The old Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Rankin has been transformed into Mary’s Vine Inc., a restaurant and wine and cigar bar.
As you walk to the main entrance, owner Cheryl Stasinowsky welcomes you with a smile. She and her family invite customers to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail at the bar, have a good 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, are co-owners of the business.
They bought it for $50,000 and were in operation for seven months — and then the pandemic started.
As general contractors, the couple decided to upgrade the space covering over 11,000 square feet. They doubled the size of the kitchen. They have a food elevator to bring meals to the dining area, situated in the sanctuary part of the former church, which has comfortable seating and fireplaces. Family pictures and photos of the construction process make the space feel cozy.
“We are family owned and family run and this is a unique place,” Stasinowsky said on a rainy Friday evening as diners began to arrive. “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 display 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 scheduled to debut in April and main dishes 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 in many places but have never seen anything quite like this. Mary’s Vine is a real gem.”
There is a tight-knit atmosphere at Mary’s Vine, Favro said. The owners allow him to be creative with the menu.
By summer, there should be an outdoor bar and covered patio inspired by a vineyard, made with bricks from Hawkins Village, a former housing complex that was demolished and is being rebuilt in the neighborhood.
The latest addition is The Study, a cigar bar with a walk-in humidor and aged spirits concealed behind sliding walls that look like bookshelves — 4,000 books were halved 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 includes a 10% food discount.
Jordan Stasinowsky, who selects the wine, expressed that learning about wine is always interesting and there's always more to learn. He believes that wine is enjoyable and wants others to have the same experience since it's knowledge they can physically enjoy.
Colin and Sarah Morse from Wilkins mentioned that they visit Mary’s Vine frequently.
Colin Morse described the concept as cool and appealing, and mentioned that the place has a unique aesthetic. He added that it's top-notch and there's nothing quite like it in Pittsburgh.
Sarah Morse shared that she has gained a lot of knowledge about wine from Jordan Stasinowsky. She finds his passion infectious and considers him to have an excellent palate. She also noted that the church used to be her father's parish, which adds to its significance for her.
Sarah Morse mentioned that the atmosphere at this place is distinct and upscale, and it enhances the experience of the evening.
Mary’s Vine can be found at 211 Kenmawr Ave. in Rankin.
Take a tour here.
The operating hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, which includes 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
