6 Humble Little Restaurants In Pittsburgh That Are Delicious Enough To Check Out

How many times do you think we’ve been told we should never judge a book by its cover? Probably dozens of times, especially when we were in school, right? Well, as we go through life, most of us eventually realize that’s true with anything in life. Take restaurants. Sure, a restaurant with flashy lights or an elegant exterior may immediately catch our eye, but sometimes the best culinary experiences come when and where we least expect them. These six humble little restaurants in Pittsburgh might not be flashy, but their food certainly might win you over.

1. Our Place Homemade

Drive through Wilmerding, and you might miss Our Place Homemade if you aren’t paying attention. The quaint restaurant sits tucked along a row of houses with just a simple sign alerting you that it’s there. Pull up a chair for a delicious, homemade meal of such favorite dishes as pierogis, stuffed red peppers, and spaghetti. Don’t forget to try one of the restaurant’s scrumptious homemade pies. (You can even order them for the holidays.)

2. Frank & Shirley’s Restaurant

Start your day – or continue it – on a delicious note at Frank & Shirley’s Restaurant. The unassuming, roadside restaurant serves an assortment of scrumptious breakfast dishes. Dig into a hearty helping of mini pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Lunch and dinner dishes range from the hot roast beef sandwich to homemade meatloaf.

3. Dean’s Diner

Treat yourself to an old-fashioned diner experience when you stop at Dean’s Diner, along Route 22 in Blairsville. The classic diner whips up an assortment of homemade dishes – from baked meatloaf to grilled liver. Pair your meal with a scrumptious side, such as the potato salad, fries, or a bowl of homemade chili. Dean’s Diner also features a salad bar.

4. Nadine’s Restaurant

Tucked in the South Side, Nadine’s Bar & Grill can be easy to miss, if you’re not looking for it. However, it’s well worth the stop, especially if you’re craving a delicious meal. The unassuming eatery, which has appeared on "Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins," serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Order such hearty meals as the BLT, the Reuben, or the jumbo hot dog.

5. Big Jim’s Restaurant and Bar

If you’ve never been to Big Jim’s Restaurant & Bar, you’re in for a real treat. The neighborhood favorite has been around since 1977 and boasts a delicious menu. Start your meal with piping hot homemade soup or a fresh salad. The menu also features such favorites as oven-baked hoagies, pizza, and burgers. In the mood for an entrée? Try the NY strip steak, the jumbo shrimp dinner, or the homemade eggplant parmigiana.

6. Triangle Bar & Grill

Craving a hoagie? A really, really big hoagie? Make a beeline for Triangle Bar & Grill, a humble restaurant in Swissvale that’s known for its massive (and delicious) hoagies. If you prefer a hot sandwich, instead, order the sausage or the meatball sub. The menu also features specialty sandwiches and such sides as macaroni salad, potato salad, and chili.

What are your favorite humble little restaurants in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! Love a good slice of pizza? Plan a visit to this hidden gem pizzeria, That’s Amore, in Lawrenceville.