Houlihan's

How dee do!  The new Houlihan's located on Tremont near the Giant Eagle Market District is very nice.  I can envision this place being a real social center for the area's residents.  Truly!

First there is plenty of parking.  You don't like to think about parking in a areas that is always seemed so unoccupied by other cars but walking is good.  Not a problem if you park near Zollinger Road.  Just do it.

I was greeted by a staffer opening the door upon arrival.  Before entering I have to say that on a nice evening (about 5:45PM) the patio areas were full of patrons - that's good.  Okay, they see nothing more than parked cars or passing cars.  It's about the company we keep though isn't it?  Thought so.

Entering I had several choices.  A large dining room seating area filled with golden draped walls and nice furniture.  Booths, tables... the likes were all there.  I opted to sit at the bar which seats an estimated 16 or so.  On the right half of Houlihan's in this bar area are several high tops of varying sizes.  During my stay there were couples and big groups all having a good time, so it seemed.  This is a gathering place... I thought.

My meal consisted of the Ahi Tuna Salad and the Flatbread Mushroom App.  Both arrived quickly and both were very very tasty.  The ahi tuna was seared with the main portions bright red with flavor.  There was a light dressing on the asian cabbable salad beneath and a nice drizzle in four spots on the bowl of wasabi sauce.  I like the tasted and presentation because I could grab small doses of the drizzle to suit my taste for heat.  The Flatbread was crispy and good tasting.  

Price wise I got out for under $25 (no alcohol - just diet coke).  So it's not pub food pricing but not over the top either.   I am going to definitely try Houlihan's again (and again I'll bet).

It's nice to have a new place in UA.  I want to really like the food, but the atmosphere and drinks are great.  The food, eh - but great drinks, I recommend the Long Island Iced Tea on the menu.  The service is hit or miss.  Sometimes really good, other times disappointing.  Definitley give the place a try!

The atmosphere is great, the staff is great, the drink selection is great, and the Tuesday 1/2 off bottles of wine is amazing!

I've not been super impressed with the food yet.  The first time I came I had the lettuce wraps, and to be quite honest it was lettuce, fried won tons and what seemed like the bottom scrapings of a General Tso's chicken dish from a low end Chinese place.  Unimpressed.

The second time I went I got the Chicken and Avocado Egg (spring) Rolls; I was envisioning the delicious version of this done by Cheesecake Factory.  I was very disappointed.  They were overly fried and oily with very little distinction of what was actually inside the egg roll.  

I have had the Chicken Tortilla Soup each time I've gone, and it's been delicious both times.  

I really like this place, I just wish the food was better. It's not bad, just not great.