Grieco's Carefree Inn, Indianoloa

Grieco’s Carefree Inn on Route 910 in Indianola (just outside of Harmarville) is one of the ‘best secrets’ in area restaurants. Usually that term means a lot of people don’t know or have not heard of it, but 26 years later it is one of the more popular restaurants that continue to grow. Even all the new restaurants in the new Pittsburgh Mills haven’t put a dent in its popularity. And, there is a very good reason why that is so.

“If we have it, we’ll make it for you,” said Carol Grieco, owner. That personalized service that permits patrons to order dishes with exactly what they like goes a long way in attracting customers from a distance. Carol said they come from North Hills, Wexford, Alle-Kiski region, Penn Hills and all over.

Grieco’s is particularly well known for its seafood dishes. “Our Australian Cold Water Lobster tails are the best,” Carol said. Right from the beginning when the Grieco family opened the restaurant patrons were asking for seafood. “We’ve made a name [for ourselves] in seafood,” Carol went on to say. “We first offered a 22 once lobster tail in 1984 at $14.95, but today because we cannot get a consistent size, these are smaller,” she explained. The second highest demand is for King Crabs. There is a large selection of seafood dishes, 12 main seafood selections, in addition to variations and other selections that give you a full array of choices. Some f those other selections are Back & Blue Shrimp, Barbequed Shrimp and Crab Cake and Red Peppers Coulis.

You can always tell a restaurant’s popularity by the waiting time. “Reservations are strongly suggested,” Carol said, especially on weekends. Although they comfortably seat 125 in two dining rooms, there are times there is a wait. Grieco’s is a dinner only restaurant open from 4 p.m. every day and closing at 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 p.m. on Sundays. They do offer private luncheon buffets to organizations, businesses and parties during the week and private banquets. Take out is also available.

Another sign of a good restaurant is the staff. Carol told us that their staff is very loyal and long term, some being there 15 to 18 years. With very low turnover, you know you are going to get excellent service from experience waiting staff. Jim Grieco, Sr., Carol’s husband is the host most nights (Carol jumps in on Mondays and Thursdays) and their son, Jim, Jr. is the Executive Chef. Carol takes care of the drinks for the waiting staff.

As a family owned restaurant, Carol gave a lot of credit to her husband’s parents, Andy [deceased] and Bea Grieco. They got everything going by purchasing the original Carefree Inn in 1981 and later building the restaurant. Bea recently retired a few years ago, but still visits to eat. She was 84 when she retired!

When I asked Carol about the family background in the restaurant business (they hail from the Gibsonia area), I was surprised to find out they had no experience in the field. In fact, they owned a body shop business! “We asked what you would expect if you walked in a restaurant,” said Carol. Building the restaurant on good food and excellent personalized service catering to the customer’s requests has spelled success for the Grieco family. If you never have visited Grieco’s you should plan to eat there soon.

Grieco’s Carefree Inn is easy to drive to, located right off the Hamarville Route 28 Exit and go west on Route 910 abut three miles on your left.. From North Hills follow RT 910 East from Wexford, Grieco's on your right. From Monroeville or Cranberry take PA Turnpike to exit 5. Go South on Freeport Road three lights go right onto RT 910. Visit their web site for the full menu at www.griecos.com or call 412-767-9460.