Shamrock Whiskey and Cigar Bar Named Best New Restaurant in the Pittsburgh Region by PRLA

• Prestigious Award Advances Laurel Highlands Destination Restaurant to Statewide Competition.

ROCKWOOD, PA, Jun 23, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar is proud to announce that it has been awarded Best New Restaurant in the Pittsburgh Region by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) during the organization’s annual awards ceremony held June 15, 2026, at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

The award recognizes excellence in hospitality, culinary innovation, guest experience, and contributions to Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry. With this regional honor, Shamrock now advances to statewide competition among Pennsylvania’s top hospitality establishments.

Located in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar has quickly established itself as a destination dining experience, blending refined rustic elegance with an unwavering commitment to quality, wellness, and hospitality.

“Our vision was to create a place where guests could leisurely enjoy extraordinary food, exceptional service, world-class beverages, and genuine hospitality in a beautiful setting,” said Angela Svonavec, ND, Founding Proprietor of Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar. “Receiving this recognition from PRLA is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion, dedication, and talent of our entire team.”

With a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a focus on holistic nutrition, Svonavec has partnered with Executive Chef Alex Ginter to create Shamrock’s distinctive concept of Wellness Fine Dining—a culinary philosophy that combines exceptional flavor with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and wellness-conscious preparation.

Under Chef Ginter’s leadership, Shamrock’s menu emphasizes premium ingredients, scratch-made preparations, and a commitment to sourcing non-GMO ingredients, antibiotic-free and hormone-free meats and dairy, wild-caught seafood, farm-to-table partnerships, and nutrient-dense foods. The restaurant also avoids seed oils and microwaves in its culinary program.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Shamrock has become known for its extensive collection of fine whiskeys, curated wines, handcrafted cocktails, premium cigar selection, and elevated guest experience.

“This award belongs to our entire team—from Chef Alex Ginter and his talented culinary staff to our management team, mixologists, servers, and support personnel led by Manager Taylor Hange,” Svonavec added. “Their commitment to excellence is reflected in every guest experience we provide.”

On behalf of the entire Shamrock team, Svonavec expressed heartfelt gratitude to the restaurant’s loyal guests, members, family, friends, community partners, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association for their continued support.

As Shamrock advances to statewide competition, the team remains focused on delivering exceptional hospitality while showcasing the very best of the Laurel Highlands to guests from across Pennsylvania and beyond.

About Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar

Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar is a refined rustic dining destination located in Rockwood, Pennsylvania, offering elevated cuisine, premium whiskeys, curated wines, handcrafted cocktails, and a unique hospitality experience centered on quality, wellness, and authentic guest connections.

Open to the public for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, Shamrock also hosts private events, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, the restaurant has quickly become a premier destination for dining and hospitality in Southwestern Pennsylvania.