Capo’s allowed to stay open under court-ordered conditions after nuisance lawsuit
PITTSBURGH —
Capo’s Bar in South Side has been allowed to remain open under court-ordered conditions after the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office filed a nuisance lawsuit citing over 40 reported incidents at the establishment.
The lawsuit, spanning incidents from March 2025 through this month, alleges fights, drug and gun possession, and inappropriate behavior by security guards. Most recently, the district attorney said a woman was raped and left without clothes in a parking lot after being escorted out of the bar by security on Aug. 8.
The 14-page complaint describes the incidents as “continuous and persistent disruption” and seeks to revoke Capo’s liquor license and close the bar for a year. However, after two days of negotiations, the district attorney’s office and Capo’s reached an agreement allowing the bar to stay open under strict conditions. If the bar violates these conditions, the district attorney said they will ask the court to immediately shut it down.
South Side Flats resident Xavier Morales shared his thoughts on the situation. “It’s sad to hear what’s happening because it is a good spot when there’s, you know, when people are doing it as opposed to be doing it, not causing issues. Sadly, we’ve seen how here in South Side, people like to take good night and turn into bad as quickly because they’re upset,” Morales said.
Another resident, Tate Fordyce, described the bar as overcrowded and chaotic. “It’s always packed, like the line is spilling into the street, like cars can’t even get through. Like it’s definitely like it doesn’t seem contained,” Fordyce said. “If you’re not protecting the people that are coming in or keeping them safe. That should be the biggest priority.”
The two young men told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 they have visited the bar for college events with no issues and said they hope the bar improves its security measures.
“Can’t really beat it. I haven’t had any issues there. So I’m glad this is all getting figured out because Duquesne students, Pitt students, and even just locals here love that spot,” Morales said. He added, “Just being more precautious moving forward and beefing up security and with hopes of people having more fun and not bad nights.”
Meanwhile, some neighbors expressed frustration, saying the bar has had enough chances after multiple meetings with the nuisance bar task force. Capo’s declined to comment on the situation.