The favored Bloomfield bar Brillobox plans to reopen within the fall of 2021 | Meals | Pittsburgh

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Photo: © Google Maps

Brillobox on Penn Avenue in Bloomfield

The coronavirus closings and economic recession resulted in many local facilities in Pittsburgh being permanently closed. The Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland closed permanently during the pandemic, as did the long-running Rex Theater on the South Side. Last August, the popular Brillobox bar and music venue announced that it would be closing after 15 years of operation.

But after some hints of a return, the Bloomfield bar announced on Tuesday, August 10th on social media that it would reopen in the fall of 2021.

On the official Brillobox Facebook account, the bar published “Brillobox plans to reopen this fall. We will take all measures to protect our employees and friends. Thank you for your patience. See you soon.”
This announcement was received with glee by Pittsburghers far and wide. Comments filled Brillobox’s social media with people excited for the bar to reopen. Brillobox has been an integral part of the Bloomfield bar scene for years with its fancy decorations – including a giant shark statue – and an impressive beer and cocktail menu. Upstairs, a small venue hosted dance parties, bands, comedians, and lots of small acts.

On August 5, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported that the owners of Brillobox recently turned down offers to sell the venue. In early April of this year, Brillobox posted a vague social media post that read, “Maybe?” which many interpreted that the bar might open again.

According to the Business Times, Brillobox is awarded $ 245,000 under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program administered by the Small Business Administration.