The Lamp Post ranks up there as a legend in Lower Burrell.
The restaurant/bar has been in the Condarcure family for the past 34 years and still is going strong.
The Lunch Bunch recalled the last time the crew visited The Lamp Post, which is tucked behind a strip plaza in Lower Burrell. This is the place with the good eats, we remembered. The food still is good, and the prices are reasonable.
The decor is nothing fancy in the dining room, but we like to think that's because more attention is given to what's going on in the kitchen. The service was friendly and accommodating.
We ordered two appetizers -- the Zucchini ($4.75) and Provolone Cheese Sticks ($4.75) Our favorite by far was the tender, thinly-sliced zucchini with a golden brown breading and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. These were as good as some we've had at more expensive restaurants. Not that the cheese sticks weren't dandy, too.
We enjoyed the special of the day -- Fish Sandwich with Mac and Cheese ($5.99). The warm, creamy comfort food hit the spot, so we gobbled down the entire bowl of elbows in a thick cheese sauce, which didn't leave much room for our fish sandwich. We still managed to nibble away at the overhang and then boxed up a full sandwich for an evening meal.
We were quite pleased with the Hot Sausage Sandwich ($7.99), which came on a fresh hoagie bun. The sausage was not too hot, not too bland -- just right. The sausage was cooked in a tomato sauce with slices of onion. We decided the sausage was of good quality, because there was no gristle or fat.
The eight-cut Pizza with pepperoni ($7.99) satisfied a hungry bunch back at home. There was plenty of sauce and cheese, but we were not sure whether we preferred the thick slices of pepperoni that covered the pie. As a personal preference, we prefer thin slices of pepperoni.
On the plus side, there was no trace of grease on the sauce of the pizza or soaked into the bottom of the box.
We also enjoyed the deluxe version of the 7-ounce Chicken Breast Sandwich ($5.69), which is a hearty, full chicken breast layered with bacon and cheese cradled in a fresh roll. The menu offers eight ways to enjoy this sandwich with various indulgent toppings.
Compiled by Rebecca Killian, Sis Reola and guests. Meals are paid for by the Valley News Dispatch and are unrelated to advertising.
Additional Information:The Lamp Post Restaurant and Lounge
Address: 2809 1/2 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell
Phone: 724-339-0505
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 2-6 p.m. Sun.; dinner in bar only
Credit cards: All major cards accepted, except Discover
Smoking: Not in dining room; permitted in separate bar area only
Handicapped accessible: Limited -- restrooms not accessible by wheelchair
Prices: Appetizers, $3.99-$6.99; salads, $2.00-$8.99; sandwiches, $4-$8.99
