about the restaurant

Built in 1926 the Vero Beach Diesel Power Plant is the city of Vero Beach’s oldest municipal building. It was built next to the railroad tracks to allow for the delivery of diesel oil and heavy equipment. In 1958 it was relegated to being a backup to the new steam power plant that had been built. In 1995 the building was abandoned. In 1999 it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Two years later it was cleaned up, repaired and then sat idle for 15 years. In 2016 it was bought by real estate developer Michael R. Rechter. After a 6 million dollar renovation it was converted to a brewery/restaurant which opened in 2016.

Jackie and I visited the establishment in early October and found it to be a very interesting place. They still have a 1937 diesel engine which serves as a center piece and bar. The brewery is visible from the both the lower and upper level dining areas. There is ample seating and parking. There is also an elevator for those who don't want to climb the stairs to the second level.

The menu isn't expansive, but does offer unique variations of standard lunch sandwiches. Instead of appetizers, they have "shareables". We've tried the Putine and the Calamari, both were excellent. There is of course, a large selection of custom beers.

All in all it is an interesting place that serves a menu of limited but excellent food,. Prices are a little higher that we are used to but not unreasonable.

There are two entrances to the parking lot. One is a right turn off 19th Place, and the other is off 12th Court.