Beloved Pittsburgh Pub Riley's Pour House Destroyed In Massive Blaze

CARNEGIE, PA — Riley's Pour House, one of Pittsburgh's most popular Irish pubs, appears to be a complete loss after a devastating fire erupted there Thursday.

The fire began shortly after 1 p.m. at the bar-restaurant on East Main Street.

"Thank you all for reaching out," a post on the Riley's Facebook page stated several hours after the blaze began. "We want to assure everyone that all of our saff and guests are safe. We will share a full statement soon. Thank you for your patience and support during this time."

There is no word yet on the cause of the blaze.

Riley's first opened in 1979 and has been a popular gathering spot since.

Brad Wagner, a Pittsburgh musician who has performed at Riley's many times, said the place was special and its loss is devastating.

"I've sang with my daughter and granddaughter there and met so many wonderful people," Wagner told Patch.

"I’ve been in this music business over 40 years and it’s rare to find a place where you have strong relationships with the owners,management and staff who treat you like family. A genuine loss to the Carnegie, Irish and music communities. Riley’s Pour House was more than a venue to me. It was a home."

Reaction to Riley's loss also poured in on social media.

"Devastating to see this happen to a great bar and small business in the heart of Carnegie," U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio posted on X. "Riley’s Pour House has a great team behind it, and I know our community will rally around them."