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What is a "Week Night" restaurant?  It's the place you go on a Wednesday night when you and the wife get home late from work and don't have the energy to make dinner and don't want to break the bank while going out. (but still want great food and drink!)  It can also be the place you go on a Thursday night when you want to have a cold beer or a nice glass of wine and a bite to eat to unwind toward the end of the week.

Enter Point Brugge Cafe in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

I have now been going there for just these reasons for about three years and every time it hits the spot.  Most recently I was there on Thursday night with a friend of mine just to have a few beers, talk about politics and the economy and eat some of their Belgian Fries. (like French fries only better and served with a tasty mayonnaise)  I also got an order of their crab cakes, another favorite.

The menu is set up perfectly with "small plates" and entrees.  You can get a small plate as an appetizer or, as I like to often do, you can get two or three and share them as a meal.  The entrees like you would expect are a full sized meal.  The PEI mussels, served in your choice of three sauces, can be had as a small plate or an entree and they are a must.  I also love the cheese plate ... four different cheeses served with bread fruit and even sausage if you like.  Each cheese is unique and delicious and goes perfectly with a glass of wine or one of their many Belgian beers.

Belgian beers are their specialty and if you like trying new beers this is the place to go.  The wine list is descent but a bit limited and does not change often.  This is definitely more of a beer place than a wine place but you can still get something nice.

The atmosphere is also a big plus.  Point Brugge is small, probably only 15 tables and a bar.  It is never to loud to hold a great conversation and works equally well for a romantic dinner or a gathering of friends.  During the summer they even have a few tables outside on the sidewalk so you can enjoy the weather and neighborhood feel of Point Breeze.  This place really does have the feel of a neighborhood hang out.  I even saw our local city councilman there a few months ago. (What could be more local than that?)

So ... the next time you don't feel like cooking or want a relaxing, quite place to talk while putting down a few beers, try Point Brugge.  Also, if you have a favorite "week night" place let me know by commenting on my blog.