Health Department Shuts Down Troubled Pittsburgh Tavern

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Health Department has ordered the closure of the Panther Pit on Meyran Avenue in Oakland for numerous health code violations. The shutdown comes after state liquor control agents raided the sports bar on Tuesday.

An inspection on Tuesday revealed fresh rat droppings in the basement and too many fruit flies to county in the third-floor bar coolers that were filled with unidentified spilled liquids.

An inspector found evidence of a sewage backup in the kitchen underneath the prep cooler on the right-hand side of the cookline. Sewage stains present indicate the backup area was not cleaned and disinfected.

Four bags of chicken tenders present in a non-functioning walk-in cooler in the basement had a temperature of 78 degrees. They were spoiled and covered in a black, mold-like substance.

Stacks of garbage were observed throughout the bar's interior.

All of the restrooms were significantly dirty and in disrepair. The urinal in the second-floor men’s room was inoperable.

The interiors of all bar coolers were heavily soiled with dried residue and/or unidentifiable spilled liquid.

The "closed" placard is posted at an establishment when an imminent health hazard is identified at a restaurant or if it has been operating without proper permits. It is unlawful to operate a food facility with a "closed" placard.

See the entire inspection report here.