The Steer and Wheel (Mobile)

The Steer & Wheel

It seems that awesome new food trucks just keep popping up in Pittsburgh! One relative newcomer that began roaming about Pittsburgh earlier this year is The Steer & Wheel, serving up high quality burgers made from freshly truck-ground, all-natural local beef and toasted buns sourced from a local bakery. I have enjoyed The Steer & Wheel's burgers on several occasions, some of which I share below, and I can vouch that the burgers are always juicy, flavorful, and with toppings that serve as a great complement. The menu changes often with the occasional special thrown in. Also, I love word plays, so The Steer & Wheel gets an extra point in my book for its clever name. :-)

Truly, this is some of the best burgers in town—and we have a lot of excellent burgers here in Pittsburgh. I only wish that I can have one anytime I wanted!

Curly's Truffle
Truffle mayo, horseradish cheddar, tomato, and red onion,
on brioche

Bacon Squared
Balsamic bacon jam, chive cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and bacon, on an onion roll

Kelly's Burger
Field greens, tomatoes, white cheddar, grain mustard, on an English muffin

Truck Info:
The Steer & Wheel
Web | Facebook | Twitter

Burgh'ers: Take Two (Harmony)

I have always been a fan of Burgh'ers up in Harmony.  Even though I have only written about them once on my blog, I have actually visited on several occasions.  Recently, I finally made it to their "new" location - actually not that new, as I think it is now close to a year since the move - and it is not that far from the "old" location because it is the space directly next door that used to house an Indian restaurant.

I like the new location.  The atmosphere is completely different - more elegant with its dark orange walls and dim lighting, and less fluorescent-light-and-fast-foody.  Along with being a larger space, there is a bar in the back. The restaurant was packed on this Friday evening, but since I was flying solo I just grabbed a seat at the bar.

Which prompted me to order a drink.  Well, the special of the evening, Apple-Berry Sangria, sounded just about perfect for a fall night, and it was delicious.

Apple-Berry Sangria

I also decided to go with the evening's special burger: the Beet Burger, with cream cheese and beet slaw topping the local grass-fed beef patty.  I love beets, and I like burgers and cream cheese quite a bit as well, so that was a winning combination for me!  It tasted great!

Beet Burger

Aside from being so far north, I love this little neighborhood joint.  Hope to be back again before too long!

Restaurant info:
Burgh'ers
100 Perry Highway, Harmony, PA 16037
(724) 473-0710
On the web: http://www.burghersinc.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burghers-Restaurant/143287332355378
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Burghersorganic


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Winghart's Burger and Whiskey Bar (Downtown)

Having friends who know and love good food can be dangerous sometimes...

Burgh Gourmand has been pretty active on his blog lately, with an exceptionally persuasive post on a new taco joint in the South Hills, Casa Rasta, and a photo update to an earlier post on Winghart's Burger and Whiskey Bar.  Today was the first day that I've finally felt close to normal after a stupid cold pretty much knocked me out for a week and a half.  My plan today was to tidy up the mess I've accumulated while sick, unpack my bags from San Diego (finally!), and catch up on all the work I didn't do while I was resting in my living room recliner this past week.  I did some of that, but by the afternoon I just didn't feel like being cooped up at home for another minute.  I needed to get out.

And of course, I couldn't stop thinking about BG's posts.  It was a really close call between tacos and burgers, but in the end I listened to my stomach and it was calling for a burger.  I've been meaning to try Winghart's for the longest time anyway, and it was about time I finally dragged myself there.  Tacos at Casa Rasta will just have to wait, though probably not for long.

Winghart's occupies a narrow space at the southern corner of Market Square and has mostly bar seating - perfect for hopping in for a burger and a drink.  I didn't need to read the menu - I knew I wanted the Shipwrecked Burger, which BG recommended. Named after one of the owners, "Shipwreck," the Shipwrecked Burger is topped with brie cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, arugula, and white truffle aioli.  Hmm...brie on burger.  Who could say no to that??

Shipwrecked Burger ($12)
BG's photo is better as it was shot in gorgeous natural lighting. Really makes you drool.

It was as delicious as everyone has said.  The topping combo was a great compliment to meat that was fresh (ground in-house), juicy (despite being well done), and well-seasoned.  It is a very flavorful burger - and when I say well-seasoned, I mean it.  Three hours later, I can still taste the seasoning in my mouth.  Could be too much for people who don't feel like chugging water for hours after eating.

As if the pirate theme hadn't tipped anyone off, Winghart's has a decidedly hip character.  Winghart's may have opened as part of the gourmet burger movement that started in Pittsburgh in 2010, but having patronized a few of these new burger joints, I can say that Winghart's atmosphere is the most distinctive of all.  The staff, too, is extremely friendly.  Sitting at the bar, I got to meet "Hippy" and "Three" (the latter who made my burger) and spent some time chatting with "Fallout," who has a drink named after him that consists of orange liquer, ginger liquer, and spiced rum (I believe).  Though the drink sounded tempting, it will have to wait 'til I'm feeling 100% healthy again.  While enjoying my burger, "Shipwreck" himself stopped by to say hi and chat for a little. I urged him not to move to Key West.

"Three" cooking up some patties.

Winghart's is a great place for a fun and casual meal.  Just don't bring a large group; the charm is in its intimacy.

As an aside, Winghart's will be opening a second location in SouthSide soon.  The previously planned Warrendale location, however, is no longer happening.

Restaurant info:
Winghart's Burger & Whiskey Bar
5 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412)434-5600
On the web:  http://www.winghartburgers.com
On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wingharts-Burger-Whiskey-Bar/168542473189374
On Twitter:  http://twitter.com/wingharts


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BRGR (Cranberry)

A few months ago I visited one of the new gourmet burger bars in Pittsburgh: BRGR in East Liberty.  Since then, BRGR has opened a second location up in Cranberry Township, where I visited twice recently.

The Cranberry location is in the back part of the Cranberry Mall, next to the Cranberry Cinemas, and is not visible from Route 19 so may be a little hard to find.  But it will be worth it. The restaurant in general is spacious and comfortable, with large-screen TVs everywhere guaranteeing that no one will miss the game regardless of where they sit.  Patio seating is also available in the warmer months.

Aside from beef burgers, BRGR has some intriguing non-beef options.  On my first visit here I tried the Kamikaze Burger: ahi tuna patty, avocado and wasabi puree, pickled cucumbers and diakon radish, chili aioli, sweet soy sauce, and tempura crumbs.  Our waiter assured me that it is sushi grade burger and that it would be fine to order it rare, so I figured, why not?  Rare it is.

Only it wasn't rare when it came out:

Kamikaze Burger

But you know what?  It was so delicious I didn't bother saying anything about it.

During my visit to the East Liberty BRGR, I had missed out on ordering an alcoholic shake, so this time I made sure I got the Salty Caramel...or what I call 3,000 calories in a glass:

Salty Caramel Spiked Shake

OK, so I don't know if it's really 3,000 calories, but it sure tasted like it.  Spiked with bourbon, sea salt, and vanilla bean, the Salty Caramel is thick, rich, and served in a cocktail shaker cup that you pour into a pre-caramelized glass.  You get two glasses out of your order, so it's definitely a lot of shake.

Salty Caramel Spiked Shake

It was 3,000 calories of awesomeness.

On my second visit, only a couple weeks since my first, BRGR had already changed some of the items on its menu.  The Kamikaze Burger is no longer available, though I hope they bring it back in the future.

I guess I was unconsciously going along with the Asian burger theme 'cause the one burger that caught my eye this time was the Thai Pork and Shrimp Burger.  The patty is made with pork and shrimp, and it is topped with a pickled cucumber and diakon radish salad (mmm...sound familiar?), chili aioli, cilantro, and mint.  I only realized later how similar this burger is to the Kamikaze, and not surprisingly, I liked it quite a lot.  The patty has an interesting-in-a-good-way, crisp, almost "bouncy" texture thanks to the shrimp, though I was a little confused at first when I bit into my burger and the patty is pink on the inside.  I thought perhaps the patty wasn't thoroughly cooked, but turns out it's just the pinkness from the shrimp.

Thai Pork and Shrimp Burger

I also tried some of this unique slaw:

Slaw

I washed down my meal with the Tomato Diablo, otherwise known as BRGR's own Bloody Mary.  It's definitely got a nice kick.

Tomato Diablo

The Cranberry rendition of BRGR is a great addition to the North Hills!

Restaurant info:
BRGR
20111 Route 19, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
(724)742-2333
On the web:  http://www.brgrpgh.com
On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/BRGR-Pittsburgh/107663902634152
On twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/brgrpgh


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Burgatory Bar (Aspinwall)

As I have mentioned in my previous blog posts featuring Burgh'ers and BRGR, I am quite picky when it comes to ground beef.  I had sworn off beef burgers for almost two years, and am thrilled about the recent gourmet burger trend in Pittsburgh because for the most part these new restaurants serve beef burger that I consider "edible."  Burgatory Bar had been the next burger joint on my list to visit (they serve hormone-free beef burgers that are especially ground for them daily), and I was excited to finally have the opportunity to pay them a visit this past week.  Burgatory is located in the Waterworks Mall in Aspinwall, near the cinemas.  Waterworks is a large strip mall that's a bit out of the way for most Pittsburgh folks, and one might never have guessed that such a cool burger bar decided to open its doors here.

I missed out on getting a spiked shake when I visited BRGR so I was ready this time around.  I went for the Monkey Business, a "Bananas Foster Shake spiked with Dark Rum and Banana Liquor," with little bits of banana inside.  It certainly tasted as good as it sounds!  I was impressed.  In addition to their spiked shake options, there are also "virgin" shakes and a number of beer and cocktail options.

Monkey Business ($7.50)

As for my burger, there were several options on the menu that sounded mouth-watering, including the Phat Patti's Veggie Burger (a ground cremini mushroom burger), the Buffaloed Bison Burger, and The Crab Shack (lump crab burger topped with Sriracha remoulade and creamy coleslaw), but as part of my quest for beef-I-can-eat, I had to go for the Morty's Steakhouse: "Peppercorn Crusted Beef Burger with Horseradish Cheddar, Haystack Onions and Cabernet Sauce."

The Morty's Steakhouse Burger ($10)
Served with a gigantic steak knife

Another view of the Monty's Steakhouse Burger

The burger was really, really delicious, and certainly deserves all the hype it has received.  The patty was flavorful without being dry, and the crispy onions added an interesting element.  I had a bite of R.'s Phat Patti's Veggie Burger and it was tasty as well.  I should also add that if none of the menu options grab you, you can always create your own burger.  Several people in our group did just that and they seemed to appreciate the freedom to do so.  For your side that comes with the burger, however, I might recommend getting the fries instead of the chips.

Overall, I enjoyed my burger and my shake at Burgatory Bar.  I hesitate to make a choice among Burgh'ers, BRGR, and Burgatory and call it a winner, as I think you can't go wrong with any of these places.  BRGR and Burgatory, in particular, are very similar on many levels, although BRGR does not offer the option of customizing your own burger, but it does have a trendier feel.  Burgh'ers, as I mentioned in a previous post, is more of a casual neighborhood joint, and does not serve alcohol, although you are welcome to BYOB.  However, of the three, Burgh'ers is the only one that serves grass-fed beef.

I think the next stop on my Pittsburgh gourmet burger tour will be Winghart's Burger & Whiskey Bar.

Restaurant info:
Burgatory Bar
932 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412)781-1456
On the web: http://www.burgatorybar.com
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burgatory-Bar/172102409486384
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BurgatoryBar

BRGR (East Liberty)

My neighbors and I had been trying to get together for dinner for a while (hi Chris and Nicole!) and we finally made it to BRGR - pronounced Bee-R-Gee-R - in East Liberty last week.  After my visit to Burgh'ers just a week prior, I had been craving another burger, and BRGR was one of the new gourmet burger bars I had been looking forward to checking out because they serve a blend of Angus beef made of NY strip, sirloin, and ribeye that is especially ground for them up in Erie, PA.  (Read: ground beef I'm willing to eat.)

BRGR doesn't take reservations, but the wait wasn't too bad on this particularly Friday night.  The fact that they've just opened the upstairs patio probably helped.  The atmosphere is upscale and contemporary; with several large TVs broadcasting sports games lining the main dining room, BRGR is a bit like sports bar meets fine dining.  I love how tech-savvy they are, too:  When you put your name down they take your cell phone number and text you when your table is ready.

For my meal, I got the Shroomz burger, with mushrooms, caramelized onions, brie, and a mustard aioli:

Shroomz Burger

It was a solid burger.  The meat was juicy but not greasy, and the sauce and the toppings were good as well.  I liked it a lot.  I had also hoped to try their famous spiked shakes, but alas, they do not have lactose-free milk, so I got the sangria instead:

My Shroomz burger with my sangria.

Nicole did order the Salty Caramel spiked shake as a dessert and liked it a lot.

Everything is a la carte at BRGR, so we ordered a side of fries with our meal:

A side of fries, with Parmesan cheese and herbs.

And finally, breaking my rule of posting only pictures of what I have eaten, here's a picture of Chris' Average Joe burger that he wanted me to take, so I figured it'd make him happy if I posted it. ;)

The Average Joe Burger

The Average Joe is basically your standard burger, with tomato, onion, and lettuce, and you have the option of adding cheese and bacon as well, as Chris did here.

I have already been asked which is better, Burgh'ers or BRGR.  I think that's a difficult question to answer because it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges.  If you're looking for a more casual, down-to-earth atmosphere or are specifically interested in grass-fed beef, then you should go to Burgh'ers.  On the other hand, if you are looking for something more upscale, in a more hoppin' neighborhood, and grass-fed beef isn't a must, then BRGR is your choice.  If you're just looking for a good burger, you can't go wrong with either.  Keep in mind, too, that Burgh'ers and BRGR are a good 35 miles apart, so maybe the location will end up being the major factor.  A comparable meal will likely cost you a little more at BRGR because you have to order sides separately and the valet parking will cost you a few bucks as well.  A more relevant comparison may be BRGR versus Burgatory in Aspinwall, but I have yet to visit the latter, though I'm hoping that it'll be the destination of my next burger adventure.

Restaurant info:

BRGR Bar

5997 Penn Cir S, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

(412) 362-2333

On the web: http://www.brgrpgh.com

Valet parking available next door at Spoon for $3

Burgh'ers (Harmony)

Last weekend I had a sudden burger craving (probably fueled by China Millman's Post-Gazette article featuring the new burger bars in town).  I wasn't craving just any burger though - I wanted a big, fat, juicy beef burger.  You see, I hadn't had a beef burger since my first (and last) visit to Five Guys in DC in July 2009.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the burger, but quite literally while my body was still digesting that meal, I went to see the Oscar-nominated documentary Food, Inc. and my life hasn't been the same since.  Without going into too much of the gory detail, I pretty much swore off ground beef right then and there unless I was sure that the restaurant ground their own beef or that the beef was grass-fed instead of grain-fed.

And just like that, no more beef burgers for me.

So you can imagine my excitement a little while ago when I found out about the new burger joint, Burgh'ers, in Harmony through a news article about it having been deemed the best burger in Pittsburgh.  I was excited because Burgh'ers uses ingredients from local farms and their beef is local, organic, and grass-fed.  In other words: ground beef I CAN eat!  So Burgh'ers came to mind immediately when the I felt like my tummy could use a long-overdue beef burger.

I hopped into my car and drove up to Harmony, which is a quaint little area about a 15-minute drive north of Cranberry Township.  The restaurant is located in Creekside Plaza on Perry Highway, although you can't see the restaurant from the road as the strip mall doesn't face the street, so it's good to keep the name of the plaza in mind while searching for the restaurant.  The atmosphere at Burgh'ers is casual and low-key but pleasant at the same time, with its walls painted bright green and its menu scrawled on a gigantic chalkboard behind the cashier.  Most of the burgers are named after Pittsburgh's neighborhoods (like the Shadyside, the Bloomfield, or the Polish Hill), but I decided to go with the Mexican War, which is a fiery burger with roasted green chillies, avocado, tomato, chedder cheese, and cilantro:

The Mexican War ($9.99)

And this thing was hot alright!  But more importantly, tasty.  What an interesting combination of flavors!  Everything was cooked just right.  The patty was juicy but not too greasy, the buns were soft and warm, and even the fries were great.  I cleaned up the entire plate, and if you know how petite I am, you'd know this is quite a lot of food for me.  But I ate it all because it was so good!

The restaurant was pretty busy when I got there, and it was absolutely packed by the time my burger was served.  I was actually hoping to take advantage of Burgh'er's free wifi and get some work done, but decided against it because I didn't want to take up a seat if I wasn't eating.  As I was close to being done with my meal, the little boy sitting at the table behind me came up and asked if I was a reporter, which I thought was so cute.  I got into a conversation with the nice parents and turns out they decided to try Burgh'ers after reading China Millman's article (and Mr. and Mrs. Nice Parents, if you're reading this: Hello!).  I didn't stick around long enough to find out if they liked their burgers, but I'm really glad that this little local joint located way beyond the North Hills is getting so much attention.  It is also BYOB, which is another plus.

I had thought that my visit to Burgh'ers would satisfy my burger craving, but if anything, it seemed to have intensified it!  If they had been open the following day on Sunday, I just might have made a repeat trip up there.  I guess it was probably best for my waistline that they weren't open! :)  I definitely see more burgers/Burgh'ers in my near future, and I'm very happy to have found another restaurant in town that is committed to supporting local agriculture.

Restaurant info:
Burgh'ers
100 Perry Highway, Harmony, PA 16037
(724) 473-0710
On the web: http://www.burghersinc.com