Stopped by botL for a quick lunch break. A restaurant this cool has absolutely no business being tucked into the middle of a random neighborhood. It almost feels like you discovered something you weren't supposed to find. The menu is just as random as the location -- sandwiches, tacos, salads, and small plates. It sounds chaotic... but somehow it works. But at botL, the cacio e pepe is king. Yes, that cacio e pepe. The infamous Roman dish with so few ingredients that it has no right delivering this much flavor. It's simple food that exposes bad technique instantly... and botL absolutely nails it. They don't mess around either, even incorporating the hollowed-out cheese wheel. Sure, it might look a little showy... but when it tastes this good, who cares? I added the blackened shrimp and it was cooked to perfection. Perfect seasoning, perfect texture, perfect addition. Sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places... and botL fits that bill perfectly. read more

botL - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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Its all about Botl! Best food Best service Best warm ambiance! Took my son here for his birthday with my daughter! Their first time! Maizy, Lydia, attention to our service, Simone (chef) and Tom greeted us with smiles and welcomes! I never choose for anyone but said I'm ordering our entrees! Cacio de pepe with filet tips atop. Wedge salad, wedding soup, and stemmed glass martinis and cabernet with dinner! Oh, brûlée cheesecake with a birthday candle was perfect ending! We arrived later than planned and happily closed the place down. We never felt rushed to go!!! That's an exceptional quality! I love it here and so did they! Resers best especially during prime time and days, but the bar is fun too! Some side parking and neighborhood street parking! You can thank me later! read more

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What a wonderful place and total gem of a restaurant. I was in the area for an errand and searched Yelp for someplace to grab dinner. Botl came up towards the top of my search results in Yelp and I decided that it was the place based on all the positive comments. I was there on random Tuesday night and the place was packed, so definitely make a reservation if you want a guaranteed place. I was lucky that I was alone and that there was some bar seating available. The service was incredible friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. They have a cool bar setup and I kept asking the bartender what she was making because every cocktail she made looked delicious! Thankfully, she eagerly answered my questions and talked quite a bit about how they come up with new drinks (instead of getting annoyed). There were several things that I wanted to try, but I'm a sucker for Cacio de Pepe, and they make theirs in a cheese wheel right at the bar, so I had to order that. I opted to add the steak and it was a fantastic choice. The steak was cooked to perfection, packed with flavor and really added to the pasta overall. I loved every single bit of my meal and was sad when it finished because it was just that good. I will definitely be back, maybe for a date night or a dinner with friends. read more

Reservations for 3 @ 5pm....Place was hopping and awfully loud...couldn't even hear music that was playing...seated and placed cocktail orders with a side of hummus...I ordered Steak (med rare) and Portobello for my main course (hold the bread)...beautiful presentation but it was over salted (wonder if the Mancini bread would've made a difference) waitress offered to have it remade but after the hummus I was already full so she took it off our bill...she was pleasant and very accommodating...cheesecake for dessert was yummy...will definitely return but not on a Saturday.... read more

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Even when taking it to go the cacio with filet is 1000/10. I am SO happy to have this so close to me! read more

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Great lunch visit. Unassuming location but well worth the stop. The Cacio e Pepe was excellent. Will definitely look to visit again.

Super yummy pasta! I ordered the CACIO E PEPE with salmon, and it was absolutely delicious. The bucatini is imported bronze die cut, and you can really taste the quality. The cajun cream sauce with roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and pecorino romano made every bite rich and flavorful. The highlight? They spin the pasta inside a giant cheese wheel right in front of you! It's such a fun experience and makes the dish extra cheesy and comforting. Definitely a must-try if you love pasta! read more

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Wow! Maybe one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. Definitely best in New Ken and the Valley. We had the Fish Tacos ...amazing We had the Mussels really...Really Great! We had the hummus plate very fresh and good. We had the Tuna Plate, nice. We had a few of their specialty drinks also good. The price was very reasonable and the service from Kelsey and Keara was awesome! read more

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Arrived at botL at 10:30 for our reservations made by my daughter for my birthday celebration ...we felt a little cramped at our table for two near the door with a party of 6 next to us so we moved to the bar....we were immediately asked if we wanted a drink and ordered Bloody Maria's....after a fair amount of time we placed orders for a Hash Pipe plate and a Wedge Salad with beef tips....after a brief wait our meals arrived....the Hash Pipe was delish and Alyssa loved her Wedge Salad....the presentation on both plates was awesome....our waitress was very attentive given that the place filled up quickly....I'm so happy this establishment is so close to home.... read more

botL - Wedge Salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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This little place serves a big punch. We went for brunch and were lucky to get a table but suggest calling for reservations since it's smaller inside. I had the Paloma and it was crisp and absolutely was obsessed with my wedge salad with steak. They cook right in the open so you can watch them and the vibe is really cozy. I'd suggest leaving the kids at home for a girls day or date night since it's all high top tables. read more

botL - Paloma - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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Hidden gem in New Ken! We stopped here for lunch on our way home. My husband grew up in this area. Food is amazing. Great Service. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Botl exceeded all of my expectations! I have always heard good things about this place and I am mad it took me so long to try! The atmosphere was quiet, intimate and inviting. They have an open kitchen style which was enjoyable to watch. The staff were super friendly. I would suggest making a reservation as there are about 7-9 tables and the bar. We had the tuna crudo, pasta with shrimp and a steak sandwhich. The pasta was by far the best pasta I have ever tasted. The cocktails were hand crafted and delicious. I will be back soon! read more

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We had a really nice dinner at this place. Very small. It seats 29 people in the dining area and about another 10 people at the bar. So you are looking at 40 people total maximum at any given time in the restaurant. I think that because it is small, you get really good service. The waitresses aren't overextended. The food was absolutely excellent. We had the hummus as an appetizer. It was very good. My wife had the chicken pasta and I had the Fuggetaboutit Sandwich. It would be wise of you to make a reservation at this place. There is probably not a chance you could just walk in and get a table on a Friday or Saturday night. It is just too tiny. With tip, the bill came to $100 for the two of us. I had two beverages and my wife had one beverage. It was well worth it. We will be back for sure. read more

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An unexpected gem! We were in the area for another reason and looked up restaurants on Yelp. Came up with Botl and decided to go. Exterior looked sketchy and the industrial bar feel inside did not give a warm and fuzzy feeling. Ordered a couple of signature cocktails which were on point! Decided to try the house specialty, cacio e pepe with chichen. OMG! Italian mac and cheese at a new level. It's just over an hour to get here, but we will be back. Staff was super friendly and engaging. read more

botL - Cacio e pepe. Hit pasta melting the cheese. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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We came to Botl on a Saturday night with another couple. A few things to consider, parking was pretty limited (in a neighborhood) and it really isn't a place that I would take kids. With all that out of the way, the atmosphere is set as an unfinished space. The service was excellent, with our waitress really taking a lot of time with us talking about the restaurant, the menu, and what she liked. The couple that we went with both got the pasta. They loved it. My wife had the steak sandwich, which she really liked. I had the pulled pork, which I really enjoyed as well. We will be back! read more

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I am exploring the restaurant see to me since I moved out to Washington Township. Looking at yelp, I saw that this restaurant was highly rated and decided to go on a date with my girlfriend. I was not disappointed. The dining room is smallish and intimate. The friendly staff came up to us and show us our seats and shared the cocktail menu I went for the botL Manhattan and was not disappointed. We ordered several items from the menu and shared with each other. The pita was fresh and the hummus was delicious, as was the olive tapenade that came with it. I ordered a toasted bleu chicken sandwich. The candy bacon was sweet, salty, and savory. The smoked cheese dressing was creamy and plentiful over the grilled chicken breast. It was a little messy to eat but was delicious. My girlfriend got the Casio e Pepe and hardly seem to make a dent in it, because there were so much pasta in their serving. We also a dessert to go. We got the chocolate cake and it was OK. The star of this show was definitely the entrées. I enjoyed the ambience of the open kitchen. The staff were very friendly and we will definitely be coming back and will bring our friends. This meal at botL was a nice surprise after a hectic day at work P.S. the pasta was great as leftovers the next day lol read more

botL - Casio e pepe - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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Small place with great attention to detail when it comes to the food. I had a Lebubu chicken sam that was like if a gyro and a Cuban had a food baby. HRH got the steak and portobello and he hasn't stopped talking about it. Fingerling taters were a nice switch from fries. The service wasn't what I'd call warm and fuzzy, but we're here for the food, right? I don't need a hug. Highly recommend. read more

Make sure you have a reservation, I went with my wife last week, bartender yelled no seating, bar only. The bar area had a limited menu and we left. I did not notice the note cards with names on the tables and would highly recommend not just walking in and expecting a table. The female bartender was a little rude. read more

Great place, tacos and the Cuban sandwich were amazing!!!! Staff very friendly!!! We will be back!!! read more

Bacon on chicken sandwich rubber like. Food expensive for no side. Sandwiches different every time. Not sure cook is the same and the fill ins may not be trained. I guess owner, barmaid, waitress all the same person is over bearing and not friendly. Their friends at the bar get preferential treatment. Small inside, so make a reservation. Don't think I will be back. read more

I ordered one of the specials: filet tip and peppers sandwich. It was so tender and the marinade was very tasty. I loved the local vibe, friendly staff and that sandwich was just so friggin good. read more

What a fun find! Saw this place on Yelp after stopping for the night nearby on a roadtrip and called to see if they had a table around 7:00. They did but you definitely need a reservation - this is a small, unassuming spot off a neighborhood road. You walk in and it's very lively! Was packed on again, a wednesday night around 7:00 PM. Awesome offerings -- food and drinks. On the heavier side in general but just delicious I think the real hit here was the steak and portobello sandwich, although the cacio e pepe was very enjoyable too. Fun selection of drinks/cocktails as well. Just a great spot to find and really enjoyable meal. read more

botL - Steak sandwich - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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I love this place! Small and unassuming inside, with delicious food and truly exquisite cocktails. This place is the definition of a home run. Honestly, I put this toe-to-toe with any spot in town...and I'm talking Pittsburgh, not just New Ken. Great for lunch, great for dinner...great anytime...this is a spot you NEED to try. You won't be disappointed. A place to take your parents, a place to take your friends, botL is a winner - every time! Can't wait to go back...sooner than later! See you there soon! read more

What an amazing find during our way through the PA roads wandering from one spot to the next. My tacos were good, my blueberry mojito was great, but the carbonara was FABULOUS! I stole several bites of my boyfriend's plate. Pasta was perfectly cooked and the added on shrimp were too. All the starts for this find!! read more

Sniffed out this place for a happy hour with family - despite looking totally divey outside (pretty much like you're walking into a garage ), the drinks and service were awesome. We did not order a lot of food, but enjoyed the hummus and tapenade platter. After scoping out the peoples food around us, the various entrées looked quite nice. For being a few days after Christmas, it was quite busy. And we found it on @yelppittsburgh with 4.9 reviews. That thing on the wall behind us is some sort of mold from a local steel mill. A surprisingly neat little place in some random blue collar neighborhood. read more

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Was in the area and stopped for food. Tiny little place with amazing vibe. Large selection at the bar, hand made cocktails, lots of beer and wine. There has to be 5 people working there total and they all seemed happy and in sync. If I lived closer I would be a regular. I got crab dip, it was a special and it was amazing. I also go the cacio e pepe pasta with grilled chicken, it was also great. 10/10. Plan to make my boyfriend take a trip with me. read more

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So many places do NOT know the meaning of Med Rare burger. This is NOT THAT PLACE! Delicious!!!!!! Nice cozy place for dinner for 2. Staff is super friendly! read more

Went for brunch on Sunday with friends. It was great! Food was spot on! Service was friendly and accommodating. My friends had the breakfast tacos and LOVED them. I opted for the steak sandwich. Delish! Bree our waitress made it all happen and made us feel like family. The place is small and intimate. I'd suggest making a reservation. I want to go back for dinner next time and explore their dinner menu. read more

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Recommended by a local, so went for dinner during the week. Be advised that there is limited table and bar seating but they do take reservations. The size does make for an intimate setting perfect for date nights. The atmosphere is set in an industrial decor but with an elegance you would find in a higher end restaurant. Service was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and attentive to the needs of the customers. There is an open kitchen allowing you to see the cooking artists prepare your meal. I chose the Cacio E Pepe. The dish consisted of imported bronze cut bucatini in a pepper garlic cream sauce with parm and then finished in a wheel of imported pecorino romano cheese. The included toasted focaccia bread was a nice touch. I opted to add the steak filet which was perfectly cooked to order. The portion was above average. Only negative was, I would like to see an offering of soup or salad included with the meal. Overall a hidden gem worth trying. read more

botL - Cacio E Pepe with steak filet. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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Great food, great service. 4 adults, 3 kids. We all enjoyed the seared tuna so much we ordered it a second time. They even made accommodation for our grandson who just wanted a cheese burger. Definitely recommend! Steak and portobello, salmon, short rib tacos , coleslaw and potatoes- all delicious! Great ambiance! read more

botL - Tuna small plate - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Went here for lunch. Around 12:45. Service and food are excellent. Cocktails are extremely good. Had a strawberry basil cocktail. Delicious! We ordered roast beef sandwich with au jus, 2 crab cakes( lots of crab) and pork belly tacos. read more

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This place was awesome! Went on a week night and it was packed (they do take reservations). What really stood out was the ambience and service. The staff was SO FRIENDLY despite how busy it was. We really enjoyed the Cacio e Pepe and mussels appetizer! Everything was v reasonably priced too read more

botL - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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Delicious! botL will become a regular outing for us...can't wait. Loved the wedge salad and cacio e pepe, due to pre ski trip diet we took some home... great the next day! Great job! read more

Wow. Just wow. Cacio e Pepe with Cajun shrimp is outstanding. Wedge salad is amazing as well & enough to share. You won't want to share the pasta and shrimp though. Drinks were amazing. Staff was friendly and attentive. It's small but we've always found seats- even if we sit at the bar. I wouldn't bring my 12-yr-old but that's because the food & drinks are so amazing I want to be an adult, not a parent when I go. Will absolutely be back...frequently. read more

Don't know how we have been moved to the area this long and had no idea about this place!! So this place is nestled in Arnold in a house. There is only 7 tables, but they do take reservations. It is a little darker and industrial which is what I prefer. They also have a bar with a decent cocktail program. I get the sense that there are regulars that become family. The food though is the star. They do operate under a smallish menu, but they do it well. I suspect the chefs are professionally trained as I felt like I was at a high end resturant downtown. We go salads and they were both phenomenal. I want to go back for the pasta where they put it in the cheese wheel to make the sauce. I will be back! read more

OMG! GREAT! SUPERB! INCREDIBLE! My girlfriend has been telling me about this nondescript spot on Freeport Road in New Ken, and she finally took me here for a birthday lunch. Wow...it's good! I'm talking you won't believe how good! You can watch Chef Scott working his magic at the grill while seated at one of the tables off the well-stocked bar. Looking around your can see elements of the dive bar remnants re-fashioned into a now haven the most persnickety foodie will love. We enjoyed...savored...mussels, crabcakes, Tuna Crudo with a fabulous pickled seaweed garnish, and I had a queso burger that was delicious and served with a Sriracha slaw (Best. Ever!!!) This little spot deserves a Bon Appétit mention, and a Michelin Star. EXCEPTIONAL FOOD! read more

Pros- staff was great Food was great, nice drink menu. Space was cool. Cons-not really any, I'm a vegan, so had some trouble picking something, but got a wonderful veggie sandwich. -I was unsure about the parking, but there seemed to be plenty around the side and in the front read more

Great food and cocktails! Service was great and such a fun time!! Try the bourbon burger

Food was amazing. I had the Pull My Piggy tacos. Melted in the mouth and bursting with flavor. Came with a choice of sides; salad, fingerling potatoes or siracha slaw. I chose the salad, a little difficult to stab with the fork but was fresh with no wilting. (Something other eateries can't seem to understand) Service was great, friendly and accommodating. The only problem was the noise level, very very loud. Impossible to have a conversation without shouting. Otherwise I would have given 5 stars. A great place to eat, and be on your phone. Try it out! read more

botL - Pull my piggy tacos and salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Kensington, Pennsylvania

Great first time experience. BotL has an exceptional bar, great atmosphere, great service and tasty, thoughtfully-crafted food. Better come hungry if you are planning to give this place a try! read more