Just one block away from campus, people are sitting in church pews eating steak and drinking wine.

“The booths on the second floor are actually old pews,” said Paul Mejdrich, owner of E.L. Krackers, 1405 Fourth St. “When the building was built we gutted the inside of an old abandoned church.”

The pipes of an old pipe organ make up the sign inside the restaurant, and the stained glass above the door also came from the church.

The restaurant has two levels, both decorated with pieces ranging from an old gas pump, pink flamingos, old photos and various antiques.

“It’s all just stuff we’ve kind of collected over the years,” Mejdrich said.

Red brick and dark woods make a comfortable atmosphere, and the lighting and decor provide a casual dining experience.

Among the entrees available, Mejdrich recommended the smothered filet, a filet mignon covered with crab meat stuffing and provolone cheese.

“People really seem to like it,” Mejdrich said.

The menu also includes a variety of steak, chicken, seafood, sandwiches and pasta. Mejdrich added their large selection of martinis and ice-cream beverages are popular.

A large salad bar awaits vegetarians or light eaters. In addition to regular salads, grilled chicken caesar salads, spinach salads and the “Hot Chicken Nest,” a spinach salad with chicken strips on top.

E.L. Krackers is open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The restaurant offers a banquet hall for up to 140 guests and a banquet room for groups of up to 30.