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| - I was a pretty regular visitor here for over a year, stopping in probably close to once a week on average (usually to grab a post-dinner cocktail with a friend). It was one of the first places I would take any friends from out of town; the drinks were excellent, the vibe was relaxed, and they seriously had the best bar staff. There were several regular bartenders who were always super friendly, informative, and seemed to actually care that their patrons were enjoying themselves and their drinks.
Shortly before one of my best friends moved out of the city, we made it a point to stop in. We found that the Highland Ave. entrance was locked, which was odd. We were redirected to the small entrance around the side, and knew something was up. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess and informed that there had been "some changes" and that they were now a full-service restaurant. We asked if we could just sit at the bar and order a cocktail, and were told with snarky attitude that that probably wouldn't be possible without a reservation. She did disappear behind the weird thick curtain that now hid the main room and returned to tell us that she could "probably" squeeze us into one of the corners. In the meantime we had glanced over the menu only to find that the cocktail list was reduced to less than five lackluster choices. This, combined with the weird interaction that had occurred, caused us to decline her offer and leave to find a drink elsewhere.
Now, I'm not lowering my rating so severely due to a change in concept. Change can be good, and obviously the owners can do whatever they want--it's their place, after all. My intention is not to whine just because I happened to like the way it was before. I can't say I understand it though, considering this place seemed super successful (the few times I went late on a Friday or Saturday, it was packed). Also, it doesn't seem to make sense as a restaurant. There are about four tables; the rest is all bar counters.
Pittsburgh Magazine posted an article in early June announcing the changes. The article also suggested that the staff (who, as I mentioned, were part of the reason we loved this place) were not given advance notice of the changes, and that the majority moved on or were let go. That was unfortunate to hear. And everything I have heard just sounds shady.
I posted a link to that article on Twitter to show some other friends who enjoyed going here, and in turn I was literally blocked by the Livermore. Bizarre, right? I started to look around on Twitter, and found that a few others had posted the article. In one case, the Livermore (publicly) referred to one of the people who posted it as a "f*cktard" which is a really curious approach to PR. Sorry, but I can't support that kind of business.
Maybe it's not fair to give one star considering we didn't even stay long enough to try the food. But I feel it was certainly earned through these bizarre experiences. The food could be amazing, but unfortunately I have no intention of trying it and supporting this or Bar Marco, given the circumstances.
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