Doesn't Recommend

Henry P.

Joined 1 years ago

Very disappointed !! bad service, food not great. We had made a reservation, and were seated an hour late, the food was just ok, nothing very interesting or great. The place is small, crowded and service bad.

You can find MUCH better places for this price range !

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jnodonnell

Joined 11 years ago

Best kept secret. The Oak Barrel is simply a gem in the Pittsburgh sea of mediocre fare. Set off the beaten path the structure looks like someones tiny home, a glimpse of whats to come. The service is friendly, welcoming, and happy to offer their opinions on the menu (none of the typical its all good comments here). The atmosphere is warm, reminiscent of sitting in a ski lodge sipping good cognac around the fire. The food is impeccable. Interesting items like elk, venison & bison entice the adventurous diner. For the less bold there are note-worthy selections, all of which are prepared to perfection. Ive always been extremely satisfied with my meal and have tried at least 8 of their dishes. The Oak Barrel is simply one of the best restaurants Ive ever encountered and is well worth the 15-20 minute drive from the city.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Bar on the outside, quaint setting on the inside.. The Scene
The Mighty Oak Barrel resides in an old house along the Allegheny River in Oakmont. There's a cheap local bar, complete with neon signs, a jukebox and vinyl bar stools. The clientele appears to be from the surrounding area as people at the bar seem to know each other. The dining room is small and sparsely decorated.

The Food
The menu, although not in keeping with the bar like atmosphere, is quite interesting. For starters, the bruschetta is a tasty sampling of many different flavors, but skip the spicy chicken with blue cheese; the spiciness is too strong to taste anything else. The buffalo mozzarella salad is delicious, complete with perfectly grilled zucchini and tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic vinegar. The entrees are big and heavy. The grilled pork medallions are interesting, smothered in caramelized onions, but the acorn squash accompanying it can be a bit charred. Other choices include more preparations of pork loin, as well as grilled salmon, herb grilled chicken and rainbow trout drizzled with herb butter.

The veal medallions were cooked perfectly and were served with an unusual cornbread kale stuffing. Other examples included an additional preparation of grilled salmon, mixed seafood en papillote, steak, and a tasty seared duck breast dish.

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Konipi

Joined 11 years ago

Best Resturant in Pittsburgh. This place is amazing and unique. The menu changes weekly and also adapts to seasons. The food is presention is second to none and the taste of everything is simply the best as well as their wine selection. This is the best kept secret in the Pittsburgh area. It is located in Oakmont.