Grand Concourse — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Initially, when I walked into Grand Concourse, my first assumption was that I was going to spend an arm and a leg for dinner. This was because of how grandeur this place looked, but on the contrary, because my entire meal was very much more affordable. Often, a person can spend upwards of 100 bucks at a steak restaurant, especially for scenery such as this, but this establishment was not close to that. As you can see, the inside of this restaurant is spectacular. The manager, Bryan, stopped by my table and gave me the history of the building, and gave me a pamphlet. He mentioned that this was an old railroad station that was converted into a restaurant. He also told me that the two windows up top of the grand staircase were used as lookout points for spotting pickpockets, and just below those windows are balconies that the railroad company used to announce and shout out when a train was running late.…a cool little history lesson before my dinner!

For my starter drink...I went alcohol free.....with a Mocktail called the Black Cherry Palmer....This should be at all restaurants!!!...This was very tasty, as I was drinking I thought of liquid candy, lol, something similar to Now and Laters and a hint of Jolly Ranchers…lol…I can only imagine the taste if it had some vodka in it😁

Next, the bread was brought out, and I must say that the bread was just simply OK and “Meh”. It reminded me of frozen rolls sold at the local grocery store. Because of this, I was a little afraid of how the remainder of the food would come out, but I was pleasantly surprised.

For the appetizer, I started with the Firecrackers Shrimp, which were amazing and extremely tasty. Plus, the shrimp tasted very fresh.....They also came out piping hot, which I loved!! Also, for a starter, I had the Maryland Style Crab Cake. Unfortunately, this was not for me. This could be because I’m a HUGE fan of Jimmy’s crab cakes in Baltimore, or it could have been because of the tangy mustard sauce on top that I did not care for.

For the main, I had the Cajun Chicken Tortellini, pasta wouldn’t have been my first choice for the entrée, but my sever gave a strong recommendation for it, and I’m glad she did!! This dish was packed with major flavor, well-seasoned, creamy, and pasta cooked just right! This, too, also came out extremely hot.🤤

Lastly, for the dessert, I had the Chocolate Truffle Cake, unfortunately, the molten chocolate did fall prior to coming to the table, so I do have to deduct major points from this. That's the best part of a molten chocolate cake is to cut into the sponge and see the chocolate ooze out…😞....As you can see from my pictures the chocolate was already oozing before it was brought to me; nevertheless, the taste was still good, and I took it home to eat for later.

To wrap up, my sever for this evening was a lady by the Noel, and she was very sweet and took great care of me today . For this, I would like to thank you, Noel!

High marks for scenery and service, deductions for bread, crab cake, and dessert.

Restaurant Rating 82 out of 100 (B-)

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Terrific hosting of our 24-person family get-together at this elegant venue!

We had a wonderful event with delicious food and a perfect hostess! Right from the start, communication with their events team was always prompt, clear, and efficient. Price options were exact and reasonable. Room options and deadlines were clear. Their great event manager, Brian George, was friendly, available, and responsive.

The restaurant is easy to find, just off E. Carson St. under the Smithfield Street Bridge, about a 500-ft walk from the Station Square station on the Silver, Red, and Blue lines. $12 Valet parking on the east side of the restaurant was quick and easy, and not much more costly than the $8-$10 self-parking about 0.2-miles up the street, and they would have discounted $8 off the self-parking fee for the event.

The Grand Concourse is a truly majestic restaurant and bar, in a train station on the National Register of Historic Places built in 1901, where the patriarch of our family took the train to summer camp in his youth. Stained-glass ceilings, marble columns, ornate brass and dark-wood (mahogany?) decor with historic photos, and a long elegant photo-ready staircase if you dine on the higher level. We were in the spacious Board Room off the main concourse, slightly less ornate but still lovely. In addition to ample comfortable seating for all of us around a U-shaped table, they provided appetizers on a side-table and a large-screen TV for a slide-show we put together. The high ceiling didn’t echo, and we all could hear each other, even while we played a self-made playlist. The kids danced a lot, and the most-fun guest danced with them! (Shout-out to you, Duncan :-)

Staci, our event hostess, was excellent! She was ready when we came in the door, helpful in setting up our A/V, and always attentive with prompt friendly professional bar and food service. She and her staff made sure we were happy every moment, providing personal touches that made each of us feel welcome and valued. We’ll ask for Staci when we return!

Food was delicious, from a varied and generous charcuterie and hot flavorful chicken satay, to endless fresh breads, bright maple-vinaigrette salads, our selection of perfectly cooked tender moist bronzed salmon and blue-cheese-buttered sirloin, with roasted vegetable ravioli for our veggie guests. They made spaghetti for our 4 and 5-year olds. (Thank you Staci for that timely child-friendly offer!) Key lime pie was enjoyably tart and sweet and fresh-flavored.

Several of us came back to the pleasant Gandy Dancer Saloon for the weekday 3:30 to 6:30pm happy hour (as of early Sep 2024). Nice selection of known brands and tasty well-drinks, tasty small plates (plus the full restaurant menu which we didnt indulge this time), friendly efficient service and well-crafted cocktails. Pro-tip: The bar stools have backs! There are some booths, too.

Thank you Staci, Brian, talented kitchen and bar staff, and the beautiful Grand Concourse for a lovely memorable event for the...

A level of sophistication…

We have been frequenting the Grand Concourse, since we moved to Pennsylvania over 20 years ago. Not only did my husband and I start out attending special occasions here, such as birthdays and anniversaries, but we would bring our young children with us on occasion. Now, as some of them being adults, they enjoy coming here as well. My oldest daughter specifically comes on every single birthday as this is her favorite place in the world!

Housed in the old train station, this building is worthy of 1000 photos! It is such an amazing display of time standing still. The grand staircase, the high ceilings, waiting benches in the hall…. it all brings the magic back of what once was. As many times as I’ve been here, I can still find something new to photograph every time that I’m there. Something I may not have noticed before, a different angle….beauty at its finest!

The view from your table is outstanding, no matter where you are! We love to sit out, overlooking the railroad and river, but even if you are in the grand ballroom, you have a view of the high ceilings, the staircase, stained glass everywhere. It is something to see for sure if you’ve never been.

The food quality is amazing! We have been here during different times of the days and weeks. Sundays for brunch, lunch, dinner, and the twilight menu. If you have never been for the brunch, might I suggest it highly! This is so worth the money, and the tables of food span the entire restaurant, and over into the saloon. Lots of great options, including for children, made to order omelettes, homemade donuts, banana foster, and more! You will not be able to say that you didn’t get your Phil here! Their prized signature item is there salmon pate, which is served on the Sunday buffet. Absolutely amazing and wouldn’t be the Grand Concourse without it. It was once served with crackers and rolls at the dinner table on a regular day, but they have since changed that so now you can only get it at the Sunday buffet.

The fun doesn’t stop inside! The outside awaits a good camera. So many really cool shots of flowers, the river, the bridges…there is just so much to see and take in! Since it is located in Station Square, you can imagine the creativity that can ensue.

There is plenty of parking in a paid parking lot and valet is also available. If you are under two hours, they will validate your parking.

Make your reservation soon! You won’t want to miss out on this amazing place!

Delivery, dine in and take out available.

Happy hour drinks and outdoor seating available.

Great cocktails, beer and a large wine list available.

Coffee and tea served.

Wheelchair, accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms.

Brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert served.

Private dining available.

The atmosphere is cozy, trendy, upscale, historic and romantic.

The restaurant is family, friendly, and great for groups and tourists.

Lunch and dinner reservations are recommended.

Good for kids with menus and high...