A few months ago my husband and I were on our way home from a graduation party when we decided to stop at a local restaurant for a drink before diving back into life. As we sat at the bar our entertaining bartender told us we should come back for happy hour during the week -- 5 to 7 p.m., she said. Well, Steve and I just laughed -- who can go out from 5 to 7? Most of the time, we work until 6 or 6:30, then he has the drive home and I usually have things to deal with at home or meetings I have to attend or the million other things that everyone older than about 25 has to do. I mean, no one our…

Overview: North Country Brewing is a brewery and eatery in Slippery Rock. Looking like a bar you might expect from somewhere out west, this is one of our favorite places in the area. You can go into North Country after hiking or after a movie and feel at home. It seems like we always end up here after a long hike at McConnell’s Mill State Park. Decor: North Country is a rustic bar with lots and lots of wood inside. The building has been around since 1805, according to the restaurant's website. It is a fun place with eclectic items on the walls. A nice outdoor seating area is ideal for warm …

Overview:   The Dive Bar & Grille in the Pine Tree Shoppes off Perry Highway in Wexford is almost invisible, which is a shame because its menu and atmosphere scream, "Notice me!" The menu is extensive, and the food is interesting, well-prepared, and reasonably priced. The Dive is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday. It has a terrific seven-day-a-week happy hour, with food and drink specials. Frequent diners enjoy 10 percent off with the "Very Important Regular" card. Décor: The interior reflects the great-room concept. The bar, eating area by the bar, and restaurant area are …

Azul Bar y Cantina offers authentic Mexican food in an upbeat and vibrant atmosphere. Located on the corner of Broad and Rapp Streets in Leetsdale, the restaurant is perfect for any occasion — warm and inviting, with a friendly staff and tasty food. From the colorful murals adorned on the walls to the smooth wooden tables and chairs, the decor is sleek. A blue-painted ceiling completes the cool feel of the eatery.   Azul's food is fresh and homemade. Start off with chips and spicy salsa for $4. Other appetizers include the tableside guacamole for $10 and the taquitos de pollo for $9. The menu…

Saga Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar puts a sophisticated spin on an entertaining meal. Saga, in Robinson's Settler’s Ridge, is a step up from the everyday hibachi experience. The place is clean, the décor is cool, and the lighting is dim.  It's not just the atmosphere that sets Saga from the rest -- it's the service. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the hibachi chefs not only cook but entertain patrons. The cook will even put on a little song and dance as he prepares your food in front of you. Whether he is singing a Lady Gaga song or lighting your food on fire, the chef is sure to …

With school back in session and football season in full-swing, The Ground Round in Moon is sure to be hopping. The local hotspot on University Boulevard attracts crowds of all ages with its attentive staff, good food and family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is split into a dining area and a bar/lounge area. The dining room is great for families or big parties, while the lounge provides a fun time for adults, where patrons can watch sporting events on one of several TVs and enjoy a drink from the bar. The menu is diverse, offering everything from sandwiches and salads to steaks and …

Looking for a night out but don’t want to head all the way Downtown? Stop by Cadillac Ranch in Settlers Ridge for dinner and stay for the nightlife. The upbeat ambiance and bigger-is-better décor creates an all-around fun dining experience for the entire family. The sprawling restaurant features two bars and plenty of seating in the dining areas plus an outdoor patio with a bar and fire pits. Multiple TVs are available for viewing throughout the restaurant, making it a great place to take in a game. The walls are scattered with hubcaps, autographed guitars and photos of country superstars and…

If you’re exploring the area for a new place to eat, take the Parkway to Bridgeville where you’ll find a modern burger joint with an old-school feel. Sauce, on Washington Pike, will transport you back in time to an an old-fashioned diner of a bygone era. The setting is intimate, the crowd is fun, and the food is delicious. The main dining area is very narrow and resembles a long hallway split in two. The black vinyl semi-circular booths, which are open to the center of the restaurant, line one side, while the other side consists of an elongated, chic bar. Although the bar has no draft beer, …

The Sharp Edge Bistro provides a unique dining experience right across the bridge. Located in the heart of Sewickley on Beaver Street, the charming eatery serves up good food in good company.  A decent sized bar welcomes patrons at the entrance of the door. If you’re looking to have a few drinks or even a bite to eat, the bar offers plenty of seating. Around the bar area are high-top tables for two. A long hallway to the left of the bar leads to the dining room seating in the back. There are numerous booths that line the walls, and tables with chairs fill in the rest of the floor. The Bistro …

At the foot of Snake Hill sits one of Moon’s local hotspots. Although it's more commonly known for its bar,Viola's Italian Restaurant and Lounge also serves up food in a family-friendly atmosphere.  Although you can eat at the bar, the restaurant's main dining area is on the right side of the house. Seating is offered via tables and chairs as well as booths. The restaurant is clean, the food is tasty and the service is pleasant. The menu offers everything from appetizers and wings to pasta and seafood. Appetizers range in price from $3 to $9.50 and include stuffed hot peppers, seasoned potato…

Café des Amis is a quaint French bakery and bistro in Sewickley. While enjoying breakfast, which is served all day, or lunch, you’ll feel as if you’re eating in the French countryside instead of a café on Division Street. The food is good, the atmosphere is intimate, and the service is welcoming. The eatery seats no more than 45 people, and the décor adds to the cozy feel. The inside is light with a color scheme of yellows and greens. The floors are bare, with just a space rug adorning the floor upon entry. The tables are covered in colorful tablecloths. The menu is written on a chalkboard …

Buffalo Wild Wings serves up food with a side of fun. The Robinson sports bar is a great place to go to cheer on the black and gold, yet it’s also family friendly. There are TVs everywhere, so no matter where you’re seated you’ll be able to catch the game or play some trivia. The place has a full bar and offers numerous domestic, imports, craft and specialty beers. An outdoor patio completes the energetic yet easy-going atmosphere, making it a great place to simply hang out and unwind. The name says it all — the restaurant is known for its chicken wings. More than a dozen sauces are offered, …

Locals looking for a place to dine might often overlook Clarks Cafe, but the eatery never disappoints. The restaurant and bar, located among office buildings on Rouser Road, offers dining in a casual setting. The food is delicious, the staff is personable and the price is right. Upon entering the building, patrons can go to the left, where the upscale yet relaxed bar is located, or to the right for the dining room. Both areas provide ample seating. Large windows in the dining room give patrons a view of the property’s greenery. To top off the dining experience, there’s a beautiful fountain …

If you’re looking for a place to go for dinner and a show check out Ichiban Hibachi Steakhouse in Robinson Town Center. The chefs serve up made-to-order hibachi dishes while entertaining guests with knives and fire. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is intimate. You might be seated with other guests, but you never quite feel out of place. Heck, depending on the day you go out to eat, you could end up celebrating a few birthdays at the hibachi bar with your fellow patrons. Ichiban knows how to ring in special occasions and always manages to get everyone involved. Complete with a …

For a quick and healthy lunch, stop by MixStirs Café in Sewickley. The Beaver Street cafe caters to those with active lifestyles, offering tasty, healthy foods at a good price.  The restaurant's dining room looks more like a living room than a restaurant -- extremely cozy and clean, with couches for lounging and bookshelves adorned with photos.  Known for its juice bar, MixStirs offers apple, carrot, and orange juice and blends in a small size for $3.29 and in a regular size for $4.29. Classic and fruit stirs, such as the Smashin’ Supreme and Watermelon Breezer, are priced at $3.99 for a 16-…

If you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner, check out the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe -- whether you order in or take out, this all-American eatery located on University Boulevard in Moon is sure to please. The hot dogs are made-to-order, wallet-friendly and served with a smile. The buns are soft and fresh, and the hot dogs are plump and cooked to perfection. Milkshakes are made with real ice cream -- they’re thick, creamy and perfect for dessert. The chili cheese dog and chili cheese fries are among the most popular items on the menu. Hot dogs cost $1.39. Fries, which come in three sizes, …

Harold’s Inn in Hopewell Township has been around for more than 50 years. The casual eatery on Brodhead Road has a friendly staff and wallet-friendly prices. The restaurant features a bar and two spacious dining rooms. It's a family-friendly kind of place: The children will be entertained watching the grill chef in action inside the glass-enclosed grill pit. Harold’s is famous for its mountain-style chicken and taters. The fresh, whole chicken wings and crispy potatoes are seasoned to perfection with Harold’s special dry seasoning. The jumbo wings come in a half basket for $6.99 and a full …

Patron Mexican Grill embodies an authentic Mexican food experience, from the Mexican-themed artwork and decor to the traditional live music. Located on Perry Highway in Wexford, the dim lighting, vibrant color scheme and hand-carved and painted booths set the scene for an all-around good time. The environment is upbeat and fun, friendly and inviting. It can get loud, but that’s because the place usually is packed. The noise level isn’t bothersome; it just seems to add to the atmosphere. Patron serves up quite possibly the best Mexican food in the area. The fresh, warm chips and homemade but …

Bravo! Cucina Italiana restaurant is authentic, upscale Italian dining at its finest, serving classic cuisine and inspired seasonal specials.   The North Fayette restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Daily lunch specials are offered Monday through Friday for $7.95. Each day a sandwich, salad and an entrée are listed, including an Eggplant Parmesan sandwich on Thursdays and a Balsamic Chicken Cobb on Thursdays. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, fun and family-friendly. Everything is fresh, made-to-order and downright delicious.   The meal starts with warm, freshly baked bread served with …

Lo Bello’s Spaghetti House is old-school Italian dining at its finest, and owner Rose Lo Bello might as well be the Italian grandmother you never had. She’s personable and friendly, and she does it all: She’s the cook, the server, the dishwasher and, most importantly, the face of the restaurant. When she’s not cooking, she’s walking through the restaurant talking to her customers and telling stories of years past. The restaurant, which is on Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis, is like a time capsule. The wooden booths show generations of customers who carved their names into history. The restaurant …