In 1823, two delegations, one from St. Augustine and one from Pensacola, set out to find a suitable midpoint to serve as Florida’s capitol. When they saw a beautiful waterfall, in what is now Cascades Park, they chose a nearby hill as the location for the future city of Tallahassee.

The Edison Restaurant is located in the Old City Electric Building, Tallahassee’s second coal-fired power plant, which was constructed in 1921. The City was growing so quickly that the plant could no longer generate sufficient energy. Subsequently, it was used as government offices and city storage until it was ultimately abandoned for decades. The building fell into disrepair until the 2000’s when the city of Tallahassee, recognizing the value of this uniquely beautiful single-walled construction brick building, invested in stabilizing the structure for future use. 

Then in 2012, the City Commission added the still-derelict building to the Tallahassee-Leon County Register of Historic Places. The building’s rebirth came in 2015 when a group of local entrepreneurs invested in transforming this grand old building into what is now The Edison Restaurant, one of Tallahassee’s finest restaurant experiences.  After years of careful planning, design, and construction, The Edison Restaurant opened in September 2015.  Our building was renamed to honor the light bulb inventor and lover of Florida, Thomas Edison.

The old power plant has now been transformed into a piece of art, marrying historic charm and clean finishes. It is a representation of our love of Florida and Tallahassee.  On the menu you will find local, fresh from Florida products and classic scratch made menu selections with preparations from all parts of our great state.

During your visit, we invite you to tour this historic building. The elevator or stairs by the front door will take you upstairs to Innovation Hall, a banquet room like none other in Tallahassee. The beautiful Palladian windows provide a breathtaking view overlooking the wetlands water feature central to Cascades Park. The soaring ceilings, exposed brick and festive lighting make Innovation Hall the perfect venue for celebrations and gatherings both intimate and grand.  If you have a Bright idea for a private event, please send an email to Kate@edisontally.com.  Below the Edison on the  ground level you can also visit or Power Plant Café, a great place to grab a local coffee, lunch wrap, ice cream or smoothie. The power plant is open daily 8am to 4pm.  

We hope that your visit to The Edison Restaurant is a return visit and if it’s your first time please ask for a manager so that we can thank you for joining us. It is our pleasure to show and share all of the great bounty that Florida, Tallahassee, and Cascades Park has given us.

It is our mission to showcase the best Florida has to offer. Enjoy!

 Adam & Ryan