PITTSBURGH — An Allegheny County health inspector’s report listed 15 health code violations at an Oakland bar that is now closed. A closed sign on the front door of Panther Pit clearly states, “the conditions pose a serious health risk.”
Channel 11 asked Pitt students about what it’s like inside the Panther Pit.
“It’s gross,” said Pitt junior Reilly Schaefer.
Pitt sophomore Dan Adeyemi agreed.
“It’s a disgusting place,” Adeyemi said.
CJ Meehan, a Pitt junior said, “It’s always super crowded, super hot. The floor is super sticky.”
The bar, located on Meyran Avenue, is about a half mile away from the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus. Several students were glad to see it closed.
“It’s not a good place,” said Anshu Yadagiri, a sophomore at Pitt. “It’s for the better that it’s closed.”
The county health department’s report listed several ‘high-risk’ violations, including bags of spoiled chicken covered in a mold-like substance in a non-functioning walk-in cooler; suspected mold and sewage in the kitchen; rat droppings, and “too many fruit flies to count” in bar coolers that were filled with spilled liquids.
Inspectors said the violations could create a high risk for foodborne illness. The report states that signs of a sewage backup in the kitchen were an imminent hazard. Evidence showed stains indicating the area was never cleaned and disinfected.
“I’m not surprised,” Schaefer said. “It’s the same. It’s really disgusting in there.”
The inspection took place last Tuesday, Sept. 17. On that same day, the bar was raided by liquor control agents for selling alcohol without a license.
>>> The Panther Pit in Oakland raided by liquor enforcement officers
Officials executed a search warrant at the bar Tuesday morning over accusations it was selling alcohol without a license. This led to the seizure of 346 gallons of liquor, 80 gallons of beer and other business-related items.
“One morning I was going to class and there was like 60 cops there, and I thought it was pretty awesome,” said Justin Engblom, a Pitt sophomore.
Students said this latest closure is like DeJa’Vu. The bar shut down for similar health code violations last February.
“This is like a constant thing here,” said Reilly Schaefer, a junior. “I feel like every two months they’re getting shut down for something. They always come back though. I don’t know how.”
Panther Pit cannot reopen until all the high and medium-risk violations are addressed and the bar obtains a valid occupancy permit.
Many college students are hoping this time the Panther Pit doesn’t bounce back and stays closed.
>>> The Panther Pit in Oakland raided by state police for second time in 3 months
“I really hope they do stay shut down,” said Dan Adeyemi, a sophomore at Pitt. “The whole place, it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
The report also indicated the bar didn’t submit plans before constructing a patio on the second floor.
Channel 11 reached out to the bar for comment and is waiting to hear back.
Click here to see the full inspection report.
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