A vintage 4020 John Deere tractor is parked inside the establishment with built-on shelves displaying of bottles of alcohol. The signature bright green paint on the vehicle with bold yellow wheels and large rear tires is consistent décor.
It’s pretty much a given who owns this place.
Country music star Jason Aldean chose Pittsburgh for the third location of Aldean’s Kitchen + Bar.
It’s on the North Shore in the former Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36, which was owned by Hall of Fame Steelers running back Jerome Bettis and never reopened after the 2020 pandemic.
“The tractor bar is in every location,” Amanda Nava, director of marketing for TC Restaurant Group, said at a media preview on Tuesday. “The tractor pays homage to Jason’s song, ‘Big Green Tractor.’”
TC Restaurant Group operates Aldean’s restaurants in Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tenn., and country singer Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa and Tequila Cowboy, which is located across from this newest location.
That’s just part of the décor. The restaurant has framed images of Aldean performing — his last show in Pittsburgh was in 2021. Aldean hand-picked memorabilia that includes record plaques of his best-selling records such as “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Any Ol’ Barstool,” and “My Kinda Party.” A moose head is displayed on a wall as well as a Pirates and Steelers jerseys framed with the last name Aldean.
Aldean, whose new album “Highway Desperado” was released Nov. 3, will play the Pavilion at Star Lake on Aug. 10. He’ll be joined by Lauren Alaina, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver.
Aldean chose Pittsburgh because there are a lot of country music fans here and it’s also an avid sports town, Nava said.
“Jason loves this part of the country,” she said. “And the location is perfect being between the stadiums (PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium) and on the river with a view of Downtown Pittsburgh.
The entire place can accommodate around 400 guests at the three bars, expansive dining room, and spacious outdoor area, Nava said.
The nearly 10,000 square foot venue will feature a live music stage, a main dining area with two bars – in addition to the tractor bar— and an expansive outdoor patio. A garage door in front creates an al fresco feeling.
There is pretty much a television wherever you look, including several large screens. The food is described as southern comfort dishes.
Appetizers include a Nashville hot chicken flatbread and southern nachos with kettle chips, pulled pork, smoked bacon, cheddar, queso and chives topped with Jason’s bourbon BBQ sauce.
An Aldean family recipe, Grandma’s Pot Roast is slowly roasted braised beef with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes and country gravy for $22.
As a nod to the ‘Burgh, there is a Pittsburgh Steak Salad with grilled top sirloin, mixed greens, tomatoes, loaded fries, and creamy horseradish vinaigrette for $18. The most expensive menu item is the “Tommy” Hawk Ribeye, an aged bone-in ribeye served with grilled asparagus, loaded mashed potato and steak butter for $79.
The menu was created with the assistance of Chef Tomasz Wosiak of TC Restaurant Group.
A cocktail list includes More Summertime: Skyy Vodka Infusions Wild Strawberry, pineapple, cranberry, lemonade and orange juices. Jason’s Old Fashion is made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, and the You Make It Peachy’s main ingredient is Knob Creek Bourbon.
There are additional ready to drink cocktails and domestic beers, including Iron City and IC Light.
“Dozens” of people have already been hired at the establishment.
“I love coming to Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania to perform, some of the best country music fans in the world are in the area,” Aldean said in a statement. “I’m proud to have a permanent destination where fans can stay connected to my music, hear great country music any day of the week, and sit back and enjoy some of my favorite food and drinks. I can’t wait to get up there soon to celebrate with Pittsburgh. It’s going to be a great time.”
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Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Bar is located at 393 North Shore Drive.
A March 13 soft opening is planned with an official opening on March 22. Specific hours will be announced via the website and social media. The plan is to be open seven days a week at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
Details: jasonaldeansbar.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.