Local Color on Jackson Avenue Extension

With talk of new museums in Starbrick, Tionesta, and even one on Hatch Run Road you'd think the idea of recreating the past was something people around here just discovered. Legends restaurant on Jackson Avenue Extension across the city line in Glade Township has been delivering historic ambiance for more than 15 years.

photos by Chris Lareau, Copyright 2008

But there's been a restaurant here for a lot longer than that. Residents remember this as the site of the Jackson Heights restaurant and long before that it was a barn converted into a dance hall. Legends owner Don Navaroli, a former Hilton Hotel food and beverage director, proudly holds up an ancient black and white photo of the dance hall. He said, years ago "the roof leaked so they took off the second floor of the barn." When you walk into his dreamscape of the 1950s you are also walking into the first floor of the original barn.

There's plenty of local history inside. A 1949 pink Cadillac from Kane. A 1953 Bayside Caboose has been recycled from a long-time ice cream stand between Pittsfield and Corry. There's even an ancient motorcycle mounted on the wall. The original dance hall was popular in the 1950s and Navaroli pays tribute to the era in nearly every square foot of this restaurant which is larger on the inside than on the outside, including a full bar. The full service facility also offers catering for business meetings or any special occasion.

The well-lit "50's Style Bar and Grill" features steaks and seafood, a full appetizer menu featuring finger foods, as well as Mexican foods and a children's menu.

Legends Restaurant
809 Jackson Avenue
Warren, PA 16365
(814) 723-9170

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For more photos and the complete story of Legends, visit their website.

article and photos by Chris Lareau

Comments

[Denise]

Legends has long been a favorite restaurant of mine. My brother took the Kinzua Region Chapter Studebaker Drivers club there for a Christmas Party one year and the club members were impressed with all the history that fills the walls.

Great history and great food along with a unique way of serving some of the dishes.