We had the pleasure of spending our Friday and Saturday nights at these two restaurants, so I thought I'd drop a note here and share my impressions. Cafe Sam (Baum Blvd) was fine. The service was okay (not amazing and not terrible) and three of our four entrees were very good. I had the filet (blackened) and it was cooked perfectly (medium). The others in my group had a variety of things. The chicken was rated very highly, although one person ordered a special and was very dissapointed (I can't recall which dish this was--sorry.) The wine selection was reasonably decent and I was able to have a bottle of Guinness. The tap beer selection wasn't great, however. The desserts were so-so. I had the creme broullee (it was fine) but another in our group had the special dessert of the evening, a strawberry cobbler that resembled a pie and was short on berries. All in the all the experience was very enjoyable. The shortcomings were minor and we'd definately go back. The lesson we learned--avoid the specials. Prices were appropriate (entrees ranged from about $10 to $19, I think). Cafe Victoria (Western Avenue, about 3 blocks from the West End Bridge) was great. This is the second time we've been there and we're consistently suprised at how few people are there. The food is outstanding and priced fairly well (entrees range from about $13 to $22). The service is a bit inconsistent, but always very friendly and accomodating. The wine list is also quite good and they don't over inflate their bottle prices. We both had the chicken and enjoyed it a great deal. Desserts at Cafe Victoria are okay in quality and outstanding in presenation. I think the buy their cakes and torts from USA Gourmet (like half of Pittsburgh!) but they do their own decoration. The presentation is worth the wait. I would highly reccomend trying this place, especially for a quiet or romantic outing. The restaurant is situated in a old victorian house and they have managed to retain the charm despite turning it into a commercial establishment.
Pittsburgh, PA
REVIEW: Cafe Sam and Cafe Victoria
Regarding Cafe Sam, I can't help repeat what been said many times (albeit a while back) And people said: the management is nothing short of abominable. The owner as of then (still the owner?) was a mean SOB, and practically robbed the wait staff of tips. The wife's owner is some sort of tart who makes life additional random hell. Unbelievably, some customers have been told to screw themselves when they've complained, and the owner personally booted them out the place, laughing the while. Haven't read the paper recently, but they had an revolving/eternal help wanted ad in the PG. I know of at least three women who quit in tears or pure rage. Sorry to put a damper on the review, I just got a little upset thinking about my friends. Hope he goes out of business. If it's under different ownership, I take back everything, of course. But I haven't heard of such news.