It was the Saturday before St. Pat's day and we were supposed to join friends at a local Irish pub for live music and a buffet of traditional Irish cuisine and, of course, Guinness. But we arrived to find that THIS year there would be no buffet and no live entertainment, so while we pondered (and drank a Guinness) a friend suggested that we go instead to a nearby place he had been to several years before and recalled, ""It doesn't look like much but the food and service are first-class.""\r
He was speaking of the Station Brake Cafe, so a phone call was made and a reservation for a table for 6 was available at 5 pm so off we went to nearby Wilmerding.\r
I can't tell you how GOOD this sudden change in plans turned-out. \r
The place didn't LOOK anything ""special"" from the outside- nor from the inside for that matter, but it was certainly ""OK""; You might even say ""interesting"". We were seated immediately. The table setting was formal- very nice with cloth napkins and white linens and 6-piece place settings of flatware. Oddly, but interestingly, the china was an eclectic mix of old (antique?), delicate patterns. The wait staff was friendly but not pushy, and prompt but not rushed. Very courteous. Our coffee cups and drink glasses were regularly topped-off. The extensive menu offered a wide variety from salads to pastas, to red-meat, white meat, and seafood choices- something to please everyone. \r
And when the meal arrived- maybe 20 minutes?- It was absolutely wonderful. The food was both plentiful and delicious. Desserts were fantastic. \r
This is not a ""quick-food"" type of establishment. Dinner here was meant to be savored, so it is best , I'd say, to be with good friends and to have every intent of an unhurried, casual, ""social"" dining event. We were there for nearly 2 1/2 hours and the time did not drag. \r
We couldn't have enjoyed the evening more. \r
I am looking forward to sharing this place again with special guests/friends when the circumstances deserve a special place.
Pros: food, service, atmosphere
more