1227 Monterey Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The most authentic pub to put on your Pittsburgh bucket list is Monterey Pub in the historic Mexican War Streets neighborhood. The interior is cozy, the food and beer great, and the historic location an extra bonus. This is a great place to enjoy after the popular St. Patrick's Day parade downtown, or really anytime of the year that you are craving quality Irish cuisine.
The menu is diverse and includes lots of choices for everyone, whether you are craving traditional Irish fare, a vegetarian health conscious entree, or tasty fried snacks.
Do start with the onion rings as an appetizer: they are so delicious. Other tempting choices include cheddar garlic buttermilk biscuits and pub cheese and pretzels.
We ordered the Spicy Garden Pita (featuring spicy tomato hummus, portobello mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions) and the Fish and Chips. Both were delicious and affordably priced. You get to choose one side with your meal. Roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or chips are the options. Definitely go with the Chips (curly fries) - not only are they tasty, but the serving size is huge! I love that they offer a number of vegetarian friendly choices as some Irish pubs offer few options for those of us non carnivores out there.
Service is great and the food comes out timely. Our waiter was nice enough to serve our Guiness in a glass as opposed to plastic cup as requested (we were informed that they have problems with guests stealing the glasses).
It is very dark and cozy inside Monterey with vintage wood booths. A beautiful old bar, a neighborhood feel, and a great location in a historic neighborhood definitely make it the best old-school Irish pub in the region. I really love the ambiance here: it's a great place to get cozy on a cold, rainy spring afternoon.
Give Monterey Irish Pub a chance if you are seeking good Irish food and drink in Pittsburgh. You really can't beat the neighborhood and location. Whether you are looking for a great place to party after the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, or simply looking to kick back and enjoy a few Guinness and pub appetizers, Monterey has you covered.
