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Giordano Bros. is a one-of-a-kind North Beach stop: it's not Italian,
for one, so when you're fed up with touristy Italian restaurants, it's
a nice change of pace. In fact, it's unlike any other SF spot. Not
only is it a late night eatery, it's a sandwich shop, bar, (tiny) live
music venue, ode to Pittsburgh and sports haven all rolled into one... and
you can fill up for less than $10. Onion rings, Buffalo wings or
chili hit the spot late at night; sandwiches can be ordered and eaten
at the counter or small tables.
The vibe is laid-back and friendly; festive but not normally rowdy. A
couple flat screens allow sports fans to watch more than one game at
once (football, basketball, whatever is happening - PA teams preferred!) On
sunny weekend afternoons, I've even seen their staff outside grilling
up sausages (not regular menu items) on an outdoor grill.
Their menu mainly consists of "all-in-one" sandwiches. Choose
one (like Italian Sausage, pastrami, steak, smoked turkey, cheese, double
egg and cheese) and it comes stuffed with fries and olive oil vinegar
slaw inside the sandwich! Messy, but not huge or unmanageable,
swallow them down with a cold beer or root beer, take in a game, watch
crowds going by on Columbus Avenue or 'chat it up' with other patrons
who are as happy as you are to be here.
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Lest those of you from Philly be less enthused about frequenting
a Pittsburgh bar such as Giordano Bros., Jay's Cheesesteak is a local
chain serving up your Philly Cheesesteak fix for a few bucks.
I don't find this place amazing, nor is it the best
cheesesteak in existence. But
it's a good, filling, affordable SF hole-in-the-wall that will take care
of your craving until you get back to Philadelphia. They even serve
Seitan Cheesesteak for vegetarians!? Also: burgers, fried onion rings,
jalapeno poppers, zucchini sticks, buffalo wings, and more. Get
your grease on!
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