Long had I wondered what could be found along Streets Run Road in the South Hills, passing the intersection between it and Clairton Boulevard countless times throughout my life. When I found out about a restaurant located on that stretch of asphalt that was heralded as a well-kept secret, I knew I had a quest to complete. Located on a road that would fool anyone into thinking they'd driven off to a distant rural area, Thee Olde Place Inn has a time-worn regality to it both inside and out. A coat-of-arms serves as its insignia. The door, framed by a wall of stone, looks like it came from a Scottish castle. The ceiling of the interiors are cleverly lit in a way that whimsically evokes a starry night. A grand old fireplace can be found somewhere in middle the house. My immediate impression was that TOPI is either a casual neighborhood pub that is good for a burger and a beer or a romantic supper spot fit for lobster and filet mignon by candlelight depending on what your mood or occasion is. A little girl and her large family were celebrating a first communion in the ornate dining room, so Kay and I indulged in an early dinner at the bar. Motown provided the jukebox soundtrack to our meal as the Kentucky Derby played out on the tube and a conversation regarding hockey and proper lawn care took place between two middle-aged regulars. My experience was so glowing that I'll ignore the fact that the boneless chicken breast in my Mixed Grill entree was a touch underseasoned and that TOPI's desserts, as moderately appetizing as mine was, come from an outside vendor (our server told us that despite the chef's passion for baking, TOPI is not allowed to bake their own cakes and pies due to some local bureaucratic nonsense that requires the use of a convection oven). Regardless, the flap of poultry was so supple, chewing was almost irrelevant. Completing the dish were ideally executed pieces of grilled New York strip steak and center cut pork chop, the former done medium-rare, the latter done medium. Beyond succulent, both pieces of meat were fragile, charred perfectly, and yielded to knife, fork, and canine with no resistance, making them worthy of the finest steakhouses sans reservations and formal attire. Hidden slyly beneath the proteins were a juicy tomato slice and a heap of fried onion strings. Accompanying the main course was a golden helping of buttery smashed redskin potatoes that warmed my stomach and heart with starchy, comforting flavors. An invigoratingly fresh salad dressed with a pungent, housemade Italian vinaigrette served as the palate-renewing prelude to the highlight of the meal: The Crab Au Gratin appetizer. Served in a crock with magnificently toasted pita triangles that were tasty enough to be eaten plain, the breadcrumb-topped dip itself contained a broiled orange-colored fondue loaded with jumbo lump crabmeat, smoked bacon, and beer cheese. Hedonistic in flavor and texture, each chewy, mildly crispy wedge of bread served as but a vessel for the melted, smelted, gloriously gloppy spread. After running out of pita canapes, we used our dinner rolls to sop up the remainder of the au gratin, not wanting to waste one smudge of this amazingly tempting starter. Our server, whose name escapes me, was affable, attentive, and never kept us waiting long for anything, honoring any and all special requests without griping and talking us up as if we were recurring customers. There's a beauty to the clandestine nature of certain institutions that reside in Pittsburgh's southern suburbs, so much so, that I almost feel as if I'm ruining them for everyone simply by reviewing them. Although, come to think of it, why hoard Thee Olde Place Inn's charm for but a few? That would be a crime. Get over to Baldwin sometime, and let Chefs Dom and Lulu take care of you. P.S. The Salted Caramel Cake was just fine for what it was and from where it originated. However, might I suggest that TOPI take on some stovetop desserts that don't require an oven like Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster, or Cinnamon Crepes? Or some chilled, no-bake items such as homemade ice cream, chocolate pudding, tiramisu or fruit mousse parfaits? All one needs is a fryer for funnel cake or doughnut holes. Creme Brulee only needs a spell under a broiler. A waffle iron can produce wonderful things as well for obvious reasons. Let's hope they consider their options or are able to cut through the legal red-tape eventually.
(5)
Chip R.
Did dinner tonight at Thee Olde Place Inn. It wasn't too crowded and I got waited on rather promptly. I looked over the specials and was torn between the Stuffed Chicken Breast and the Stuffed Cod but decided on the chicken. The chicken breast came in about 15 minutes. A huge helping of red skinned mashed potatoes, crispy (probably steamed) serving of broccoli, and a slab of chicken under stuffing... the potatoes, stuffing and chicken was smothered in gravy. A most delicious meal for only $16.61 (including a beer but not the tip). I give it a thumbs up and four stars. The atmosphere here is quaint, the service is friendly and the food quality is very good. I only wish they had a better selection of beer on tap.
(4)
Beth E.
I will start out by saying that for the most part, our meals were very good, but they were overshadowed by a lousy server. We waited forever for a drink order and then even longer just to place our order. My husband ordered the French onion soup, which is a favorite for both of us. I can say without a doubt that it was the worst we have ever eaten. Visually, it looked appealing, with lots of cheese and crunchy onions on top, but once you pulled the cheese back, it was a bowlful of bread cubes soaked in broth. There was absolutely no broth to speak of, so it was like eating mushy bread. He ate a few spoonfuls and that was it. We should have complained, but thought the server should have noticed that it wasn't eaten and asked about it. Unfortunately she brought his salad at the same time, so he had plates all around him. I had the wedding soup which was excellent. Loaded with all the typical wedding soup ingredients, and thick and tasty. My husband had the pork chops, which were tender and juicy. My Mom had a chicken dish, smothered in onions and gravy which she liked. They both had plenty of leftovers. The winner was my veal martini. Veal slices, lightly breaded and fried, with a two cheese sauce which was excellent. We all had the twice baked potatoes which were just OK. Our server never checked on us, never offered drink re-fills, and overall it was frustrating.
(4)
Matt D.
I just got back from dinner with my family at the old place and I can't emphasize enough my disappointment. The service was poor. Our waitress was a nice gal who was working hard, she simply had too many tables because the place was woefully understaffed. Our drinks weren't refilled in a timely manner and she was usually too busy to check on us. I had to go and find her a few times to get things that were missed. I don't mind paying the high prices of the old place if the food is good. Unfortunately the food was a let down. Four of us ordered the French onion soup. The soup was so salty it was rendered uneatable. The steak was good, but the baked potato was so dry I thought it left over from lunch. My daughter ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and it was quite bland. Everything else we ordered was just ok. To sum it up, our meal was mediocre at best and we were all disappointed. Not one person on our party of seven really enjoyed their meal. I express my dissatisfaction with our waitress and she informed me that she would write my complaints in a book they kept. That was it. I left with the feeling that they were happy that they got my money and that they did not really care that my family's dinner was poor. They made no effort to make it right and they made no effect to ease my displeasure. This will be my last family dinner at the old place. I will take my business to a place that has better food and a place that values it's customers.
(1)
Zach L.
Grossly over-priced, and they "lost" my meal when they brought my wife's out, after we waited 45 min. One free draft of Iron City was the managers apology. Yeah I think for the price we'll go somewhere nice from now on...
(2)
Kevin R.
This place looks like a bar from the outside. Let me tell you it is nothing like a bar at all. Probably the best secret in the South Hills. This place can be whatever you want it to be. Stars on the ceiling give it a romantic feel, but the cozy bar gives it a casual feel also. So whether it's a lobster tail and a steak for your anniversary or a burger and fries after a game, they got you covered. Great service and kitchen guaranteed open until 10pm. I would give some examples but I eat here weekly without a bad experience. Everything is good. 4 lunch special and 4 dinner specials change daily. Get anyone and you will be happy. If I had to give you my go to item I would have to say the Prime Rib for dinner and the French Dip and Wedding soup for lunch. Appetizer is either Fried Zucchini or the baked Artichokes. Sunday Brunch is so good I can't even explain in words. If I had to say a negative I would have to say it can be a little pricey at times, but the quality overshadows this. There are plenty of chain restaurants charging the same for frozen dinners. Give it a shot!! You will running back the following week. Promise.
(5)
J V.
Very good meal, atmosphere, and service. Very easy and ample parking. Had no reservation. Went on a Saturday at 530ish and seated without problem. If I were to go later I think reservations are a good idea. They were still decorated for Christmas but wow was it gorgeous. Waitress was nice and fast. Stuffed mushroom appetizer was good. 4 caps with crab/bread stuffing. Very good quality. Bread was delicious and warm, butter whipped and easy to spread. Salad was normal/average. Wedding soup was delicious. Wife had Veal Maryland which was 4 veal medalions and super lump crab in a white sauce, excellent; a twice baked potato too which was average. I had the larger cut of prime rib, rare, and smashed redskin potatoes. Best prime rib I've had in a long time. It was huge and almost 2in thick! They did a nice job. Potatoes were good and very buttery. Service was good. Several waiters picked up our plates and packaged our leftovers. Never an empty glass. Restrooms were clean. I will definitely be back. Total with tip was $90 and very worth it. This is really a great place!
(5)
Jocelyn W.
Was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this place after purchasing a grouping a few months ago. Nice quiet romantic atmosphere, gorgeous ceiling, low lights, and fireplace. From the outside you'd think it was a dive bar next to a tanning place but don't judge a book yada yada. The menu is amazing. Huge, varied, and gourmet. Tasted just as amazing as you would guess from the descriptions. About 20 a meal for dinner per person. Id have given it 5 stars but we went at 3:30 and there was only one other two top in the restaurant and we were still there until 5, so plan for a leisurely meal; though I did notice they do take out as well.
(4)
Bill M.
took my wife for her birthday meal. she ordered the surf and turf, I the prime rib. when her meal arrived it was too beautiful to eat. (she did eat it) the lobster tail was south African, the biggest tail I've ever seen. cooked to perfection also a beautiful filet. my prime rib was the best I've ever eaten. the waitress was excellent and Linda the bartender makes the best Cosmos in the world. Thee Olde Place is the best kept secret in Pgh!!!
(5)
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Address :1209 Streets Run Rd
Pittsburgh, PA, 15236
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Darren W.
Long had I wondered what could be found along Streets Run Road in the South Hills, passing the intersection between it and Clairton Boulevard countless times throughout my life. When I found out about a restaurant located on that stretch of asphalt that was heralded as a well-kept secret, I knew I had a quest to complete. Located on a road that would fool anyone into thinking they'd driven off to a distant rural area, Thee Olde Place Inn has a time-worn regality to it both inside and out. A coat-of-arms serves as its insignia. The door, framed by a wall of stone, looks like it came from a Scottish castle. The ceiling of the interiors are cleverly lit in a way that whimsically evokes a starry night. A grand old fireplace can be found somewhere in middle the house. My immediate impression was that TOPI is either a casual neighborhood pub that is good for a burger and a beer or a romantic supper spot fit for lobster and filet mignon by candlelight depending on what your mood or occasion is. A little girl and her large family were celebrating a first communion in the ornate dining room, so Kay and I indulged in an early dinner at the bar. Motown provided the jukebox soundtrack to our meal as the Kentucky Derby played out on the tube and a conversation regarding hockey and proper lawn care took place between two middle-aged regulars. My experience was so glowing that I'll ignore the fact that the boneless chicken breast in my Mixed Grill entree was a touch underseasoned and that TOPI's desserts, as moderately appetizing as mine was, come from an outside vendor (our server told us that despite the chef's passion for baking, TOPI is not allowed to bake their own cakes and pies due to some local bureaucratic nonsense that requires the use of a convection oven). Regardless, the flap of poultry was so supple, chewing was almost irrelevant. Completing the dish were ideally executed pieces of grilled New York strip steak and center cut pork chop, the former done medium-rare, the latter done medium. Beyond succulent, both pieces of meat were fragile, charred perfectly, and yielded to knife, fork, and canine with no resistance, making them worthy of the finest steakhouses sans reservations and formal attire. Hidden slyly beneath the proteins were a juicy tomato slice and a heap of fried onion strings. Accompanying the main course was a golden helping of buttery smashed redskin potatoes that warmed my stomach and heart with starchy, comforting flavors. An invigoratingly fresh salad dressed with a pungent, housemade Italian vinaigrette served as the palate-renewing prelude to the highlight of the meal: The Crab Au Gratin appetizer. Served in a crock with magnificently toasted pita triangles that were tasty enough to be eaten plain, the breadcrumb-topped dip itself contained a broiled orange-colored fondue loaded with jumbo lump crabmeat, smoked bacon, and beer cheese. Hedonistic in flavor and texture, each chewy, mildly crispy wedge of bread served as but a vessel for the melted, smelted, gloriously gloppy spread. After running out of pita canapes, we used our dinner rolls to sop up the remainder of the au gratin, not wanting to waste one smudge of this amazingly tempting starter. Our server, whose name escapes me, was affable, attentive, and never kept us waiting long for anything, honoring any and all special requests without griping and talking us up as if we were recurring customers. There's a beauty to the clandestine nature of certain institutions that reside in Pittsburgh's southern suburbs, so much so, that I almost feel as if I'm ruining them for everyone simply by reviewing them. Although, come to think of it, why hoard Thee Olde Place Inn's charm for but a few? That would be a crime. Get over to Baldwin sometime, and let Chefs Dom and Lulu take care of you. P.S. The Salted Caramel Cake was just fine for what it was and from where it originated. However, might I suggest that TOPI take on some stovetop desserts that don't require an oven like Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster, or Cinnamon Crepes? Or some chilled, no-bake items such as homemade ice cream, chocolate pudding, tiramisu or fruit mousse parfaits? All one needs is a fryer for funnel cake or doughnut holes. Creme Brulee only needs a spell under a broiler. A waffle iron can produce wonderful things as well for obvious reasons. Let's hope they consider their options or are able to cut through the legal red-tape eventually.
(5)Chip R.
Did dinner tonight at Thee Olde Place Inn. It wasn't too crowded and I got waited on rather promptly. I looked over the specials and was torn between the Stuffed Chicken Breast and the Stuffed Cod but decided on the chicken. The chicken breast came in about 15 minutes. A huge helping of red skinned mashed potatoes, crispy (probably steamed) serving of broccoli, and a slab of chicken under stuffing... the potatoes, stuffing and chicken was smothered in gravy. A most delicious meal for only $16.61 (including a beer but not the tip). I give it a thumbs up and four stars. The atmosphere here is quaint, the service is friendly and the food quality is very good. I only wish they had a better selection of beer on tap.
(4)Beth E.
I will start out by saying that for the most part, our meals were very good, but they were overshadowed by a lousy server. We waited forever for a drink order and then even longer just to place our order. My husband ordered the French onion soup, which is a favorite for both of us. I can say without a doubt that it was the worst we have ever eaten. Visually, it looked appealing, with lots of cheese and crunchy onions on top, but once you pulled the cheese back, it was a bowlful of bread cubes soaked in broth. There was absolutely no broth to speak of, so it was like eating mushy bread. He ate a few spoonfuls and that was it. We should have complained, but thought the server should have noticed that it wasn't eaten and asked about it. Unfortunately she brought his salad at the same time, so he had plates all around him. I had the wedding soup which was excellent. Loaded with all the typical wedding soup ingredients, and thick and tasty. My husband had the pork chops, which were tender and juicy. My Mom had a chicken dish, smothered in onions and gravy which she liked. They both had plenty of leftovers. The winner was my veal martini. Veal slices, lightly breaded and fried, with a two cheese sauce which was excellent. We all had the twice baked potatoes which were just OK. Our server never checked on us, never offered drink re-fills, and overall it was frustrating.
(4)Matt D.
I just got back from dinner with my family at the old place and I can't emphasize enough my disappointment. The service was poor. Our waitress was a nice gal who was working hard, she simply had too many tables because the place was woefully understaffed. Our drinks weren't refilled in a timely manner and she was usually too busy to check on us. I had to go and find her a few times to get things that were missed. I don't mind paying the high prices of the old place if the food is good. Unfortunately the food was a let down. Four of us ordered the French onion soup. The soup was so salty it was rendered uneatable. The steak was good, but the baked potato was so dry I thought it left over from lunch. My daughter ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and it was quite bland. Everything else we ordered was just ok. To sum it up, our meal was mediocre at best and we were all disappointed. Not one person on our party of seven really enjoyed their meal. I express my dissatisfaction with our waitress and she informed me that she would write my complaints in a book they kept. That was it. I left with the feeling that they were happy that they got my money and that they did not really care that my family's dinner was poor. They made no effort to make it right and they made no effect to ease my displeasure. This will be my last family dinner at the old place. I will take my business to a place that has better food and a place that values it's customers.
(1)Zach L.
Grossly over-priced, and they "lost" my meal when they brought my wife's out, after we waited 45 min. One free draft of Iron City was the managers apology. Yeah I think for the price we'll go somewhere nice from now on...
(2)Kevin R.
This place looks like a bar from the outside. Let me tell you it is nothing like a bar at all. Probably the best secret in the South Hills. This place can be whatever you want it to be. Stars on the ceiling give it a romantic feel, but the cozy bar gives it a casual feel also. So whether it's a lobster tail and a steak for your anniversary or a burger and fries after a game, they got you covered. Great service and kitchen guaranteed open until 10pm. I would give some examples but I eat here weekly without a bad experience. Everything is good. 4 lunch special and 4 dinner specials change daily. Get anyone and you will be happy. If I had to give you my go to item I would have to say the Prime Rib for dinner and the French Dip and Wedding soup for lunch. Appetizer is either Fried Zucchini or the baked Artichokes. Sunday Brunch is so good I can't even explain in words. If I had to say a negative I would have to say it can be a little pricey at times, but the quality overshadows this. There are plenty of chain restaurants charging the same for frozen dinners. Give it a shot!! You will running back the following week. Promise.
(5)J V.
Very good meal, atmosphere, and service. Very easy and ample parking. Had no reservation. Went on a Saturday at 530ish and seated without problem. If I were to go later I think reservations are a good idea. They were still decorated for Christmas but wow was it gorgeous. Waitress was nice and fast. Stuffed mushroom appetizer was good. 4 caps with crab/bread stuffing. Very good quality. Bread was delicious and warm, butter whipped and easy to spread. Salad was normal/average. Wedding soup was delicious. Wife had Veal Maryland which was 4 veal medalions and super lump crab in a white sauce, excellent; a twice baked potato too which was average. I had the larger cut of prime rib, rare, and smashed redskin potatoes. Best prime rib I've had in a long time. It was huge and almost 2in thick! They did a nice job. Potatoes were good and very buttery. Service was good. Several waiters picked up our plates and packaged our leftovers. Never an empty glass. Restrooms were clean. I will definitely be back. Total with tip was $90 and very worth it. This is really a great place!
(5)Jocelyn W.
Was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this place after purchasing a grouping a few months ago. Nice quiet romantic atmosphere, gorgeous ceiling, low lights, and fireplace. From the outside you'd think it was a dive bar next to a tanning place but don't judge a book yada yada. The menu is amazing. Huge, varied, and gourmet. Tasted just as amazing as you would guess from the descriptions. About 20 a meal for dinner per person. Id have given it 5 stars but we went at 3:30 and there was only one other two top in the restaurant and we were still there until 5, so plan for a leisurely meal; though I did notice they do take out as well.
(4)Bill M.
took my wife for her birthday meal. she ordered the surf and turf, I the prime rib. when her meal arrived it was too beautiful to eat. (she did eat it) the lobster tail was south African, the biggest tail I've ever seen. cooked to perfection also a beautiful filet. my prime rib was the best I've ever eaten. the waitress was excellent and Linda the bartender makes the best Cosmos in the world. Thee Olde Place is the best kept secret in Pgh!!!
(5)