Cold Days, Hot Plates: Where to Get Comfort Food in Washington County

Award-winning chef Alan Collins has pretty something special going on at Al’ an’ Ruben’s in Washington. Each post to his Facebook page has hundreds of comments with rave reviews and excited customers buzzing about Collins’ unique specials he posts each week.

In addition to creations like Steak and Crab Diablo, Chicken Caccitatore pasta, creamy shrimp piccatta, burrata ravioli and more, this Italian eatery is famous locally for its gigantic cakes and cheesecakes. Al an’ Ruben’s is so popular that specials often sell out within the first couple hours of the eatery being open, so we highly recommend checking out the restaurant’s Facebook page to keep up to date with hours and new specials.

Tucked away just along the Monongahela River is one of the greatest comeback stories in the county: Elrama Tavern. After a devastating fire in 2022, this comfort food mecca is back and better than ever serving up hometown favorites like homemade soups, burgers, flatbreads, hoagies, chicken sandwiches, wings and so much more all in a brand new space. We spent some time trying to figure out what the tavern's "it factor" item is, but apparently the food is so good locals come back over and over again to try everything on the menu. 

There’s nothing more American than a classic diner-style breakfast, but Alice’s Restaurant in Canonsburg is all about taking it to another level. While this breakfast and lunch joint may look unassuming on the outside, the food is anything but, with everything from the omelets to the wraps, burgers and salads all made fresh every day. The locals who frequent this spot suggest the pancakes, but true fans know going back again and again to try everything on the menu is actually the move.

Note: Alice’s is cash only, but no worries – there’s an ATM on site if you forget.

If you haven’t visited V&V Scratch Kitchen in Finleyville yet, listen to us very carefully when we say this: You are sorely missing out. Everything at this American spot with an attached wood-fired pizza place is made-in house by an award-winning chef – they even have a pastry chef on staff. Customers frequently leave rave reviews about V&V’s hand cut steaks, lobster rolls, crab cakes, wings, desserts and more, with the kitchen even cranking out some supped up specials on occasion. If you're looking for comfort classics with an upscale flair, V&V Scratch Kitchen is absolutely worth visiting. 

Here’s a unique one – Breezy Heights Tavern in Avella. With its eclectic décor, family vibe and cozy classics on the menu like stuffed shrimp, prime rib, wings and more, Breezy Heights is a popular stop for all things comfort food in a cozy setting. We highly recommend checking out this spot's signature "broasted" chicken, which is featured in many of its reviews and described by many as some of the best fried chicken they've ever had. 

In addition to its great and cozy eats, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the tavern’s attached mini golf course, driving range and ice cream that are extremely popular in the summer.