Ambiance: Modern american bar and grill with a relaxed but somewhat more upscale vibe than your typical neighborhood sports bar. Downstairs they have a large bar, and a decent number of tables wrapped around the bar area. They do have plenty of TVs for watching the game, but this isn't really the type of place most people come to watch the tube. There is an upstairs which is open on busier days and has both seating and its own bar. The upstairs turns into more of a lounge after 10pm when food service stops including DJs mixing up the beats on some nights. They also have outdoor sidewalk seating.
Drinks: They have a decent selection of beers including many craft options. The wine list is fairly long but would leave a oenophile longing for more/better. I've tried a few of their cocktails, which were good, but I would not describe this place as a cocktail bar.
Food: Shady Grove serves a wide variety of upscale bar food including burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and some good apps. I've had the pizza a few times and am I fan of the buffalo chicken pizza. The burger's are pretty good and are on special on Monday nights for 5 bucks I think. Last night I had the shishito peppers and ahi tuna salad. Both were very good.
Service: The service here can be variable. We've usually had pretty good service but some nights they can get quite busy and then service has lagged, but this is the exception rather than the norm.
Overall: One of my favorite places to meet up with friends for food/drinks in Shadyside.
Tip: Wednesday is a very popular night with the Shadyside Yuppie crowd as it is half off wine bottles night (as is Friday night also). They used to use the No Wait app but currently don't, nor do they take reservations meaning on busy nights you will need to wait for a table.