6 Repurposed Restaurants In Pittsburgh Where The Atmosphere Is As Great As The Food
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 21, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Going out for a meal should be a culinary adventure, wouldn’t you agree? Whether you like to explore new cuisines or you’re a finicky eater, you’ll find plenty of unique restaurants around town. But, not all restaurants are created equal. Some, in fact, have storied histories, once serving as a church or a gas station, for example, before being reimagined as a charming local eatery. Here are six repurposed restaurants in Pittsburgh that will take you on a unique culinary adventure.
Superior Motors' name gives a hint into its building's past. Before it held an award-winning restaurant, the spacious building was a Chevy dealership. The exterior still pays homage to the past, with a parts and service sign s remaining. Inside, discover an eclectic menu, which frequently changes, that boasts such dishes as salmon, beef fillet, and smoked potato. Sit near the window for spectacular views of U.S. Steel's Edgar Thomson Works plant.
Superior Motors is located at 1211 Braddock Ave., Braddock, PA 15104.
Treat yourself to a scrumptious meal at Double Wide Grill, in the South Side, once a bustling Texaco gas station. Today, the restaurant, that features a plethora of vegetarian and vegan dishes, pays tribute to its past in its decor. Walk by gas pumps as you enter the restaurant, filled with gas station memorabilia, including a suspended truck. Peruse the menu brimming with such delicious dishes as BBQ ribs, New York strip steak, and meatless stroganoff. Pair your meal with a drink from the full bar that offers 36 draft beers and 40 beers on tap.
Double Wide Grill is located at 2339 E Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Step through the front doors of The Church Brew Works and feel like you're in, well, church. The former home of St. John the Baptist Church, the church building dates back to 1903. After the parish population began to decline, the church shuttered in 1993. It reopened as The Church Brew Works in 1996. Pews, stained glass windows, and other decor from the church still remain. The restaurant serves a wide range of popular dishes - from pierogies to pub steak - and drinks.
The Church Brew Works is located at 3525 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
Dine at a former funeral home turned restaurant, pub, and coffeehouse when you visit the Abbey on Butler. The charming eatery offers outdoor seating, an enclosed outdoor lounge, and indoor seating. Admire the decor as you peruse the menu chock full of such favorites as fish and chips, juicy burgers, and mac and cheese. In the mood for something a little lighter? Order an appetizer or a local salad.
The Abbey on Butler is located at 2906, 4635 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
Nestled in downtown Monaca, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse's vault, with banquet seating inside, betrays the building's history as a Huntington Bank. Today, the restaurant beckons guests with its vast, delectable menu. Choose from such popular entrees as filet mignon, lobster and chicken, and sushi.
Sakura is located at 1812, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., Monaca, PA 15061.
Step back in time when you dine at the Grand Concourse, formerly a vibrant railroad station that opened in 1901, that still boasts much of its original decor. Stroll by a telephone booth and a door that once lead to the trains, and keep track of time by the grand clock. Sit in the train station or request a seat that offers sweeping views of the river. The popular seafood restaurant serves such scrumptious entrees as planked salmon, yellow fin tuna, and New York strip steak.
The Grand Concourse is located at 100 W Station Square Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
Do you know of any other repurposed restaurants in Pittsburgh? Share in the comments! Then, if you’re up for another culinary adventure, check out some of the best unconventional “restaurants” in the Burgh. Click here to read more.
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