Lefty’s in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to close after nearly 19 years

PITTSBURGH — Lefty’s in the Strip District will close its doors in January.

“We’ve been told our customers don’t fit in the Strip anymore which is sad because it’s real people,” said Rick Krist, the owner of Lefty’s.

Krist tells Channel 11 he learned in July that his lease would not be renewed, after being a fixture on Penn Avenue since 2006.

“Lefty’s is just your traditional dive bar,” he said. “I think we are a part of Penn Ave. I don’t think we are anything special, but all of us together make up something really cool and unique and makes Pittsburgh what it is.”

Krist said he offered to pay higher rent, while already paying above market. He also attempted to buy the whole building for more than a million dollars but was rejected every time.

“At some point the shiny new Strip doesn’t want the rough edged the old bar that is still here,” Krist said.

The Strip has changed over the last decade. Shoppers told us they enjoy both the new additions like The Terminal, as well as the classic, locally owned shops on Penn Avenue.

“I just found out it’s closing. I love going to Lefty’s for a cheap drink before you go to a game or kinda late night it’s always open, " said Nick Lombardo, shopper. “This area is really nostalgic for me, but it’s so cool we have the old next to the new, where you have this beautiful redevelopment with

really great restaurants and coffee shops, which you have on this side, too. But I like the old town vibe.”

“It’s really sad. I feel like the soul of Pittsburgh is over here on the old side, I prefer it over here,” said shopper Maggie Black.

Krist said he fears the new businesses coming to the Strip are going to price out many long-time visitors.

“I think the average Pittsburgher is going to be priced out. People who work here aren’t going to be able to stay after work, I think the cost economics are getting an average priced drink and having fun is not going to be there,” said Krist. “I am not against what is going on on Smallman,

I think the Terminal is great, but I think we need to complement ourselves and Penn Ave is the uniqueness of the city, and that is what we offer. We have real people, real customers, real personalities, the people behind the bar are real people.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW