Ontario Restaurants In Old Firehalls
Although many old firehalls are not in use as they once were, I’m happy to see the history of many of these buildings being preserved and re-invented for a more modern use. Many fire stations are now being converted into restaurants and cafes which is great. Old firehalls are such unique buildings of years past and I think they add so much charm and character to main streets, especially in small towns. I wanted to start a list to keep track of Ontario restaurants in old firehalls so it’s easier to find them and check them out.
If you know of other ones, please leave a comment at the bottom of this page so I can add it!
You’ll also want to check out:
Marilynne’s In Markdale, ON
Marilynne’s is a popular and delicious farm-to-table restaurant in Markdale that is located in the old firehall. They’ve done a great job of preserving the building and once you’re inside, you would never know it was once a fire station. You really can’t miss the red brick building complete with bell tower as you drive through the small town of Markdale (home of Canadian ice cream brand – Chapman’s Ice Cream!).
Station 87 in Meaford, ON
Station 87 is one of the latest additions to the Meaford restaurant scene. It’s located in the beautiful old fire station that’s been completely renovated and restored.
The thing I love most about this Ontario firehall restaurant is that they’ve kept the firefighting theme in a subtle yet powerful way. Throughout Station 87 you’ll see firefighting memorabilia like a firefighting jacket hung up when you walk in the doors and fire extinguishers hung on the walls. I like that they’ve kept some of these fire-related items without having it be the entire theme of the design.
If you’re really interested in the history of this fire hall turned restaurant when you visit, they have a booklet with pictures and stories in the second floor dining area.
Lone Star Texas Grill in Kingston, ON
Another Ontario restaurant in an old fire hall is the Lone Star Texas Grill in Kingston, ON. This fire station has so much history to it dating back to the 1840s. I’m excited to check this station out on a trip to Kingston. I’ll add pictures and update this after I do.
If you know of any other Ontario restaurants in old fire halls, please leave a comment below so I can check them out and add them to this list. Thanks!
Old Flame Brewing Co In Newmarket, ON
On my most recent trip to Newmarket, I discovered Old Flame Brewing Co. It’s a craft beer bar located in Newmarket’s old fire hall.
You can’t help but notice the large garage doors that open to a big patio and the perfect spot to sit and admire the history of this old fire hall and take in the vibes of Newmarket’s awesome main street. Although Old Flame Brewing Co. is more of a beer bar, you can order wood fired pizza and a few other snacks.
I’ll keep updating this list of bars and restaurants in old fire halls as I discover more. If you’ve been to one in Ontario, I’d love to know about it. Let me know if the comments below!
