Pittsburgh, PA

For those of you not in the know, Moondog’s is a bar, as well as a place to see live acts in Blawnox, which is only a short drive from downtown off of route 28.

For the past 18 years they have been featuring numerous live acts, including local, national and international musicians in all genres, although they are best known for their blues bands.

To see who has played at Moondog’s, all you need to do is go there and look up towards the ceiling and see all the signed photographs and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.

The bar is rather on the small side, but there is plenty of room and plenty of nice people. I’m always amazed at the great talent that is ‘hiding’ out in this place.

Moondog’s has also expanded their event nights to a Myspace Monday and a hip-hop night. The Myspace Mondays are nights where amateurs can take the stage, usually in the form of acoustic guitar and the like. Definitely something to check out if you’re sick of the same old stuff. And of course, the hip-hop night is self-explanatory and they’re been getting a really good turnout, so that’s something to check out as well.

Here’s their December schedule:

Thurs., Dec. 6, 8pm: Wishbone Ash
Friday, Dec. 7, 9:30pm: Debbie Davis
Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30pm: Tinsley Ellis
Thurs., Dec. 13, 8pm: Hip-hop Nite
Friday, Dec. 14, 9:30pm: Hubert Sumlin & the Nighthawks
Sat., Dec. 15, 10pm: Jake’s Blues
Friday, Dec. 21, 10pm: Lenny Collini Trio
Sat., Dec. 22, 9:30pm: Harper
Friday, Dec. 28, 10pm: Francine & the Mountain Top Band
Monday, Dec. 31, 9pm: Norm Year’s Eve with Norm Nardini & Mark Stutso

Moondog’s is located at 378 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh PA 15238

You can visit their website for future events, directions, etc. here.

And while you’re at it, why not check out the Getting Crafty blog for some Xmas gift ideas. It’s rapidly approaching, so don’t wait too long!

Pittsburgh, Blawnox, blues, music, Moondog’s, Debbie Davis, Wishbone Ash, Tinsley Ellis, Hubert Sumlin and the Nighthawks, Jake’s Blues, Lenny Collini Trio, Harper, Francine and the Mountain Top Band, Norm Nardini, Mark Stutso, hip-hop

This is my second restaurant review so I am going to try to use the same system I used last time. These are the five things I feel are important for a good restaurant experience: atmosphere, cleanliness, staff, food, and price.

The second place I am going to review is The Church Brew Works, it’s located on Liberty Avenue. The atmosphere was amazing; it still looked like a church. The pews were gone and replaced by tables, but all the stain glass was still there. Since the place was enormous getting a table was not a problem. The place was spotless, even with it being so big you could tell they kept up with keeping it clean.

The wait staff was NOT impressive; it took a while before being asked what I would like to drink. He barely talked and it seemed like it was a bother when he did. I had to repeat my drink order more then once so his listening skills were also in need of improving. He failed to mention if there were any food specials. My food order also had to be repeated. What was really annoying was seeing that he treated the other tables with respect and was actually nice to them. I don’t know why I deserved bad service.

I was told before I went there that the food was not the great, but when I looked at the prices I felt that it should be. If I am going to pay over $20 for a dinner I expect it to be better then something I could make myself. But when the food finally did come, I was less then impressed. It tasted like something you would find in a bag in the frozen food section at Giant Eagle.

Like is said above the price for food was just a little high for what you get. Their beer was not that bad. For a micro-brew it was priced fairly, only 3.95 for a pint. I had their pale ale and it wasn’t that bad, I just thought it tasted a little watered down. Given my bad experience I think I will go back to give their Wood Fired Pizza a try.

Score: Atmosphere (4.5), Cleanness (4.0), Staff (1.5), Food (2.5),
Price (3.0), Overall (3.1)

Closing Comments: I think I just got a bad waiter this time and I hope when I go back for the Pizza, my experience is a little better.

Restaurant Review, The Chruch Brew Works, Beer, Wood Fired Pizzia, Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Giant Eagle

This is my first restaurant review so please bear with me. It’s going to take a few before I get a system down. All I know is what I feel is important for a good restaurant experience: atmosphere, cleanness, staff, food, and price.

The first place I am going to review is the Iguana Grill, it’s located in the Southside across the street from Jack’s. The atmosphere was nice; the walls were a gray color with simple wall mounted lighting. The bar is small but there are plenty of tables, so finding a seat is not a problem. I would like to say that this is one of the cleaner bar/restaurants on this end of the Southside. The wait staff was also impressive; as soon as you sit down they’re asking you what you would like to drink. They have plenty of beers on tap and in bottles, so finding your favorite drink will not be difficult.

Looking at their menu you will notice that they are one of those Mexican/American hybrids. If you’re looking for real Mexican food this is not the place for you. I got the Chicken Burrito, and it was amazing. The portion was huge and it also came with corn and refried beans. I couldn’t finish it all so I had to take a doggie bag home with me.

The price was just right. You could easily feed two people under $20 (not including beer) and have some leftovers for lunch the next day. I can’t wait to eat there again. I am not even a fan of Mexican food and this place wowed me.

Score: Atmosphere (3.5), Cleanness (4.0), Staff (4.0), Food (4.0),
Price (4.5), Overall (4.0)

Closing Comments: Before you go, make sure you check out their website for their specials. They have one every day of the week. Also, on Fridays and Saturdays you have to be 21 and over, even if you’re just eating.

restaurant review, Southside, beers, Mexican, food, Pittsburgh, Bar, 21 and over, drink specials