Sue's Cozy Corner Cafe

Today was a beautiful Saturday in Pittsburgh. Not beautiful like a sunny summer breeze kind of day, but one with cool light snow that added a pretty white coating to everything it touched.  A day where you just wanted to cozy up next to the fireplace. So let me tell you about the place we found for breakfast...

Sue's Cozy Corner Cafe is in the West End neighborhood of Pittsburgh.  It is located in what is referred to as a "historic" district, along with several storefronts that are closed or struggling.  Nevertheless, "Sue" found place to set up what is truly a "cozy" little shop.  I wouldn't say that breakfast is the highlight of the offerings at Sue's.  This is more of a coffee shop than a full-service restaurant.  The menu was kind of limited to the basics, like you might cook for yourself at home on a weekend morning.  And I'm sad to say that even with just 2 other tables, our food took an awfully long time, and then was cold once it arrived. And not all that tasty.  But it sure looked pretty!

I tried the Belgium waffle, which came with a really heavy strawberry filling and whipped cream, with a croissant on the side, and husband went for one pancake and an interesting breakfast burrito filled with lettuce, tomato, and eggs.

Let me tell you what I did like about Sue's.  It felt like just the kind of place any girl would dream of having.  Everywhere you looked there was something cute hanging on the wall. Things I can only imagine Sue collected over the years, and one day decided to open up her very own restaurant, and show them off.  There was even a corner set up with items for sale. Just little knick-knacks and things you might find sitting on a shelf. The whole place really made you feel at home.

So I don't think we'll be returning to Sue's, not for breakfast at least. Maybe for a light lunch or coffee break someday. I do wish Sue all the best in her cafe. Being a small business owner is tough stuff.  Even though I've never met her, this place had the feel of Sue's personality shining through.

Quiet Storm

First of all, what a great name for a restaurant!

I was so excited to hear about Quiet Storm.  It is billed as a vegetarian/vegan cafe in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and let me just say, no menu could be more the opposite of last week's adventure. While neither husband or I have anything against eating meat, there were plenty of things on their Saturday Breakfast menu to tempt our taste buds.

The menu really speaks for itself as far as its uniqueness.  Very interesting, and not at all typical for Pittsburgh.  They had a great selection of teas, and lots of specialty coffees.  For breakfast, I chose the Nyam (Jamaican-inspired cornmeal-coconut pudding, topped with roasted sweet potatoes, bananas & cinnamon-maple syrup) and husband went for the Original Breakfast Burrito (scrambled eggs, spicy black beans, smashed red taters & cheddar, topped with salsa and sour cream) with a side of "housemade seisage".  We were really curious about the seisage. Apparently it is made from seiten and turned into what the unsuspecting might mistake for a sausage patty.  The seisage aside, neither of us left hungry.  The food was really yummy.

"Kitchy" is the one word that comes to mind when thinking of the decor of this restaurant.  Similar to Coca Café, 50's-style kitchen tables and diner booths furnish the restaurant, and the art on the wall is all by local artists and is available for sale. I love the multi-colored tile on the floor, and the giant wrap-around counter.  Reminds me of an old Woolworth's.  More interesting things in this place include a bookshelf full of interesting reading material, and a fully functional pinball machine!

I love this place.  I love that it is different and that the owners have setup shop in a depressed inner-city area and are helping it revive and renew.  "Seisage" and all.

Jo Jo's Restaurant

Playoff Fever in Pittsburgh today!

We chose a real Pittsburgh diner today, packed full of yinzers n'at.  Jo Jo's restaurant is at 24th & Smallman in the Strip District.  Although this restaurant is across the street from Right by Nature natural & organic market, there is really nothing healthy about the offerings in this place.  Greasy Spoon doesn't even begin to describe it!  It kind of reminds me of truck stop, but with more of a family clientele.

Since there was a big playoff game in Pittsburgh today, the whole place was decked out in their Steelers gear.  The restaurant is just one big room, including the kitchen - the big greasy grill is right against the wall for all to see.  Booths are the only option, around the perimeter and also down the middle, cafeteria style.

The strip district is always busy on a Saturday, and the restaurant was packed with a line practically out the door for a table.  We saw plenty of waitresses, but I guess the grill isn't big enough to keep up with the demand.  But never fear, the management has prepared for this kind of a situation, with entertaining and educational placemats with word games and tongue twisters to distract you from your hunger.

The food really was good.  I couldn't resist the French toast, made with really yummy Italian toast.  (Very Continental, non?) And Shawn picked the healthiest thing on the menu, which was a gianormous Spinach omelet with provolone and mushrooms.  Unfortunately, the healthy factor was canceled out by the buttered up Italian toast and a lumberjack's helping of home fries.

Oh, I almost forgot - Jo Jo's is CASH ONLY!  So be sure to visit the ATM before you get here. But don't worry, you won't need much.  The most expensive item on the menu was the "Jo Jo Omelet" which included everything Pittsburgh including hot or sweet sausage and peppers.  And it was just $8.50.  Our total bill, including a generous tip, was just $20.

Lovin; Pittsburgh and lovin' our tour of Saturday breakfast spots!

Caribou Coffee

Snow Day in Pittsburgh!!

Snow is my favorite part of winter, hands down.  I am genuinely disappointed when a forecast of 1-3 inches is anything less than 4-6.  So when we woke up to 2, it was a perfect start to a Saturday.

We got a bit of a late start to our morning, thanks to the guy who decided to park his car overnight in a manner which blocked our driveway.  After much door knocking and neighbor involvement, we were finally free to venture forth for breakfast.

Everything always tastes better when you're faint with hunger, so off to our favorite coffee shop. We visit this particular store every Sunday and have been really looking forward to trying out their new line of breakfast sandwiches.

Breakfast Menu 

By the time we arrived, we're starved, and ended up sampling everything but the Veggie. (Not that the veggie didn't look really good - maybe next time...)  I especially loved the Brioche Roll and the cheeses were quite delectable.  Note no pork products on this menu!  Everything was yum, yum.   And thankfully, quick!

Of course their coffee is amazing.  My favorite menu drink is the Mint Condition, made using white chocolate, decaf, skim, with whipped. And I always enjoy the reaction of the barista when husband orders his standard medium Americano with 6 shots of espresso.

Did I mention we normally visit this shop on a Sunday? Apparently the meter maids do work in Brentwood on Saturdays.  A $10 parking ticket was included in today's adventure.

See you next week for more adventures in Pittsburgh Breakfast!

Coca Café

Breakfast Menu

Saturdays my hubby and I like to find new places for breakfast and quality time.  Of all the Saturday Breakfast spots in Pittsburgh, we have found none better than coca café in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh.  Luck for us they were open on this New Year's Day.


This is a very popular place, and for good reason. Word to the wise, if you aren't in the mood for a LONG wait, arrive at opening (9am).  


Don't expect to find anything plain on the menu, like the typical "two eggs and home fries".  This-morning I enjoyed the Challah French Toast, covered with brie, fig jam & fresh berries [no need for maple syrup here!] and applewood smoked bacon. Husband started the year out in a truly healthy fashion with an egg white omelet with spinach, goat cheese, & grape tomatoes, 7-grain toast and fresh carrot-ginger juice.  I'm a fan of decaf tea and I am happy that they serve Stash tea (peppermint!!)

Definitely a different atmosphere than the typical greasy spoon.  The decor is modern and fun, and apparently the artwork is for sale.  I love the 50's style kitchen tables and chairs.

The prices aren't completely unreasonable, but not a value-meal for sure.  The restaurant fits right in with the upscale business spot that Lower Lawrenceville is turning into.  If you haven't been there for some window shopping in these chic boutiques, I highly recommend.


I try not to be superstitious on the first day of the year, but if this restaurant is a portent of things to come, it's going to be a yummy 2011.


I look forward to sharing our adventures in Saturday morning breakfasts!