The Original Oyster House is reopening Tuesday, a day before Ash Wednesday.

The Lenten season that begins Wednesday is usually a busy period for the seafood restaurant.

“We are ready to go and excited to be back,” said owner Jennifer Grippo. “The staff is super-pumped. When they all came back the other day, they were crying they were so happy to see each other.”

The restaurant, located in Pittsburgh’s Market Square, closed temporarily at the beginning of January. Grippo said they wanted to take time to regroup during the pandemic. She was short-staffed and did some updates to the restaurant. Grippo said the break allowed employees to spend more time with their families.

It will reopen with the adjusted hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

Following state guidelines, the restaurant will be at 50% capacity for indoor dining, alongside takeout and curbside service.

Grippo’s family has owned the place, which celebrated 150 years in business in October, for 50 years. She took over after her father, Louis Grippo Sr., died in May 2017. The landmark bar and restaurant has stood on the corner of Market Place and McMasters Way in Market Square since 1870.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review Pittsburgh’s Original Oyster House owner Jennifer Grippo poses for a picture by the bar when the restauant celebrated 150 years in business in October.  

Grippo told the Tribune-Review the restaurant has made it this far because they do things well and they welcome everybody. Having supportive customers has helped.

“Many of our customers were worried we might be closing forever, but when I told them we just needed a break, they said we deserved this time off because we have worked so hard,” said Grippo. “We are fortunate to have wonderful customers and a dedicated staff. We are all here, ready to work.”

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