Descriptive phrase: Greasy-spoon Diner. DeLuca's wins the breakfast battle between here and Pamela's in my opinion. It's located directly on the main drag of the Strip, which earns it a nod. It actually looks and feels like an old-school diner, and you can tell not much has changed inside since it opened decades ago. We were seated promptly around brunchtime but almost as soon we we sat there was a line behind us 30 people deep. On a Monday, mind you. Our waiter was rushed the whole time but the bus-boys walking around were helpful as well. It's loud, but in a neighborhood-feel kind of way. There are a bunch of people manning the long grill behind the counter, and they seem like they're enjoying themselves more than you'd think. The menu is absolutely ginormous. I start with a chocolate milk ($1.79) and order the Califronia Benedict ($7.99) to follow. What a delicious mess of avocado, tomatoes, spinach, cheddar, all on top of poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. Absolutely fantastic. There was just much of the dense food that it was hard to get it all down in one sitting. It came with potatoes as well. It's cash only, which seems to be a theme in Pittsburgh. Maybe I was just feeling nostalgic and DeLuca's reminds me a lot of Mickey's in Madison, WI, but I really enjoyed this place. I think you will too.

positive

I have shopped there since it opened. Last night after 20 minutes and a small hand basket I still could not get checked out, I went to ask a question and all I was told "This Lane Is Closed" - fine I said, I'll add 20 min to your day and you can restock these items - gave them my basket and walked out. The small store has a limited selection - but it now even takes longer to give them money.... These people have been very nice - but last night severely ticked me off.

negative

Blah. Stayed here over Illinois Homecoming weekend, and with my friend's wedding block rate it was still ~$90/night. The room was moderately okay upon first sight...but then things just started going downhill. There were cigarette burns on our blankets, a shower that looked like it had been pulled from a foreclosed doublewide and, much to my chagrin after realizing I had forgotten mine, NO HAIR DRYER. That made for a pleasant morning of tailgating in late October. Things didn't really get bad until the day we checked out and I noticed I had some sort of rash on my torso and legs. Are. You. Kidding. After Googling bed bugs for about 20 minutes I got an email asking to fill out a survey about my stay and was not very polite. Thankfully, I got an email from the manager shortly after who wanted to "make things right" and ended up cutting my bill in half. So....good customer service after the fact...not so great hotel stay. Never again. Until next year, that is, when I'm scrambling for Homecoming weekend accommodations without a wedding discount.

negative

Tucked into Old Towne Scottsdale, near to a Philly Cheesesteak place, is a nice little place called Rockbar. The name says it all. It is a place to go and have a few drinks and listen to some great music. Lately, they have been featuring Hucklebuck, an awesome coverband, and the place always gets jumping when they are on stage! The drinks are good and strong, and not badly priced. No food is served, but they do allow you to order from the Philly Cheese steak place, thru their computer, and they will deliver it to you in there. Gluten/Celiac note: No cider beers here unfortunately... must stick with the hard liquors.
positive