Wilson's Fish Bowl Inn — Restaurant in Allegheny Township

From the outside this place doesn't look like much. Plenty of parking but looks a bit like someone opened a bar in their house. Going inside, the decor is very neighborhood bar. It is roomy and fairly well lit. Wasn't too sure about the place at that point, but we were quickly and warmly greeted by the girl behind the bar and asked to sit where we liked. We were brought menus and our drink orders were taken right away. When Peyton (our server) returned with our drinks she filled us in on the daily specials and cheerfully gave us time to decide what we wanted.

The food choices were actually surprisingly varied. There's standard bar fare but other choices too, including soups, salads, dinners, sandwiches, wings, apps and more. My wife ordered some cheese fries and a Philly Cheese steak, I ordered some Mac n cheese along with their bruschetta beef sandwich and my Mom ordered the soup and salad comprised of a ham and cheese sandwich and the chili.

Before long, the cheese fries came out. My wife usually is not a big fan of steak fries, but these were perfectly done. Golden brown, crispy and delicious on the outside, soft and hot on the inside and nicely bathed, but not drowned, in a decent quality cheese sauce. We enjoyed the fries until our sandwiches arrived.

My wife's cheese steak was very large. Plenty of properly cooked, well-seasoned meat and cheese on a gently toasted roll. My bruschetta beef sandwich was nearly as large. Tender, seasoned beef under tangy, tomatoey bruschetta topping on a toasted roll slathered with pesto mayonnaise. It was delicious and original. My Mom's chili was flavorful and well seasoned but not hot. She had plenty of fresh ham and cheese topped with crispy green lettuce and tomato again on some really nice Italian bread. The portions were very good, none of us finished our sandwiches, though they were delicious and we all took some home. The Mac and cheese I had on the side was really nice as well. It was neither dry nor over sauced. Made me think of pasta Alfredo and Mac n cheese having a love child. Warm and comforting, creamy with a hint of garlic. I enjoyed it very much.

If you're looking for haute cuisine or a fine dining experience, this is not it. But, if you want great service (Peyton was wonderful), good portions, reasonable prices and really well made food this place is a diamond in the rough. Highly recommend, will...

Growing up in Altoona you always knew where to get fried fish and Mac and cheese, The Fish Bowl Inn. Things have changed a bit. Now it is called Wilson’s Fish Bowl Inn due to new ownership. We were pleasantly surprised with our encounter. Mallory, the bartender was a delight and made us feel very welcomed. We split a steak sandwich that by far was worth the price. As the cook resurfaced from the kitchen I was intrigued by his demeanor. He asked how we liked the sandwich, something I haven’t seen in a very long time. He had passion and heart as he was explaining to me his ideas and flavor combinations he’d like to try. Matt Wilson was his name and he doubled as the owner as well. I learned he was formally trained and creates most of his own recipes. I am always on the pursuit for good pepper jack cheese balls and after Mallory’s suggestion I tried a few. The batter was like nothing I’ve ever had and the flavors exploded. This new Fish Bowl Inn is not only worth a try, as I will be back to try everything on the menu, but it’s worth several...

Wow where to start. In a town completely overrun by chain restaurants this is the local golden goose.

The red onion on my salad was really thick, which was IMO overpowering. But, paired up with fresh tomatoes (not soggy or soft) a mix of greens and homey flavors. It really hit the spot.

The bruschetta confused me at first with the Parmesan but being so thinly grated it was actually nice “American style” compliment to the toasty warm bread.

The French dip was phenomenally good. Borderline criminal.

Service was good.

Would...