The Monterey Bay Fish Grotto has an extensive menu, although most diners will recommend the Maryland crabcakes or the Rido Grille House, an Atlantic salmon dish. The classy restaurant features wrap-around windows that provide a spectacular view of the Point and the three rivers. All to be expected, considering the restaurant is on the 10th floor and features a glass elevator. The restaurant also promises to sell all wines at $10 above cost. There are also banquet facilities for up to 100 people.

Shootz Cafe claims to be an "upscale cafe and billiards club." The establishment has 18 billiards tables, leather sofas, a huge fireplace and dining area. The cafe hosts regular billiards leagues and tournaments, as well as parties for up to 500 people. The menu provides pizza, finger foods, sandwiches, salads and a variety of entrees. There is a burrito bar on Fridays. Reservations are required for parties of eight or more and there are no smoking or nonsmoking areas.

There was a time when Blue Lou's and Mario's were two distinct establishments, even though they had the same owner. Several years ago the owner knocked down the dividing wall to combine the bars. One of the hottest nightspots on the South Side, Mario's/Blue Lou's is always crowded. The extensive menu features sandwiches, salads, burgers and the famous BBQ ribs, which are roasted for eight hours before touching the grill. Also watch out for waitresses sliding down the fire pole bearing cakes.

Pittsburghers recently chose Kiku as the best Japanese restaurant in a recent poll. The food is so delicious that Japanese visitors highly recommend the restaurant. The menu features the traditional sushi dishes, plus shabu shabu, swordfish teriyaki and tempura. The first and third Tuesday of every month features all-you-can-eat specials. The menu also features a variety of Japanese wines and beers, as well as specialty cocktails. The restaurant can host banquets for as many as 30 people.

Ruth's Chris' Steak House is part of a chain that originated in New Orleans. It seems to have taken the country's steak-lovers by storm and has become Pittsburgh's favorite place for steak. Who can resist the aged prime beef served with sizzling butter? The menu also features chicken, lamb and seafood selections. There is a full-service bar and a 14-page wine list. After 4 pm, free parking is available in the PPG garage.

Most people do not realize that a restaurant is tucked into the confines of Heinz Hall. The Mozart Room is an elegant restaurant that requires reservations and proper attire and you must have tickets to a performance to dine at the restaurant. The Mozart Room is open and a favorite before productions at Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall, and even before some productions at other venues in the Cultural District as well. The chef prepares contemporary American cuisine. Some brunches are also served.

Monte Cello's offers an express lunch buffet where patrons can help themselves to pizza by the slice or sandwiches. Monte Cello's pizzas are famous for their unusual toppings, such as steak and onions or chicken and broccoli. The menu includes other entrees, soups and salads. No alcohol is available at this restaurant. Monte Cello's only accepts reservations for parties of 10 or more. Catering and delivery service is available.

Have a craving for schnitzel or sausage? Then try Max's Allegheny Tavern. The restaurant specializes in German dishes, with a few beef and seafood selections on the menu. For those who can't choose between German delights, try the Sampler Platter, which offers three entrees. The restaurant is located in an old East Allegheny bar that was restored to its original state. A full-service bar and wine list are available. Banquet facilities will accommodate 80 people.

Oakland is a bustling neighborhood, revolving around the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and several hospitals. One of the best places to enjoy American cuisine is Union Grill. Customers prefer the "Build a Burger" option on the menu, which allows them to choose what accompanies the thick burger. There are also several specialties on the menu, such as Bourbon Street Pasta: fresh vegetables tossed with fettuccine and flavored with a Cajun sauce and a dash of Jim Beam. The grill offers "rock bottom prices" on the full-service wine list.

Customers at the Boulevard Deli can take a tour of the city by ordering a variety of sandwiches. Each offering is named after a Pittsburgh neighborhood or attraction. The Mon is a bagel stuffed with tuna salad and melted cheese. The Mt. Washington is a stack of roast beef and cheddar cheese topped with coleslaw. The deli is popular for business lunch take-out orders, but provides seating for 26 patrons. In addition to sandwiches, the menu contains salads, soups and a few continental breakfast items. The deli is also available for catering.