Huszar - North Side

Huszar opened recently in a part of town that I believe may be the edge of the world. (It used to be a local dive called Recovery Room.) Basically Huszar lodged up against I-279 in between the North Side and Deutshtown, or as I like to call it, East Allegheny. There's a wonderful view of Pittsburgh rush hour traffic only steps from your bar stool.

There were so many dishes that I wanted to try on the Huszar menu that I basically gave up and ordered the most expensive item listed in order to appease my foolish sensibilities.

Pictured above is one of the most intimidating happy hour meals I've been served in ages. The Transylvanian Wooden Platter comes with chicken, pork, and steak served with fried potatoes and a couple of side salads. I shared this entree with four people and still had more than enough for dinner. It was a real bargain at $24.95. Out of the three meats the steak was my favorite, quite tender and flavorful.

On my next visit I would be interested to try the goulash, the taste of Huszar appetizer platter, the Hungarian burger, the chicken paprikash or the beef stew. Essentially every item on the menu is my soul animal. My experience at Huszar reminded me of my wonderful time in at Apostila in Prague several years back.

Gypsy Stringz

If you really want to explore all that Huszar has to offer, go check out one of their special events. Currently, the Gypsy Stringz band plays there once every other week and the bar gets packed. Start slowly with one of the Czech pilsners and work your way up to some slivovitz. Also be sure to make a reservation.

Monterey Pub

I would have to say that 'cozy' is the perfect word to describe the Monterey Pub. The tiny bar and dining area are packed with character, a rowdy cast of regulars and the type of food that really reminds you of the humble beginnings of the Steel City. 

Pictured above are the pub fries with heaps of cheese and Guinness shredded beef. They were remarkably tasty and it was absolutely necessary to share the order with a friend. The amount of beef and cheese layered on top of the crisp fries were easily worthy of a separate sandwich.

In addition to sporting all sorts of traditional Irish fare (bangers, boxties and shepards' pies, oh my.) Monterey also features a variety of rag-tag melting pot specials throughout the week. Pasta night, Mexican night and burger night just to name a few.

One of the favorite dishes of the evening was the chicken and waffle nachos. Belgian waffles with syrup, bacon, some immaculate fried chicken and a jalapeno berry jam. The fried chicken itself was extraordinarily succulent and memorable. Just look at that face.

Views have changed in the last few years as to what causes high cholesterol, however, I'm certain my three courses at Monterey Pub would not be approved by any state bonded cardiologist.

Possibly the most interesting dish on the menu is 'Will Smith's Stoner Pie.'  It includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and melted cheese.  For an extra dollar you can get it 'OG' style with bacon. Of course, this reminded me of a quote by one of my favorite celebrities.

“We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.”

 -Will Smith