Restaurants & Bars
Triangle Bar & Grill Owner Tom Crombie: Patch Spotlight
The man responsible for producing Pittsburgh's best-known subs opens up to Patch on a variety of topics - some serious, some frivolous.
For more than 40 years, the Triangle Bar & Grill has been owned by Tom Crombie's family. The unassuming, award-winning eatery is best known for its colossal sub The Battleship - a monster of a sandwich packed with 1.25 pounds of salami, ham, provolone and heaping helpings of lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano. If you're a Pittsburgher, you undoubtedly know that the Triangle has delectable dining offerings. Now it's time to get to know Crombie, the man behind the Battleships, Destroyers and Torpedoes.
In an era in which bars and restaurants come and go at a depressing rate, the Triangle has been around for more than 70 years and your family has owned it for more than 40. To what do you attribute its longevity?
Consistency, core employees, bread, hours of operation and commitment to offering a great product at a fair price.
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Inquiring minds want to know: Which Triangle sub is most popular: the 27-inch Battleship, the 12-inch Destroyer or the 6-inch Torpedo?
The Italian Battleship is still the undisputed champion of sandwiches in Western Pennsylvania.
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Favorite thing in Pittsburgh that no longer exists?
The "O" Original Hot Dog French fries with gravy
Most recent book read?
"Can't Hurt Me" by David Groggins.
Movie you could watch any time?
"Gladiator."
Favorite pizza topping?
Pepperoni.
Early bird or late-nighter?
I'm a retired late night O.G. Now I'm an early bird special.
Favorite Pittsburgh restaurant?
This was the hardest question. I love so many places in Pittsburgh, but I'm gonna go with the Triangle Bar & Grill in Swissvale. But I'm biased toward that place.
Favorite adult beverage?
Coffee, I'm a retired drinker.
Favorite Pittsburgh national celebrity, living or dead?
Franco Harris, he was a better man than a football player. No one was kinder to people that he was.
Favorite local sports mascot: Steely McBeam, Pirate Parrot or Iceburgh?
Iceburgh.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I'm a former police officer.
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