Church Brew Works & Restaurant   

Truly one of the most beatific sights in Pittsburgh, this once-abandoned church now suits more earthly needs -- without ditching its sacred aesthetic. As you push through the heavy wood doors, you'll crane your neck at the cathedral ceiling arched high above. Brass-color tanks rest where the altar once stood, brewing thousands of gallons of beers. Instead of pews, there are dozens of tables set for lunch or dinner, while an added outdoor patio lets you take advantage of fair weather. The hallelujah chorus may be long gone, but live jazz and Latin tunes have rushed to fill the void. The menu is loaded with top-notch selections, from crab cakes to portobello pies. The local favorite, though, arguably is gourmet pizza, served sizzling from a wood-fired oven. Begin with a plate of non-traditional Pittsburgh pierogies, which are stuffed with different fillings each day, or a pound of barbecued wings. Then feast on creative concoctions such as an Aztec pork tower or sauteed Asian-style crab cakes. This space accommodates large groups of friends -- the echoing chamber evokes a Medieval great hall -- without leaving smaller parties feeling swallowed. Whatever the size of your entourage, the Celestial Gold brew will have you singing with the angels.