How do you spell the main ingredient in the Pittsburgh Steak sandwich at Alexions Bar & Grill?
B-O-L-O-G-N-A.
"The sandwich is made with bologna, eggs and American cheese," says Tom Yaksick, who has owned the Green Tree Borough establishment since 1980. "But I tell people it's prime-cut bologna. You'd be surprised how many people are happy when they see we have bologna."
That's just the beginning of what you can eat at Alexions. It offers an extensive menu including the whole Pittsburgh Steak sandwich ($6), grilled buffalo chicken salad ($7.75), veggie burgers ($5.50), fish sandwiches ($7.95) and a real steak sandwich ($6.75), noted as the bar's most popular choice. There's also seven flavors of wings ($7.50 a dozen) and fresh hand-tossed pizza ($9.25 for a 16-inch cheese). The breakfast sandwich ($6.95) is served all day, and there are plenty of side dishes.
Located in a place known as "Rook Station," because a lot of the people who lived there worked for the railroad, Alexions doesn't have a fine-dining look. Sports memorabilia from the Steelers of the 1970s hangs on the walls along with high school football helmets dangling from the ceiling representing schools such as Chartiers Valley, Thomas Jefferson, Carlynton and Mt. Lebanon.
It's the kind of place people of all ages can come and enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price in a nice atmosphere.
"This reminds me of a 'Cheers' bar," employee Shelby Psomas says. Her sister, Tera, and their mother, Nancy, also work there. "Everybody knows everybody. We have customers of all ages. I come here even when I'm not working."
Yaksick credits employees such as the Psomas trio with the success of the business.
"When you own a place like this, you are like a coach," he says. "You are only as good as your players, and I am fortunate to have really good people working for me. My goal is for everything to be consistent in terms of good food, a clean atmosphere and quality service."
The place is sparkling. Yaksick says he is a "clean freak" because, when you sell food, you have to be.
He offers daily sandwich specials and nightly food specials. Friday usually is the busiest day for lunch, but even more so now during Lent, when customers come for the cod.
"During Lent, we turn things up a notch," he says. "Our fish sandwich is really good. It is cod, and you get at least a half a pound of fish. It may not be the cheapest, but it is high quality."
After lunch, free popcorn sits in containers along the bar, where beers on tap include Iron City Light and Blue Moon Belgian-style wheat ale.
Shoot a little pool or try your hand at darts. Or just sit back, relax and watch one of seven flat-screen televisions. Come late spring or early summer, there will be a new deck to dine and sip a margarita. An upstairs dining room also is used for dining at busy times and is available for parties of 30. There also is plenty of free parking.
"I love this place," says regular Tim Jablonski, of Heidelberg, who has been a customer for 20 years. "I really like the atmosphere, and the people who work here treat you well. ... I feel comfortable coming in here."
On Saturday, the place most likely will be packed with individuals celebrating St. Patrick's Day after the parade in Downtown Pittsburgh.
"People will be lined up three and four deep, but the thing about this place is, everyone is really friendly and they respect each other," Yaksick says. "That's the way it should be. This should be a nice place to come and have a drink or get something to eat.
"I am old school all the way. That has worked here so far, and I want to continue with that style because that reflects my personality and the personality I want the bar to have."
Additional Information:Alexions Bar & Grill
Location: 141 Hawthorne St., Green Tree
Hours: Open until 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Kitchen hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays, noon-midnight Saturdays, closed Sundays (exceptions made for playoff sporting events).
Details: 412-276-2018.
