Before I write this review I must tell you that I am a former employee of Mitchell’s Fish Market. 10 years ago I was the Saucier, and responsible for all product received during the day. I will do my best to write in an unbiased manner.

My first visit to Mallorca was 10 years ago, and it was quite memorable. My cousins and I decided to try out the Spanish restaurant on a Friday night; without a reservation. We arrived at 7pm sharp, and the place was buzzing. The bar was full, and every seat in the joint was packed with hungry foodies. The two of us decided to wait (we had heard such good things) and didn’t want to chance going somewhere else.

I’ve always loved Mexican food. Growing up in San Diego, I was lucky to be exposed to so much authentic Mexican cuisine. Since moving to Pittsburgh several years ago, I was finding good Mexican food to be elusive. My sister told me about a restaurant she had found in Monroeville, El Campesino.

We got to Mad Mex on a Friday night, and the place was buzzing. The bar was packed wall-to-wall with people trying to forget their work week; huge margaritas were being served by the bartenders along with Coronas, Dos Equis, and other Mexican-drink concoctions.

There are many places to have coffee in the city of Pittsburgh; Starbuck’s, Crazy Mocha, 31C Café, etc. There is a small café in the East End worth mentioning that serves coffee, pastries, croissants, and even chicken salad sandwiches. Katerbean, on South Braddock Avenue has been open for 13 years now, and has enjoyed great success.

I won’t tell you how many years I’ve been going to Murphy’s Tap Room, it would reveal my age. What I can tell you is that for as long as I have been stopping into Murphy’s, it has been the same.

Calli’s restaurant sits across from Frick Park in Regent Square. If you’ve ever been to Rose’s Ice Cream Parlor, you may have noticed it next door. There are two entrances, one on the Forbes Avenue side, and another on Braddock Avenue.

If you live in the East End of town, you’re familiar with D’s 6-pack and Dogz. It’s located on Braddock Avenue, and is always packed to the gills with hungry customers and beer drinkers. D’s is a comfortable restaurant/bar to meet with friends.

I was attending an event in the city a few months ago and decided to try Ruth’s Chris Steak House. This was my first time, and I was looking forward to sampling their famous steaks. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation, and were seated immediately.

The Carlton is a staple in the city of Pittsburgh. The restaurant is in located in one BNY Mellon Center. Nationally recognized, the Carlton is the only eatery and recipient of the Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award. Kevin Joyce, the owner and proprietor, is quite proud of this fact. If you choose to dine at the Carlton, you will see Mr. Joyce on a regular basis; he likes to be in the thick of things.