Steel 12

I headed down to Steel 12 Grub & Chug at 26 North Park Row for lunch today with some co-workers. It is a combination of Steel City Pizza & Sandwich Co. and Odis 12. Great pizza and subs from Steel City and amazing wings from Odis 12. This place is perfect for me. I have been to Steel 12 on a few occasions but never for a burger, so I was very excited heading in. When we arrived, it was a little crowded. We waited a minute for a table, sat down and started looking at the menu. Steel 12 has a very industrial look to it. Lots of stainless steel, black walls, and an open-construction ceiling. The seating area is in full view of the kitchen so people can watch their food being made. Our server, Emily, took our order and then got us some drinks. Maria decided to go with the Right Winger burger, Mariah went with the Strip burger, and I ordered the Double Teamer. All of the sandwiches come with fresh-cut fries, which I already know are awesome. We decided to split the burgers up so we could have a taste of all three.

Despite the restaurant being crowded, our burgers came out fast. When they arrived at our table, we cut them into a few pieces so we could share. I started with the Strip burger. It is a 1/3-pound burger topped with provolone cheese, fries, coleslaw, tomato and hot sauce. If you like a typical Pittsburgh-style sandwich, this burger really is for you. Their special house slaw really complements the burger with a nice crunch, and the fries added just the right amount of salt. I added a little ketchup and some more hot sauce, and it was perfect.

I then moved on to the Right Winger, a 1/3-pound burger topped with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and whatever wing sauce you want. Maria ordered it with Buffalo Ranch, and it was delicious. There were a lot of onions on this burger, but surprisingly, they were not overpowering. The tanginess of the sauce went well alongside the onion. We had to ask for an extra side of the Buffalo Ranch sauce to dip the fries in.

Finally came the Double Teamer, a fully loaded 1/3-pound burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard) NOT on a bun, but between two whole grilled cheese sandwiches. That’s right, two grilled cheese sandwiches. I was worried that it wouldn’t be enough food so I got bacon added to the grilled cheese like any rational person would do. I’m not sure that I could have finished this whole sandwich by myself, so I am glad I had two people to share it with. As large as it was, it was fantastic. The grilled cheese sandwiches held their own. The bacon and cheese stayed melty and added a lot of flavor to the already tasty loaded burger, and the toppings on the burger really complimented the grilled cheese.

If you aren’t familiar with the categories below, check out my first burger post.

Drippage Factor – The burgers were all stacked high, so between the burger, the toppings, and the sauces, these burgers required a few napkins and maybe a bib.

Herd Size – With each being a 1/3-pound patty, a good-sized cow had to have been used.

Handling – With everything that was piled on these burgers, two hands are highly recommended.

Financing – At $5.99 and $6.99, these burgers were worth every penny.

The burgers were really good, but for me, the Double Teamer stands alone. So much flavor, so much taste, so much burger. I normally go with the Pittsburgh-style steak and cheese, but now I have another menu item to order. Thank you to Emily and Mike for the hospitality and the fantastic food. I will surely be returning.

Next week is my final week of my burger tour, so start thinking about what my next food should be.  Steaks? Seafood? Reubens? Let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Andrew – Beard vs. Food