The Back Porch Restaurant in Belle Vernon, PA — Menu, Hours & Reviews

The Back Porch Restaurant, Belle Vernon, PA

Occasionally you discover a restaurant with genuine character: small, well-loved, and established. The Back Porch Restaurant in Belle Vernon fits that description. Housed in one of Western Pennsylvania’s oldest buildings, constructed in 1806, the location has served diners since 1975. The current owners have preserved the building’s historic charm while focusing on high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.

I arrived a few minutes before my companions and was given a brief tour by Patty Keller, one of the owners. The worn stairs creaked as we climbed, a reminder of the many guests who have passed through over the years. Upstairs, white tablecloths dressed the wooden tables and large windows offered a pleasant view of the riverfront, filling the room with natural light.

There is additional seating on the main floor and an inviting outdoor area on the back porch. The basement houses a bar that evokes the feel of a long-standing Irish pub—perfect for gathering with friends over a pint and some hearty food.

Five of us dined on the main floor. While waiting for our wine, we shared a sampler platter. The menu offers a wide range of options designed to satisfy different tastes: Filet Oscar ($34.00), Scallops and Linguini with Saffron Broth ($24.00), Asian Salmon ($24.00), Vegetarian Mafalda Pasta ($17.00), Shrimp Carbonara ($21.00), and Mixed Grill Trio ($27.00). The selection is varied and approachable for groups with mixed preferences.

The appetizer platter ($29.00) arrived with stuffed mushrooms, fried artichoke hearts, butter-broiled shrimp cocktail, and baby back ribs—each item well-prepared, with the ribs standing out. We also enjoyed fried calamari ($12.00) served with a sweet-chili Thai sauce; the calamari was crisp and the sauce provided a bright, tangy contrast.

We were then served large iceberg wedge salads. Crisp lettuce was generously dressed in thick, creamy house-made blue cheese and topped with bacon lardons, cheddar, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. It was easily one of the most memorable salads I’ve had in a long time.

Entrees followed soon after. My Filet Oscar was presented on a bed of risotto and topped with a fluffy béarnaise, lump crabmeat, carrot spheres, and tender baby asparagus. The steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned; the béarnaise was silky and balanced, and the asparagus had a pleasant al dente snap. My dining companions praised their seared scallops with saffron pasta and the baked salmon for their flavors and execution.

Despite being full, we indulged in desserts: house-made rum raisin ice cream, a pecan ball, and a Reese’s cheesecake. Each dessert was a satisfying finish to the meal.

Service at The Back Porch matched the quality of the food: attentive, professional, and friendly. The combination of historical ambiance, warm hospitality, and well-executed dishes makes it a memorable dining destination.

If you’re hunting for a distinctive place to dine, put The Back Porch at the top of your list. Its rich history, lively atmosphere, and consistently good food make it an excellent choice for a special meal or a casual gathering with friends.

Chef Chuck Kerber

[email protected]

cooksandeats.com