I've tried to get to
Ten Penny on 3 separate occasions. For the record, don't try to get there during the Pittsburgh Marathon. It won't happen. I guess the 4th time was a charm.
So you hear its new, its hip, the location is great and brunch is catching on in Pittsburgh. The name is perfect - on 10th and Penn. Clever. But, while the concept, ambiance and decor were fantastic, the food was just good. With so many great and outstanding options in the area, its going to be difficult for us to recommend Ten Penny for dinner over other restaurants.
We went before a Penguins' game. The restaurant was full of people heading to the game, so the attire was relaxed. There is a valet - it's $10 and takes a while, so if you can park across the street it might be worth it. My car was too big for the valet kid to handle, but that's another story.
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| Duck Breast |
There were six in our party, so we were able to try quite a few different appetizers and dishes and they were good, however, nothing knocked us out. For everything we ordered, I think I can quickly name another restaurant close by that does it better. I truly wished it would have offered some gems because the restaurant itself is very cool.
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| Seared Sea Scallops |
On the table:
~ Mega Meatball app
~ Pork Belly app
~ Duck Breast
~ Lamb Shank
~ Ahi Tuna
~ Seared Scallops
~ Stuffed Chicken Breast
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| Lamb Shank |
Everything was good - it was. It was prepared well, had tasty flavor combinations. I don't think any of us would have turned our choices away if you put them in front of us again, but I'm not running back. Our server was attentive, the drinks were great, the wine list was decent, beer selections were good. Nothing knocked my socks off. I think it'd be a great place to grab a drink or two and an appetizer. When you're positioned to compete with the likes of
Butcher and the Rye (better Pork Belly),
Meat and Potatoes (better duck),
Emporio (better meatballs),
Six Penn (same name play, better lamb) - I could go on - kick it up a few notches.
Bummer. I guess we'll have to try brunch and see what happens. Meh...
~ CDO
