One restaurant that I would recommend to anyone is the Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville. 

The Church has been annually voted Pittsburgh’s best microbrewery from its opening in 1996 up to this year when I saw it at the Pittsburgh’s Best Restaurants Party. 

The restaurant and brewery are housed in the former St. John the Baptist Church on Liberty Avenue, and the beautiful sanctuary serves as the dining room.  This setting makes for a unique atmosphere with the juxtaposition of high ceilings, stained glass windows and a huge brewing system in the altar area.  The dining booths are even made out of wooden church pews.

Yet, the menu is what really makes the Church Brew Works great, as I discovered when eating lunch there this past Tuesday. 

The dishes range from traditional to innovative, so there’s something for everyone.  The untraditional pierogie of the day is a fun, unique appetizer, especially the Carolina pulled pork barbecue one served with coleslaw.  There is also a variety of hand-tossed pizzas, including a pierogie pizza, which is a tasty combination of mashed potatoes, garlic, onions, and cheddar cheese on a soft crust.  I could have eaten a whole pizza if I’d ordered my own.  Even my salad was fantastic, with grilled turkey breast, watercress, baby greens, fried sweet potato curls, pistachios and sun-dried cranberry vinaigrette.  I’m excited to visit the Church again soon to try more entrees and check out the dinner menu.

If you’re looking for someplace fun and interesting to have lunch or dinner, definitely check out the Church Brew Works.  With its great reputation, wide-ranging menu, and one of a kind atmosphere, you’re not likely to be disappointed.