Hottie’s Martini and Cigar Bar surprises neighbors after complaints aired

PITTSBURGH — Neighbors of Hottie’s Martini and Cigar Bar on Main Street in Carnegie were surprised to find out the establishment has posted signs saying it is closing, but only temporarily for renovations. The announcement comes just one day after nearby residents voiced concerns to 11 Investigates that the establishment has become a public nuisance.

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The sign on the business says Hottie’s and its restaurant Agave and Vine will reopen on April 21, including its second-floor balcony, which had been closed.

“Their answer to our discrepancy to this bar is ‘we’re going to expand, we’re going to let people outside, and we’re going to make it even worse for you,’” said Carnegie resident Jim Meinahan who lives across the street from Hottie’s.

Nuisance Bar Investigation

As 11 Investigates first reported exclusively Monday, Pennsylvania Liquor Enforcement and Carnegie Police are actively investigating Hottie’s as a “nuisance bar,” just as its liquor license is about to expire at the end of May.

Residents say Hottie’s became a magnet for partyers during the pandemic, including some NFL players, when it was cited for COVID-19 safety violations, like not wearing masks and overcrowding.

Meinahan shared videos of the club that he shot after midnight on weekends. They show everything from overflowing crowds with rowdy patrons waiting to get in to public drunkenness with one person throwing up in the street, an individual being arrested outside the bar and a major police presence with Carnegie police cars and officers stationed out front.

Police investigating whether Carnegie bar should be closed as public nuisance Police investigating whether Carnegie bar should be closed as public nuisance

Now neighbors say they’re even more frustrated to see the signs boasting about a renovation and expansion.

“We’re standing up and speaking up about the nuisance and disturbance caused every night, and this is their way of telling us they don’t take us serious,” Meinahan said.

The Carnegie Borough Manager says they have not been contacted for any permits to do a renovation at the bar. Citizens also shared complaints about the bar at a council meeting Monday night.

Hottie’s owner did not respond to efforts for comment about the renovation and resident concerns.

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