Ernie’s, An American Bistro inhabits a choice location across Baylor Street from the Washington County Courthouse on the square in downtown Brenham, Texas.  The original building was constructed circa 1890 and has had a diverse history.  It was most recently a custom dress making shop, but has been a tavern and for many years, Brenham’s Navrtil Music House.  In the fall of 2002, Upchurch Architects, Inc. was hired to renovate the structure to house a fine dining establishment in a modern environment, yet sensitive to its historic downtown setting. 

the existing roof structure was demolished, only to reveal that it had suffered extensive fire, water and termite damage.  Removal of the roof, the aluminum storefront, and the 1960’s façade left only the exterior shell of the original building.

The area required for the building program exceeded the floor space available within the limited footprint. Accordingly, a mezzanine level to house storage and mechanical room was set to the building rear and a higher ceiling was raised at the front to create a unique dining space with clerestory windows.

The plaster was removed at the south wall to reveal the Brenham brick that was commonly used in town.  The brick was cleaned and sealed and provides a warm color and texture to the dining rooms that are adjacent. Longleaf pine planks, salvaged and milled from the original roof framing, were used as trim throughout the restaurant to blur the distinction between old and new.

www.erniesrestaurant.com