The Experience: This gastropub in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District serves high end craft food and libations with a Brooklyn-cool meets Parisian-chic aesthetic. Executive chef and owner Richard Deshantz offers thoughtful but casual fare including a 34oz. monster ribeye with confit steak fries; bone marrow with grilled bread, gremolata, onion relish and sea salt; and three killer burgers. Of the three burgers, the Pub Burger ranks among the top burgers in America.
Burger Ordered: Pub Burger
The Taste: Chef Richard DeShantz ditches any fancy pretenses in favor of a simple burger that’s one of our favorites to come out of Pittsburgh. A fluffy, pillow-soft house made bun nestles the holy trinity of burger toppings – pork belly pastrami, horseradish cheddar and a fried farm egg. The pork belly pastrami is a game changer and gives an incredible smokiness to the burger without being overwhelming. The horseradish cheddar adds an extra bite that stands up to – and balances out – a luscious grass-fed beef patty. And everything is better with an egg on top.
The Verdict: This burger reached its spot on the Thrillist list of best burgers in every state in America largely on the strength of its balanced flavor profile. It is featured on Meat & Potatoes’ lunch and dinner menu, and is worth making a trip to Pittsburgh to eat it. Note: the burger at sister restaurant Butcher and the Rye is also exceptional.
Meat & Potatoes is located at 649 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
