Down to Seven

Sorry that it has taken me four days too many to get this post up. Life interfering with blogging is just plain wrong and I apologize.

Anyway, it looks like May 23rd is a good date for all but one person. Let's run with it since there probably is no such thing as the "perfect date." We'll plan one or two more get-togethers sometime this summer, so we should be able to catch everyone eventually.

In the meantime, dinner May 23rd. We need to pick a place. I combed through comments, did a little research, and narrowed it down to the following:

Church Brew Works: Not the most accessible as it's not right off a highway, but parking is no problem, the food is really good, and they take reservations for large groups.

Rock Bottom at the Waterfront: Also not exactly on a highway and there is currently construction in the area. However, parking is free and in nice pretty parking lots.

Double Wide Grill on Carson Street in the Southside: It's easy to get there but parking is not so fabulous. It's all on street parking, although it is easier if you go a block or two off Carson. The food is FANTASTIC and the outdoor seating would be a bonus.

Grille 36 on North Shore: Easy to get to, parking is a breeze (there's a fee for the lot or free on street parking available). I've never eaten there, but the drinky drinky is good. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

On the Border in Cranberry: It's less than two minutes from I-79, I-76, and directly on Route 228. Very accessible, even if it is the North end of town. (I can actually get there faster than downtown, even though it's 10 miles further away.) The food is excelente, especially for a chain. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available and Giant Eagle sells gift cards for there. Fuel Perks, baby, Fuel Perks.

Red Star Tavern at Station Square: Parking is going to set you back a minimum of $5, but it's pretty easy to get in and out of the place. The food is your typical fanfare. Nothing spectacular, but nothing all that bad.


Claddagh Irish Pub at South Side Works: On street or garage parking available. The food is very good and if you are into Irish beer, you're all set.

Important note: There is a Pirates game on May 23rd at 7:05 pm. It's too soon to tell if there will also be a Penguins game.

Please throw in any thoughts you have on the above in comments and if you feel strongly one way or another, try to sway the rest of us to see things your way. Then vote in the handy poll below for the one place you would most prefer. Polling will close on Tuesday, May 13. Winner takes all in this case.



Thanks again, y'all, for your help in figuring this all out.