Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

On the next to last day of a visit to Pittsburgh, we decided to give Proper Brick Oven and Tap Room a try, after pizza was suggested, not knowing what to expect, or having read reviews before, other than the fact that pizza might be had.

Fortune rewarded us, and I think we knew it the moment we stepped in - the whole place carried a subtle smell of a campfire, absolutely warm and inviting, from the very first. The mason jars used for lighting were really nice, no gimmick, they were delightful glowing jars in the sky. Our group of six was accommodated quite readily, though they did ask if we had reservations - and had not a concert been playing in the nearby theater, it could have been packed, so if you visit, consider calling ahead maybe?

We started with appetizers, bacon candy (which lives up to it's name - bacon, brown sugar, caramelized on with black pepper) and the substantial Pepperoni Pagnotta, which was enjoyed universally, and a very good price for the amount had.

All the drinks we had were locally sourced (well, Pennsylvania-ly-local, but a focus on Pittsburgh naturally!); a maple old fashioned, spring fling, cherry blossom daiquiri, and sunshine sangria were shared around, and we all felt we got worthwhile cocktails!

Now, we were advised their pizzas serve a bit more than one person each - so we ordered three; two carnivore (all the meats) and one Primavera (asparagus/prosciutto, garlic, etc); I was worried the carnivore might overwhelm with meat as I've found sometimes before, but I was wrong, I think, because every added meat was high quality, super delicious! The pizza sauce was sweet in just the right way, and the crusts, aided by the high heat of the wood fired oven, were perfect in their exterior crispness, and exactly right in their interior fluffy softness. I was only sad because I hadn't realized I had been missing out my whole trip - we would have come several times, had we known they were so good!

Finishing it all off, a shared slice of house made Oreo cheesecake and Pecan Bourbon Butterscotch Bread Pudding; I've nothing but praise for each, and for everything we had here. If you've got a chance to give it a try, I bet you'll enjoy every...

I am a rapid rewards dining member and I selected this restaurant as I was close to it and they were offering rewards on the day I was visiting.

I visited on 3/30. I walked in and there is no greeter. When I’m finally noticed I am told I can sit at the bar. I walk up to the bar and it is FILLED with dirty dishes and glasses the entire length. Only two people are sitting at the bar.

The bartender is working on tidying up some glasses at the end of the bar, and so I chose a seat further down, as it has a view of the TV. I figure it’s going to get cleaned soon enough. Besides, there is nowhere else to sit that does have plates and glasses. Instead, I overhear the bartender complaining to his coworker that he was cleaning that spot just for me and I just walked by him and sat down further down the bar. Well, if I would have been acknowledged then maybe I would have done that.

Then he proceeds to come down the bar and give me the third degree about my choice of spot to sit. Look dude, if you actually took the time to clear the bar and actually…. ahem…. bartend, we wouldn’t have had this issue. There is no reason to be talking down to me like a child for something I had no part in. My only choice of seat on the entire bar was amongst dirty dishes. I don’t mind that, it’s gonna get cleaned, but when you start badmouthing me in front of your coworkers and then come give me a talking to like I did something wrong, now I take offense.

The rest of the meal was pretty much the same. Employees talking loudly and playing music out of view to my left, and the bartender feuding with his coworkers to my right. Fantastic ambiance!

And the final cherry on top is that I was never rewarded my rapid rewards points despite the restaurant offering rewards every day of the week, and being advertised on the portal. After reaching out to rapid rewards, I am told that the restaurant was not offering rewards until 4/4. What? So you actively advertise yourself as being a part of a program, but refuse to reward points during that time?

This place is messed up....

I wish I could leave SIX STARS! My husband and I always come to Proper when we are in town as we originally fell in love with this spot many years ago. This visit was extremely over the top. While I can’t say enough about their artisan bar tenders and craft cocktails that are always changing and always delicious, their food is equally as tastebud tantalizing. Our “go to” is the paggnotta which we were especially craving on our last visit, the week of Thanksgiving. We also enjoyed the pear salad that had the lightest most refreshing salad dressing. You will not be disappointed! But the true “piece de resistance” was the over the top, truly personalized, incredible service by ALL involved. Our paggnotta was just a tad undercook, really not a big deal, but they had no more to sell, and we came from FL for this delightful dish. I had just requested they simply nuke it- or throw it back in the oven for a couple seconds. The server, chef, management all went over and above to recreate our favorite dish AND comp’d it for us. Truly unbelievable service. In a day and age where customer service is really dying Proper has mastered making their customers feel special! We went back a second time in our 3 day trip to Pittsburgh and will forever sing their praises! Go here! Support this business! You will not be disappointed! Thank you Proper for doing...