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| - I have loved Luke's since the first time I set foot in the door back in 2013 [yea I was late to the game] so I am excited to finally review the place.
For all Pittsburghers the name Wholey is automatically associated with high quality Seafood, so Luke had some big shoes to fill when he opened it back in 2012. Nestled on the corner of 21st street the first thing that you come across is an inviting outdoor patio with a few tables and an outdoor oyster bar. Pick your favorites fresh on ice. The outdoor seating is actually a walk in by opening the garage style door so it's easy to walk inside and out without having to go around the ropes from Penn Avenue. Definitely give this a try on a cool summer evening in August and sunny Saturday's during Spring and Fall. Oh and did I mention they have a DJ on
When you walk in the door the first thing that you noticed is the decor. Every wall is filled with Mural [My favorite is Cali's clown fish - painted by a local artist] off Fish or decorated with over-sized swordfish replica. The back wall behind the pillar has a mid-sized aquarium with live fish. [There were rumors on having a shark in there once]. The main room has round table seating with tables made of giant spools similar to the ones you can find on a boat. Off to the right side of the restaurant is a large bar where one of their excellent bartenders will make you anything your heart desires, whether a regular vodka soda, to super strong long island iced teas or warming hot toddies [I had a terrible cold and no voice the first time I came here - instant love]. Usually I get a standard Pinot Grigio [I am so common]
Making your way to the back the upstairs divides itself into a private lounge and a Loft lounge. The upstairs will have Hightops and you can peer over the balcony over the rest of the restaurant. The private lounge is perfect for any company dinner all you have to do is watch out for the stuffed brown bear.
Now to the actual point -- the Food!
Because I am an appetizer junky we shall start there: You cannot go wrong with the Lobster Bisque. It is thick and buttery with a generous helping of actual lobster rather than just the flavor or the shreds I have gotten in many Bisques elsewhere. This bisque has spoiled me by far - my favorite ever. The coloring is on the darker brown end to me that just means heartiness. Btw - you can get this at the Wholey's grocery store as well and you will not be disappointed. Luke's serves this in a Yinzer version - which means there are Lobster bisque fries. [that's a little much for me].
The catfish bites are delectable, light and fluffy. Little breading and a chili sauce to dunk it in, same thing with the calamari [just basil marinara rather than chili]. Speaking of some spice - I recently shared the mussels and they are just the treat. Beware of the portion though, this could definitely be a meal just for yourself, so get this when you are sharing. I personally do not like Oysters so I take this from a friend's review: You get a lot of them as a variety from both Atlantic and Pacific. In the summer they even serve them over ice outside. [naturally when the sun isn't shining directly on them]
For entrees the same goes as the appetizers. Large portions of delicious on delicious. Because of my stuffing with apps, my boy and I shared the Fish and Chips Platter with Scallops and Jumbo Shrimp. No disappointment here, the breading was light, the portion generous and the scallops so soft. you can never go wrong with Wholey's scallops, whether eating out or at home dinner party as Wine and Cheese share-ables. While we did not have it the crab stuff salmon walked by our table and smelled amazing. I can't wait to go back and try it.
As Luke has fish in his blood you will get daily specials on a regular basis, when he has awesome catches they usually end right on the menu as a taco or lightly fried up bites. If you see him, he will gush you into trying everything.
Other things to mention: Have an event here! I personally have hosted 3 of them now [2 for my CMU MBAs and 1 for the Pittsburgh Happy Hour Annual Party] and Jason the Manager is so helpful and easy to deal with. I continue to overwhelm him with an eating bunch and despite running our waiters ragged, everybody was beyond pleased. Be sure to be considerate for both the holiday season and the Wholey's Annual party in the Summer so plan ahead. The staff is more than helpful.
Make sure to ask about the rewards points. Yup - a restaurant with rewards points. Every $200 you get $20 credited so you can come back and enjoy again. Oh - make sure to register it so you protect your balance. I recently lost mine [upset!] so don't do what I did.
Love this place and need to rush back soon to try again.
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