The Berea Depot
As history and antique lovers, we’ve injected a bit of ourselves into the historic décor. It’s like a museum, with so many interesting objects to explore,
Opened in 2017 by husband and wife duo Chef Scott Ita and Lynn McLaughlin, diners take a step back in time to 1876, when the Berea Depot was built from quarried sandstone blocks, and enjoy a menu of upscale pub fare while overlooking the train tracks.
Cherished antiques such as a vintage phone booth, motorcycle, sewing machine, train artifacts and a replica miniature train track chugging along high above the tables of the dining room make the experience authentic.
With the trains whizzing by at 76 miles per hour, just a few yards away from the track-side restaurant and patio, you can literally feel the vibrations as they arrive and depart, about every half hour.
Rows of umbrella-covered tables make the inviting patio the place to be in spring, summer and fall. Look for live music from local favorites every Saturday evening.
Cosmopolitan Fusion of Dishes
Scott credits his Slovak heritage with getting the ideal balance of spices right in the restaurant’s signature Hungarian Paprika Chicken. Several dishes on the menu are gluten-free and vegan.
Other examples of dishes he says are the most popular include:
• Braised Short Rib
• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Red Lentil Pasta
• Baked Salmon in Creamed Leek Sauce
• Warm Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Smoked Chicken Salad
• Baked Brie en Croute
• Pierogies
They also offer small plates for sharing, gourmet burgers and hand-helds, as well as six varieties of flatbreads: traditional, Italian, loaded baked potato, roasted veggie, pepperoni and sausage, and buffalo chicken.
Everything here is made by hand, down to the sauces and dressings. There is even a special smoker fired up out back for the meats.
The cuisine is a hit with diners, and judges as well, as Berea Depot won a Best Appetizer competition with its Pork Tacos in Cleveland’s Finest Hors d’Hoeuvre Contest.
Retrofitted Pullman Car for Memorable Events
Adjacent to the main depot station, an historic Pullman train car is perfect for private parties, wine dinners, family reunions, corporate events, showers, rehearsal dinners and even intimate family weddings.
The décor harkens back to the Victorian era, with green and burgundy window treatments, antique light fixtures and beautiful vintage furniture.
Within the Pullman is a main dining space, separate bar/seating area and a private patio off the back. A variety of catering dining options and buffet packages are available.
Berea Depot is located at 30 Depot Street in Berea. Book your reservations online. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Call 440-243-6169 or visit BereaDepot.com for more information.