Snacks N'At: Nox's Tavern and Grille, Blawnox
When you fashion yourself as a modern-day Cheers, that place where everybody knows your name, you've set yourself up for a mighty tough act to follow.
Jennifer Carrozza and Brittany Schaffer, owners of Nox's Tavern and Grille in Blawnox, which they opened in April 2014, believe they are up to the task.
“We love seeing new faces and, like Cheers, we also appreciate our regulars. We're a family bar where everybody knows your name,” Schaffer says.
Their building has been home to many bars throughout the years.
Schaffer of Shaler and Carrozza of O'Hara have never previously owned a bar, but they worked at the Shaler Lounge together for 14 years.
“We enjoy a lot of things in this industry. There is never a dull moment,” Schaffer says. “We love meeting new people, always changing food and drinks and offering new beers on tap, seasonal and monthly food menus. Our customers have kept us going with their encouraging words and positive feedback.”
Nox's (a nod to the borough's name) is a small tavern, a block off Freeport Road on Blaw Avenue, seating about 40 in the bar and, in the nicer months, another 20 on the patio. High- and low-top tables and 15 bar stools provide the seating. Chalkboard walls display monthly specials and nightly features.
They have five 50-inch flat-screen TVs in the bar and one on the patio, all with surround sound. And, unlike some establishments that bill themselves as sports friendly and then unbelievably expect you to watch the games with the sound down, fans are able to see and hear the Steelers, Pirates and Pens at Nox's. The lounge also has Wi-Fi.
When it comes to food (prices and menu are on Nox's website), which includes a variety of appetizers, salads and soups, wing dings, original steamers, sandwiches and wraps, desserts and seasonal fare, Schaffer says they wanted something that made Nox's stand out from regular taverns.
“Our juicy steamed burgers ($8.99-$9.99) are our niche,” she says. “Our wing sauces are also all homemade, and people seem to like the variety that we offer.” Wings are $5.99 and $9.99.
The signature burger is a half-pound of steamed, seasoned beef topped with white cheddar, lettuce, tomato and “Blaw sauce,” a mustard and mayo blend.
The cod (fish sandwiches are $6.50 to $8.99) is potato-and-panko crusted, and the buffalo chicken and Philly egg rolls are homemade.
Roasted red pepper is the house soup, and is pared with a different soup weekly ($2.99 a cup; $3.99 bowl).
If you clean your plate, or even if you don't, Brit and Jen's Cookie in a Cup, served warm, awaits for dessert ($2.99).
Beer, draft and bottled, ranges from $2.75 to $6.50. Pepsi products are sold.
“We have just started with entertainment, karaoke and live music,” Schaffer says. “Just check our Facebook for upcoming events.”
“We have an awesome staff. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today. We appreciate everyone that has come down to try us out,” Schaffer says.And your first name doesn't need to be “Norm!” to be greeted.
Nox's Tavern and Grille, 730 Blaw Ave., Blawnox, is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays, noon to 1:30 a.m. Saturdays and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Major credit cards accepted. Details: 412-794-8233 or noxstavern.com
Rex Rutkoski is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-226-4664 or rrutkoski@tribweb.com.
