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Moon Township exploded from quiet farmland to bustling suburb when the Bell Farm was bought and the Greater Pittsburgh Airport was built. Decades later, there aren't many working farms left. Moon has two high schools, a Division I university, a rail trail and several global firms. Moon also offers 18 restaurants. Only five are national chains. Only four are fast food outlets. Two are Allegheny County chains and seven are single location locally owned restaurants. The Moon restaurant lineup includes Mexican, Italian, Asia Fusion, Chinese, Barbeque, Seafood, Irish, Polish and Greek, plus the exquisite Hyeholde, considered Pennsylvania's #1 haute cuisine restaurant. All of Moon's restaurants are on two roads : University Boulevard and Beaver Grade Road, which becomes Brodhed Road. There are more restaurants in the airport terminal building, but we cover those on the Airport page. |
From a nutritionist's viewpoint, Arby's is the best fast food restaurant out there. Its Roast Beef sandwiches have far less cholesterol than the usual burgers, as long as you don't load it up with dressings. It offers one of the best Reubens anywhere, which is high praise in this area, where Primanti Brothers, Patrick's and Emil's are famous for their Reubens. But the Classic Roast Beef is Arby's signature sandwich and it's as good now as it was when the first restaurant opened back in 1964 in Boardman, Ohio. Since then, Arby's has added Roast Turkey, Roast Ham and Roast Chicken, along with the popular Reuben. More recently Brisket, Gyro, Philly Cheesesteak, Bacon and Pork Belly sandwiches have been offered. The Moon Arby's has never offered the Venison, Elk or Duck sandwiches that some Arby's outlets have. Lately Arby's has added an order of five small sandwiches called Sliders. Swiss Cheese is the all time favorite addition to the various sandwiches. The Farmhouse Salad is large and includes lettuce, diced tomatoes and cheddar cheese. Sides include Onion Rings, Mozzarella Sticks, Jalapeno Bites and Potato Cakes. Arby's is on University Boulevard. |
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Armstrong's is a locally owned neighborhood hangout with very good Italian food. Portions are huge, so you will very likely take food home. They don't take reservations and there's usually a wait, so you should go early or late to avoid the meal hour crowds. It's in a small mall called Thorn Run Crossing at the intersection of Beaver Grade Road and Thorn Run Road. Like almost every Pittsburgh area restaurant Armstrong's offers Wedding Soup (It's not called that because it's served at weddings but because back in southern Italy it's a union of greens and meat). But there's also a soup of the day, which is usually heavy (broccoli cheese, etc.) and excellent. Armstrong's signature dish is their Eggplant Parmesan, which is excellent and enough for two hungry adults. They also offer other Parmesan dishes (chicken, veal and scrod). The Meatballs are large and good but the pasta is only average. Fettucini Alfredo, Stuffed Peppers, Baked Ziti, Cheese Ravioli, Salmon and the Hot Roast Beef Sandwich are all good. Armstrong's features a Friday Fish With Mac & Cheese that is excellent. You have to bring your own alcohol but there's no corking charge. |
Bob Evans uses a down home country America theme, giving old fashioned farm cooking a 21st Century twist. Breakfasts are so bounteous they have a cult following; there's a group of people who begin every day at Bob Evans. Lunch is very traditional, but it's Dinner where Bob Evans really shines. Of appetizers, we like their Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Fries, Country Fair Cheese Bites and Loaded Baked Potato Bites (breaded and fried potatoes stuffed with cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, scallions and buttermilk ranch dressing). Deep Dish Dinners, Deep Dish Pastas and Slow Roasted Dinners put you in mind of big family Sundays out on the farm. Soups and salads are excellent, and the open face sandwiches are the best still being commercially served of what was once a staple in every small town restaurant in the country. The Meat Loaf (made with sausage and Angus beef) is outstanding. This may be the best of all chain restaurants. | ![]() |
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EatnPark restaurants are a Pittsburgh tradition since 1949, and are famous for their Soup/Salad/Fruit Bar, Chicken Noodle Soup, Handbreaded Fish, the Superburger and Smiley Cookies. Their Breakfasts are excellent, featuring Pancakes, a Waffle, French Toast, Eggs, Sirloin or one of their seven Omelettes. The lunch/dinner menu is extensive. You have 10 Appetizers, of which we like their Breaded Zucchini, and Fried Pickles. Soups include Clam Chowder, Cream of Broccoli and Stuffed Pepper, depending on what day of the week it is. Salads are Buffalo Chicken, Apple Grape Chicken, and Classic. There are burgers and sandwiches. Signature entrees are Meatloaf, Herb Crusted Chicken,Sirloin Steak and Chicken Marsala. The Chicken Bruschetta, Pork Marsala, Grilled Chicken and Chicken Rosemary are also good. But the reason many people return once or twice a week is the Nantucket Cod Dinner. The oven baked Cod is stuffed with onions, crabmeat, shrimp, spinach, cheddar cheese and cracker crumbs. It comes with one side, fresh baked rolls, and the Soup/Salad/Fruit Bar. This is one of the best dinner bargains in the West Hills. Don't order the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. They have the bizarre habit of toasting the bread, then adding the cheese. It is not a grilled cheese sandwich. EatnParks were the original drive in restaurants in the Pittsburgh area, but sadly none of them any longer have girls roller skating up to your car window. They've all become standard inside sit down restaurants. But they're still good. |
412 is Moon's newest restaurant. Located on Beaver Grade / Brodhead Road, just past the major intersection with University Boulevard, it features a creative wine and drink menu to go with dinner. Appetizers include Crab Cakes, a Cheese Plate, Sausage & Peppers, Fried Brussels Sprouts, Soy Glazed Scallops and a Spicy Pork Wonton. A Strawberry Field Salad (arugula, spiced pecan, strawberries, mozzarella, cucumber and sweet balsamic) heads the greenery list, but the Farm Salad (mixed greens, sliced almonds, goat cheese, roast beets and catalina) and Garden Salad (romaine, cucumber, radish, tomato, croutons and vinaigrette) are very good. 412 offers four Skewers : Sirloin, Chicken, Shrimp, Veggie. A skewer comes with an entree as a side, or you can order a much larger Skewer as an entree. Their featured Entrees are the Bacon Wrapped BBQ Meatloaf, Aukra Salmon, Mushroom Risotto, Hot Sausage Fettuccine and Locally Raised Steak. But there's also Chicken Fettuccine, a Seasonal Veggie Plate, and a Pork Chop. Four Burger selections complete the Entree page. 412 is very proud of the fact that all their drinks are 100% Pennsylvanian, beginning with their own 412 produced Wines. You can order a Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chardonnay or Riesling. The intriguing choice among wines is their Moonshine Whiskey Cabernet. Thre are 12 very creative Cocktails. Their Whiskeys are dominated by local Ryes, especially from the Liberty Pole Distillery in Washington, Pa. They offer 15 local craft Beers and Ales with one Cider and a Warmer. | ![]() |
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Don't let the small storefront location on Beaver Grade Road, right next to the entrance to Moon High School, mislead you. Forgotten Taste is one of the two best Pierogie and general Polish/Southeastern European kitchens in Allegheny County. It's a takeout place so to call it a restaurant is stretching it. But if you live in Cory, Moon, Crescent, Findlay or North Fayette and want Pierogies, this is the place to come. As most of our readers know, a Pierogie is a boiled stuffed dumpling. It's also a symbol of Pittsburgh. The most popular Pierogie here at Forgotten Taste is the Potato Cheese version. But their Potato/Sauerkraut, Cabbage, Spinach/Ricotto, Potato/Cheese/Jalapeno and Sausage versions are all very good and very authentic. Back in the 1950s, most of the Polish and Slavic grandmothers living in Coraopolis and Moon Township fixed their Pierogies very much like these. Pierogies aren't all you can get here. They offer two outstanding soups : Sauerkraut and Red Borsch. Their Haluskis (noodles and fried cabbage), Green Beans, Stuffed Peppers, Buttered Onions and Kielbasa (smoked Polish sausage) are all worth trying. They also offer 15 complete dinners for $8-9 each. A dinner includes two sides and two entrees (Meatballs, Stuffed Pepper, Stuffed Cabbage, Haluskis, Kielbasa, etc.). For $8-9, this is one of the best deals in the Western Hills. They also cater, if you're throwing a party and don't want to cook. |
Hunan is a small Chinese restaurant in the Thorn Run Crossing Mall on Beaver Grade Road. Hunan has been in Moon for 30 years but originally occupied a much larger facility. The current small size is misleading. This is some of the best Chinese food in the Pittsburgh area. Many Chinese restaurants buy much of their food from central suppliers and merely warm them. Hunan food is all made right here. Among their very best are the Oolong Tea, Egg Rolls, Won Ton Soup, General Tsao's Chicken, Kung Po Shrimp, Veggie Lo Mein, Crab Rangoon, Sweet & Sour Chicken and Orange Chicken. These are all good examples of how homemade on premises is better than prepared elsewhere and merely reheated. The Egg Rolls are fresh and crispy. The Won Ton Soup here has a delicate chicken broth, rather than the artificial yellow canned broth used by most other outlets. Hunan's version of General Tsao's Chicken is an outstanding interpretation (Just for the record, General Tsao never tasted this entree. It was created by Chinese chefs in New York City as a sweet, deep fried entree designed for U.S. tastes). It's "lively" but not too much so. In all the entrees, Hunan uses larger shrimp and mushrooms than any of its competitors. It also serves larger portions. Unless you're starving, you are almost certain to take home enough for another meal the next day. |
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Hyeholde is Moon's most famous restaurant and ranked Pennsylvania's best special occasion restaurant. Hyeholde is a bit pricey for a casual date or evening out, but is ideal for weddings, birthdays, graduations, promotions, retirements and anniversaries. Even the building is worth a visit : It's a 1930s structure modelled after a French country manor and constructed entirely from parts of the old Stonesifer Barn. There are lots of exposed beams and odd shaped rooms. The food, however, is still the attraction. It's always spectacular. The Elk and Venison are their signature dishes but their Soups, usually a sherry bisque, pea, crab or roasted cauliflower, are close behind. Salads include Poached Pear and Baby Beet. In addition to Elk and Venison, Entrees include Veal, Salmon, Rabbit Cassoulet, Scallops, Sea Bass, Duck, Duroc Pork Chop and Braised Lamb and are all outstanding. Desserts are usually puddings, custards, tarts, ice cream and sorbet, but the Signature dessert is the Creme Brulee. There is a Chef Table option which requires a week advance reservation. A group of up to eight sit around a large table actually in the kitchen and are served a pre fixe menu. You get to see the staff preparing the food and ask them questions. |
Harland Sanders began Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, Ky., in 1930, and began franchising in 1952. He pressure cooked chicken using a recipe of 11 herbs and spices which is still kept secret. Chemists have tried breaking down the recipe and have identified black pepper, salt, sage and savory as four of the 11 ingredients but can't crack the other seven. Sanders was taught by his mother that deep frying ruined food so he never allowed it. He began cast iron skillet frying the chicken but as soon as the pressure cooker was created for vegetables he adapted it for chicken frying. He used soybean oil because it is trans fat and cholesterol free. So even though it's fried, the chicken is among the healthier of fast foods. In addition to chicken wings, legs and breasts, you can get very good cole slaw, corn on the cob, green beans, biscuits, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes and the potato wedges, which are almost as famous as the fried chicken. The wedges are seasoned with the same secret recipe as the chicken. People stop just for a bucket of wedges. The slaw is made from cabbage, carrots, onions and Sanders' mother's dressing. KFC now offers Grilled Chicken, which is marinated and seasoned before firing. Hot Wings are marinated in a chili pepper sauce. There's also a Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Pot Pie and a "Bowl" of mashed potatoes, sweet corn, chicken bites, three cheeses and gravy. KFC hand prepares each item on the premises just before serving it. You can order a soft drink, but we recommend The Colonel's Sweet Tea instead. | ![]() |
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Kiyoshi bills itself as a Japanese restaurant, but it's really Asian Fusion, with items from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Mongolia. It sits on a hill across from the Robert Morris University entrance. It's menu is way too large, with over 100 items. But there are some outstanding choices in there. Of the 16 Appetizers, we like the Egg Rolls, Crabmeat Rangoon, Teriyaki Skewers, Pork Dumplings and Scallion Pancake. There are six Soups. The Hot & Sour Soup is one of the best versions of this in the Western Hills, but the Wonton, Egg Drop and Seafood Soups are very good. The Seafood Soup, however, would be a good lunch entree; we would not order it plus a full dinner. Among the Entrees, our favorites are the Sea Bass, Mongolian Beef, Eggplant Seafood Dumplings, Kimchi Seafood Pot, Sizzling Scallops, Royal Kyoshi Feast and the Singapore Rice Noodles. The Seafood Pot includes Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels, Crab Meat, Snow Peas, Bell Pepper and Kimchi in a Korean sauce. Sizzling Scallops are sauteed with onions, snow peas, zucchini, bell peppers, water chestnuts, mushrooms in an oyster sauce. The Eggplant Dumplings are stuffed with shrimp, scallops and water chestnuts in a garlic sauce. There's a two page Sushi menu with all the usual classics plus some created here. They'll deliver on the Robert Morris campus or you can order carry out. |
Mariachi's is Moon's Mexican restaurant. It's unique for the beautiful artwork on the walls, but the food's pretty good, too. Oddly, they refuse to serve a cup of soup as an Appetizer. They make good soups, especially their Wild Rice & Chicken Soup, but they'll only serve them as entrees in very large bowls. And despite a dozen Shrimp entrees, they don't serve a fish (like Tilapia). But those eccentricities aside, their Chili Rellenos, Burritos and Fajitas are very good. They also have some outstanding combinations, like the Grande Patron (chalupa, burrito, chili relleno, taco, enchilada, tamale, rice & beans), Texas Special (chimichanga and quesadilla rellena topped with lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes) and Enchilada Supreme (Chicken Enchilada, Bean Enchilada, Cheese Enchilada, Beef Enchilada topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream). Their signature dish is their Molcajete, a Mexican specialty not every Mexican restautant offers. It's grilled beef, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, rice, avocado and beans cooked and served in a volcanic stone bowl. The Molcajete is sort of the Mexican equivalent of a Dutch Oven. It stays hot, and therefore keeps the food hot, throughout your meal. | ![]() |
Mario's is an outstanding Italian restaurant hiding in a strip mall along Beaver Grade Road. There are 18 Appetizers, of which our favorites are the Provolone Cheese Wheel, Bravo Mario (assortment of Italian meats, cheeses and olives), Roast Red Peppers In Garlic & Olive Oil, Stuffed Mushrooms, and One Crab Cake. Their Soups include Chicken Pastina, French Onion and a Soup of the Day. There are eight Salads of which the Dinner Salad, Antipasta and Caesar are probably the best. You choose the pasta (cappelini, fettucini, linguini, penne), then the accompaniment (tomato & basil, meatballs, mushrooms, sausage, etc.). Entrees include Chicken, Pork, Veal, Steak, Scrod, Shrimp, Sole and Swordfish. For any vegetarians, there's Eggplant Parmigiano, etc. Desserts are cheesecake, cannoli, pecan ball, sherbet, ice cream, and chocolate cake. The wine list obviously has a heavy Italian leaning, but there are American and French varieties. Mario's adds a special page to the Beverages offering. There are eight special Coffee drinks : Italian, Godiva, Irish, Amaretto, Parisian and Marnier. Or there's Grappa (castello banfi or mazzetti d'altavilla). In an urban area with a huge percentage of Italians, widely known for its many Italian restaurants, Mario's is one of the best. Despite its strip mall front, it is very classy and service is excellent. | ![]() |
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Mike & Tony's bills itself as a Gyro outlet, but it's more than that. It's a Greek restaurant. Spinach Pie, Stuffed Grape Leaves, a Hummus Platter, and Pierogies highlight their menu. Of course there's a Greek salad and a Cretan Salad. The Athena Plate (grilled chicken, rice pilaf, lemon cream sauce, roast red peppers, kalamara olives, tomatoes, grilled pita), Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Feta & Olive Plate, Baklava, Bougatsa (custard) and Souvlaki all establish the place as a Greek outlet. But then there are five Gyros and seven Wraps, plus Reuben, Fish, Steak and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and even a Hamburger. Located right across from the Robert Morris University main entrance, Mike & Tony's is popular with the college crowd. But given the lack of other Greek restaurants and Gyro outlets in the Western Hills, it's worth a stop for everyone. |
Patrick's Irish Pub is the cozy neighborhood hangout for Bon Meade, the far northwestern Brodhead Road corner of Moon Township. Signature entrees are Shepherd's Pie (lamb, beef, onions, carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese), Bangers & Mash (Irish sausage. onion gravy, mashed potatoes), Guinness Stew (beef, potatoes, carrots, onions in a Guiness gravy), and the Dublin Seafood Coddle (shrimp, mussels, sausage, potatoes, onions, bacon and tomatoes in an Irish broth). But Patrick's serves one of the two best Reubens in western Pennsylvania, and a unique Appetizer, the Reuben Fritters (corn beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, horseradish, honey mustard wrapped in a panko breading). The Irish Nachos (waffle fries, cheddar cheese, onions, jalapenos and tomatoes) are also unique. But if you're not in an Irish mood, there's other good food here. Patrick's Flat Iron Steak, Pork Chops, Grilled Chicken, Hot Roast Beef or Hot Turkey Sandwich, and the Chicken Devonshire are all very good. Patrick's offers four good Seafood Entrees : Stuffed Cod, Salmon, Baked Cod, and Maryland Crab Cakes. There are six Pasta items and 13 Sandwiches. Locals dropping in after a ball game like Patrick's Wings and among the other Appetizers, the Fried Zucchini, Pierogies, Crab Cakes, and Steamed Mussels are popular. There are six Burgers, eight Subs and five Wraps. The Soup of the Day is usually worth a try. Desserts include three kinds of Cheesecake but the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie is the best. Drinks begin with Irish Whiskey. | ![]() |
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Primanti's is a Pittsburgh icon, founded in 1933, with locations in the Strip Distridt, on Carson Street and several other Pittsburgh locations plus this one in Moon. It's Blue Collar, a down to earth lunch stop that its loyal fans think serves the biggest and best sandwiches in America. The Moon facility shown here is Primanti's largest. (Most of its locations are inner city storefronts). The signature Primanti entree is a sandwich of grilled meat, melted cheese, an oil and vinegar based coleslaw, tomato slices and French Fries between two thick slices of Italian bread. It's a huge sandwich, enough for two people. Back in the 20th Century, Primanti's catered to truck drivers, construction workers, mill workers snd other Blue Collar types, who could grab the sandwich, take it with them, and eat it driving or riding down the road without the ingredients spilling all over them. Somehow, in the last 20 years, Primanti's has moved upscale and become popular with college kids and decidedly White Collar businessmen. |
The Seashell on Beaver Grade Road is a small neighborhood bar with a Cheers ambience ("everybody knows your name") and pretty good drinks, but it does have some food items worth a stop. The Seashell's signature entree is the Fish Sandwich, featuring Alaskan Cod. This is really why everybody stops here. It has long been one of the very best fish sandwiches in the Pittsburgh area. You get a generous piece of fish prepared very well, either fried or grilled at your request. But they do have a few other items worth trying. Their Soup of the Day varies but when it's Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque it's very good. Among the Appetizers, the Beer Battered Zucchini is good,. as are the Breaded Mushrooms. Their Burgers, Hoagies and Hot Roast Beef with Fries and Gravy are good. Locals like their Wings. Among beverages the Raspberry Iced Tea and their Cocktails are good. It's a small place with a loyal customer base, so can be crowded at certain times. In Winter there's a cozy fireplace and the other three seasons they have an outdoor patio. |
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Pittsburgh is not BBQ country. People here really don't understand it and don't know the different styles. Texas style barbeque is marinated in a sweet, tomato sauce, rubbed with salt and black pepper and cooked over pecan, oak or mesquite. Selma's claims to serve this, but they don't. They use various dry rubs and cook theirs over Hickory. However, Texas or not, this is still good BBQ. Their signature items are Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Turkeyand Pulled Chicken. They offer sauces reflecting Memphis, Carolina, Texas and Kansas City styles (no Kentucky or Tennessee). Sides include Collards, Okra, Mac n Cheese, Hush Puppies, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Cold Slaw, Applesauce and Potato Salad. In case you come here with friends or family but don't like barbeque, the Fried Catfish is a good option. It's dusted in cornmeal and fried in peanut oil. Or there are St. Louis style Ribs. For locals who have never travelled to Texas, Carolina or Tennessee and don't know much about barbeque, this is a good place to start. BBQ is a fine art and difficult to master. Some days Selma's is on target, but others whoever is working the pit misjudges and the BBQ ends up dry. If you eat here five times, you'll probably enjoy it three. The other two the BBQ will be just average. However, as they say down South, average BBQ is still better than really good other foods. You can sit inside and eat, but most of Selma's business is carry out. |
Wendy's was the first national chain to openly challenge McDonald's in the burgers and fries wars, and the Ohio based company still makes fine burgers, in that unique square shape Dave Thomas created. You can get hamburgers or cheeseburgers in single, double or triple stacks with bacon and other additions. There are grilled chicken and fish sandwiches and wraps, and a line of stuffed and baked potatoes with sour cream, chives, broccoli and cheese and bacon. Wendy's has really focused on its salads. They offer Mandarin Grilled Chicken, BLT, Grilled Chicken Caesar, and Southwest Taco Salads. As sides you can have dishes of Mandarin Oranges, bowls of Chile and a Strawberry Yogurt Squeeze. Wendy's has always taken great pride in its milkshakes and still offers Vanilla, Chocolate, Fudge, Strawberry, and Nestles Toll House Cookie Dough. |
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Wings, Suds & Spuds is in a modest building with its entrance facing away from University Boulevard. Even when you enter, its layout is a bit eccentric. But this odd little establishment is worth a stop. There's some good food here. Their signature item is their Wings. You buy a platter of five, 10, 16, or whatever, then choose from 17 sauces (Garlic, Ranch, Honey, Cajun, Mustard, Lemon Pepper, etc., etc.). There are six Salads, Coleslaw, Zucchini Slices, Onion Rings, Nachos, Mushrooms, Jalapeno Poppers, Hot Pepper Cheese Balls, a Baked Potato, and Pickle Spears. The Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is surprisingly good. If you just want a sandwich, they offer Burgers and a Grilled Cheese. Or you could try the Italian Chicken Breast, Smoked Turkey, Porterhouse Steak, Beer Battered Cod or Clam Strips. Their take out business is big. The platters are popular in Moon Township on TV game days, football tailgates or Summer pool parties. Locals take a travel box of their Wings as they set out on long drives. And Robert Morris dorm residents are frequent customers. |