Birdtown Brewing Opens Inside Historic Century Old Former Church in Lakewood
- Natalie Gonsalves
- 28 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Published: Jun 1, 2026 - 3:35 p.m.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — A new brewery and restaurant has opened in Lakewood, giving new purpose to a historic, 100-year-old building. Birdtown Brewing is now operating at 2035 Quail Ave., inside the former St. Gregory the Theologian Byzantine Catholic Church. The congregation held its final service in the church, which was once known for its distinctive golden onion dome and stained glass windows, in 2011. Following 12 years of planning, the space has been completely transformed. Fermentation tanks now occupy the area where the altar once stood, and a new seating area has been built in the former choir loft. While the building has been repurposed, developers preserved some original features, including the pendant lights hanging in the main dining area. In a nod to local history, the former gymnasium floors from Lakewood High School have been repurposed into the bartop and tables in the bar area located in the basement of the building. The brewery is also the first west side location for Geraci's Restaurant in its 70 years of operation. The menu features a variety of craft beers, cocktails and mocktails, alongside pizza, pub-style fare, and numerous vegan and vegetarian options. I joined Meghann Reich (known as @fitnessqueenohio on social media), a Cleveland-based food and fitness influencer, for a tour and to try some of their vegan pizza options. She commented on the new establishment's atmosphere. "Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or gathering with friends, this is the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile," Reich said. "The food is packed with flavor, and every visit feels like a special experience. It's the perfect combination of great eats for everyone, good company, and memorable vibes." In addition to the main bar and dining area, the establishment includes a large patio, a rear parking lot, and a basement barroom that can be used for dining, games, and events. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.
