Nestled in Lower Speers, Pennsylvania, the Speers Street Grill, despite its Belle Vernon mailing address, stands as a testament to culinary longevity and family tradition. This casual American restaurant, helmed by owner and manager Michelle Jones and Dave Mendicino, has been a local favorite since 1991, consistently serving up delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its tasty menu but also in its rich history and dedicated staff, many of whom have been part of the Speers Street Grill family for years.
Chef Graham Baker with owners Michelle Jones and Dave Mendicino
The story of Speers Street Grill is deeply intertwined with the Pappalardo family. Originating under the guidance of Joe Pappalardo in 1991, the restaurant is now expertly managed by his daughter, Michelle Jones, alongside Dave Mendicino. Mendicino’s journey with the Pappalardo family’s establishments began at the young age of 19, under the mentorship of Joe Pappalardo himself. The Pappalardo family’s culinary influence extends beyond Speers Street Grill. Across the street, The Back Porch, another family-owned restaurant, is run by Jones’ siblings, Patty Keller and Joey Pappalardo. Another sister, Jamie Spadafore, operates 2 Fine Caterers in Charleroi, further cementing the family’s strong presence in the local food scene. Mendicino affectionately recalls his long-term connection: “I left a couple of times, but they kept bringing me back,” highlighting the strong family bond and commitment that defines Speers Street Grill.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Speers Street Grill is its incredibly low staff turnover, a rarity in the restaurant industry. Chef Graham Baker, a culinary cornerstone of the establishment, has been crafting delicious dishes since he was just 16 years old and is now a seasoned chef at 35. The kitchen team boasts members with tenures ranging from eight to ten years, and the wait staff includes familiar faces who have been serving guests for four, seven, and even eight years. This remarkable staff loyalty speaks volumes about Jones and Mendicino’s leadership and the positive work environment they cultivate. It also reflects the restaurant’s commitment to consistency and quality, ensuring a familiar and welcoming experience for every guest.
Adding to the restaurant’s charm are the picturesque views of the Monongahela River and the captivating collection of vintage photographs of the valley that adorn the walls. These elements create a unique and nostalgic ambiance, inviting guests to relax and immerse themselves in the local history while enjoying their meals.
Originally, the location was home to Jamie’s Ice Cream Parlor, a nostalgic soda fountain that, while charming, proved not to be a sustainable business. Recognizing the need to adapt, the space transitioned into a grill, initially offering a simpler menu served primarily in baskets, focusing on easy-to-eat items like ribs and burgers. Today, Speers Street Grill has evolved its menu to what Jones describes as “casual American cuisine.” This encompasses a broader range of dishes, appealing to diverse tastes while maintaining a relaxed and approachable dining style.
The combo steak and chicken salad with french fries, vegetables and blue cheese
Among the menu’s highlights are the generously portioned, Pittsburgh-style salads, a local favorite known for their hearty ingredients and satisfying size. “Our salads are popular, they’re big, jumbo, Pittsburgh-style salads,” Jones explains. Another standout appetizer, the fried zucchini, has a special backstory. The recipe was acquired from Mark’s restaurant in Uniontown, a beloved establishment that closed its doors. Joe Pappalardo, a fan of Mark’s fried zucchini, personally learned the recipe from Mark himself. Speers Street Grill’s rendition features thinly sliced zucchini, fried to a perfect crisp and served with creamy ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
To keep the menu fresh and seasonal, Speers Street Grill introduces menu changes twice a year. “We take heavy meals off of the winter to make room for lighter meals in the summer,” Jones notes, explaining the seasonal adjustments. However, she also admits the challenge of removing any dish due to the popularity of the entire menu. Mendicino chimes in, highlighting a seasonal favorite: “Probably in September, people start asking for the meatloaf.”
The meatloaf, a much-anticipated winter menu item that returns each November, is a testament to Chef Baker’s culinary creativity. His modern take on this classic comfort food features a towering presentation, starting with a base of Texas toast, layered with savory meatloaf, creamy red-skin mashed potatoes, smothered in rich gravy, and crowned with thick, crispy fried onion rings.
The Round Up Burger with onion rings, bacon, cheese and barbecue sauce
Another long-tenured and crucial member of the Speers Street Grill team is Julia Cain, who is responsible for creating all of the restaurant’s soups and sauces from scratch. Her dedication to homemade quality adds another layer of deliciousness to the Speers Street Grill experience.
While Speers Street Grill enjoys a loyal customer base, Jones and Mendicino are also focused on attracting a younger clientele. To appeal to this demographic, they offer a rotating selection of craft beers and have incorporated trendier menu items like poutine.
However, Speers Street Grill intentionally maintains a distraction-free and conversation-focused environment. You won’t find televisions or live music here. Jones and Mendicino explain that live music was tried but proved overwhelming in the cozy space. As for televisions, Mendicino states, “We never had TVs in here, we want you to come in here and talk to each other.” This deliberate choice fosters a warm and intimate setting, encouraging guests to connect and enjoy each other’s company.
Ultimately, Speers Street Grill offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience. Whether you choose the breaded eggplant lasagna or a perfectly grilled New York strip steak, the food is best enjoyed alongside good conversation in a comfortable, homey atmosphere. This enduring combination of delicious food, family heritage, and welcoming ambiance ensures that Speers Street Grill will remain a cherished local dining destination for years to come.
Speers Street Grill is located at 121 Speers St., Lower Speers, PA. For reservations or inquiries, please call 724-483-1911 or visit their website at speersstreetgrill.com.
Editor’s Note: When using GPS, it is recommended to use Charleroi as the city instead of Belle Vernon to ensure accurate directions. Using Belle Vernon in GPS may lead you to the opposite side of the river.
