Court Orders Closure Of Popular Pittsburgh Bar

PITTSBURGH, PA — An Allegheny County Common Pleas Court judge has ordered the troubled Panther Pit bar on Meyran Avenue in Oakland to remain closed for one year, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala announced Wednesday evening.

Zappala's office had filed a complaint alleging that the bar on the University of Pittsburgh campus had been operating as an unlicensed speakeasy, serving alcohol without a liquor license. The complaint also alleged the Panther Pit did not check the IDs of patrons and charged $20 for entry and unlimited alcoholic drinks.

The complaint outlined 39 police responses to incidents that occurred or involved the Panther Pit, dating back to 2022. The majority of incidents listed were fights and heavily intoxicated underage individuals admittedly drinking at the Panther Pit.

“This establishment has continually proven to be a threat and danger to our community, students and children,” Zappala's said in a statement. “I’d like to commend the Nuisance Bar Task Force and our partner law enforcement agencies for their efforts to protect the safety of our young people and community.”

In September, the bar was raided and shut down by liquor control agents.Nearly 350 gallons of liquor and 80 gallons of beer were confiscated.

Less than a week later, the Allegheny County Health Department ordered the bar to close for numerous health code violations. An inspection revealed fresh rat droppings in the basement and a sewage backup in the kitchen