Biba — Restaurant in Beaver

Visited Biba as a party of 4 on a Friday. It is in a cute classic old storefront on 3rd St in downtown Beaver with about 10 to 15 tables in front and open kitchen in back.

It's a limited menu BYOB joint as I was told Beaver is a dry town. The corking fee was $4.50 per couple. In keeping with most present day restaurant decor the noise level is high as there is nothing to deaden the sound such as carpeting etc., (a pet peeve of mine).

We ordered the Skillet Fries appetizer and the Provoleta appetizer. The fries were cheesy, very tasty, and just the right amount for a party of 4. The Provoleta, (their name), was fried provolone and tasty sweet peppers alongside Italian toast. The toast was drizzled with very tasty blood orange-infused olive oil that was purchased locally at 2 Rivers. However, the consistency of the baked provolone was hard and it was difficult to cut, which was the only way to eat it with the bread You couldn't dip the bread in it. The taste was average.

For the main course I ordered the Pork Chop (bone in) on a small bed of polenta for $25. The polenta was infused with smoked Gorgonzola. Locally sourced or not the pork chop was average. However, the taste and texture of the cheese infused polenta was exceptional but unfortunately, sparse.

Another in our party had the Homemade (flat) Pasta/Lobster and it was quite tasty. The pasta was fresh and meat appeared to be lobster claw meat.

Another in the party ordered the last available Chorizo Taco (3 tacos) for $10. They're quite spicy, which I love, but otherwise unremarkable.

Biba is owned and operated by a very nice young couple and I hope that it thrives. It's in a nice location, but the menu will need some work if they are hoping for longevity. The young wait staff is very friendly and diligent but lacking in experience. So leave a nice tip folks for these entrepreneurial...

EDIT 7/11/22 I had the opportunity to visit the restaurant and give it a more realistic review this time. Three stars as the average of my previous 1-star review and this review (4 stars). The food was good and a smaller menu means the restaurant knows what they serve and they serve it well. The waiter was a bit awkward, but never rude and the manger(owner?) checked on us as well. The focaccia was overdone and CRONCHY, but the skilled fries were great. The flank steak was a little pinker than medium-well should be, but it was delicious regardless. Fries were a good mix of crunchy and soft to please all types.

ORIGINAL REVIEW I hear the food’s good. But I couldn’t tell you. I made reservations through Google. Because when you Google the restaurant, it gives you the option to do that. A totally voluntary thing the restaurant can offer when you Google them!

I show up at the restaurant. Tell the guy we have reservations. He says he doesn’t have my name and asks if I made reservations through Google. When I say yes, he tells me that doesn’t work and you have to call them for reservations.

Not only does it not say that ANYWHERE on their website, but if it doesn’t work….why is there that option?

The guy then just stared at us. Just stared. No apology, no offering to put my name on the list, just….stared. So I ask if we can be seated. “No, we’re booked until 8.” And then he just stared again.

First of all, terrible business to offer reservations on Google all while knowing it doesn’t actually work. Second, man, have some manners, engage in conversation, up your customer service skills and most of all, use your words and stop just...

We have been going to Biba for about ~2 years now and it’s the best restaurant in Beaver. The menu is always rotating based on the seasons or what’s fresh at hand. At our last dining experience, we had:

Appetizer: fried eggplant, 10/10 Entrees: tagliatelle and flank steak, both 10/10 Dessert (not pictured): bourbon peach tres leches cake without the pecans, 10/10

No matter what we’ve ordered, it’s been amazing. Typically we’ll order their Pork Milanese, which is my go-to, and my fiancés favorite is the Cuban Sandwich. We’ve ordered those 2 menu items more than anything else, as they’re usually kept on there. The food is always fresh and piping hot when it comes out.

As for the service/owner: we keep coming back because of the atmosphere. You’re treated like family and greeted with a smile. Amanda is our favorite server and James always does a quick job. The real star is the chef/owner Jason - no matter how busy the kitchen is, he’ll usually take a few moments to come over and ask how your meal is. You don’t have to be a regular too for him to come out and introduce himself. If they’re short staffed or super busy, he’ll buss tables or bring food out - he’s not above doing any job and it’s really nice to see.

Biba is a BYOB so make sure to bring adult beverages with you. Overall, just a wonderful restaurant in the heart of Beaver.

Just a side note: it is a smaller restaurant but they do have limited outdoor seating. We would highly recommend making a reservation a few days/weeks in advanced because they fill up quickly! Also be sure to check out their menu online, it’s always for that day and usually changes...