5 Destination Restaurants in Historic U.S. Buildings
5 Destination Restaurants in Historic U.S. Buildings
When it comes to dining out, sometimes the building is just as memorable as the food. Across the U.S., old churches, banks, bus terminals, and even airplanes have been transformed into some of the country’s most unique eateries. With history, architectural charm, and clever nods to their pasts, here are five of America’s most impressive restaurants housed in historic buildings.
The Church Brew Works – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
As immigrant communities expanded in Lawrenceville (now one of Pittsburgh’s largest neighborhoods) in the late 19th century, many new churches were constructed. One was St. John the Baptist Church, erected in 1902, the original cornerstone of which is still present in the building today. However, when the area’s industrial era declined, the population decreased, ultimately leading to the church’s closure in 1993.
After laying dormant for several years, the historic building was reopened as the Church Brew Works, a brewery and restaurant celebrated for its award-winning beer. Restoration efforts focused on preserving the historical structure and the interior, with its stained glass windows, original bell tower, altar, and pews. The brewery has earned plenty of praise and accolades over the years, including winning “Best Large Brewpub in America” at the Great American Beer Festival. Favorite brews such as the Pious Monk Dunkel have also gained national attention for their standout taste and craftsmanship.
The Ordinary – Charleston, South Carolina
The Ordinary may be Charleston’s go-to spot for East Coast seafood, but don’t let the name fool you — the food and the setting are anything but ordinary. The menu celebrates local seafood, sourced with care and crafted with creativity, and the interior garners almost as much attention as the dishes.
Housed in a historic 1927 bank building, the restaurant retained its soaring 22-foot ceilings, tall arched windows, marble surfaces, brass and metal accents, and — the standout feature — the original bank vault behind the raw bar. Since opening in 2012, the Ordinary has drawn major attention, including a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2013.
The Grey – Savannah, Georgia
A revamped Greyhouse bus terminal in Savannah is now one of Georgia’s most intriguing restaurants. Originally opened in 1938, the art deco-style terminal was abandoned for years after its closure in 1968 before finding new life as the Grey in 2014.
The restaurant preserves many of the building’s original architectural details — from its sleek curves to its stainless-steel trim and iconic neon sign — and creates a stylish homage to its not-so-distant past. Inside, the station’s former snack counter is now the Diner Bar, a curved island with an upscale bar design, while the Yard (occupying the area where the buses once parked) is now a charming outdoor patio. Though dinner is the main draw, the Grey’s lively Sunday brunch has also become a Savannah favorite.
The Airplane Restaurant – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Aviation enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to dine inside this restored Boeing KC-97 tanker, built in 1953 and permanently parked in Colorado Springs. The United States Air Force used the plane as a mid-air refueling vessel that played a critical role in extending the range of military planes during missions. The aircraft was retired in 1975, and in 2001, Colorado-born restaurateur and pilot Steve Kanatzar purchased it from the Texas Air National Guard to fulfill his dream of owning an aviation-themed restaurant.
Kanatzar had the plane dismantled and transported in pieces to Colorado Springs, where it was reassembled and converted into a restaurant. The body of the plane seats 42 diners, while the adjacent “terminal” building adorned with aviation memorabilia seats another 233. The cuisine — classic American fare, from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and salads — matches the casual, homey vibe of the padded booths and cozy decor.
Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington, D.C.
Located steps from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill was established in 1856 and bills itself as D.C.’s oldest saloon. Innkeeper William Ebbitt originally opened it as a boarding house where presidents, statesmen, and military officers were regular guests. The establishment has hosted Presidents McKinley, Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, Roosevelt, and Harding, all said to have frequented the standing bar.
After changing hands and locations several times, the Old Ebbitt Grill found its permanent home beside the White House in 1983. Over the years, the restaurant has amassed an impressive collection of original antiques and memorabilia — including valuable beer steins, a 200-year-old wooden clock, animal heads said to be Teddy Roosevelt’s trophies, and wooden bears rumored to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton — but many items didn’t make it through the moves. Still, the current building’s Victorian interior reflects the saloon’s rich history, while the menu offers a raw bar and classics such as steak, seafood, and burgers with an elevated twist.
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