Rankin's Mary’s Vine restaurant, wine and cigar bar 'elevates the night'
The former Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Rankin has found new life as Mary’s Vine, 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, 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.
In the downtime, the Stasinowsky family went all in and improved the space, drawing on Cheryl and Walter’s background as general contractors. They doubled the size of the kitchen. They installed a food elevator to bring meals to the dining room, outfitted with plush seating and fireplaces. Family pictures and photos of the construction process make the 11,000-square-foot space feel like home.
“We are family-owned and family-run and this is a one-of-a-kind place,” Stasinowsky said on a Friday evening as diners started arriving. “This is our home and we are inviting guests into our home. We try to think of every detail.”
The menus are on iPads, offering a visual description of each item. Main courses run from shrimp to quail and filet. The complete menu includes salads and pasta dishes, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options and offerings for other dietary restrictions. Selections change weekly.
A spring menu launches this month, with entrees starting 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.”
There is a close-knit atmosphere at Mary’s Vine, Favro said. The owners give him creativity with the menu.
By summer, a vineyard-inspired outdoor bar and covered patio will be complete. It’s made with bricks from Hawkins Village, a former housing complex 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 longtime servers, has developed a deep appreciation for wine during her tenure. Cherie Cottongim, a newer employee, is doing the same. “This is one of the most unique places I have worked,” said Cottongim. “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.”
“This is such a cool concept,” Colin Morse said. “This place has an aesthetic that is appealing and 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.”
Mary’s Vine is located at 211 Kenmawr Ave. in Rankin. Take a tour here.
Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (brunch and lunch). Guests must be 21 years old.
Upcoming events:
Live music featuring Dave Crisci — April 4
Raventós Wine Dinner — April 10
Cinco de Fumo Cigar Experience — May 5
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. 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.
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