetizer get cold as we ate our entrees. \nWith as much as we enjoyed the appetizer, we were looking forward to our meals. Unfortunately, they were very disappointing. My friend ordered the french dip sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes. Her potatoes were ice cold and sandwich luke warm. When she mentioned it to the server, the server said \""so would you like me to take them back or are they ok\"" When would cold mashed potatoes ever be OK? When her potatoes were brought back warmed, she was disappointed because they were called \""garlic mashed\"" but she said they were pretty bland with not much garlic at all.\nI ordered the Caribbean Jerk Chicken. It was described as \""grilled chicken seasoned with jerk spices, pepper jack cheese, garlic mayo and pineapple chutney on a Kaiser roll\"" No mention of a tomato. When I got the sandwich, there were three tomatoes on it. Thankfully I just dislike tomatoes and it wasn't an allergy issue. There was also no pineapple chutney. When I asked about it, the server told me they use a sauce and it must have been soaked into the roll.\nOverall, very disappointed. I wanted to love Olive or Twist because I really enjoyed the time I had visited for a drink, but the dining experience was sorely lacking, especially for a dinner that was supposed to be a nice laid back start to our girl's night out. | 01
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I went here for a college alumni gathering on a Saturday, during the Three Rivers Art Fest. We were secluded in the upstairs area. I loved the atmosphere (very classy) and the martinis (very unique and tasty). We dropped serious money on the drinks. We had a coupon from Foursquare for a free appetizer. I ordered the truffle fries, very delicious. I would recommend coming here for a cocktail or two, but if you're looking to put away some drinks, you could get more for your buck somewhere else. Then come here :) | 12
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I was really excited when I saw the menu for this place because they had some vegetarian items that sounded delicious. I liked the decor, with exposed brick walls, soft lighting and we went there on a night with live music. But the positives stop there. I had the veggie burger. The burger was the typical veggie burger that a lot of restaurants are trying now - with all of the veggies in the patty - and people continually make it mushy. The mushy texture made me nauseous so I didn't finish that. I got the side of garlic mashed potatoes, and I'm pretty confident those came out of a box, though that ended up being my favorite thing. \n\nMy date got nachos, which are advertised with lots of goodies on top. Lies! They were covered in melted but cold cheese, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and a scoop each of guacamole and sour cream. Neither one of us ate more than 3 chips. \n\nFinally, I ordered Patron with Rose's line juice. First sip... Completely bitter and disgusting! So I asked her. And she said, oh right, we don't have sweetened line juice, he probably just used lime juice. So I asked for her to add some simple syrup, which she did. And then it was drinkable. But come on. She should have thought of that upfront! \n\nDon't go here for anything but the walls and music. | 01
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So I decided to surprise my fianc\u00e9 one night by taking her here(because we've been talking about doing so for a while). We both got martinis and the nachos and buffalo spread apps. The martinis were just ok, and the food was very basic and nothing special. I will give the place another try and get some non appetizers next time and hope the bartender is a bit better at mixing the drinks. | 01
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This place is good for drink before and after shows. I always wanted to try their food, but haven't yet. They have lots of different martinis. I will be back. | 12
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This is my second time coming and I still love it and especially the Buffalo chicken spread! The atmosphere is a little dark for lunch time but over all it was a good experience.The service was also great. | 12
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At the request of a friend, we had a brief girls night out at Olive or Twist. My first impression was the outdated decor. The restaurant has carpet which I find off putting. The drink menu is extensive; but, with the exception of one person in my party, we each found our drinks far too sweet. I ordered the cucumber basil martini, which was so sweet I had to send it back. The food was mediocre. I ordered the burger medium and it was over cooked to nearly well done. And then there was the cheesy lounge singer who sang a mishmosh of singer songwriter tunes from the 80s. The music was so loud and so bad that my friends I left and headed down the street to Butcher and the Rye. | 01
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I stopped in last night for a drink with a group of friends... we were in town visiting and I had been wanting to try this place out since we walked past it on the last trip... what a disappointment. The server was prompt to greet us and drop off drink menus, but then she failed to return to take our order for at least 20 minutes. It would've been different if she had been slammed, but the entire time she was standing by the bar, just talking to her coworkers. By the time she came to take our order we were ready to leave... and we should have... the martinis were not good and the server's disposition left much to be desired. When we were ready to leave she made us feel like it was a bother to split our tabs between the five of us. The one positive of the place was that I liked the ambiance, but it wasn't enough to make up for everything else being lackluster. What I was hoping to be a great ending to the night turned into a dismal experience that put everyone in a bad mood. | 01
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I made it into Olive or Twist a few weeks ago to celebrate surviving my first week of graduate school! My friend told me to pick wherever I wanted for a celebratory dinner, and Yelp brought me here. The name was catchy, and the food looked cool. And martinis are my drink of choice. What's not to love?\n\nWe made reservations, but the bar upstairs was cooler so we went upstairs instead. There are bar tables and couches and comfy chairs to hang out on. The service was amazing, and we never wanted for anything. Every need was met before we could even ask.\n\nI started out with the Orange Dreamsicle martini, and while it was on the sweet side, it was delicious! If I return, I will definitely get another one of these. Not strong alcohol wise but yummy.\n\nWe ordered the scallops and Asian fusion calamari for appetizers. My friend was super upset with the scallops and thought they tasted bad. I don't really know anything about scallops so I ate them. He complained to the manager, and the manager was nice enough to take 1/2 off, which I thought was really nice considering it wasn't stopping me from eating them. (#PoorKidProblems). The calamari was really unique but delicious. The actual calamari was good, but it was covered in some sauce similar to stir fry sauce. It was good, and the portion was a really fair size for the price.\n\nI then moved onto the Key Lime Pie martini. It was a let down after the Dreamsicle, but there was nothing wrong with it. I personally preferred the first one.\n\nMy favorite food item was my entree. I ordered the Penne ala Vodka, and when she put it on the table, I thought I had gone to garlic heaven. Simple but wonderful. There was also a very generous amount of asiago cheese on top of my pasta and a slice of prosciutto. I took about half of the portion home, but I finished it off that night because it was so delicious.\n\nI really loved this place, and on a Friday night, it was EMPTY. I don't know if this was because of Labor Day weekend or a Pirates game, but we were the only people in the bar area by 8:00. Hopefully it was just a fluke because I liked Olive or Twist! | 12
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Visited with a party of 8 last weekend for a friend's birthday. We walked in the door and could see no apparent host stand, so we tried the door next to the one we entered. This ended up leading to a private party. Can you say awkward?\n\nWe went back in the main door, clearly confused. The bartender looked at us but kept pouring drinks (rude!). Not even sure how we discovered it, but the host stand was in the BACK of the restaurant. How were we supposed to know this? We were seated, and had to wait awhile for service.\n\nFinally, the server came and took our drink orders and suggested a very strong drink for me. He was obviously trying to get me drunk (and succeeded). Caution: The Vesper is a strong *ss gin martini that is just okay. You pay 11 bucks to drink a shot of gin slowly from a fancy glass. \n\nHe then took our order...and did not think to write any of the 8 requests down. Yep, you guessed it. He screwed up our orders and bills, then proceeded to be rude about the situation. \n\nThe buffalo chicken dip is awesome, but be prepared, there is no chicken. We had one chunk in the two orders. The deep fried pita chips taste like donuts and are muy excellente. \n\nAlso, prepare yourself for bartenders squeezing caramel into glasses. The sound is reminiscent of flatulence. Over and over. So much flatulence. \n\nI was too drunk and full of pita donuts to eat my dinner. The two bites of my pork belly sandwich were pretty alright though.\n\nJesse from Bob Evans down the road is far superior to the condescending server here. We highly recommend Jesse. | 01
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Fantastic martinis!! | 12
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I stopped by Olive or Twist for a couple of drinks with my friend and fellow Yelper Carrie W. after seeing The Nutcracker at the Benedum last Fri. When Carrie suggested that we grab some drinks, I suggested that we go to Olive or Twist because I'd been wanting to check it out for awhile. I rarely receive the opportunity to go out for drinks after shows because some of my friends who I attend shows with tire out early (lame) or don't really go to bars ever (even lamer), so I was excited to finally have the opportunity to imbibe a few in a classy setting downtown.\n\nGiven that it was my birthday, I knew exactly what I wanted drink-wise, thanks to Rachel C.'s review: the cake batter martini! Thanks to other reviews, I was aware that O or T's specialty martinis are dessert-y drinks rather than your typical martini. This was absolutely fine by me, since I enjoy sweeter digestifs later at night. As can be seen from my photo, this martini comes with a rim of chocolate syrup spangled with multicolored decorative sprinkles, which made for a very festive--and delicious--birthday drink. Once I finished it, I went for a second round and chose the mint chocolate martini, which also came adorned with chocolate syrup. It tasted exactly like melted mint ice cream--my favorite kind. Yum!\n\nWe sat at the upstairs side bar, and service from the bartenders was generally good--one of them even wished me happy birthday when I mentioned why I was ordering the cake batter martini. While it was busy, it wasn't so crowded as to feel claustrophobic. The noise level was a bit on the loud side--but then again, what bar isn't?\n\nI really enjoyed my visit to O or T, and look forward to returning again, once I can convince my friends to stop by for a drink. I'd love to check out the happy hour, in particular. Because I haven't tried the regular (non-specialty) drinks or the food, I'm going with a 4, but I'll update my review once I return and do so. | 12
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Completely agree with Deborah: decent sandwich on absolutely horrible bread - mealy tomato and brown lettuce, too. I know it was only $4/$7 for a 6\""/12\"" sub, but it was pretty bad. (I bought a 12\"", intending to take half home for later, but I wound up throwing the second half away, and I NEVER throw away food.) \n\nAs a Italian grocery, it seems okay, but the attitudes are a little snippy, and it's a pretty grungy-looking place. | 01
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This place has the most heavenly smell!\n\nThe pepperoni bread is an absolute must. I was disappointed that there was no jalapeno bread left, but what can I do? The prices are fantastic. $5 for a full loaf of pepperoni bread, in NYC that's easily $8 to $12. I will stop here before going home every time. | 12
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$3.00 fresh baked Italian loaf, need I say more. The Italian bread is so yummy and makes great bruschetta. They bake their bread fresh daily and do not include any preservative so eat it quick! | 12
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Maybe it's nostalgia for the cigar but I thought he looked ridiculous. He bragged about a $4 pepperoni roll. There's a reason it cost that, because it wasn't very good. The sauce was disappointing. I wouldn't come here for anything. | 01
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The italian coldcut sub was a travesty! Lots of STALE bread with skimpy meat portions, and no hots or flavor. Bread better suited for pigeons than people. I can find better Italian sandwiches back home in Baltimore. We'll feed these to our dogs when we get home. You get what you pay for. Avoid this tourist trap! | 01
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Pittsburgh Bound! Part X\n\n(For Part IX, go to: http://www.yelp.com/biz/stamoolis-brothers-company-pittsburgh?hrid=8hA8rRHss2PRlroWujzT_Q)\n\nThe Sunseri name is famous in Pittsburgh, and although their small alcove of Italian meats and bread is one of the smaller storefronts in the Strip, their pepperoni bread is melt in your mouth, filled with great mozzarella cheese. I grabbed a loaf and we picked at it while we walked around. My mom and I inhaled half of it without blinking an eye.\n\nIf you are going to get a loaf of Sunseri's pepperoni bread, I would suggest not doing it on an empty stomach.\n\n(For Part XI, go to: http://www.yelp.com/biz/primanti-brothers-pittsburgh?hrid=k97SGRvnhBMrHzqofs1WNg) | 12
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Well, folks, it's a transit system. It's job is to get you from point A to point B and PAT does reasonably well at it. I ride the 61A or the 61B (whichever comes first) to work. My husband and I also use it when going to the Pirates or Penguins games or to the theater. It's cheaper than gas and parking. | 12
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I only want three things from a transit system:\n\n1. To get from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time (less than an hour if in city limits) and in reasonable comfort.\n2. Reliable service. If the schedule says a bus will arrive at a particular time, then the bus will arrive within about five minutes of that time. If the schedule says buses arrive every 10 minutes, on average, then I expect to wait no more than about 15 minutes.\n3. Affordable fares and passes. Because price is one of the only areas in which public transit has the potential to be directly and immediately more convenient to a person than individual car ownership, prices to passengers should be kept to a minimum. \n\nBefore moving here, I heard all sorts of trash talk about Port Authority, but really, it's a decent transit system. I use it to travel to and from all three of my jobs, and I have yet to be late because of the bus. As such, Port Authority easily meets my first two transit requirements. As for price, I miss San Francisco's $45 Fast Pass, but I'm willing to pay a premium for the reliability that Muni couldn't offer. Still, $75 for a Zone 1 pass is a LOT of money when you're paid minimum wage--which I'm sure is the case for many passengers. | 12
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First time in Pittsburgh, from Chicago. \n\n1. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WORKS.\n2. What is with the silly system of paying on your way out sometimes? It seems like the dumbest idea ever.\n3. Where are the reloadable transit cards?\n4. Why are the conductors so incredibly angry?\n5. Why do I need to request a stop on the \""T\""?\n\nOf the public transportation systems I've used, this is definitely the most confusing so far. Even if the website had an easier to understand fare explanation.\n\nLearn from the CTA. I have a new appreciation for Chicago Transit Authority. | 01
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Fares keep going up. Another service cut this month. I think I'd rather walk to work in the middle of the night! | 01
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Oh, PAT buses, why can't I quit you?\n\nHere's the deal: I 100% blame Pittsburgh's bus system problems on Port Authority. Between the winding bus routes, the inability of buses to show up on time, and the outrageous money spent on retirement plans, it should be disbanded. The city needs to take over and reconfigure the entire system. The Post-Gazette has printed some great pieces that explain how the system could be overhauled.\n\nI've been a bus rider since birth (I still never drive), and it's only gotten worse over the years. Some routes are great (outside of rush hours), others are ridiculous, and some good routes were recently cut. Until transfers are free (which they should be within an hour window, in my opinion), it was insane to cut the 500, which added $10 a week to my bus tab just to get to work.\n\nIt is usable? If you don't care about being on time. I shouldn't have to show up 10 minutes early to catch a bus that should be coming by every 20 minutes according to the schedule. I shouldn't have to stand in the middle of downtown traffic to flag down the 28x Airport Flyer when I'm standing at the stop and have an enormous purple suitcase. When I'm going to work, I look up when I should be arriving...And then go back 1-2 time blocks to make sure I'm on time since I can't trust the bus.\n\nBus riders understand not all buses use the exclusive bus lanes, but maybe Port Authority should build the delays that happen every day into the schedule. For example, there is not a chance that an inbound 71B takes a similar amount of time during the morning rush hour as it does mid-day. I know this from experience. Why doesn't the schedule know this?\n\nThe buses are so bad that now that I am two miles from work, I walk to and from every day. In fact, I often BEAT the 71B home. That means as I stroll two miles down Fifth Avenue, not a single bus passes me. On the busiest section of the busiest non-highway street in Pittsburgh (data according to me). How is this possible?\n\nFinally, we live in Pittsburgh. It's cold or raining or miserable most of the year. I would gladly take fewer stops in exchange for heated bus shelters. It would also be nice if these imaginary shelters could have bus arrival information. Pitt's on the right track with their bus shelters at the Cathedral--take note. | 01
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I would give it a \""1-star\"" review but the caption under \""2-star\"" is more like it, \""Meh. I've experience better.\""\n\nI have a love-hate relationship with PAT. The buses are unreliable timing wise and a majority of the drivers are jerks. From having to be 10 minutes early (I shouldn't have to play it safe!) to being prepared to wait for a couple buses since rush hour means over crowded buses ... PAT is like a powder keg. You just never know when its going to blow up on your commute.\n\nI do ride the bus daily. And yes, it would take me the exact amount of time to drive in/out to work. So honestly ... I treat PAT like I treat Airplane travel. I get there when I get there ... as lone as I get there safely the on-time part is something I have learned to stop prioritizing as long as I'm riding a PAT bus. ((Seriously tho, there's something wrong about having to make that concession!!)) | 01
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Last night marked the second time in a week that I waited 30 minutes or more for a 71B in the freezing cold rain. I was 5 minutes early for the bus I was trying to catch. I can understand a delay during rush hour, but this was not. The bus was running every 20 minutes both times, according to the PAT schedule. When I gave up last night and went into my apartment, it was an additional 10 minutes before the bus went by...So let's review: I waited a total of 45 minutes for a bus that was supposed to be coming past every 20 minutes. For shame!\n\nFrom now on, I'll be hoofing it across the East End instead of buying a bus pass. It will be cold, but at least I'll be moving. | 01
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I don't even really know where to begin with this review. I guess the most sensical thing to do with such a nonsensical transit system is a pros and cons list. (If nothing it will be the quickest and least painful for me and for you, my dear sweet reader.)\n\nPros -\nIt is rare to find I can't get a bus to a place I want to go. Truth be told I don't leave the city a whole lot, but anytime I want to get somewhere with some leg work I can find a bus to take me where I want.\n\nMy morning bus (especially the insanely early 5am 86 from Bloomfield to work and the gym downtown) is almost always on time. \n\nCons - \nIt's a known fact that the last 54 from the Southside to the East End/Oakland/Etc rarely to never comes and the \""last one\"" is NOT late enough to be considered an after the bars options to get home.\n\nIt's pretty common for the buses to either be a full 15 min early or 10 min late.\n\nI've seen more than one person pee themselves.\n\nI've had a bus driver just plain ignore my request for a stop and then ignore ME while I'm telling them as much.\n\nPACKED buses and constantly cutting routes and trips.\n\nDirty buses. I've seen a dirty diaper or two.\n\nI don't own a car so it's really my only mode of transportation since we can catch cabs here like in a normal city. I'd be lost without it, but it could be much much much better. | 01
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Don't ever get too comfortable with PAT--- they end up swiping everything out from under your feet, and then charging you a crapload for it. I can't believe they're slashing more routes, and charging more! Why would I pay you for continual service downgrades?!!? You're not even offering a bus to the airport anymore here soon--- Do you know how many people ride that bus to WORK at/around the airport. I tell you what.... Whoever runs your company is A DUMBASS to the 10th degree.\n\nGet your shit together. Seriously. Id rather walk from my work downtown, to my home in Oakland (thats an hour walk, and MORE than a mile) while Im 8 months pregnant, than pay you assholes to take me home. \n\n\nP.S. I didnt even want to give it ONE star. | 01
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Well, it does get one from point A to point B in Pittsburgh.\n\nBut it's expensive, at least compared to the Metro Transit in Minneapolis that I'm used to. On Port Authority, it's $2.25 for a ticket, and an extra $1 for a transfer (which only gets you on one more bus, not all the way to your destination if it requires a bunch of transfers.) Coming from a maximum of $3 for two and a half hours of bus rides (express bus during rush hour), Port Authority is steep. I had to grab cash a couple of different times just to make sure I could keep paying fares throughout the days.\n\nThere's no day pass. Boo. If you're traveling a lot throughout the day, it adds up fast without some sort of pass.\n\nAlso, the 28X doesn't pick up passengers coming from downtown into Oakland (or drop them off in the reverse direction.) Very frustrating, especially with a Megabus terminal only three blocks away from one of the stops. (There's also Greyhound and Amtrak downtown, if I remember correctly.) | 01
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A BIG FAT DISAPPOINTMENT\n\n\nI am concerned with the future of Port Authority, will Pittsburgh continue to have bus service as we know it?\nPort Authority constantly causes me a great deal of anxiety. I have been riding the bus for as long as I can remember. We never had a car in my family. Now I am starting to feel like I've taken the bus for granted.\n\nI have a license but I choose not to drive...because I work Downtown and the cost of renting a parking space Downtown is HIGH!!! \n\nAnyway Port Authority to sum it up, is a hot damn mess. How could I have forgotten? \nI have been shut in bus doors by ignorant, rude, nasty bus drivers Twice!!! \n\nAnd when it happen the first time, the bus drive wouldn't even apologize to me, \nThe bus drivers are a miserable bunch, just down right rotten, | 01
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I bought a home over 3 and half years ago because it was on a bus line. One year after they cut that route after being there over 50 years. I think the way they operate is beyond poor and every year there is a far increase now i have to drive to a park in ride. You never know what you going to intale every day on teh bus. Ive been taking for about 10 years now and i think ive seen everything to the pee smell to no air to no heat to arguements between drivers and riders. If they continue on this path there will be no service to downtown just people who live in the city. They crossed out the suburbs. It should be the port authority of pittsburgh not allegheny county. The only thing is can say is the port authority drivers do a great job putting up with what they got. Oh and did i mention i cant tell you how many times they have broken down. Now they have a federal grant for the connectcard about time. Its only been in new york and dc for years!!! I am sure there will be lots of bugs in this system to | 01
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I don't understand why Pittsburghers routinely put up with the idiocy that is our public transportation system. Port Authority of Allegheny County is public transportation with massive, severe, permanent brain damage. Unreliable, buses routinely don't come at all during heavy commuting times (like when you're trying to get to work on time), many of the drivers are assholes, the fare doubled in a decade and the service was cut in half. The county refuses to fund it. Getting on and off is confusing. When to pay is confusing. The schedules are hard to read. The service isn't frequent enough. The subway system only goes to one neighborhood from downtown. This is horrible and it's one of the main things keeping Pittsburgh from being as great a city as it can be. Call center people are sometimes rude and mostly unresponsive. What else? The buses smell like urine. Sucks, sucks, sucks. I live 3 miles from downtown and I commute by walking every day, to and from, because Port Authority of Allegheny County buses suck that bad. | 01
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The only pro about Port Authority is it gets you from point a to point b. \n\nI've had buses that smell like pee. I've had buses where the bus drivers are yelling at drivers or people downtown. Screaming insults out the window. Had a bus driver doing like 70mph down McKnight road. \nAt least twice a week I get a bus that's farebox is broke. Yeah a free ride is nice but port authority is always crying wanting to increase their already ridiculous fare prices. Routes are always getting cut which leaves buses jam packed. \n\nThey introduce the connect card (an alternative to cash and passes. If I load $20.00 onto the card I should be able to get a transfer without entering cash the drivers don't know that and argue about it. Feel free to train your employees. \n\nOn an 80 degree day one buses heat was on full blast. Not the drivers fault. He finally pulled over restarted the bus and it read 98 degrees before the air worked.\n\nBuses are late all the time. When going to work I need to leave at least an hour before I should have to, to ensure I get to work on time. \n\nI can go on forever... | 01
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If you like filthy buses, super high fares and about 50% rude operators then you will love Port Authority service. Now if you like clean buses, reasonable fares and friendly service you will need to go somewhere else. And no place for children as the language on the buses would make a sailor blush. And in 14 years of riding Port Authority I have never seen a uniformed Port Authority officer riding a bus. | 01
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Awful!!!\nNever EVER follows schedule! Lets you wait for literally over an hour on a bus that is supposed to be running every 15 min. | 01
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Port Authority of Allegheny County employs some very, very bad drivers.\n\nA driver deliberately cut me off a few minutes ago on Liberty Avenue downtown. Further, the driver did not express that he was sorry for cutting me off and forcing me to swerve into oncoming traffic. \n\nThe driver is a middle-aged man. He was driving the G2 bus. The bus number is 5525. \n\nI will call the Port Authority in a few minutes to lodge my complaint; however, I wanted to lodge it here too for two reasons. First, the complaint bears on the Port Authority's ability to keep its riders safe (because the driver almost caused an accident, which could have resulted in injuries to the riders of the bus). Second, if this driver causes an accident in the future, I hope this complaint will help injured parties make a case for negligent retention or negligent supervision against the Port Authority. | 01
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Officials estimated about 400,000 people would be in downtown for the 4th of July. I wish someone had informed the Port Authority of this. Maybe then they would have had more than one bus running every 20 minutes after the fireworks. Every single bus stop in downtown had about 300 people waiting for the already overcrowded buses. If a bus actually did stop (some were so full, they just drove by), fights would break out over who of the 300 people would get one of four standing room only spots on the bus. | 01
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As a car-less denizen of PGH, I rely on PAT buses to get from Point A to Point B. Living in Oakland, PAT offers buses to many places I need to go (downtown, the grocery store, the airport, etc.). As a PITT employee, the price (free) is right.\n\nHaving said this, I have several gripes:\n\n1.) Buses almost never run on time, and there's no way to know when the next one is coming other than asking the other people at the bus stop how long they've been waiting. Come on, it's 2014--a GPS-enabled device should be in every bus so you can check to see where it is, or there should be a SMS alert system. Singapore had this for their buses in 2010!\n\n2.) Some drivers can be surly or just downright ignorant. More than once, a bus has passed me when waiting at a stop for no apparent reason, or has failed to hold on for 5-10 s. as I huffed and puffed to catch it. For whatever reason, the outbound 28X seems to be especially problematic. True story: Last time I rode it, the driver didn't know where she was going, and we ended up crossing the Liberty Bridge, despite pax telling her this wasn't the route. To make matters worse, this was the last 28X of the night, so due to this detour, I didn't get home until after 1am.\n\n3.) Regardless of which route you ride, the clientele can be a bit sketch. Some drivers will also let homeless people ride without paying/a voucher out of pity. On one occasion, a pax regaled the bus with nonsensical poetry (not sure if he was under the influence or just mentally incapacitated...), and the driver did nada about it (though it was amusing).\n\n4.) The system of when to pay is nonsensical. Despite having a terminal degree and having lived in PGH for 3 years, I still haven't figured it out, and have to rely on cues from the bus driver. While I understand the reason behind it (the free zone downtown), there must be a less confusing solution. Get on it!\n\n5.) For those who don't have a PITT or CMU pass, fares--including monthly passes--are expensive ($2.50 per trip). Pro Tip: For a round trip, when you pay for the first leg, ask for a transfer and use it on the second leg--this shaves $1.50 off your fare.\n\n6.) Even in Oakland, where route options are better than in most areas of the city, there are no direct buses to some areas I'd like to visit (e.g., the Strip). Also, other than the P1 from downtown, buses serving the East Busway only run during rush hour on weekdays, and even the P1 only runs hourly off rush hour.\n\nI've ridden public transit in other cities, and for its size, PGH should have a better system and lower fares. For starters, the T (light rail) should be expanded to run east-west along the busways, given that it's currently a line to nowhere. | 01
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