The Canal Cafe, Saltsburg

The recently opened Canal Café in Saltsburg offers that true American down home cooking that makes you feel like you are eating at home. “Home cooking” is a term used a lot by restaurants, but at The Canal Café it is truly down home cooking. From her home kitchen to the restaurant kitchen, Chef Beverly Simpson makes every meal from scratch, including the bread and desserts. Many of the recipes are ones handed down in the family.

Angela Simpson is behind opening of The Canal Café. A native of the area, she and her husband Jim knew each other from school and married after graduating. Angela told me that she always wanted to have a restaurant. She said Jim was walking by the building at 117 Point Street in Saltsburg and noticed the “Olde Salt” Restaurant had closed. That began a discussion at home about opening up The Canal Café. The first call went to Jim’s mother, Beverly. Would she be the chef? She had seven years experience at another restaurant and loved cooking. She agreed and Angela prepared to launch the new restaurant.

The restaurant is so new that word hadn’t reached me yet. My wife and I were out doing a Sunday afternoon photo shoot in different communities, ending up in Saltsburg. We took our final photos just before dark and started to head home when we came down Point Street towards the Kiski River. There was the newly opened restaurant and a lot of people dining. We parked, checked it out and had dinner. Great home cooking! Gloria had the three plank chicken dinner and I had the meatloaf. The dinners had large servings and two sides. There was more than enough to eat. And the dessert, well, what can I say? It was home made chocolate pie. I have not tasted as a good home made pie in a long time. Need I say more?

Angela Simpson, Owner

One of the highlights about our first meal at The Canal Café were the great people who waited on us. We were treated as if we were long time friends. There was great conversation, plenty of attention and down to earth friendly people. I returned for lunch a week later and it was no different. This time I had the Hot Turkey sandwich and it was just like the ones we have at home after Thanksgiving.

Angela and Beverly told me that virtually every meal is made from scratch as it is done at home. They said they do not use processed meat. All the sauces are home made, bread is baked on the premises and served hot, and soups are home made. Desserts are also all home made. And, best of all, the prices are a true bargain! How about $2.99 for the Brown Bag Lunch or Every Day Special at $3.99?

The menu is extensive with servings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are specials every day including roast beef on Mondays, lasagna on Tuesdays, fried chicken on Wednesdays, spaghetti on Thursdays and fish on Fridays. Saturdays offer stuffed chicken on occasion and pork chops. And, don’t forget the homemade soups. French onion and chili are available every day.

Chef Beverly Simpson

The Canal Café also offers take out for the entire menu and party arrangements can be made. The local Lions Club holds their meetings at The Canal House and funeral meals may be arranged. Angela says that 35 to 40 people may be accommodated. She is also considering catering.

The Canal Café is following a tradition of restaurants at 117 Point Street. The new restaurant is housed in a building that has had restaurants since the early 1900s. Miller’s Restaurant was the first one. A picture of the restaurant and the Miller’s in 1919 graces the wall along with railroad memorabilia and photos.

If you haven’t tried The Canal House, take a lunch or evening and go. With good down home cooking you feel like you’ve gone back to the good old days. Saltsburg’s historical district and the river offer a great walk for after dinner. If you go, the hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. Breakfast is served to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Call 724-639-9218 for more information. And, don’t forget to tell them that Alle-Kiski Today sent you.