Point Brugge Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA

Point Brugges Cafe

Point Brugge Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA

At 402 Hastings Street in Pittsburgh there sits a small, unassuming restaurant in the quaint neighborhood of Point Breeze.  There is a small business district, very small in fact, with a Veterinary office, Italian restaurant, and other small shops.  The people of Point Breeze like their small community; they like good food even more.

The structure that now houses Point Brugge Café was once the Point Café.  The Point Café had its regulars, but didn’t enjoy the success that the Point Brugge Café has over the past few years.  Since opening the doors, Point Brugge’, or simply “Brugge” (pronounced: “brooje”) as the regulars call it, has enjoyed great success and critical acclaim.  The main reason is the European cuisine; more on that later.

Point Brugge is a small restaurant seating approximately 40-50 people; more in the summer when the patio is open.  It’s spotless…all the time.  I’ve been there more than 10 times, and when I come for dinner the cleanliness always impresses me.  This is important because that means the kitchen is also clean.  There are a few booths, seating at the bar and tables with chairs.  Overall, it’s a very comfortable place to have dinner.

If you’re looking for a varied wine and beer selection you won’t be disappointed.  Besides stocking some regular imports, Belgian beers, and domestic choices, there is also a large variety of locally brewed beers on tap; all delicious and impeccably fresh.  The bartenders, regardless of how busy they are (and they’re running non-stop) always serve the drinks with a smile.

Point Brugge is known for its mussels.  The moules bowl (mussels) are prepared with your choice of sauce and served with crusty bread to help lap up the sauce.  Classic white wine, red curry, or zesty tomato are the choices- all excellent.  Another starter that can’t be missed, the Brugge Frites; crispy fried potatoes served with basil mayonnaise-wow.  We always opt for the roasted tomato and spinach dip.  It’s a gooey combination of paive cheese and other secret ingredients served with crostini toasts and celery sticks- a must try!

Entrees include:

Carbonnade Flamande
Beef braised in Belgian brown ale with sweet apples, apricots and rosemary. Served with frites for our take on a traditional Belgian dish. $19

Steak Frites
Grilled NY Strip topped with herb compound butter and served with Brugge frites. $24       •      topped with Maytag bleu cheese. $26

Mustard Crusted Salmon
Canadian Bay of Fundy filet, pan seared filet served over sautéed greens with a dijon cream sauce. Accompanied by herb risotto cake. $20

Seasonal Vegetable Pasta
Fettucini and fresh seasonal vegetables tossed in a light lemon basil butter.  $15

Seafood Waterzooi
Scallops, salmon, shrimp and mussels simmered in tomato, roasted fennel, leek & saffron broth, over fried polenta. $26

The nightly specials are always impressive and cooked perfectly.

If you’re planning on coming to dinner at Point Brugge come early, or be prepared to wait in line.  It’s always busy but well worth the wait.