Steakhouse to replace Elements/Palomino

[SteelCityRising]

Since we're on the topic of high-end dining establishments in Downtown Pittsburgh does anyone know of any places there where you can eat a nice dinner that doesn't necessarily require a "suit-and-jacket" sort of attire? I'm perfectly fine with a business casual (dress slacks, dress shoes, a button-down shirt tucked in, etc.) sort of dress code at a restaurant, but I never understood the allure of wearing your Sunday best formalwear to eat dinner when you run the risk of spilling or dribbling something all over it.

My two-year anniversary was recently, but given the cold weather and some temporary budget issues I just didn't have the availability to treat him to something nice. I'd like to wait until the weather gets warmer, and then I'd like for us to walk Downtown, see a show at the Benedum Center or Heinz Hall on a Friday night, and do a nice dinner beforehand. I was considering a nightcap somewhere nearby and maybe getting a room at one of the Downtown hotels, too, and then walking back home through the Strip on a Saturday morning.

With the topic of attire coming up anyways do people usually wear suit-and-tie attire when they go to Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center? I hate to sound culturally ignorant, but I haven't been to either venue since moving here over two years ago.

[FreightTrainRunning]

Originally Posted by eschaton

I think that location will continue to house restaurants which ultimately fail.

While it's an area which has good foot traffic during the day, it's pretty dead compared to the Market Square or the Cultural District at night time, which makes it a fairly inconvenient place to go for dinner compared to other options.

IMHO, a more lowbrow restaurant which focuses on a lunch menu would do much better there.

There are two new apartment buildings going in right next to there in the old Verizon Building and the old State Building. That should make that area a little livelier past business hours.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

Since we're on the topic of high-end dining establishments in Downtown Pittsburgh does anyone know of any places there where you can eat a nice dinner that doesn't necessarily require a "suit-and-jacket" sort of attire? I'm perfectly fine with a business casual (dress slacks, dress shoes, a button-down shirt tucked in, etc.) sort of dress code at a restaurant, but I never understood the allure of wearing your Sunday best formalwear to eat dinner when you run the risk of spilling or dribbling something all over it.

My two-year anniversary was recently, but given the cold weather and some temporary budget issues I just didn't have the availability to treat him to something nice. I'd like to wait until the weather gets warmer, and then I'd like for us to walk Downtown, see a show at the Benedum Center or Heinz Hall on a Friday night, and do a nice dinner beforehand. I was considering a nightcap somewhere nearby and maybe getting a room at one of the Downtown hotels, too, and then walking back home through the Strip on a Saturday morning.

With the topic of attire coming up anyways do people usually wear suit-and-tie attire when they go to Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center? I hate to sound culturally ignorant, but I haven't been to either venue since moving here over two years ago.

I'd start a new thread about that really, would be better, but some basic info is, for the first part, I think you can eat almost anywhere like that these days. Almost. Of course, you do so knowing that some people will be dressed more than you. Same with Benedum/Heinz. The symphony in particular I think brings out more suit and tie attire, but that doesn't mean you have to go like that. I don't own a suit and I've gone to a number of shows at Heinz and Benedum including the symphony and the Broadway-type touring shows. Late fall, warmer winter days or early spring work well because I just wear a sweater and that works fine. I don't feel out of place. Some of the old stodgy folks might not like it, but screw 'em.

So think about what kind of food you like or don't like, and maybe a budget, and start a new thread. I remember one of the times we went to the Public, our pre-theater dinner was Chipotle. (Hey, just didn't feel like doing anything else. It was midweek and an early-ish show at 7:00 I think it was.) But most of the times we have eaten at good sit down places. There are plenty of choices for no suit.

[sskink]

Agree with Greg. I've eaten pre-theatre at Nine on Nine wearing a leather jacket, no sportcoat or tie. And I've seen plenty of total slobs in Six Penn and the Market Square restaurants. I don't know if any place around town has a dress code these days short of the Duquense Club. Haven't been to the Carlton lately, they might be a bit tighter than total casual.

When we go dining out at a nicer place, I usually throw on a sportcoat out of respect for my wife, not the restaurant.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

With the topic of attire coming up anyways do people usually wear suit-and-tie attire when they go to Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center? I hate to sound culturally ignorant, but I haven't been to either venue since moving here over two years ago.

Hey, I thought you guys were good dressers?

Nothing worse, IMHO, then dressing for a play and having some clown next to you wearing a Steelers jersey. Show some style, both the Benedum and Heinz are high class n'at.

Went to the RMU lecture series the other night at Heinz Hall and some jackwagon was wearing a ball cap.

Oh, well.