Nine On Nine

Worst place ever. Went in for happy hour and the bartender got an attitude when we asked for the happy hour menu. Then he proceeded to make a comment that the happy hour wine I just ordered was subpar. The last thing I want after a long day is to deal with a rude waiter who thinks people ordering from a happy hour menu are not worth his time or general respect. We left and called the manager who basically didn’t care about the bartender’s lack of professionalism. I’ll never go back particularly since there are plenty of other great places to go in Pittsburgh where the service is professional and respectful.

We came to the bar after dinner for snacks and drinks. The waitress informed us that the kitchen was closed and that we would only be able to get dessert (not made in house). This would have been fine except 45 min later we see that other guests are receiving food. Long story short, we were told that the waitress was mistaken, and we can order now if we want. Zero apology with a smug superior attitude gets you one star.
I will say, dessert was taken off of the bill, but really a simple «I’m so sorry, it was my mistake» would have been much better.
(the waitress hid in the back after she passed us on to some one else)

Our server was very nice, attentive and had just the right amount of personality. She was a delight.
The food was good, but nothing extraordinary — especially considering what they charge. We were expecting to pay more since we had already examined the menu. However, the cost was excessive for what we received. Everything was good, but I have had much better meals since moving to Pittsburgh and the cost for those meals was more reasonable. Nothing about the food was exceptional enough to justify the cost.

This was my most favorite restaurant until last night. The food was over salted. The service was very poor. The server was rude and inattentive. I was used to far better wait staff here — personable and professional. Please read this management and change!

The place is really cozy, deemed lighting and quiet, we were there for dinner, went to the bar first to have a couple drinks and apps, it was happy hour which definitely is not the best happy hour in Penn Ave, probably 3 or 4 $ 6 apps to pick and the rest are not included and $ 6 glass of house wine. Entrees range $ 26 to $ 40, chicken, lamb, duck and filet plates to choose, nothing outstanding. I think it’s overpriced for what you get and taste but presentation is good, friendly staff as well.

Truffle risotto. Burrata and heirloom tomatoes. Bison. Duck. Generally fine food across the board. Very handsome and warm dining room — this would be a lovely cozy winter evening spot. The chefs seem passionate about what they are doing.
That said, i feel like front of house lets them down. We had an awkward dance with the hostess about our reservation. That kind of «I don’t see their reservation so let’s all gather around the screen with our backs to them and not say anything» thing. Waitstaff, while very nice and warm either were over-​whelmed or forgetful. Timing of dishes was totally wonky. Wine glasses stay empty a bit too long including after our entrée arrived. Sell me more wine. I’ll buy it!
(Who are these restaurant managers who don’t flip out when they see empty wine glasses on tables?)
Still, not a bad place to dine if you happen to be in Pittsburg. The actual food and if you can score a seat by the window make up for the somewhat casual and wonky service.

I made reservations at Nine on Nine for 4 of us a few weeks ago for this past Saturday. I received a phone call the day before confirming our reservation and asking about any allergies or if we had to be out by a certain time. Our reservations were at 5pm with the need to leave by 6:30 due to going to a 7p show, with no allergies.
The four of us arrived early and were promptly seated. Our waiter came and the first question — do you need separate checks. Yes — PERFECT. Thank you so much for asking, we would have requested it, so thank you.
Move on through appetizers and dinner. All bland. I was so disappointed with my food. We all were. Bland and unappetizing.
Then it was 630. We had requested from our waiting to get us our checks, due to having to leave at 630 (we also reminded him at the beginning of service). We got an eye roll, a huff, and said alright. 15 minutes later we received our checks — all were wrong, except one Then he continued to bring it back — wrong. He started to get a big belligerent with us. Made someone else bring the checks to us, because he was dealing with others. (They were NOT that busy, maybe half the seats were filled, if that).
After his attitude, the bland food, and the fact that every single staff member made us feel like pawn scum. We will not return. Nine on Nine needs to realize — there are FAR better restaurants in town. They were lucky to have our business, but they’ve also lost our business.
I typically give restaurants a couple chances — especially if the first chance is not good. However, I won’t waste my time, ever again.

The food was decent. The scallops were slimy which was terribly unappetizing. I enjoy knowing what’s on the menus but our wagon took it five steps too far. We actually were graced with a history lesson on each item (sides included) I actually had to stop him and tell him we were already set to order. It was an emotional rollercoaster for him after that. I have never felt so uncomfortable by the wait staff in my life. I realize that all of this makes me sound pretentious but truly the food didn’t make up for the bothersome and intrusive service. I hope that they find the balance because I was really rooting for this east abolishment and the location is perfect. Cheers to being hopeful!

Wonderful dinner, excellent service. I came to Nine on Nine based on a recommendation from a friend who knows the restaurant scene quite well in Pgh. My sister in law was in town for a training seminar, so I thought I’d treat her. We were both very happy with our meal and drinks. Had a nice rose champagne by the glass, fois gras, bone marrow, good size diver scallops and a pistachio cheesecake for desert, which was to die for in my opinion. We were not disappointed in anyway and would recommended the same dishes to anyone that has similar tastes in food. Give the diver scallops and bone marrow a try (if you’re into these foods.) I also hope to return to this restaurant and try a few other dishes, and for sure to have another pistachio cheesecake — hopefully it’s still on the menu!

I had the pleasure of having an amazing drink served by one of the best bartenders I have ever met, Joseph. Great ambiance!

Sat outside to people watch/​have a drink with my friend before I left town. The staff was very sweet and friendly. I also ordered the watermelon salad, I believe it was $ 12 for 4 – 5 slices of watermelon, feta and a small mint leaf on top. The presentation was beautiful, what you should expect from this quality of place. I’d stick to just drinks next time unless you want to splurge a little.

There’s nothing like lunching al fresco on a gorgeous Pittsburgh day to really put a cherry on your Thursday. Stop 2 of 3 for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week this week was at Nine on Nine. Their RW menu offered choice of Tomato Bisque or the Soup du Jour (Chicken Curry today) and a choice of a brisket sandwich or blackened tilapia Pittsburgh salad. I opted for the Chicken Curry soup and salad and both were very solid choices. My man had the opposite menu and wasn’t as impressed, but good thing his company was so stellar. At $ 15 I can’t complain. Our server was courteous and quick and we were in and out in less than an hour. The place was empty and the manager? seemed to be having a bit of a bad day, but other than that, I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I am updated my rating from a 4 to a 5 because of my recent dining experience. I came here starving and although the kitchen was about to close they decided to accommodate me. I ordered the Nine on Nine House Salad and then the Peking Duck. The salad was pretty tasty although the presentation wasn’t great, which I’d attribute to them about to close. However, the Peking Duck was amazing and, what’s more, I was told that the Head Chef actually came in just to make it for me. I feel that kind of service, where someone goes well out of their way to accommodate a hungry guest, warrants a high rating and a positive review. To top it all off I had the French Chocolate Cake drizzled with raspberry sauce and that was also amazing. The service was very friendly and I also liked the outdoor seating. Overall an excellent dining experience that has earned them a repeat customer.

Why didn’t anyone tell me to dine at Nine on Nine sooner, rather than later? I feel so stupid! I have been there twice in the past couple of weeks and I have worked not far from this place forever. Somehow, I thought that this place was farther away than it is. Oh, idiot, idiot, idiot!
The décor and atmosphere of Nine on Nine reminds me of an intimate spot that you can go to, relax, eat, drink and be very merry! There used to be this show back in the Nineties, called «New York Undercover» where one of the main character’s father owned a nightclub. Even though, the club was imaginary, somehow Nine on Nine gives me the same vibe, but in a restaurant version. The only thing missing from this place, for me, is a live jazz trio strumming along quietly in the background.
Now let’s talk about the food and service… Love, love, love the menu! The appetizer and salad menu isn’t really that expansive, but what they offer is lovely. Daily Ceviche, soup, roasted chicken and salmon offerings that change based upon what’s fresh at the market. On a recent visit, they offered the chicken with a blueberry barbecue sauce and fiddlehead ferns. WHAT??? In Pittsburgh??? Come again? My buddies ordered their home-​made cream of mushroom soup and I think that they may have wanted to order seconds.
My buddies also ordered the Korean Barbeque Brisket with pickled vegetables, jalapeño peppers, Napa slaw, Sriracha mayo on a baquette. I ordered the Crab Po’ Boy with chive aioli, arugula and charred tomatoes served on a baquette. Both sandwiches were served with Nine on Nine’s Pomme Frites. I love fresh cut fries and these were scrumpdillyicious, as well as the crabcakes! My buddies also thoroughly enjoyed their brisket sandwiches. (They said that they would order the sandwiches again, but leave off the jalapeños. Those jalapeño peppers kicked their azzes!)
On another recent visit, I got the same Crab Po’ Boy, but I ordered the Pommes Frites with black truffle aioli. OMG! (Picture Martin Lawrence in the background as his character Sheneneh, saying, «Oh mah goodneshhh!») Seriously, my mouth is still watering a little, RIGHT NOW! My lunch partner ordered the Fish Tacos with blackened fish, pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, cabbage, spice crème and jalapeño peppers. I wish that you could hear the sounds that we were making on both occasions. (Picture Pac Man chewing through things with that sound he makes in the background.) Ridiculous, I know, but sometimes you just have to surrender to your base instincts.
I want to go to Nine on Nine for their Chef’s Tasting. At $ 90 per person, it’s a little steep for a mom who pays quite a buck for their kid’s high school tuition. However, it’s a treat that I want to meet sometime this year. «I die» for Roasted Bone Marrow and I even have my teenage daughter Muff wrapped up in marrow love. They have Roasted Bone Marrow here too, along with other dishes that I have swooned over in other cities! Who knew and where have I been?
Anyway, run and don’t walk to Nine on Nine. The staff will treat you with kid gloves and it may be your next home.

My boyfriend and I were looking to eat at one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh and Nine On Nine frequently came up in our search. The place lives up to its title. Nine On Nine would have gotten five stars if it weren’t for our server Todd’s attitude.
The food was phenomenal. We ordered the foie gras, lobster mac n cheese, duck breast, and diver scallops. The foie gras was tiny, but excellent. I wish there was double the amount, but then it would have cost twice as much! The lobster mac n cheese was good, but it is rich and filling. I wouldn’t recommend it if you plan on feasting here.
The diver scallops were cooked to perfection and probably the best I ever had. The scallops are served with spaghetti squash and a sweet potato purée – a great combination. The duck was also cooked to perfection and served with heirloom carrots and couscous (supposedly). The couscous looked and tasted like red quinoa. However, I really enjoyed a little bit of all three in each bite.
For dessert we ordered the warm honey cornbread. I’m not sure it was sweet enough to be considered dessert, but it was good nonetheless.
We also ordered what we were told was deconstructed red velvet. When our server brought it over, it was brown, not red. He told us the pastry chef did not use enough dye, or something like that. As we ate it, we realize that it tastes nothing like red velvet – it tastes like chocolate cake. My boyfriend believes he overheard another server telling his table it was deconstructed devil’s food cake. When our server brought us the bill, it said devil cake and not red velvet. So, we were told they were serving red velvet. We ordered red velvet. And we did not receive red velvet. But we paid for it anyway. Not happy about that. We got a good laugh out of it though.
Service was good – poured our glasses of wine properly, checked back after each course, bussed and set our table after each course. However, his attitude was piss poor. Our reservation was for 830 and they close at 10. He immediately did not look happy to see us or serve us. It was obvious. Too bad! You’re there to work and make money. It’s your job.
The experience would have been so much better if our server liked us and we liked him.

I’ve had several experiences here but my last was great. The dessert menu was perfect. We ordered one of everything and loved it!
The wait staff was wonderful. In past experiences with lunch I want pleased but the desserts were a home run!

The food tasted good. We started with the mushroom risotto and added the truffle shavings. I highly recommend it. It actually overshadowed the main course.
The atmosphere was very classy and is fitting for a fancy dinner. However the service was lacking. About 30 minutes after we received the appetizer the server came over and asked me what the entrée I ordered was. We waited about another 15 minutes for our food. My steak was cooked properly but my wife’s salmen was over cooked and dry. Judging by the temperature of her plate it must have been sitting under the heat lamps for a long time. For the price they charge for food they shouldn’t have served it like that. She should have sent it back but didn’t since it already took 45 minutes and she wanted to eat with me. If she had sent it back I would have been finished by the time the re cooked her order. It’s a good thing she decided that because the server didn’t check on us until we were finished eating.
The desert met our expectation and we were pleased with it.
Overall I think it is too pricy for the portions and the lack of proper service. We might have gone back despite of the service since the food did taste very good. With the kitchen sacrificing food quality and integrity for saving on their food cost, we will not be back.

Nine on Nine has fairly well executed but underwhelming food with a chaotic atmosphere and a somewhat overpriced menu. I so very wanted to be able to give them four stars but…
I ordered the Baby Spinach salad and the Lobster Mac-​N-​Cheese; and, my friends had the Diver Scallops. The spinach salad was a deconstructed version of what you’d typically expect. I loved the rich duck egg and salty marcona almonds; however, my salad was missing the pancetta and – I mean, come on – what’s a spinach salad without bacon? My lobster mac was pretty darn good — a whole perfect claw and huge hunks of meat, creamy pasta, topped with a basil breadcrumb. (My friends appeared to be over the moon for the scallops.) And our choices from the wine menu turned out to be very tasty for $ 12/​glass wine.
But, here’s the thing: the prices on this menu had me expecting excellence when all we got was average. One of the first things our waitress emphasize when we sat down was that the restaurant wanted us to really *experience* the full expression of our meal, which I found to be a little flowery and overly inflated as compared to the food we actually received.
On top of this all, the whole restaurant was filled with meat smoke (I think their grill needs better ventilation); it was above average loud; the chairs were uncomfortable; and, there was coat check drama all night. I think every person we watched who attempted to leave hadn’t been given a coat check tag, plus someone actually got their coat stolen while we were there. I think the restaurant is going for trendy and upscale, when, in reality, it comes off as inconsistent and disappointing.
Bottom line: There’s plenty of other places in Pittsburgh where I’d rather spend $ 150+ for three people. On a Saturday night at 9pm, I should have realized why Nine on Nine was the only restaurant out of FIFTEEN we called that had open tables…

SETTING:
Dressy, Fancy, Sexy. Mood lighting? Check.
FOOD:
We came for restaurant week, and believe me, we were hyped for Nine on Nine. On paper, the 3-​course dinner looked beyond delicious. We could not wait to have our bellies filled with food of the gods.
But first, let me ask you a question. A bread basket is a bread basket, right? False. The complimentary focaccia bread was phenomenal. It was cut into small pieces and had some garlic, tomato slices, and probably some other fancy herbs in it. I could eat a whole loaf, no problem.
Starter: Roasted Tri Color Beets
Entrée: Short Rib & Ricotta Gnocchi
Dessert: Crème Brulee
The starter was presented in a «deconstructed» fashion, with beets cut into small sizes, guanciale (cured meat), candied walnuts, a small block of brie, and drizzled miso vinaigrette. Just a heads up if you’re thinking, «Hmm vinaigrette and candied walnuts? Must be sweet». Not this case – it actually leaned towards the savory and spicy side. I’m pretty sure the walnuts and brie had some herbs on it to made it just a little spicy. It threw me off a bit, but I still liked it because it came together well.
The Gnocchi was presented in a what looked like a jambalaya – the concoction simmering in a savory sauce. Short-​ribs cut into mini chunks were mixed in with the gooey-​cheesy gnocci. Topped off with arugula, smoked bleu cheese, onions. The dish was a little light on the amount of meat, but it was still quite filling and satisfying. Imagine your favorite comfort food pasta. Now, imagine it dressed up and upgraded with additional delicious ingredients. Kate Upton in jeans, now, Kate Upton in a cocktail dress. You get the idea – I didn’t know something great could become something so AMAZING.
Crème Brulee unfortunately was not anything special. Good, but pretty ordinary.
SERVICE:
Very professional staff and waiters for the most part. Coat check available. Our waiter was very good with explaining our dining options and offering his opinion. But the one girl who helped clear our table and refill waters just seemed like she was having the worst day ever! Never smiled, no «you’re welcome“s when we said thank you… a little off putting. Other than that, they took good care of us.
IMPRESSIONS:
More on the expensive side, but a great deal for restaurant week. Good portions. Not gonna lie, I wish I could have that bread again, right about now.

This place is a mixed bag for me. It’s not bad, but there’s nothing about it that screamed «make me your favorite» either. It’s an upscale place for sure and it appears to cater to the theater crowd. The thing with theater restaurants is that if you go at 6, it’s packed. If you go at 8, it’s dead. Really dead and eerily quiet because their music wasn’t working. We were the only people there, which was sort of awkward since it felt like the entire staff could hear everything we said all night.
What pulled up the star rating was the Lobster Mac-​N-​Cheese. Completely worth the $ 16! Creamy and flavorful with a hint of herbs (which also make it look extra good). Big chunks of lobster and bread crumbs on the top rounded it out nicely.
Overall, I just didn’t get a warm and fuzzy feeling from this place, despite the good food. I would describe it more as stuffy and uppity than warm and inviting. I might try it again in the dining room since the food was good, but then again, maybe not.