Cracking the Success: The Speckled Egg
Written By Nick Razum
One of the most popular restaurants downtown for breakfast or lunch is the Speckled Egg. The name came to owner Jacqueline Schoedel when she and Nate, her husband, had a restaurant stall in Smallman Galley. She went to the basement to grab more eggs when the inspiration struck. Nate was more worried about getting the eggs for the hungry customers than the name of a restaurant that doesn’t exist, but the name The Speckled Egg became the basis of Jacqueline’s vision for her first restaurant.
Photo Courtesy of The Speckled Egg
Nestled in the Union Trust Building, The Speckled Egg opened five years ago with the intent to serve the tenants of the building. Word spread about the quality meals thought up by fine-dining trained owners, and people from all over the city come downtown to get a taste.
Nate’s favorite on the menu is the fried chicken biscuit. Nate’s tastes align with their customers, especially those looking for something visually appetizing to show off on Instagram. The fried chicken biscuit is drizzled with local honey and topped with pimento cheese. Jacqueline’s favorite is the Nester, eggs in a basket with goat cheese, greens, and fine herbs. The greek yogurt and the Aloha pudding are more customer favorites to try.
There is now a second location of the Speckled Egg in the Southside Works open Wednesday through Sunday. It’s bigger, with a bigger kitchen and larger capacity. The largest difference between downtown and Southside is French fries. “They are ‘cross a bridge’ good,” said Jacqueline.
Both locations have a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, so enjoy a cocktail while waiting for a table. The wait is always worth it with seasonal cocktails. Whether you are downtown for an event or shopping in the Southside, both locations will provide a delicious bite.
Jacqueline also provides a safe working environment. One of the ways she does this is by having the whole staff take a mental health week off. That week will be the first of January. They will reopen on the 10th.
Make sure to follow The Speckled Egg Instagram: @theeggpgh
The Speckled Egg
501 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 251-5248
