The impending closure of Hemingway’s Cafe follows the continuing trend of bars in Oakland ceasing operations. The disappearance of third spaces, such as bars, connects to larger shifts in college culture that leave students with fewer spaces for socializing. With fewer bars and a changing drinking culture, some young people are choosing not to drink at all. 

After more than 40 years, Hemingway’s Cafe, a beloved campus bar, is closing its doors permanently on May 3.

It might seem odd that there’s a bar underneath one of the largest freshman dorms on Pitt’s campus, but according to J.B. Brunton, a manager at Hemingway’s Cafe, the bar most likely pre-existed the Litchfield Towers above it.

According to Elvasky, when the bar shut down last year, he had to discard about $15,000 worth of food and beer.

Hemingway’s Cafe took home three awards for this year’s Best Of, including best bar, best 21st birthday destination and best happy hour.