Hemingway’s Café, an Oakland favorite on Forbes Avenue since 1983, announced last week that it would close permanently in May of this year.
“After much thought and with heavy hearts, we want to share that Hemingway’s Café will be closing our doors in May of 2026,” the bar/restaurant said on its social media feeds. “Since opening in 1983, Hemingway’s has been more than just a bar — it’s been a home, a meeting place, and an Oakland staple for generations of students, alumni, locals, and friends at the heart of the University of Pittsburgh.
“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.”
The pub invited patrons to stop in before the May closure to grab one of its many shot pitchers and to “find your picture on the wall.” It also encouraged fans to share favorite stories, photos and moments of Hemingway’s over the years, “so we can celebrate this incredible community together.”
A first batch of merchandise that was already at Hemingway’s has sold out, but more is coming on Jan. 22, according to an Instagram post. Online orders also are being taken until Jan. 25 at https://order.universitytees.com/bird_banks/119385/signups/new.
Hemingway’s joins a growing list of other long-standing food establishments that have closed in the past several years. The Original Hot Dog Shop closed in 2020 after 60 years in business. The original Atwood Street location of Mad Mex opened in 1993 and closed in February 2023; Fuel and Fuddle gastropub, which opened in 1993, closed in May 2023; and Spice Island Tea House, which opened in 1995, closed in October 2023.
— Susan Jones
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