Western PA Fish Sandwiches

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (buffetbuster)

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:23:25 GMT

A thank you to lleechef, who sent me a link to this really good article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about Wholey's. Although it may not have as the reputation to non-locals as Primanti Brothers, it is every bit as much a Pittsburgh institution.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:51:03 GMT

lleechef and I met with buffetbuster Thursday night for fish sandwiches at Rook's Eastside Saloon in Ambridge, Pennyslvania. It's a pretty near place, and the fish sandwiches were terrific. The fries were OK, but the cole slaw must have been really good. leechef ordered the slaw instead of fries with her sandwich and she and buffetbuster both dug into that. Rook's fish sandwich isn't Wholey's, but I'd go back again, after we've tried a few more Western Pennsylvania fish sandwiches. Although, I might consider a returbn visit just to try the hot Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions. Buffetbuster got one to go. I'll wait for his report.

Truth to tell, even if the fish sandwich hadn't been as good it would have been a fun evening.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (gregys)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:09:25 GMT

If there is a good place in Scottsdale I would like to know. I pass through there on the way to camp.

Greg

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (gregys)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:52:25 GMT

Tarter sauce is common for take out. Down the strip I think they just have various bottles out, like tarter and vinegar, hot sauce.

I don't get out much. I think of big jim' s, doritos, roy's by the tracks, eliots backstreet BBQ, chick's.

I don't know if chick's actually have a sandwich, but I know they have breaded fish. The baked cod was the best fish I ever ate. It was fresh fish with the right spicies.
Yes, I just checked, fish sandwich.
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ChicksGrillMcKeesport

Greg

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (buffetbuster)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:28:39 GMT

Did someone say pie? Looking forward to seeing Lisa and Michael tomorrow night!

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (lleechef)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:12:42 GMT

Well, there's more than one way to skin a cat or a fish......so tomorrow night we're meeting up with buffetbuster at Rook's in Ambridge. One of their specialties is a fried fish sandwich. Also wings. Also burgers. And yes, they have pie. Sounds like a great evening spent with a good friend.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Kenny Joe)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:06:52 GMT

Cocktail sauce and tartar sauce are the usual toppings. Like BB, I prefer it plain or with malt vinegar. The malt vinegar is on the tables at Wholey's and, if you go to The Oyster House, you also have the option my favorite topping, their house spicy malt vinegar.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (buffetbuster)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:33:51 GMT

Brad-
In the local restaurant in my town, they always ask you if you want cocktail sauce or tartar. Tartar is undoubtedly the most common condiment. For me, I prefer eating it plain or with some malt vinegar.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (ScreamingChicken)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:40:21 GMT

This has probably been asked (maybe even by me) and answered elsewhere but this thread is certainly appropriate:

Are there any traditional condiments for a WPA fish sandwich? WJ's photo looks like fish on a plain roll.

Brad

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (lleechef)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:24:41 GMT

bb, let's check! We are always up for a good fish sandwich.
I am very disappointed that it's Ash Wednesday. Wholey's will be a zoo for sure. Well, maybe on the way back next week.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:24:22 GMT

wanderingjew

Michael,

If you don't make it, you can always have this photo as a memento

Now that's just a rotten thing to do to someone.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (buffetbuster)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:39:38 GMT

In a fish sandwich obsessed city, Wholey's is still a clear cut #1. Of course, that doesn't mean I won't continue to look for other places just as good!

Michael & Lisa-
About half of the people I work with are from Beaver County and I asked around yesterday for where they think the best local fish sandwich comes from. While a few names came up repeatedly, there were several places I had never heard of before. We may need to check some of these places out!

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (The Travelin Man)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:14:57 GMT

See....now that's just wrong. Telling a man he can't have something and then teasing is just plain mean! :-)

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (wanderingjew)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:06:38 GMT

Michael,

If you don't make it, you can always have this photo as a memento

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:33:27 GMT

Wow! I never thought of that. Maybe we'll just check it out and do the obligatory shopping at the Pennsylvania Macaroni Factory instead.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Kenny Joe)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:37:49 GMT

The Travelin Man is correct. Be prepared for a longer than usual line, especially if you are there at lunchtime.
And in my experience, that will also be true for any other fishmonger.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (The Travelin Man)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:50:18 GMT

Michael - I don't know how this plays in the 'Burgh, but I suspect that Wholey's (or any other fishmonger) may be utterly swamped on Ash Wednesday. They take on quite a line on a regular day; tomorrow may be crazy.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (MetroplexJim)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:55:25 GMT

When I was a kid the "R.C.'s" had their "meatless Fridays" and we Presbyterians ... long story short ... deprived ourselves of things such as fish. All I can say now is that I am not limber enough to kick myself in the a$$.

In my college years I discovered the "Pittsburgh Fish Sandwich" at the Enon Valley Inn. PTL! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/252/1159125/restaurant/Pennsylvania/New-Castle/Enon-Valley-Inn-Enon-Valley . The notbilly review is hilarious.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:55:16 GMT

Lisa and I were talking about stopping for lunch tomorrow as we head for her Mother's house in Rochester. And the unanimous decision is: Wholey's in the Strip in Pgh. for a fish sandwich. It's been a long time since we were there and we're hungry for one of their great sandwiches!

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Ralph Melton)

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:50:16 GMT

I'll have to give Keith's Katering a try. What makes it so special?

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (cementhead)

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:33:08 GMT

Sure wish the eastern part of Pa had fish sandwiches like that.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (lleechef)

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:43:27 GMT

Thanks for the tip, falco! We will certainly have to try Keith's Katering. Trafford is not far considering we once drove over 200 miles to Lake Erie to have walleye and perch sandwiches.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:53:59 GMT

I'll mention Keith's Katering to my Western Pennsylvania guide.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (falco)

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 10:02:46 GMT

Hi,
May I suggest Keith's Katering in Trafford, Pa. East Of Pgh. But not far, Keith's will make you wonder how you have lived this long without their fish.
Falco

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Foodbme)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:51:59 GMT

Michael Hoffman

I'm not a member of any phoney organization such as the one you mention. I am, however, a Turtle, and a charter member of the Armadillo Breeders Association of America.

Just to prove you wrong sir, we're going to crown you a Grand Poobah in The International Order Of Curmudgeon's with all the righst and privledges therein. So, along with your dues, enclose an additional $50.00 for your crown and cape.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:34:43 GMT

I'm not a member of any phoney organization such as the one you mention. I am, however, a Turtle, and a charter member of the Armadillo Breeders Association of America.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Foodbme)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:53:11 GMT

Michael Hoffman

I'm not merely a curmudgeon from Ohio, I'm proud to be the curmudgeon of the world.

Are you a Member of The IOOC? The International Order Of Curmudgeon's?
Since I'm the Treasurer of the IOOC, you can forward a $25 Dollar check to me for your annual dues.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:45:52 GMT

I'm not merely a curmudgeon from Ohio, I'm proud to be the curmudgeon of the world.

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (joerogo)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:11:00 GMT

lleechef

Someone had to educate the 'ol curmudgeon from Ohio!

Took the words right out of my mouth

Agreed, The Strip Rocks!

Re:Western PA Fish Sandwiches (lleechef)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:10:57 GMT

We will have to try the Oyster House on the next trip through the 'Burgh. I've never been there. I've also heard that Little Oasis in Bridgeville does a good job on their fish sandwich.