The expression that cats have “nine lives” suggests that cats possess a high level of resilience and the ability to survive against the odds, a trait that has led to the common belief that cats have multiple lives.
Although obviously not a feline, the 1888 beautiful red brick and inky corn flower blue painted Victorian building formerly known as Fat Cat on East Ohio Street which transitioned into tacOcat, is definitely resilient and has continued to survive! Husband and wife, Mike Schmidt and Jess Frandsen, of Deutschtown breathed new life into the old “Fat Cat” location on East Ohio Street and transformed it into a fresh, new neighborhood gathering spot called The Eastman which officially opened on April 18.
The common themes of Northside businesses I have chatted with over the past five years are “inclusive,” “welcoming,” “community forward/focused,” “diversity,” and “locally sourced.” And these themes also ring true for The Eastman.
This dynamic husband and wife duo’s journey to the Northside is also not unfamiliar. Mike hails from the Buffalo area and Jess is from the great state of Indiana. They landed in Pittsburgh years ago to start their careers. Mike lived on the Southside for many years while Jess made a beeline for the Northside.
Finding each other and getting married in 2023, then moving to Deutschtown, Mike and Jess now call the Northside their home. Mike clearly admits that it was Jess who influenced him into coming to the Northside because she felt it was a “hidden gem while being close to downtown.” Along with Jess, Mike is now a full-fledged Northsider who describes the Northside as having “a sense of community and real neighborhood feel.”
As active Northsiders, Mike and Jess yearned to become more involved in their community and wondered what that might look like. So, they took a chance and “dove head first” and purchased the historic East Ohio Street building. With their open-minded approach and “all in” commitment, Mike and Jess hoped to “create something that the neighborhood did not have and would enjoy” and give Northsiders “an additional place to relax.” And that’s exactly what they achieved!
Working with designer and builder Dan Winter of DW Finishes, Mike and Jess put their own spin on this space to set a “cozy, comfortable, and inviting vibe.” The deliberate move to “focus on the brick “and “bring back the original beauty of the building” was a pivotal move in creating the look, feel, and tone that is The Eastman. Although I had been in the building under previous owners, I never noticed the brick until The Eastman’s soft opening. I was stunned at how the exposed brick served as the perfect backdrop for the artwork and their bar back. Most who knew this Victorian building as Jerry’s 1888, Dagwood’s, or JR’s would not recognize it with its makeover.
Mike and Jess also upcycled items to create the stylish decor of The Eastman. The second-hand purchases bring a note of originality: from the vintage sport memorabilia, foosball table, the French fluted chimney and old Bombay steel drums fashioned into cool lighting fixtures; to the old “Sound Advice” music sign complete with accordion and saxophone ironically sharing the brand colors of The Eastman. The first piece that Mike and Jess purchased was a large metal multi pane frame with inset mirrors. With a few mirrors randomly missing from the frame, Jess describes this piece as “imperfectly missing mirrors” which exudes a sense of history and “feels like it should be in a bar.” This piece also adds to their rustic industrial décor and accentuates the coziness.
Décor is great but you can’t eat it!! Let’s talk food. The Eastman describes their menu as: “Where the flavors of New Mexico meet the shores of Lake Erie.” A unique combination that satisfies even the most discriminating tastes and heartiest appetites.
Not unlike our beloved regional dish of pierogis smothered in butter and fried onions, I have learned from Mike and Jess that “pizza logs” and “beef on weck” are also regional dishes — yet from the Buffalo/Lake Erie area. I had never heard of pizza logs until a recent visit to Western New York where I saw “pizza logs” for the first time on a menu. I then fully realized that pizza logs are truly a regional dish like our tasty pierogis. What is a pizza log? I will tell you it is NOT another name for a pepperoni roll. It is in a class all by itself and Chris Acosta of Taqueria Acosta — chef and kitchen manager of The Eastman — serves them up fresh, hot, and homemade! The “pizza log” has been authentically recreated at The Eastman and consists of pepperoni and mozzarella nestled inside a crispy eggroll wrapper served with a side of marinara sauce. East meets West all wrapped into one delectable concoction. And pizza logs are not the only regional specialties crafted by Chef Acosta.
“Beef on weck” is another regional offering by The Eastman. And as Mike relays, this sandwich is all about the weck — a roll that is “a little crusty on the top, soft underneath with a light coating of coarse salt and caraway seed” that makes this sandwich unique.
Chicken thighs anyone? I thought I was not a fan of chicken thighs until I tasted the Chimayo Hot Honey Chicken at The Eastman. WOW! It’s a scrumptious and juicy “buttermilk and corn fried” boneless chicken thigh, drizzled with red chili hot honey and topped with pickled cabbage and sweet carrots for a perfect mix of slight heat and sweet. This is my absolute go to sandwich at The Eastman.
I guess I do like chicken thighs. True New Mexican favorites such as tacos, burritos, tostadas, and the famous “The Bowl Acosta” created by Chef Acosta that my husband and I (and many other Pittsburghers) have come to enjoy are also part of The Eastman’s menu. According to Mike and Jess, the tacos are the customers’ favorite menu item. If you ever tasted them, it would readily become your favorite too! They are packed full of savory flavor with imaginative combinations and tasty options to also create your own.
Besides their unique menu, there are other features that set The Eastman apart from other businesses in Deutschtown: It’s family friendly, a place where you can watch current sports happenings, and a place where you can grab a bite to eat on Sunday! Separated into a distinct bar and dining room, The Eastman is also a place where you can bring the family. With high chairs and games for kids in the dining area (and soon to be released kids’ menu), families are embraced and welcomed. Whether it’s football, soccer, hockey, baseball, or golf, you can find your sport to watch at The Eastman while you also enjoy Sunday brunch!
The Eastman’s comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, tasty food, selection of local craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and fancy cocktails combined with the owners’ welcoming hospitality will “make you feel right at home.” Try the New Mexican mule which is a welcomed twist to the classic mule made with house-made ginger beer garnished with “taco dust” — a truly thirst-quenching libation.
Mike and Jess also expressed their deep appreciation for all the “community support” they received and believed that “they wouldn’t be here” without it. Not a surprise, community is what the Northside is all about.
Last but not least, Mike and Jess became proud parents of a sweet baby girl — Murphy — born Feb. 26, 2026. A little over 7 weeks after Murphy’s birth, The Eastman was born. That’s true commitment and determination!
The Eastman is located at 520 East Ohio St. and is open Thursday and Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday Noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for expanded hours coming soon!
For more information, visit theeastmanpgh.com
