Pittsburgh Restaurants, Bars That Closed For Good So Far In 2020

PITTSBURGH, PA — Most bars and restaurants either closed or dramatically reduced offerings for several months this year during the height of the coronavirus outbreak. But several shut their doors for good, including some that had been around for decades.

Here's a look at some of the bars and eateries around town that have gone out of business:

• The Original Hot Dog Shop, Oakland

Known for its legendary fries, the "Dirty O" on Forbes Avenue closed suddenly in April after 60 years. No reason was given by its owners. Since then, Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a Mt. Lebanon native, has been negotiating to buy the O and reopen it.

• Enix Brewing, Homestead

After barely a year of operation, this unique venue - which featured a brewery, bowling alley and live music performances - went out of business. Owner David Rodriguez said he closed because he and his family were moving to Chicago; the bar remains on the market.

• Alexander's Italian Bistro, Bloomfield

A staple on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh's Little Italy for 60 years, Alexander's went under in May. Owner Alex Colaizzi said in interviews that he was forced to close after not being able to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan.

• Coffee Buddha, Ross

The cozy coffee shop and espresso bar closed in February after a nearly nine-year run.

• Howlers, Bloomfield

The popular tavern, which hosted live music for 20 years, was going to close in August as owner Susan Coe scouted the East End for a new location. But Coe shuttered the bar permanently in April, blaming COVID-19.

• Molinaro Ristorante and Bar, Wolfies Pub, Pizzuvio, all Downtown

Ron Molinaro and partner Bob Wolfinger closed their three Downtown eateries in January for what the general manager of one of the restaurants termed "financial reasons."

• Union Standard, Downtown

After a three-year run in the Union Trust Building, the restaurant became another COVID-19 business casualty.