The former Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Rankin has a new life as Mary’s Vine Inc., a restaurant and wine and cigar bar.
As you make your way to the main entrance, owner Cheryl Stasinowsky greets you with a smile. She and her family invite patrons to sip a glass of wine or cocktail at the bar, enjoy a quality meal, smoke a cigar or play a game of chess.
Stasinowsky, her husband, Walter, their son Jordan Stasinowsky and daughter Amber Smith and her husband, Daniel Smith, co-own the business.
They purchased it for $50,000 and were open for seven months — and then the pandemic hit.
Being general contractors, the husband and wife decided to improve the space that encompasses more than 11,000 square feet. They doubled the size of the kitchen. They have a food elevator to bring meals to the dining room, located in the sanctuary area of the former church, which has plush seating and fireplaces. Family pictures and photos of the construction process make the space feel like home.
“We are family owned and family run and this is a one-of-a-kind place,” Stasinowsky said on a rainy Friday evening as diners started arriving. “This is our home and we are inviting guests into our home. We welcome you when you enter and we thank you when you leave. We try to think of every detail.”
iPads have a visual menu with a description, photo and price of each item.including shrimp, quail and filet, as well as salads, pasta dishes, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options and offerings for other dietary restrictions. Selections change weekly.
A spring menu is set to launch in April and entrees start at $25.
With 582 different wines from all over the world and 76 available by the glass, Mary’s Vine lives up to its name.
“It is beautiful here,” said chef R.J. Favro. “I have worked so many places but have never seen anything quite like this. Mary’s Vine is a real gem.”
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There is a close-knit atmosphere at Mary’s Vine, Favro said. The owners give him creativity with the menu.
By summer there should be a vineyard-inspired outdoor bar and covered patio made with bricks from Hawkins Village, a former housing complex that was torn down and is being re-built in the neighborhood.
The most recent addition is The Study, a cigar bar with a walk-in humidor and aged spirits hidden behind sliding walls that appear to be bookshelves — 4,000 books were cut in half to complete the look. Cocktails are named after authors such as George Orwell and C.S. Lewis. The nearby Game Room features chess, mahjong, poker and card tables.
Alexis Shelton, one of the long-time servers, said she has a greater appreciation for wine and enjoys providing a positive guest experience.
“This is one of the most unique places I have worked,” said Cherie Cottongim, who has worked there a month and a half. “I am learning so much about wine.”
Cost of a wine locker starts at three bottles for $299 per month and comes with a 10% food discount.
“Learning about wine never gets boring,” said Jordan Stasinowsky, who curates the wine. “There is always more to learn and it is knowledge you can physically consume. Wine is fun and I want other people to experience it.”
Colin and Sarah Morse of Wilkins said they visit often.
“This is such a cool, dope concept,” Colin Morse said. “This place has an aesthetic that is appealing. This is top-notch. There is nothing else like this in Pittsburgh.”
Sarah Morse said she has learned so much about wine from Jordan Stasinowsky. His passion is contagious and he has an amazing palate, she said. The church was her father’s former parish, which makes it extra special.
“This place just has a different vibe,” Sarah Morse said. “It’s upscale and elevates your night.”
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Mary’s Vine is located at 211 Kenmawr Ave. in Rankin.
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Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday (Sunday brunch and lunch).
Upcoming events:
Live Music Featuring Dave Crisci — April 4
Raventós Wine Dinner — April 10
Cinco de Fumo Cigar Experience — May 5
Guests must be 21 years old.
Details: 412-351-VINE (8463) or marysvine.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.