By Matt De Reno
No year in the gastronomic realm is ever quite alike - 2022 was no exception, and 2023 promises to bring with it an array of new tastes and smells to replace those which are now fondly remembered. In short, the smells-they-are-a-changin'.
From quaint bistros to chic eateries, these newly opened restaurants have something for everyone looking to explore the dining scene this year! Let's check out what they offer:
Barrio Tacos, a must-try taco establishment offering customizable orders for all tastes, opened its doors in Pittsburgh's Ross Park Mall of the North Hills this past October 2022. Come and create your own signature tacos there if you have not done so already. Personally, we have not done so - yet. If you have, hey, register on our site and leave some comments.
Then there is Mineo's Pizza which opened in Allison Park. We can't wait to get there! Apparently, we were not the only ones when this famous local pizza chain opened its doors near North Park in 2022; Mineo's was so busy they had to temporarily close!
This year, Dive Bar and Grille excitedly opened its brand-new location in the North Hills on Babcock Boulevard, previously Rum Runners. Coincidentally, their Wexford spot closed that same day.
Wingstop is set to make its triumphant return to the Pittsburgh area with an exciting new location in Pleasant Hills launching this December 2022, followed shortly by a location on McKnight Road in Ross Township the following year.
Early in 2022, also saw the new Clark's Restaurant open in McCandless. This is not to be confused with the previous long-standing restaurant bar that was the J. Clark's. New owners. New paint job (by Millvale's, Terry Hohman Painting, Inc). New menu. New vibes.
Clark's has a great menu and hires cooks that take a lot of pride in what they make. However, don't take our word for it; take theirs. Next time you are at Clark's, be sure to put your fork into these "Chef Joe" inspired entrees: the bourbon glazed pork ribeye, which is a plate full of chargrilled pork steak covered with a house bourbon glaze; and the pesto pasta, limoncello chicken, roasted grape tomato, feta, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Is your mouth watering yet?
For fans of Moonlit Burgers, they will soon be opening in Sewickley. At their newest location, you will enjoy their signature smash burgers, local craft beers, and milkshakes. Be sure to experience why they are one of the most popular burger joints around Pittsburgh.
Sadly, after a 72-year run in the North Hills, Kretzler’s Tavern closed its doors for the last time at the end of 2022. On a more upbeat note, it will be replaced by Mike and Tony’s Gyros location. That should be exciting - at least for us.
It's sad to see you go, Kretzelers. Just as Humphrey Bogart said in Casablanca 'We'll always have Paris', we here at Across North Hills want to say 'We'll always have the Prime Rib Special'. Although things may come and go, some special memories - and smells - will stay with us forever.
Matt De Reno is the publisher of Across North Hills and a writer based in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.
