Big City Tapas & Craft Beers in Suburghia- The HeadKeeper Tapas Bar

618 South Main Street, Greensburg

You would never guess from the unassuming facade of the building that houses The Headkeeper Tapas Bar that you are in for a culinary treat that you would only expect in the 'Burgh.  The Headkeeper offers an intriguing selection of tapas plates that change seasonally, and takes advantage of local offerings as much as possible. 

So, let's get to it.

From left to right:

1.  We started out with the Flash Fried Mozzarella with a Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette.  Thick slices of buffalo mozzarella are lightly breaded and fried just until crispy on the outside and slightly warmed on the inside. A hidden surprise of a lovely vinegar cucumber salad is nestled beneath the mozzarella slices.

2.  The Headkeeper offers more than 600 bottles of domestic and import craft beers in their wall of coolers. You can browse for a brew to pair with your tapas, and then bring it back to your table where your server will open it and provide you with a glass.  You can also create your own six packs to carry home. (There is a $1 discount per bottle for taking home your own hand-selected brews.)

3.  By far, one of their tastiest and most popular tapas dishes is the Five Spice Pork Tenderloin Drizzled with Chipotle Beurre Blanc.  The tenderloin is cooked perfectly- tender & moist.  The five spice rub gives the pork a spicy and sweet crust.  The chipotle buerre blanc offers just the right amount of heat to complement the sweetness of the pork. 

What you need to know before you go:

• Check the website for hours and directions, but not for menu offerings. The online menu does not seem to get updated too often.  Also, their MySpace page has not been updated since April 2010. ;)

• Their tapas are perfect for sharing!  Bring a date, a best friend, or an after work crew.  We found that 3 tapas was perfect for 2 people.  Most of their tapas are priced from $6-$13. 

• And for you Big 'Burgh dwellers, this place just might be worth the drive to Suburghia. ;)

For hours and directions, visit below:

http://www.theheadkeeper.com/

If You Happen to be in the Big 'Burgh- Fat Head's Saloon

1805 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh

Every once in a while a Suburghian girl treks to the big city for a bite to eat.  After spending a few hours at the Carnegie Science Museum, we had worked up an appetite and decided to head to Fat Head's Saloon for a big bite to eat and some brews.  I had been hearing the buzz about their new Flat Heads- panini-grilled wraps, and knew I had to try one for myself.
So, let's get to it.

From top to bottom:

• Fat Head's Saloon carries a rotating selection of 42 taps. Yes, 42 taps!  They typically offer about 4 drafts from their own brewery located in Cleveland, Ohio.  Since spring is in the air, I decided on a fruity, light beer- the Blue Point Blueberry Ale. I would describe it as like drinking blueberry muffins infused with beer. :)

• This is the famous Fat Head's Global Wall.  Patrons take their pics in Fat Head's gear from points all over the world. Take your pic, send it in, and invite your friends to take the Fat Head's Global 30 challenge.  ;)

• The Southside Flats Flat Head- Fat Head's is known for their overly generous portions of food, and this is still the case when you order a veghead option.  The Southside Flats is a panini-pressed wrap stuffed with perfectly marinated portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, spinach, sweet caramelized onions, and the signature ingredient- the garlic parm mayo.  The wrap usually comes with goat cheese, but I substituted mozzarella. As with all their sandwiches and wraps, it came with a heaping side of their homemade potato chips.

What you need to know before you go:

• Parking is metered along Carson Street during the day, so bring change.  There is also a pay parking lot directly across the street from Fat Head's.  You must pay to park there until 11pm, 7 days a week.  It does take credit cards.  Parking is free on most side streets if you can find a spot.  But pay attention to the parking restriction signs!
• Be prepared to wait.  There is almost always a wait at Fat Head's.  They do take your cell number, so you can explore Carson Street while waiting for your table- they will call you.  Or you could also just go to the bar and order a brew. ;)
• Once you have finished eating (or boxed up what you couldn't finish), make sure to visit the 6 Pack Shop, a beer carryout and Fat Head's gear shop located upstairs before you leave.

For hours, directions and a printable online menu, visit below:

http://fatheadspittsburgh.com/index.php