Eddie Merlot's 444 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

"I had rather a fantastic time at Eddie Merlot’s few nights ago. I went for a business meeting and we had the best time ever with our clients. The food was just great; the steak would melt in my mouth with minimal chewing. The vibe was mellow and relaxed. The service time was strategic, and our waiter did a phenomenal job ensuring the table was serviced at all time. Their booze selection was very interesting as well, and they knew how to make my drink just by the name of it. The bill was, well, we all know how the bill was, BUT, as Jordan Bilfort once said “Tell them about the sides you ordered!”. Very highly recommended for a formal steak dining experience."

"My wife & I came here during “restaurant week”. Appetizers: sweet & spicy shrimp***, crab cakes*** & filet mognon potstickers Entree: Caesar salads Lemon Dijon Chicken w/mashed potatoes & asparagus Deserts: chocolate cake & carrot cake (too sweet 4 me) 6oz steak w/ mashed potatoes & green beans….the place was nice, our food was good. Jacqueline, our server, timed bringing & taking our food perfectly."

"My partner and I went for an early dinner at Eddie Merlot's, arriving shortly after they'd opened for the day. We were met at the front desk by the Manager, with whom we had a pleasant conversation as he was seating us. In the reservation notes I'd mentioned my use of a cane, and the Manager asked if the table he chose was appropriate. The chair he chose for me rolled, making adjustments near the table far easier, so we gave a thumbs up. The Manager then offered to close the curtain for us so we could enjoy our date without the thousands of spotted lantern flies on the other side of the window we were seated next to. We accepted, and it gave a lovely dimmed ambience to the meal. Our service was wonderful. The young woman that was our server was just attentive enough without being intrusive. Our drinks were never empty and we didn't wait long for anything. Because their day was just beginning, they were just finishing baking the bread that goes to each table. Lucky us! It was warm and fresh, a lightly seasoned sour dough, and I really liked that they don't bring too much of it. I don't want to fill up on the bread no matter how delicious it is! The French onion soup. My partner and I shared a bowl, though I was quickly wishing I'd ordered my own. When I say it was probably the best French onion soup I've ever had, I'm not  exaggerating. The top was gorgeously browned, crunchy and cheesy, and the broth was rich and delicious, and surprisingly complex. The onions were flavorful and still had just enough texture, and it all came together perfectly. Perfectly enough that I didn't get any picture of it before we finished the bowl off! The entrée: My partner ordered the 16 oz prime ribeye (cooked rare), and an order of parmesan truffle fries to share between us. I chose the yellowfin tuna with Asian rice and vegetables, also cooked rare. His steak was cooked perfectly, though he did have to add a bit of salt. To be fair, he often needs to add more seasoning to his steaks because he enjoys his steak a tad saltier than others, and we both agree that it was likely seasoned wonderfully. Better than over salting! The truffle fries he didn't care for, but I absolutely loved. He doesn't much like crispy fries; these fries were crisp and just a little tender inside, and I couldn't get enough of them. My tuna was extraordinary. My partner and I often decides who "wins" each date by who chose the best dish (with no prize whatsoever haha), and he and I agreed wholeheartedly that I'd won hands down. The tuna was seared perfectly and the flavors mixed well with the lightly sweetened sauce that was mixed with the Asian rice underneath the tuna. The vegetables were delicious as well. Each component tasted great alone, and even better together as a bite. For dessert we decided to go with the bananas foster for two. Our server came to make it for us tableside, which was a fantastic show of flambe and presentation. I admit I'd never had bananas foster before and my goodness it was stupidly delicious. Why haven't I tried it before? What planet have I been on?? Regardless, I was too caught up in watching the flames and cooking of the dessert to get photos of the process. Through the meal I had three cocktails. The Burnt Orange Manhattan was strong and delicious. Our server brought it over with a slice of orange zest she squeezed gently over an open flame, spritzing the orange oil over the drink. It was very bourbon forward which I like. The second was a Blueberry Mojito. It was sweet and refreshing, and instead of tasting highly alcoholic it tasted fruity and light, with freshly muddled mint swimming in the bottom of the glass under the ice. The third was a Rose Punch, made with passionfruit puree instead of peach puree. It, too, was delicious if just a little too sweet, but it was around dessert so it was nice timing. The only downside was the amount of time it took for the bar tender to make the drinks. I'd suggest going here to anyone. I'm looking forward to returning!"

"This was a great meal. Assigning a rating was tough, so I’ll break it down. 5: Nice upscale environment with great art. Every dish was outstanding. The carrot cake was the best we’ve ever tasted (it is a large portion more than enough for two). Great menu with so many appetizing options. Detracting from a 5: The first course came out super fast. The rest seemed a glacial pace. We were missing one bread plate; we waited too long to request one, so we used the plate under the butter dish. The preparations for the Filet Del Mar were a touch salty; still very good, but enough to list here. As we were leaving, hosts were taking people’s coats and placing them in a coat room; we didn’t get such an offer. Service levels didn’t match a white tablecloth, 5-star restaurant experience. We’d go back for the meal and that carrot cake, though!"