Allegheny Mariner: Good Eats

Trying (and failing) to pass my driver's test in Kittanning has now brought Dad and I twice to the Allegheny Mariner Restaurant for post-non-celebratory lunches.

Ambience
The riverside views are lovely. The side of the restaurant facing the Allegheny river is framed with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The decor inside is cosy too.

Our orders
I got the burger, while Dad ordered the soup of the day - I think it was 'Italian' soup. I tend to order burgers every restaurant I visit. I figure it's the least processed item on most menus? Plus, it's hard to mess up a burger!

The second time we went, I had a cup of stuffed cabbage soup and Dad picked a reuben sandwich with french onion soup. He also chose one of the premium beers on tap.

The food 

I loved the fresh baguette slices that came with our meal. I slathered on butter and savored each chewy, gluten-y bite of that delicious bread.

The mains were pretty good. My burger patty appeared lovingly hand-formed and not machine-pressed. It was juicy and quite tasty. I would order it again. Dad ate my chips.  He also enjoyed his soup. I tasted some. It was rich, tomato-ey and yum.

Stuffed cabbage soup and the to-die-for rolls

The stuffed cabbage soup that I ordered the next time round was hearty and filling. It was a touch too salty for my taste, but went down well with the bread that comes with every order.

Dad ate half of his french onion soup. He seemed to like it. I don't know if I'll ever warm up to the idea of eating a bowlful of soggy bread cubes and caramelized onions topped with oozy melted cheese. My insides get clogged just thinking about it hehe.

Gracie's Verdict
Allegheny Mariner Restaurant gets Gracie's three-and-a-half stars. The food is fresh and good, and reasonably priced.

I will definitely go back to try their crab cakes and filet mignon, which other reviewers seem to love.