Foxhole Tavern, which opened late last year, feels like a thoughtful addition rather than a loud arrival — the kind of modern tavern that seems to have always belonged in its neighborhood.
Stop Into Foxhole Tavern in Aspinwall
Tucked into Aspinwall, a charming pocket close to the city, it strikes a balance that Pittsburgh diners increasingly crave: elevated but unpretentious, achieving a stylishness without trying too hard. The room sets the tone immediately. Dark wood, warm lighting and an unmistakable mid-century sensibility give the space a decidedly cozy vibe. On busy nights (and there are many), the small footprint can amplify the noise, but the energy also underscores Foxhole’s popularity as one of the region’s newest gathering places.
The menu leans into comfort with polish. Elevated appetizers anchor the experience. Standouts include an herby rosemary focaccia with a luscious whipped ricotta and also a bright tuna crudo that’s better with the inclusion of pickled shallots and chiles. One of my favorite dishes of the evening was the Newman chopped salad. This is the kitchen’s take on a Italian chop salad, with salami, pepperoncini, provolone as well as green olives, all in tangy house vinaigrette.
Entrees reinforce Foxhole’s strengths. The Linguini alla Frutta di Mare brings together shrimp, mussels and calamari in a bright, white-wine lemon butter sauce. It’s flavorful and generous. The burger and fries, meanwhile, have become a must-have. With caramelized onions on top as well as a house “special sauce,” the dish is exceptional without unnecessary embellishment. Steak lovers will find plenty to appreciate in the Steak Frites au Poivre; my prime strip was excellently prepared and paired with crisp fries that do their job without distraction. I’d happily order it again and again.
Don’t Forget the Bar…
At the full bar, they treat cocktails with care. The Smoke Show is a signature for good reason, with rye, maple, fernet and Angostura. The bar even smokes the drink with oak for depth and drama. It reaches a balance and is aromatic, a drink that you’ll remember long after you put down your glass. Classics like a well-made cosmopolitan sit comfortably alongside an extensive wine and beer selection, with most cocktails landing in the $12-$14 range.
Service is friendly, attentive and consistently welcoming, even when the dining room is full. Though the restaurant is still young, Foxhole Tavern is already succeeding not by reinventing the wheel but by refining it — delivering a polished, neighborhood-driven experience that feels both familiar and quietly special.
Story by Emily Catalano
Photography by Dave Bryce