Bill T.'s Profile

Before Chaya, I had been "off" sushi for I don't know how many years. I guess I had just eaten at too many not-so-good sushi restaurants. My wife had heard great things about Chaya, so I thought I'd give sushi one more try.

I'm glad I did. The sushi here was delicious. I can't recall exactly all that we had, but it was all fantastic. We'll definitely be going back again. And again.

Like some of the other reviewers have said, it IS small, so expect to wait on busy nights. But it's definitely worth it.

This quaint little coffee house is tucked away at the edge of the Mexican War streets. It's a little small, but the staff is super nice, and the coffee is always good.

A great little coffee shop a block north of East Ohio Street. The staff is always super nice, and love being able to sit out front (and in the shade!) when it's warmer.

The two times I've dined here have been after attending an opera at The Benedum. The first time my dinner (osso buco) was fantastic, but my wife's was not (stuffed trout - WAY too much almonds). But, the same night Burt Bacharach was performing at Heinz Hall across the street, and he happened to be having his after-performance meal at the same time. We didn't bug him for an autograph, but we got to hear him giving a speech to his dinner guests (looked like his backup band, with some family?).

The second time we ate here both our meals were less-than-decent. My wife complained that her aglio e olio pasta dinner tasted barely seasoned (watery). The waitress' response? "Well, maybe it's because of the time of night." WTF?! I guess that means, you only get decent food if you come early to the place.

I would have given a lower rating, but, hey, BURT BACHARACH!

We've been living in the Heinz Lofts for about a year and a half now, and we still like it quite a bit. We planned on only being here a year before finding a house, but indecision has kept us here longer than we initially wanted. It's definitely a decent place for our holding pattern.

Pros:
* Super location - right across the river from the Strip District, quick bike ride (or easy walk) to the stadiums, downtown, and some of the better museums
* Right on the Allegheny river (some units have windows onto the river, ours doesn't).
* Still pretty new, so units, grounds, appliances, etc are in great shape
* Nice gym, sauna, hottub open 24-7
* Big common room (or a conference room) if you want to entertain a few friends
* Very nice staff
* Covered parking (in enclosed garage(s))

Cons:
* Not a whole lot in the immediate area as far as restaurants, but they aren't that far of a walk away
* Elevators seem to break down more than they should
* A little pricey