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I was there on a Saturday night and the entire bar area was filled - both bar seats and tables. The small weeknight crowds aren't specific to this restaurant - I think that people in this town don't go out as much as they should. Or they're stupid enough to be lined up to eat microwaved food at the Olive Garden. We were warned that it might be a little slow because a large party had ordered right as we came in but once we smelled the food, we knew we were staying. We munched on some bread and enjoyed our drinks.

Great Lakes Dortmunder on tap was excellent. Very good Rosenblum Zin for me. Grilled calamari appetizer was as good as Lidia's.

We were seated, and an older, Italian guy came to ask for our drink orders and to tell us about the specials of the day. I was a bit freaked out, at first, as both of us had special diets. I am a vegan, and my friend is a vegetarian. The menu for the day, as well as the specials were literally oozing with meat and cheese, which kind of frightened both of us, but I'm quite used to that sort of thing, having been a vegan for quite a few years now.

I told the waiter / owner(?) about our diets, and explained that none of the specials / menu items had anything at all to offer us. He was EXTREMELY polite, and went out of his way to make suggestions that were both vegetarian and vegan that could be made instead of the meat items. He even went so far as to identify me as a VEGAN! (Something that's lacking quite a bit in many restaurants -- Many servers have absolutely no idea what a vegan even is... and no -- it's not someone from Las Vegas, or the planet Vega).

I enjoyed a portabella sandwich with roasted red peppers and eggplant, while my friend enjoyed some vegetarian ravioli. My sandwich also came with some to DIE for (if not a bit greasy) zucchini fritters.

Overall, the food was good... the ambiance may have been a bit lacking, but the wait staff was attentive and friendly, and willing to make modifications for special diets which really makes me feel great about a place. If you can get past the styrofoam plates, and the lack of atmosphere, as well as the slightly high prices, you're bound to enjoy Ciao! I can imagine that it would be a great place to get your buzz -- AND your grub on!

Cheers, Scott East End Brewing

Hey when I stopped in there were two other patrons the whole part of the evening I was there. Carnegie people just aren't supporting their local restaurants. The local leadership/government isn't helping foster new and continuing businesses in the boro either - Ciao's! had planned to open the second floor for parties and outdoor patio dining in the front- those ideas were shot down by Carnegie boro- where they wanted Ciao to add an elevator. An elevator - a very expensive idea and one that would have put a large dent in the space available.

The planned closing will happen end of December 2005 and the Robinson location will open in February 2006 according to Nick.

The new Robinson Township location will be much larger and have seating for 125 people. They are going to continue to push the micros and good imports and expect to have 14-beers on tap at the new location and probably a larger selection of micros in the coolers.

You can expect the same low-priced Italian meals at the new location as well as small-plate tapas-like offerings - but at a low price and healthy size.

I am looking forward to the new location where I expect Ciao! will be received with open arms and a large crowd of loyal diners.

The few of us still alive in Carnegie will miss the convienent location and walking distance bonus.

Ciao! is close to post office along Main Street in Carnegie - next to the large parking lot facing the post office. So parking is readily available- unlike many other bar locations.

At night time the place can be easy to miss as the interior is low lighting and aside from one or two small backlit window boxes there isn't much shooting out at you.

Now let's talk about what makes this place a gem...

The beer selection is loaded with Victory, Dogfish and Troegs products to name a few. They started with a large import selection - and that still exists. They recently hosted a dinner with a beer emphasis - so take note.

Food wise, things are affordable if you choose right. A good fresh selection of Italian dishes throughout and a wider selection of bar/grill type foods.

Service wise, I believe the owner was tending bar - I could be wrong - he also served us and preped our meals - the guy sure was hustling.

Now where I thought Ciao! could improve and defintely attract new folks to their establishment:

There is that issue with signage and lighting- it's a big one. Also, the interior seating is basically banquet style chairs and odd tables - very orange and woody and 1970's. Wallpaper is old and crumbling and the paint is dreary. It gives you that dirty feeling.

The bathrooms are bar bones and need updating- the handrying towel roll sagging from use and smack dab in the sink and the old school urinal that actually sits lower than floor level - yep things that give enough of you the creeps.

All and all, Ciao! is a pretty neat nook. As a bar, it's classier than the other stuff in and near Carnegie and their beer selection is major in these parts. The food is above average, fresh and made to order. A little paint, brightening and cleaning and this place could be a reservation only place.