Longevity is the defining characteristic of Speers Street Grill, a dining establishment located in Lower Speers, Pennsylvania – despite its Belle Vernon mailing address. This popular eatery has been a fixture in the community since 1991, consistently serving up casual American cuisine under the Pappalardo family’s ownership. Today, Michelle Jones, daughter of Joe Pappalardo, along with Dave Mendicino, who has dedicated years to the family’s restaurants since the age of 19, expertly manage Speers Street Grill. Mendicino’s journey began under the mentorship of Joe Pappalardo himself. The Pappalardo family’s culinary footprint extends further in the area. Just across the street, The Back Porch, Speers Street Grill’s sister restaurant, is owned and operated by Jones’ siblings, Patty Keller and Joey Pappalardo. Another sister, Jamie Spadafore, manages 2 Fine Caterers in Charleroi, solidifying the family’s deep roots in the local food scene. Mendicino fondly recalls his enduring connection to the Pappalardo family businesses: “I left a couple of times, but they kept bringing me back,” he shares with a smile, emphasizing, “Joe was a big mentor to me.”
Owners Michelle Jones and Dave Mendicino with Chef Graham Baker at Speers Street Grill Speers PA
The remarkable staff retention at Speers Street Grill is another testament to its enduring appeal and positive work environment. In an industry known for high turnover, Speers Street Grill boasts an exceptionally loyal team. Chef Graham Baker, for instance, has been a part of the kitchen since he was 16 and is now 35. Many kitchen staff members have been with the restaurant for 8 to 10 years, and the wait staff also reflects this loyalty, with members serving for four, seven, eight, and even more years. This stability speaks volumes about the leadership of Jones and Mendicino and the welcoming atmosphere they cultivate, which, combined with consistently delicious food, keeps both employees and guests returning. The restaurant’s ambiance is further enhanced by picturesque views of the Monongahela River and a collection of vintage photographs depicting the local Valley’s history, adding layers to the dining experience at Speers Street Grill Speers Pa.
Initially, the location opened in 1991 as Jamie’s Ice Cream Parlor, complete with a classic soda fountain. However, this concept proved unsustainable. It then evolved into a grill, initially offering a menu primarily served in baskets with minimal need for silverware, focusing on items like ribs and burgers. Today, Speers Street Grill has refined its offerings, with Jones describing the menu as “casual American cuisine.” This evolution reflects the restaurant’s adaptability and commitment to meeting customer preferences while maintaining its core appeal as a comfortable and accessible dining destination in Speers, PA.
Salmon Pecan Crunch dish at Speers Street Grill restaurant in Speers PA
Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights at Speers Street Grill
Speers Street Grill is particularly renowned for its generous and flavorful salads, often described as “jumbo, Pittsburgh-style salads.” These hearty salads are a customer favorite, alongside their popular fried zucchini. The fried zucchini recipe has an interesting local culinary connection, originating from Mark’s restaurant in Uniontown. When Mark’s closed, Joe Pappalardo, eager to offer this beloved dish at Speers Street Grill, learned the recipe directly from Mark. The zucchini is prepared by slicing it exceptionally thin, frying it to a crisp golden brown, and serving it with a choice of creamy ranch dressing or marinara sauce. This attention to detail and dedication to quality ingredients are hallmarks of the dining experience at Speers Street Grill Speers PA.
The menu at Speers Street Grill is updated seasonally, twice a year, to ensure fresh and appealing choices throughout the year. “We take heavy meals off of the winter to make room for lighter meals in the summer, but it’s hard to take anything off because everything sells,” Jones explains, highlighting the popularity of their entire menu. Mendicino points out the anticipation for seasonal favorites, noting, “Probably in September, people start asking for the meatloaf.” This meatloaf, a winter menu highlight that returns each November, is a testament to Chef Baker’s culinary creativity. He has given this classic dish a modern twist, presenting it as a towering creation featuring a base of Texas toast, layered with meatloaf and red-skin mashed potatoes, generously smothered in gravy, and crowned with thick, crispy fried onion rings. This innovative approach to comfort food keeps the menu exciting and reflective of contemporary tastes while honoring traditional flavors at Speers Street Grill Speers PA.
Pittsburgh-style Steak and Chicken Salad at Speers Street Grill Speers PA
Another key ingredient to the success of Speers Street Grill is Julia Cain, who has been an integral part of the restaurant for many years. She is responsible for crafting all of the soups and sauces from scratch, contributing significantly to the homemade quality and distinctive flavors that customers appreciate. While Speers Street Grill enjoys a strong base of regular patrons, drawn by the familiar faces of their favorite servers and the consistently excellent food, Jones and Mendicino are also focused on attracting a younger demographic. To appeal to younger adults, they offer a rotating selection of craft beers and have introduced trendier menu items, such as poutine. This blend of classic favorites and contemporary additions ensures that Speers Street Grill remains relevant and appealing to a broad range of diners in Speers, Pennsylvania, and beyond.
However, there are deliberate choices that define the unique atmosphere of Speers Street Grill. Notably absent are televisions and live music. Jones and Mendicino explain that the space is not conducive to live music, as past attempts have overwhelmed the intimate setting. Regarding televisions, Mendicino states, “We never had TVs in here, we want you to come in here and talk to each other.” This conscious decision fosters a convivial environment that encourages conversation and connection, setting Speers Street Grill apart as a place to enjoy good company and great food without distractions. This emphasis on creating a comfortable, homey atmosphere is a core part of the Speers Street Grill experience.
The Round Up Burger at Speers Street Grill in Speers Pennsylvania
In conclusion, Speers Street Grill at 121 Speers St. in Lower Speers, PA, offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience rooted in community, quality, and conversation. Whether you’re indulging in their breaded eggplant lasagna or a perfectly cooked New York strip steak, you can expect a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere ideal for connecting with friends and family. For more information or to make a reservation, call 724-483-1911 or visit speersstreetgrill.com. Editor’s Note: When using GPS, it’s recommended to input Charleroi as the city rather than Belle Vernon to ensure accurate directions to Speers Street Grill Speers PA.
