This is part of an ongoing series highlighting Signature Dishes at locally owned restaurants in the region. See Trib Total Media’s new online directory of restaurants, Dine Local, at dinelocal.triblive.com
Prime rib still rules as the signature dish at Grieco’s Carefree Inn Restaurant in Indiana Township.
Grieco’s opened in 1981 as a small bar along Route 910. Prime rib was added to the menu in 1983 and has stayed central as the venue expanded over the years.
Jim Grieco founded the restaurant with his late father, Andrew Grieco. They both left their jobs in the automotive industry to start a place dedicated to freshly-made Italian-focused specialties.
“Working in a body shop was too hard. You’re not gonna be working in a body shop at 60 years old,” said Jim Greico, 76.
His son, also named Jim, started working at the restaurant at the age of 12. Known as “Jab,” he’s 53 today and serves as chef.
“We’re known pretty far and wide for the food we put out — the prime rib,” said Jab Grieco (pronounced “greek-o”).
When covid-19 restrictions led to a scaled-back menu, the prime rib was removed — except for Mother’s Day.
It’s now firmly back on the menu, served Fridays-Sundays. Customers can choose from cuts in three sizes: regular (12 ounces for $30), queen (15 ounces for $34) and king (18 ounces for $38).
Prime rib is a classic roast beef graded prime by the USDA.
“It’s basic. You cook it right. Season it right. Serve it,” Jab Grieco said of his technique. “You just cook it slow.”
The original bar is on one side of the building and the two dining rooms, decorated in the original 1980s decor, flank the other side.
There’s room for about 100 diners.
“The customers always call it old school, but that’s because we never remodeled it,” Jim Grieco said.
The restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
“We’ve had many ups and downs — we’re still not over the covid impact,” Jim Grieco said, but marking four decades in business feels like success to him.
The Griecos said they’re now feeding their third generation of customers.
“We’ve had the christenings, the rehearsal dinners and now we got ‘em again,” Jim Grieco said. “We’re keeping it going strong.”
Grieco’s (903 Route 910, Indiana Township) is open from Wednesdays through Saturdays from 3 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 8 p.m. See griecos.com or call 412-767-9460 for reservations.
