Grand Concourse, Pittsburgh, PA

Grand Concourse, Pittsburgh, PA

You can’t live in the city of Pittsburgh and not be familiar with the Grand Concourse restaurant in Station Square.  It’s a spectacular restaurant, huge in fact, with high vaulted ceilings spectacular architecture and a rich history.  The walls are adorned with historical Pittsburgh artwork, and the rooms are palatial; perhaps similar to a majestic restaurant in New York City or Los Angeles.  As you pull up there is even a valet service offered for added convenience.  The Grand Concourse is also known for its impressive menu and seafood entrees.

On this particular evening my relatives and I were attending my uncle’s 85^th birthday party- there were 25 of us.  From the moment we entered the service was excellent.  The hostess was cheerful, took our coats and guided us to our private room.  The space we were in was prepared impeccably; white tablecloths, all the appropriate stemware, and candles for the soothing ambiance.  Since we had such a large party, there was also a bartender in the room- just for us.  As we grabbed out cocktails and began socializing I noticed two other waiters enter the room.  They were attentive to our needs, and quickly cleared any dirty dishes.  Since my Aunt was picking up the bill, she opted for a prixe fixe menu (a menu that as a predetermined price, and specific menu selections). Our choices were: filet mignon with asparagus and mashed potatoes, seafood trio- crab cakes, shrimp and salmon, and chicken breast Oscar style (with crab and hollandaise sauce).  Before our meals arrived we enjoyed a mixed greens salad and warm bread with butter and salmon pate- all good.  I opted for the filet, and was very pleased.  The meat was cooked medium-rare and tender.  The asparagus wasn’t overcooked, and the mashed potatoes were seasoned just right.  I had an opportunity to taste the chicken, Oscar style, and it too was excellent.  The crabmeat was lump instead of claw or other bits; nice touch.  The salmon from the seafood trio was flaky and fresh.  Everyone was happy with their meals and very little food was left on plates.

We ended the evening with birthday cake (which we bought) and key lime pie that was made by the pastry chef at the Grand Concourse.   The pie was good, but not great.   It was too eggy, and not enough lime taste.  The texture was gooey instead of light and fresh as a key-lime pie should be.  We also ordered cappuccinos that were undrinkable.  There was no frothed milk, and the proportions of milk/coffee weren’t accurate.  They were served with a candy sugar stick and mini biscotti which was a nice touch.

This is a worthwhile restaurant to visit.  It’s an impressive space, and an excellent place to bring out of town guests or visit during special occasions; it really shows off our city.   I’ve also been told by many people that they have the best brunch in town, but you have to come with your appetite.