Shorty's Tap X Taco: New Waterfront Restaurant Preview

HOMESTEAD, PA — Some of the energy that surrounded the opening of Shorty's Pins X Pints on the North Shore earlier this year is being transferred to The Waterfront. A second location, Shorty's Tap X Taco, opens Dec. 19 at The Waterfront.

This Shorty's is located at the former Bar Louie location, across the street from Burgatory and the AMC Waterfront 22 multiplex. While it brings many of the attractions of the North Shore location, there are distinct differences between the two eateries.

The new location won't be the last, said Herky Pollock, a partner in the Shorty's venues.

"We're looking at opportunities locally and nationally," Pollock said at a media preview of the new Shorty's on Wednesday. "We're eager to grow this concept."

Pollock said he and Shorty's other partners - who also operate the highly popular Burgatory chain - currently are considering two other potential Shorty's locations. But that's likely a story for 2023; for now, it's best to concentrate on what the new Shorty's has to offer, which is plenty.

It doesn't offer duckpin bowling like the North Shore locale, but The Waterfront one has three traditional metal dartboards that also employs digital technology to tell players - among other things - how close they came to hitting the bulls-eye. That can either be exhilarating or depressing, depending on the distance.

Fan of "That '70s Show"? Shorty's has a karaoke room that practically is a dead ringer for the Forman basement.

There's also a giant Connect Four game near the bar, shuffleboard, pinball machines, a vintage-style photo booth and a train station split-flap sign to keep patrons up-to-date on "arriving and departing rotating beer selections and house-made cocktails. The latter includes a daiquiri made of white rum, lime and strawberry syrup, and a nitro cold brew martini featuring white wine, La Prima coffee and demerara.

The open kitchen will serve up some dishes from the North Shore location, including cholula honey wings and desserts such as cinnamon toast balls and Mexican chocolate creme brulee.

In addition to its evening hours, Shorty's also will be open for lunch until 3 p.m. on weekdays and brunch on weekends until 3 p.m.