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

Many bars do not see how they can profit under the ever-changing county and state orders. Popular Oakland spots such as Garage Door Saloon and Hemingway’s Cafe are currently closed. Mario’s Oakland Saloon joins Gene’s Place and Thirsty Scholar in offering takeout drinks, and Bootleggers currently offers outdoor seating options.

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

Read Assistant Opinions Editor Sarah Shearer's counterpoint column here. Like most Pitt students of age, I only really have a hazy recollection — at best —of going to Peter’s Pub on my 21st birthday...