The Cellar District In Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin Feasts In A Reimagined Sanctuary
In the heart of Fond du Lac, an old church has been given new life as one of the city’s most distinctive dining spots.
The Cellar District pairs striking architecture with a menu that’s as memorable as its setting, offering guests a chance to savor flavors beneath soaring ceilings and stained glass.
From Pews to Plates: The Fascinating History
Built in 1908 as St. Patrick’s Church, this historic structure served the community for decades before being reimagined as The Cellar District in 2018.
Entrepreneurs Carey Sharpe and Phil Shepard saw potential in the abandoned church and transformed it into a culinary haven.
Their vision preserved many original architectural elements while creating a modern dining space.
The transformation took over a year, carefully balancing historical preservation with contemporary restaurant needs.
Breathtaking Interior That Honors Its Past
Walking into The Cellar District feels like entering a sacred dining experience.
Soaring ceilings with original wooden beams create an airy, majestic atmosphere while stained glass windows cast colorful light across the dining area.
The owners cleverly incorporated church elements into the design – pews serve as booth seating and the altar area now hosts a magnificent bar.
Heavenly Menu Offerings That Wow Diners
The Cellar District’s menu rivals its architecture in impressiveness.
Chef-crafted dishes blend Wisconsin comfort food with upscale culinary techniques, creating memorable flavor combinations that keep locals returning.
Signature items include their divine bourbon-glazed pork belly appetizer and the legendary Cellar Burger topped with beer-caramelized onions.
Their hand-tossed pizzas, fired in a custom brick oven, feature locally-sourced ingredients and creative toppings not found elsewhere in Fond du Lac.
Spirited Libations in a Holy Setting
Ironically housed where temperance was once preached, The Cellar District now boasts one of the area’s most impressive drink menus.
Their craft cocktail program features cleverly-named concoctions like “The Confessional” and “Holy Water” that playfully nod to the building’s past.
Wine enthusiasts rejoice at their extensive selection, displayed in a temperature-controlled cellar visible through glass floors.
Beer lovers aren’t forgotten either – rotating taps showcase Wisconsin’s finest breweries alongside house-made seasonal offerings from their microbrewery operation.
Community Gathering Place Beyond Just Dining
The Cellar District honors its communal roots by serving as more than just a restaurant.
The space regularly hosts live music performances, featuring local artists who play beneath the vaulted ceilings with exceptional acoustics.
Just as the church once brought people together, The Cellar District continues this tradition through shared culinary experiences.
