One Of The Best Restaurants Near Pittsburgh Can Be Found Inside This Historic Bank

Life sometimes goes by in a blur. During those hectic times, many of us often turn to fast food or eateries that promise food fast to ease our hunger before we move on to our next activity. And, while fast food is fine when we're in a hurry, we all deserve some time to sit down to a leisurely meal, preferably in a memorable location. Like this restaurant near Pittsburgh that once housed a neighborhood bank.

Hop in the car for the approximately 40-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh to Monaca for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Step through the front door of Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, once a Huntington Bank, where you'll still see glimpses of the past throughout the eatery.

Request a seat, for example, in the vault. Or, slide into one of the booths that dot the former bank.

Of course, if you want to watch as your food is prepared, pull up a chair at the hibachi.

Then, take a peek at the menu that's brimming with Japanese dishes, including such popular appetizers as shrimp tempura, harumaki, gyoza, and vegetable tempura.

Or, go straight for one of the scrumptious entrees. Teriyaki chicken, hibachi red snapper, New York strip steak, and the scallop dinner all come paired with lo mein or fried rice, a vegetable, and soup or salad.

The charming steakhouse also serves an assortment of sushi and sashimi - from egg cake and tuna to squid and salmon roe.

Bringing the kiddos along? The children's menu offers such kid-friendly options as chicken, filet mignon, and New York strip steak.

Embrace the unique ambiance at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant is located at 1812, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., Monaca, PA 15061.

Click here for the official website of Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Or, go here for Facebook.

Do you have a favorite re-purposed restaurant near Pittsburgh? Tell us about it in the comments! Then, click here to read about six re-purposed restaurants in the Burgh that deserve a visit.