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| - *Meh* If it were not for the amazingly hot date I was with, I would have rated this place lower.
My recent quickie trip to the Burgh meant that I intended that no matter what, I was going to see the Monongahela Incline, no matter what, and have to cram into that view a meal.
We took a rather fun (And cheap) ride up the incline, then in walking up and down the touristy, overpriced "view" restaurants on the upside, we settled on Isabela. It was a bit later than usual PA dining hours, 8:30pm on a Wednesday night. The place was pretty dead, only 1 other table.
+ 1 Star - Menu. They have an outrageously priced multi-course prix fixe meal, but they also have some alla carte items. Well thank heavens for that.
- 1 Star - Service. Nice maitre'd (or maybe he was the manager...) who greeted us downstairs (a little shocked at first that we just strolled in off the street, but he covered his surprise well and made us feel welcome). The table side staff was weak. Waitress forgot, in this order: water, bread, butter, our 1 side dish we ordered, 2nd glass of wine we ordered. And there was only 1 other table of 4 people in addition to ours. Additionally, though I understand that the place was rather shutting down toward the end of our meal (we left by 10pm), it is still not okay to not check on us and for us to have to put lots of effort into waving you down. There is a reason you are paid as a SERVER. To SERVE.
- 1 Star - Quality. I just was not impressed. My salad was tiny - just ridiculously small, and the lettuce had some grit to it. Wash my dang lettuce, folks. The ravioli started (just ONE ravioli? Are you serious?) was homemade, granted, but the dough was thick around the filling, making it more like a pierogi and not a very good one at that. Dessert was not memorable. My espresso was cold. Come on! Geez!
- 1 Star - Price. I know, paying for the view. But it was just too expensive and too mediocre to warrant the price.
+1 Star - View. I kept looking out the window and longing to have that view forever. Just gorgeous. Definitely a night time spot, on a clear night preferably.
All in all, a place to go to once, maybe, for a romantic meal. But just once. Next time I think a picnic at the top of the incline would be better food though.
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