We all know that 2018 was a good year for restaurant openings in Pittsburgh (like these 50+ new restaurants), but the year also saw some Pittsburgh greats close. Here’s a few of the dearly-departed restaurants that we’ll be missing in 2019.
Avenue B
This Shadyside staple closed its doors in March, but if you’re a big fan of chef/owner Chris Bonfili, you’re in luck – his brand-new restaurant, Bonfire, just opened on the South Side.
Six Penn Kitchen
After 12 years in the Cultural District, Six Penn Kitchen closed in February. The restaurant, which was part of the Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group, was one of the first restaurants downtown to serve elevated cuisine more than a decade ago – and they had a killer rooftop patio, too.
Pallantia Tapas de España
Shadyside tapas restaurant Pallantia closed in June after three years in business on Ivy Street. The restaurant received great reviews for its Spanish dishes, and especially its paella.
Mancini’s Bakery – Downtown
While Mancini’s Bakery closed its Market Square location in May, if you’re a fan of fresh-baked breads and pepperoni rolls, don’t worry – they’re still open in the Strip District and their flagship location in McKees Rocks.
Poros
Seafood-centric Poros closed this summer, as Mt. Lebanon’s Il Pizzaiolo founder and chef Ron Molinaro (and business partner Bob Wolfinger) opened Molinaro’s in the same spot.
Pirata
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dan Gigler just broke the news that Market Square’s Pirata, a rum bar with a pan-Caribbean menu, has officially closed on Saturday. Coming in the new year? Wolfies Pub, “geared toward all people where they can enjoy top notch, quality food that’s realistically priced.”
Peter’s Pub
Pitt favorite Peter’s Pub closed its doors in May, after being open since 1974. The Leventis family, who owned the bar since the doors opened in 1974, said in a Facebook post that while they “deeply regret that we cannot continue to do what we love, with an amazing team that has become our family, we will move forward with the warm memories we made with each other and all of you.”
Cafe Sam
After 30 years in business, Cafe Sam – known for the ‘Samantha’ mannequin who held court at the bar – closed in July. The Baum Boulevard restaurant got lots of love from the Tribune Review back in 2004, and shared their famous Creme Brulee recipe, too.
Red, the Steakhouse
Red, the Steakhouse was not long for this world… or for downtown. The massive steakhouse was open for only about 11 months at its Grant Street location before closing in October, though the chain still has spots in Cleveland and Miami Beach.
Uncle Sam’s Subs
Popular Oakland sub shop Uncle Sam’s Subs closed in September after 35 years in business in the same location. A notice on the door said, “With heavy hearts, we at Uncle Sam’s have decided not to renew lease and close this location. Due to the age and layout of this building a renovation was unfortunately not feasible.” There are three other Uncle Sam’s Subs locations in the Pittsburgh area in Squirrel Hill, Robinson Township, and in the Waterworks Mall.
Sharp Edge Beer Emporium
The original Sharp Edge Beer Emporium in Friendship closed after almost 30 years in business in September. The beer emporium’s locations are still open downtown, and in Sewickley and Crafton.
Know of any other restaurants or bars that closed in 2018 that we missed? Share in our comments!
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