Smiling Moose Features Burgers, Taco, Sliders, and Mac and Cheese (Wed., 5/19/21)

Shrimp po boy tacos and a bbq chicken sandwich with pasta salad are just two of The Smiling Moose’s offerings.

Shrimp po boy tacos and a bbq chicken sandwich with pasta salad are just two of The Smiling Moose’s offerings. (photo: Christopher Maggio)

I’m embarrassed to report that this was my first visit to the Smiling Moose! I ordered the shrimp po boy tacos ($11), tempura fried shrimp topped with roasted red pepper and corn salsa, roasted red pepper mayo, red cabbage, Sriracha, and cilantro. The toppings added a Chinese-Mexican-fusion spiciness.

Meanwhile, the sweet bbq grilled chicken sandwich ($11)topped with bacon, sharp cheddar, and grilled onionwas meaty and good. Homemade pasta salad, lightly flavored with vinegar, came as a side.

Myriad burgers, salads, sliders, and snacks round out the menu, all of it reasonably priced. Check online for daily soups and specials. Finally, enticing was the Moose Classic Mac & Cheese ($10), but I’ll save it for next time.

The second floor, where the stage is, has been closed, while the first floor is for dining in. “The first floor, when we’re actually able to be open, it’s ok, it holds its own,” owner and chef Mike “Scarfo” Scarlatelli, said. “Still, we’re not even touching what we could be doing.” [The first floor is now open for in-person dining in compliance with current Health Department requirements.]

However, he added the Smiling Moose has always had awesome food, and now more people know about it. He’s also entertaining the idea of brewing beer and perhaps putting bands downstairs whenever live music returns.

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Christopher Maggio

I'm a Steel City native and have worked for Entertainment Central Pittsburgh since 2014. I write, edit, and photograph in the categories of music, nightlife, and occasionally theater and dining. In my free time, I enjoy live music and time with friends and family.

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