PITTSBURGH, PA – Some went under due to the various financial implications of the coronavirus outbreak. Others had simply reached the end of their lifespan. But for a variety of reasons, many Pittsburgh restaurants, many with decades of tradition, will finally close their doors in 2020.
Here’s a look at some of the bars and restaurants in town that have closed their business:
Don’t despair, Slice fans. The original slice remains in Beechview and there are also locations in Beechview and the East End. Slice also teases that it will open a new location in 2021.
After 15 years of DJ dance parties, art events, spoken word, fundraisers, variety shows, movie screenings and other community-oriented activities, this all-round bar on Penn Avenue closed its doors.
Well-known Pittsburgh restaurateur Richard DeShantz retired this restaurant on Sixht Street in the Cultural District shortly after the debut of a new restaurant, Coop De Ville, on Smallman Street in the Strip District.
After a decade of serving great food and quality beer, this mainstay on Penn Avenue closed in June.
This restaurant had a well-deserved reputation for its cuisine, which spanned the American Northeast, the Mid Atlantic, and the Appalachians, as well as the raw food bar. The coronavirus outbreak didn’t care.
This Cajun restaurant survived a devastating fire a few years ago but failed to survive the pandemic.
The last cake came out of the oven in July.
After a decade on Shiloh Street near the Monongahela slope, the grill was cleared.
The combination of the coronavirus outbreak and an expiring lease resulted in the plug being pulled at this popular restaurant.
Given the distance from the heart of the business district at the intersection of Forbes and Murray Avenues, the fact that this Cantonese restaurant has been open on Lower Murray Avenue for 14 years is impressive.
The story goes on
Known for its large selection of meats, this Rodi Plaza stopped operating after 20 years.
This New American bistro fell victim to the coronavirus outbreak.
After a 29-year run on Smithfield Street, the Greek restaurant, known for its gyros and chicken salad, closed its doors.
The popular bar, known for its comedy and music events, closed in October, one month after the sudden death of tavern owner Jeff Holt, 46. Hambone’s Facebook page said the bar was facing insurmountable debt and the building was going to be built for Sheriff’s Sale.
Known for its legendary fries, “Dirty O” on Forbes Avenue suddenly closed in April after 60 years. The owners did not give a reason. Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a Mt. Lebanon native negotiated to buy the O and reopen it but never came to a deal. The space is currently being renovated and will open two new restaurants in 2021.
After just under a year of operation, this unique venue, which featured a brewery, bowling alley and live music, went out of business. Owner David Rodriguez said he closed because he and his family moved to Chicago; The bar stays in the market.
Alexander’s was a staple on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy for 60 years and went down in May. Owner Alex Colaizzi said in interviews that it was forced to close after failing to get a loan for the paycheck protection program.
The cozy café and espresso bar closed in February after almost nine years of operation.
The popular tavern, which had live music played for 20 years, was due to close in August when owner Susan Coe searched the East End for a new location. But Coe permanently closed the bar in April, accusing COVID-19.
Ron Molinaro and partner Bob Wolfinger closed their three downtown restaurants in January for reasons the manager of one of the restaurants described as “financial reasons”.
This article originally appeared on the Pittsburgh Patch
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