In the heart of Heidelberg, PA, a small burger spot has become a local favorite by transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary comfort food.
Brick N’ Mortar Kitchen & Catering captures the essence of American dining with creative twists that keep customers coming back for more.
This restaurant began as a humble hot dog cart in 2011 and evolved into a full-service dining destination that has earned a devoted following through its commitment to fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and community connection 🍔✨.
How they won local’s hearts
Brick N’ Mortar won over locals through an authentic journey from street food to brick-and-mortar success. Owner Ricci Minella started with a hot dog cart serving the weekend bar crowd in Pittsburgh from 11 PM to 3 AM, eventually expanding to the Burgh Bites food truck in 2014.
The restaurant’s name itself reflects this evolution – they kept referring to their future restaurant as “Brick N’ Mortar,” and when the opportunity arose, they embraced it as their official identity.
The menu cleverly incorporates brick cheese and mortar (marinara) sauce as signature ingredients, creating a playful connection between the name and the food.
The restaurant’s popularity stems from its unique approach to comfort food and strong community ties.
Customers consistently praise the extensive and creative menu that offers something for everyone, from gourmet burgers to Italian-inspired dishes. The restaurant sources ingredients from the Pittsburgh Urban Gardening Project, demonstrating their commitment to local community support.
Reviews highlight the friendly staff, clean atmosphere, and homemade quality of everything from their signature tortilla chips to their house-made pickles.
The space itself contributes to the welcoming vibe with varnished wooden tables, Edison bulbs in glass bottles, and rock music playing in the background, creating a cozy neighborhood feel that makes diners feel at home.
Food Highlights
- Brick N’ Mortar Burger: A half-pound all-beef patty topped with brick cheese, pickles, greens, tomato, pickled red onion, chipotle ketchup, and roasted garlic/horsey aioli on a brioche bun – the signature burger that showcases the restaurant’s namesake ingredients
- Buffalo Blue Cheeseburger: Features a perfectly cooked pink patty with blue cheese, bacon, and onions, praised by customers for its exceptional flavor and quality preparation
- The Dude Burger: A customer favorite that exemplifies the restaurant’s creative approach to classic American fare with unique toppings and flavor combinations
- Brick N’ Mortar Salad: Fresh greens and romaine with bacon, shredded cheese, red onion, cucumber, tomato, crumbled egg, and homemade croutons – a hearty option that showcases their commitment to fresh ingredients
- Rastafarian Handheld: Jamaican jerk chicken with corn & mango salsa, greens, and charred chili pepper aioli on grilled pita – a standout dish that demonstrates the restaurant’s global flavor influences
Atmosphere
Brick N’ Mortar creates a warm, neighborhood tavern atmosphere that perfectly balances casual comfort with attention to detail.
The dining room features wooden tables and countertops with Edison bulbs hanging in glass bottles from the ceiling, creating an inviting ambiance.
The restaurant has expanded to include an upstairs dining area and outdoor seating, accommodating both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Rock music plays throughout the space, adding to the laid-back vibe that customers describe as homey and comfortable.
Staff members are consistently praised for being friendly and attentive, contributing to the family-like atmosphere that owner Ricci Minella envisioned 🎵🏠.
Bottom Line
Visit for the creative comfort food that combines fresh, local ingredients with innovative recipes, exceptional burgers made with half-pound patties and unique toppings, friendly service in a cozy neighborhood atmosphere, diverse menu options from Italian to Caribbean influences, and the authentic story of a local success built from a food cart up.
Address: 1709 E Railroad St, Heidelberg, PA 15106
đź“ž (412) 276-0727
🕔 Mon: 11 AM–3 PM, Tue–Fri: 11 AM–9 PM, Sat: 12 PM–9 PM, Sun: Closed
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