Coffee, Cider and Fast-casual Food Among New Business Offerings
By Max McCrory
The new business roundup is very food-forward this month. There are a few restaurants, a coffee bar, and a cider company all included on this list, so we’ll be eating well this summer for sure!
Nanban— 4407 Butler St, Lawrenceville
Fans of Ki Ramen and Ki Pollo rejoice! Owner Roger Li decided to combine his two restaurants’ menus after a flood shut down Ki Ramen in December. The result is Nanban, an Asian-inspired eatery serving up ramen, bao buns, fried chicken, and empanadas. This spot is fast-casual, so customers order at the counter and enjoy it in Ki Pollo’s eclectic space. A few must-try items are the shoyu ramen, the pork belly bao bun, and the spicy pollo empanada.
Nanban is open Tuesday-Thursday 12-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 1-10 p.m. You can check out their menu or order takeout on their website at www.nanbanpgh.com.
Ruckus Coffee Gallery— 1707 Babcock Blvd, Shaler
Ruckus Coffee Gallery is an eclectic space and serves multiple purposes: it’s a coffee shop, restaurant, gallery and event space all rolled into one. Their space is perfect if you want to switch up your work from home routine or if you just want to grab a quick drink to go. They have a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, frappes, and more. They have a diverse menu with vegetarian and gluten-free offerings. Ruckus will also be a space for musicians to perform and local artists to hang their art.
Ruckus Coffee Gallery is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit their website at www.ruckuscafe.com.
After the Fall Cider— 257 Zeigler Road, Rochester
After the Fall Cider, founded by Maria Kretschmann, shows that you can come home again and the results will be delicious. Kretschmann grew up on the very farm where she’s growing the apples for her cider—varieties include Goldrush, Dabinett and Liberty. The business launched in 2018, but Kretschmann just recently opened a small tasting room and event space in the farm’s barn. After the Fall Cider has two ciders you can buy online—2018 Goldrush Dabinett Cider and 2019 Orchard Blend. You can also find them at farmers markets around the city.
After the Fall Cider is open for tastings by reservation only. Visit their website to book a tasting: www.afterthefallcider.com.
Café Conmingo— 10 North Meadow Dr, Wexford
Café Conmingo is putting the relaxation back in coffee shops. Owner Derek Davies, a Franklin Park native, wants customers to stay and enjoy their drinks. The space is open, airy and filled with plants, making it the perfect place to chill or to get some work done. It’s also extremely Instagrammable, too, if that’s your thing. Café Conmingo uses a variety of local vendors to stock their store including Commonplace Coffee, Baked True North, Mediterra Bakehouse, and more. As pandemic restrictions are lifted, there will be more events held in this gorgeous space.
Café Conmingo is open Monday 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit their website at www.cafeconmigo.com.