A lot of middle class eateries, especially chain ones aren’t that great. Covid gave people a chance to stop and ask themselves why they are wasting money at Panera. I personally either eat out either when I find a good deal (normally cheaper than making it myself) or because I want quality, not middle of the road stuff.

The last time I ordered takeout from Cranberry, the restaurant was severely understaffed. I heard an employee talking about how they couldn’t get anyone hired and even when I placed my order, the employee was hesitant to take another takeout that night.

Something I’ve noticed is that Trace runs expensive for drinks in-person, but reasonable for cans to go. Two Frays draft beers are on average more reasonable, but their to go prices are insane. Just comparing the two spots based on proximity to each other.

Musicians have noticed.

Anyone else noticing that the typical middle class eateries are all closing? I know it kinda began with Covid and then the understandable living wage backlash, but now with inflation it’s slowly becoming fast food or high end. Just wondering if anyone else is paying attention. No more nightclubs, no 24 hour diners, everything shut down by 9 or 10. It’s morphed into something unrecognizable for people in their 40’s and older and I just wondered if it even matters to younger people these days.

Bit outside the city, but Spoonwood Brewing Co. in Bethel Park has good beer and excellent pizza.

Geeze what happened to them? They used to have at least six locations in the area I feel like, and now they're down to just one.

I want that tortilla soup recipe!

Yeah, probably should leave her and go find yourself a nice woman who lives in East Palestine. Show you you ain’t playin around.

Allegedly..

that's what's weird to me, is because it's some pretty simple styles that are being charged that much for only 11 oz according to their own website.

Dortmunder style is supposed to be cheap and simple to brew which is why they don't typically taste that great. I can't for the life of me figure out why they're treating it as some specialty brew that should cost a small fortune. When it comes to these German brews, they've really got it ass-backwards.

I just don't see any reason (other than they're trying to pass off their absurd rent and utility costs onto the customer) for charging $7-8 per drink when there's nothing really there to justify it (at least when it comes to your average drink that isn't high ABV or is a truly special brew). Their to-go prices seem to be fair, but am just baffled by how much extra they charge simply to be there in person.

Yeah I normally like going in the afternoons when it’s a little more chill. And it seems like it’s always the sours and stouts that are expensive for smaller pours.. I usually stick to the lagers and pilsners there. Or a full 16oz pour of an IPA.

I agree. I really liked the food, but have only been once

Figured it mostly boiled down to location for folks, but wasn't sure if there was something more. Definitely not a fan of their music nights given zero acoustic or volume control which makes it near impossible to hold a conversation.

As someone having to travel to get there, I would personally put it towards the bottom of my list. Wasn't a fan of the beers I tried there, and $7-8 for not even a full pint of beer is quite ridiculous

I appreciate your account name, Professor Hathaway. Kent is here with your dry cleaning.

I like their beer, but for me it’s more about the location. Nice indoor and outdoor seating, coffee in the morning. Plus they put on a lot of cool events. It’s close to me so I may be biased due to proximity, but it’s one of my go-to spots.

Out of curiosity, why does Trace seem to be so highly rated?

I haven't really been impressed by their beers and they're awfully expensive for being rather simple styles. Location is interesting, but still falls short compared to others IMO.

Dang! I gotta try that sometime. Thanks for the heads up!

“I know those words, but this post makes no sense!” -Lisa Simpson

By our west he means Wheeling WVa.

*thai cuisine (when Open) is the move.. both are good

Yeah, especially the 12+ times it's been on the top 20 or so of r/Popular, over and over.

Space is cool but the food is atrocious the 2-3 times I’ve had it. Beer is good though.

Strange Roots in Millvale is a good one. If you’re in the mood for a burger, Burgher in Lawrenceville has a great selection too - brewed I think at their Gibsonia location

Really depends on what area of the city yinz’ll be in