This is the restaurant of brotherly love.
Siblings John and Will Patterson and Joey Robl own The Coxcomb, which opened Aug. 22 in the former Bella Luna space in Monroeville, just west of the Murrysville line.
“We each have our strengths we bring to the businesses,” said Monroeville resident Will Patterson, whose wife, Stephanie, is the event space and floor manager. “We know we can rely on each other to be here. We all care about making it work. We trust each other.”
This isn’t the first food-related venture for the brothers. They opened the Beerhive in the Strip District in 2011 and Pittsburgh Pickle Co. in Verona in 2014. The logo for the wholesale pickle company has a crown on the label.
As an homage to that business, The Coxcomb logo is the head of a rooster in the shape of a “C” with a crown shape at the top, reflecting the type of food they serve as farm fresh.
The restaurant serves a deep-fried pickle appetizer and a Pittsburgh pickle martini, and other menu items will also include Pittsburgh Pickle Co. products. A new menu released the week of Nov. 13 will have a focus on sandwiches, salads and shareable foods.
The brothers describe the food as elevated American fare.
Chef Taylor Zanella has created appetizer options such as house-made cornbread with cotija butter and smoked wings. The Fry Tray has freshly cut fries served with ketchup and five other dips.
Zanella works with as many local suppliers as possible because it’s important for area businesses to support each other, said Will Patterson, 42.
“Our neighborhood is near and dear to us and our staff,” he said. “We’ve grown up here. We live here. Our children go to school here. We know there are other choices, but we want to create an experience that makes you want to come back.”
The brothers, Penn Hills High School graduates, updated the entire space. They began by tearing down walls to create a more open feel. They painted the interior, replaced the flooring and purchased new kitchen equipment. The new tables, chairs and booths were created by Amish craftsmen.
The space can accommodate 200 guests. They have a room for private events and a raised seating area, which they call “the stage.”
“We do the simple things right and with some added thought,” said John Patterson, 44, of Penn Hills. “We want this to be a family place. We will put our best food forward to make it an enjoyable experience.”
The smoked Angus reserve burger, for example, has thick-cut bacon, sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, greens and freshly cut fries. Pizza choices are specialty pies such as corn, cheeseburger and buffalo chicken.
The Coxcomb’s beer menu features local craft brews and domestic and imported bottles and cans of beer. Called “concoxions,” some of the mixed drink menu items are bloody Mary, espresso martini and an old-fashioned using locally made spirits. There are also non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails.
They offer food and drink specials. They have happy hour and will offer specials during some Pittsburgh sporting events. There are 17 big-screen televisions.
The plan is to serve brunch early next year on Saturdays and Sundays.
Having a glass of chardonnay at the bar on a recent Thursday was Joanne Rock of Murrysville. A former customer at Bella Luna, she said she loves the atmosphere at The Coxcomb.
“I feel comfortable sitting here,” she said. “I love the openness of the place. The pizza and the wings are really good, and the employees are friendly.”
Robl, 35 — whose wife, Kass, is the bar manager — said the unique items are what set them apart. They offer various cocktails and new takes on items such as pizza.
“Who puts corn on pizza?” said Robl, a Plum resident. “We do. We use fresh ingredients. It’s about serving the food our customers want. We aren’t a chain restaurant, so we can change and adapt.”
The Coxcomb is located at 5060 William Penn Highway in Monroeville.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday (kitchen closes before that).
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Details: 724-519-2788 or coxcombpgh.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne by email at jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .