The Rocket

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Kristen Baselj My Brother's Place, located in Grove City, offers some interesting food choices, such as deep-fried pickle spears and the Pittsburgher Sandwich. [Click to enlarge]

Despite the rapidly growing tourist area of Grove City, the restaurant My Brother's Place has been locally owned and run for more than 20 years.

This family-style restaurant offers a full bar and menu selections which include Soups and Starters, From the Garden, sandwiches on a 'Roll, Bun or Bread,' Entrées and Pasta, Pasta, Pasta.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

My guests and I started with an out-of-the-ordinary appetizer of fried pickles.

These deep-fried dill spears are always one of my favorite treats. I was delighted to see that they were on the menu because they tend to be a rarity.

I would suggest giving them a try if you like pickles and even if you don't, as you might be pleasantly surprised with their unique texture and flavor.

The Pittsburgher Sandwich was to say the least "gi-normous," as it was literally the size of my head with the taste being just as big.

Served on a seasoned mini-sourdough loaf, this sandwich was topped with shredded beef, french fries, provolone cheese and coleslaw with chips on the side.

I can see myself going back to "Brother's" just to pick up one of these sandwiches. Yum!

The Chicken Parmesan left much to be desired.

Though the portion was very large, the "red sauce" was a bit tangy and unappetizing.

I decided to stick with some good old-fashioned water to accompany my meal, so no new beer suggestions this week.

However, "Brother's" bar was stocked with the normal range of domestics on tap.

Monday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. is wing night, so if wings are your thing, be sure to check out their unique wing flavors like Dragon, Taco, Butterfly, Batman and Pterodactyl.

PRICES

"Soups and Starters" averaged $5 to $7 and were adequately priced. Salads did not go over the $8 dollar mark and sandwiches fell somewhere between $6 and $8.50. These prices matched up well with the portion size.

When it came to entrées and pastas, I felt that the prices were a bit steep for the quality of food that you were getting. Entrées ranged from $10.95 to $19.95 and pastas from $8.95 to $13.95.

For their Wing Night on Mondays, you can get an all-you-can-eat wing and dessert buffet for $10.95.

This special is also accompanied by $1.50 Coors Light bottles. Though the buffet price may be a little high, as long as you eat about 25 wings, it's worth it.

ENVIRONMENT

"Brother's" restaurant is a fairly large establishment, but the openness is filled with a tawdry, at-your-great-grandmother's-house feel.

The decorations consisted of several delicate ornate lamps, silk flowers and trinkets.

There was even a china closet complete with something like your great grandma's 1930s-style china. I was surprised that I did not find any doilies.

Despite the good ol' country feel, there was sufficient space to have large parties. "Brother's" has a separate room for banquets that can hold up to 150 people.

Though they do not have a resident DJ, parties are permitted to hire their own. There are even some remains of dance floor lighting and a disco ball.

Separate from the dining area was a small bar which was attached to another room with a pool table and two video games.

I noticed that drafts were served in mason jars, which is just another testament to the overall feel of the restaurant.

SERVICE

The service was extremely nonchalant. There is nothing horrible to mention about it, but also nothing great.

When all was said and done, my guests and I were in and out in about 45 minutes.

My Brother's Place
Restaurant & Pub
2058 Leesburg-Grove City Rd
Mercer, Pa 16137

Phone: 724-748-3145
or
724-748-3840

Kristen Baselj is a senior communication major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

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