Beaver’s Towne Square Restaurant: An American Classic

Classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy.

The dining scene in the Pittsburgh area has been growing in quality for years now. Recently, chefs at Apteka and Pusadee’s Garden have been named James Beard Award semifinalists for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region. However, there are still other gems hidden in plain sight in our region. Ones that are classic American restaurants offering great comfort food and friendly service at very reasonable prices.  These places have been institutions in our communities for years. One such place is Towne Square Restaurant located just down the Ohio River (or via I-376 West) in Beaver, Pennsylvania.

Last summer I bought a Jeep at Beaver County Jeep in Chippewa Township, Beaver County. With the purchase they give you two free maintenance packages. Recently, after I received service for my Jeep, I decided to drive to Beaver, which I hadn’t been to in some years. I drove around the main business district on 3rd Street—it’s a charming town—viewing my dining options. I saw Towne Square Restaurant and thought I’d dine there.

I parked and entered the restaurant stepping over the smoothed-down threshold that Towne Square wears as a badge of history and authenticity. There was a lunch counter to my right and I proceeded back to the main dining area. A friendly hostess seated me. The paper placemat had advertisements from many local businesses printed on it. A nice small town touch. My server was Rich. I asked him about Towne Square and he said he had worked there for over thirty years and it has had had three owners. Ashley, another friendly server that I spoke with while paying my check, said that the restaurant’s current owner is Patrick Trevelline. Everyone that I encountered while there was extremely nice.

The front dining room was comfortable with some wood paneling, classic lighting fixtures, and a large window that looked out onto the street. There was a larger rear dining room that seemed a little brighter. The clientele was a mix of ladies who lunch, retired folks, blue-collar workers, and business people. After being seated in a booth in the front room and perusing the menu I decided on the baked lemon pepper cod. I ordered mashed potatoes and coleslaw as my sides. The nice-sized fish filet was moist, flaky, and delicious. It was cooked to perfection, although for my tastes, just a little less seasoning on it. The mashed potatoes were smooth and delicious and the coleslaw was creamy. 

Baked lemon pepper cod and mashed potatoes with gravy on the side.

I also ordered the meatloaf, which I was going to take to my mom, but I asked Rich to serve it to me so I could have a few bites to try before packing it up to go. It was tremendous as well. A large two-piece portion with just the right ratio of bread/breadcrumbs to meat and good seasoning. A rich brown gravy covered it and the mashed potatoes. I was a good son and stopped at two bites!

For dessert I tried the butter pecan cheesecake. I ordered that and a cup of coffee. The cheesecake had three layers to it. The bottom layer was a graham cracker crust followed by the butter pecan creamy, sweet center, and the top layer was all cheesecake. It was delectable so I got my mom a piece of it too. The coffee had a nice flavor as well.

Butter pecan cheesecake.

The prices were just right. Lemon pepper cod with two sides and a roll and butter was only $10.99. The meatloaf, with the same accouterments, was $8.99. Other items of note on their menu are an 8 oz. ribeye steak ($15.99), grilled pork chops ($9.99), fried chicken dinner ($10.99), and of course the ever popular (or not)—liver and onions ($8.99). Town Square also offers a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and many other items. In the morning they offer a full breakfast menu (Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon). 

On a follow-up phone call I asked Trevelline what was the reason for Towne Square’s success? He said, “I think we give a decent meal for a decent price. We have a good customer base, some come in several times a day, some several times a week. We make a good living without killing people’s pocket book.” He also mentioned that his father, had owned Brighton Hot Dog Shoppes and that Ashley was his daughter.

After a fine meal and outstanding service, it was a happy drive back upriver to the ‘Burgh. Looking forward to my next visit.

Towne Square Restaurant is located at 518 3rd St. in Beaver. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays. (724) 774-5453.

Front dining room looking out onto the street.

Story and photos by Rick Handler, executive producer of Entertainment Central.

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