Though we love to celebrate openings, it’s also valuable to know about what’s closing. It’s important both so that you can get that last drink or meal in to say your goodbyes, but also to think about the changing business landscape of the city. Pittsburgh is no stranger to closings, to the point where Pittsburghers will give you directions based on what used to be at a particular location. But business closings show where gaps in the market are and what’s changing. The goodbyes may be bittersweet—in some cases tragic—but you can always hope that it turns into a “see you later.”
Say Your Goodbyes to This Year’s Pittsburgh Business Closings
Bae Bae’s Kitchen
Downtown
Bae Bae’s Kitchen had a delicious menu of bulgogi, tofu, and dumplings, as well as an additional cocktail and soju program. Owners Ashley Bae and Edward Lai told the Post-Gazette that it was not just one thing that made them close, but an accumulation of small hardships. Plus, Lai is “shifting his lifestyle away from the restaurant industry and towards fitness and health.” Next door, Bae Bae’s Cafe will still be open, so you can buy a cup of coffee and continue to support Lai and Bae.
Brewer’s
Bloomfield
Brewer’s, the oldest gay bar in Pittsburgh at 45 years in business, will be closing its doors at the end of 2024. However, it’s only changing ownership, not entirely shuttering, so we’ll see what pops up in its place. But the loss of one of the city’s few gay bars is still sad.
Redbeard’s
Mt. Washington
After thirty years in business, Mt. Washington bar and eatery Redbeard’s will be closing in 2025. Owner Lee Semplice said it is a “semi-retirement” for him and that “This is a sad day, the Mt. Washington community has been our family, and we have grown together over the years.” However, you can still visit Redbeard’s downtown.
Lefty’s
Strip District
This Strip District bar will potentially be seeking out a new location once its lease ends in 2025. ““We’re old school Pittsburgh in the Strip District, and now the Strip is a whole different place,” owner Robert Krist said in an interview with WTAE. “Chains are great, but the small business is the fabric of the Strip District, and whether we stay here or not, I think we’ve done it the right way and we hope to continue to do so.” Lefty’s last day in the Strip will be January 26.
Hard Rock Café
Station Square
The cited reason for Hard Rock Café closing its doors is simply that the lease is expiring in February 2025. The Pittsburgh branch of the national franchise will be closing on February 13, after 23 years in Pittsburgh. Too bad if you had Valentine’s plans, you’re one day short.
Sultry Food & Bar
South Side
Sultry, a comfort food spot on East Carson Street, closed abruptly earlier in the fall of 2024. (As a resident, I heard it first in the gossip-filled South Side Secrets social media group, for what it’s worth). The owners stated that “This year has presented challenges that have become too much to bear.” We hope that they move on to other endeavors!
Merchant Oyster Co
Lawrenceville
Chef-owner Dennis Marron said that a combination of rising costs, an investor leaving the Pittsburgh restaurant market, and staffing shortages led to the tough decision to close Merchant Oyster Co. “To our amazing guests and team, thank you for making this journey unforgettable,” he said on Facebook. A GoFundMe exists to help support the staff through the closure.
Cioppino
The Strip District
This restaurant and cigar bar in the Strip District will puff its last cigar on December 31, 2024. “We’re sad to say goodbye to our neighbors and community who have been a part of our lives for more than 15 years,” management said on social media. They cited financial pressures associated with running a restaurant as a reason for their closure.
Sugar Spell Scoops
Sharpsburg
Disagreements with a landlord and issues in their building led to this Sharpsburg ice cream shop closing in the end of 2024. Though this is the end of that physical location, the staff plan to look for a new place and continue finding ways to sell their delicious ice cream. “Because we always take January off for winter break, we will be evaluating our options and deciding what will be a sustainable path forward for us,” they wrote on social media.
Farmer x Baker
Aspinwall
Though Farmer x Baker is closing their park-side service in Aspinwall, the good news is that they are working to relocate. Owner Jen Ulrich has started a fundraising campaign for the organic restaurant, so if you miss their sandwiches by the Allegheny, consider giving so that Farmer x Baker can find a new space.
Park Bruges
Highland Park
After fifteen years on Bryant Street, Park Bruges is closing. Don’t despair, though. You can still go to Point Brugge in Point Breeze for those delicious moules frites and curated wine list. Jesse and Amy Seager will be focusing more on Point Brugge, which is coming up on twenty years in 2025. Angela Early of Penn Avenue Fish Co will be stepping into the space with the Seagers’ blessing.
Luke & Mike’s Frontporch
Aspinwall
After fourteen years, family-run casual dining space Luke & Mike’s Frontporch is saying “Arrivederci” to Aspinwall’s shopping district. Service will continue through December 27 and 28, 2024, when they’re holding a Goodbye Bash.
Club Café
South Side
This one hurts. Club Café, a beloved bar and music venue on the South Side, is closing in 2025. Its last few shows over the holiday season are sure to be packed. This venue’s closure begs the question of what will become the next intimate venue for local or touring bands who don’t want the hugeness of a stadium or a mid-level venue. Pour one out for this Pittsburgh music scene staple.
Story by Emma Riva
Photo via Hard Rock Café
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