Atria’s reopening a testament to its history
A South Hills dining destination is moving forward by falling back.
Atria’s sits where it always has, at 110 Beverly Road in Mt. Lebanon, off a sharp curve on Beverly and a sharp curve from Banksville Road. But this established establishment has a new identity and feel.
The two-story structure underwent a pervasive renovation, closing after business on Dec. 31 and reopening April 28 as 1930 By Atria’s. The new name is a testament to the year Joe Atria launched the establishment, and to his family, who continued to operate the bar and restaurant until 1997.
A contracting company, assisted by a number of Atria’s employees, did the heavy-duty work at this landmark structure, which has survived two fires and served a fair share of visiting celebrities during its storied history, including Michael Keaton.
Ninety-five years later, the facility remains a family business. It is now owned by Pat and Nancy McDonnell and their son, Patrick, who are striving to instill a Prohibition type of atmosphere for patrons, especially younger crowds. The intent harkens back to 1930, the height of Prohibition in the United States – a wild and often lawless time.
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 1920, banned the production, importation and sale of alcoholic beverages. Yet many saloonkeepers continued to secretly produce, acquire and/or sell alcohol to customers from inside their buildings. Cocktails were a popular choice. Thirteen years later, passage of the 22nd Amendment ended Prohibition.
Perhaps nothing in 1930 By Atria’s epitomizes a Prohibition feel better than the Secret Room and the refinished, old-style bar, both a few feet inside the front entrance. The Secret Room, featuring a retro photo of the founder, is designed for small gatherings, where shelves are adorned with numerous high-end bottles of bourbon rising nearly to ceiling level.
1930 By Atria’s pledges to cater to all ages and tastes with food and beverages. A wide range of cocktails – made from scratch and an attraction to younger patrons – is among the
offerings. “We squeeze out every drop of juice in the building,” said Erick Munoz, the executive chef.
Spencer Warren, a Mt. Lebanon High School graduate, is the beverage manager with extensive experience in the field. He also owns and operates The Warren Bar & Burrow in downtown Pittsburgh.
Dining options have been expanded. The staff pledges to keep favored entrees, such as pot roast nachos and wagyu cheddar burger, but has added food and drink offerings, including shareable appetizers.
1930 By Atria’s has three extensive menus covering each day of the week: lunch (Monday through Friday), brunch (Saturday and Sunday) and dinner. Selections include steaks, burgers, seafood and salads.
“Everyone comes here for something different,” Munoz said. “Our mission is about serving good food, making customers feel this is their second home and have a good time with other people.”
Early response has been favorable at the Mt. Lebanon site, he said. “Since we’ve been open, it’s been really, really busy.”
Atria’s also has locations in McMurray and Murrysville.
The Mt. Lebanon restaurant has more than a half-dozen rooms, with themes catering to customers. The spaces include the Boxing Room, where photos of pugilists of the past hang, along with the Family Parlor and the Deck.
Longtime patrons may recall walls chock full of sports pictures, some autographed, that were displayed throughout the bar and dining areas. Fewer photos adorn the walls now, but the McDonnells still possess the entire collection, which will be preserved.
“We’re digitizing photos of everything here and will put together a huge scrapbook,” Nancy said.
She and her husband purchased the landmark building in 1997 from Nick Atria, son of the founder. “Our parents helped us out,” Nancy said. “We asked Nick if we could keep the name. He knew we wouldn’t hurt the name. My husband and I want to be good stewards of this restaurant.”
With warmer weather finally arriving, outdoor dining is more of an attraction at 1930 By Atria’s. Although it is adjacent to a busy intersection, the Atria patio is spacious and accommodating.
“When it’s nice outside, it’s the best place to be,” Patrick said.
1930 By Atria’s, by any name, has been a place to be for nearly a century.