Venerable Regent Square Tavern Ryan's Pub Closing

PITTSBURGH, PA - Ryan’s Pub, a Regent Square staple near the intersection of Forbes and South Braddock avenues for nearly half a century, has been sold and will close July 30.

The bar across the street from a Frick Park playground and little league field was purchased by the owner of Istanbul Sofra, the Mediterranean restaurant next door, employees from both establishments confirmed Tuesday. The news hit Ryan’s workers particularly hard.

“We’re all pretty heartbroken,” said Ryan’s bartender Kelsey Braun.

Ryan’s will be rechristened Hilton’s Lounge. Istanbul Sofra owner Adnan Hilton Pehlivan said Tuesday he will install a new floor, ceiling and kitchen and expects to reopen in mid-September. He is soliciting community input on the neighborhood nextdoor.com page to see what people would like to see in the new establishment.

“Ryan’s was here for more than 40 years We want to be here for the next 40 years,” he said. “We love this neighborhood and we are going to build this place and run this place with the neighborhood in mind.”

Ryan’s has been a Regent Square landmark since 1971. Sestok has been the sole owner since 2004, according to Allegheny County assessment records. He could not be reached for comment.

Specializing in Turkish fare, Istanbul Sofra opened in 2014 and last year was rated the number one dining destination in Pittsburgh based on reviews on travel website TripAdvisor. The restaurant last year expanded into a building located behind its original space.

Photo: Patch file.