Hemingway’s Cafe, located on Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh, has closed. The iconic bar and restaurant served its final meal on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The closure ends more than four decades of service in the neighborhood.
Hemingway’s Cafe Shuts Down on Forbes Avenue
After 43 wonderful years of service, Hemingway’s Cafe was a longtime gathering spot near the University of Pittsburgh.
In January 2026, the restaurant team shared an official announcement and said, “After much thought and with heavy hearts, we want to share that Hemingway’s Café will be closing our doors in May of 2026.”
In the post, the team reflected on the restaurant’s history in the city. “Since opening in 1983, Hemingway’s has been more than just a bar,” added the team. They also said that the bar has been an Oakland staple for generations of University of Pittsburgh students. It featured a relaxed and casual atmosphere with a classic bar food menu.
According to a report by TribLive, John Elavsky, owner of the restaurant, cited family reasons and other challenges as the reason for the closure.
He explained, “Sales aren’t as strong as they once were. Young people are drinking less.”
The team thanked the community for its support over the past four decades. They wrote, “We are incredibly sad to be closing this chapter, but we are deeply grateful for over 40 years of memories, laughter, late nights, friendships, and traditions shared within these walls.”
Cafe Marked Final Month with Special Events
In its final month, Hemingway’s hosted several farewell events for the Oakland community. A Game of Thrones trivia night was held on April 7, and on April 13, the bar’s final karaoke was hosted. Along with that, the cafe has launched an online merch store, which will be open until May 5.
On May 5, the restaurant has invited customers to visit and collect photos that had been displayed on the restaurant walls.
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Following the announcement, fans shared their disappointment on social media. Several loyal patrons wrote heartfelt messages and shared cherished memories in the comments.
One longtime patron wrote, “I went to Hemingway’s multiple times as a student in the early 80s before night classes or rehearsals. You introduced me to steamed mussels in white wine sauce, and I have always compared others to yours. Most usually don’t match up. Thank you for great food and good memories.”
The closure of Hemingway’s Cafe has left a significant gap in the heart of the Oakland neighborhood. The cafe’s decades-long run remains a notable part of the neighborhood’s history.
