Hambone's in Lawrenceville reopens after tax issue is 'corrected'

A “hitch in the giddyup” caused the closure of Hambone’s, and the Lawrenceville restaurant and pub announced on social media Friday it is back up and running.

“Rest assured this was more of an accounting mistake than a deliberate effort for Hambone’s to not pay the tax,” read its Facebook post Friday.

Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein said in a Thursday news release that his office obtained a $13,000 judgment against Hambone’s, leading to its closure. He said the Butler Street destination had not paid its alcoholic beverage tax.

“We’ve corrected the error on our part and are happy to announce we will be up and running again this afternoon. The kitchen is in there prepping foods, the bartenders are coming in to clean and prep for a great night of Christmasing,” Hambone’s said on Facebook, inviting patrons to a Christmas-themed event from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“Hambone’s has been in Lawrenceville for over 30 years, first under the ownership of Billy Hammill and his family …. and now with Jeff Holt at the helm. We’re working out the kinks and moving forward,” the post said.