Hotel Bar undergoes changes under newest owner

The Edinboro Hotel Bar, the ‘Boro's oldest eating and drinking establishment, is set to see a few changes under its newest owner, Pat Hargest.

Hargest, only the bar's fourth owner since 1952, has decided to make his establishment not only a popular night spot for the college crowd, but a quiet place for a good meal in the pre-party hours of the day.

Hargest, a General McLane and Edinboro graduate, has brought in live bands and even a chef, Hargest's friend Darrell Knopfnl, to help begin the overhaul of the already successful watering hole.

That's a term not used loosely, as its front sidewalk plays host to a piece of Edinboro's history.

The triple-decker fountain that can be seen outside the bar during the warmer months is original to the town and provided water to people and animals alike thoughout the years.

An antique fountain isn't the only piece of history found at 100 Meadville St. The building itself, which burned down and was rebuilt in 1909, is over 100 years old and has housed a variety of businesses.

"It's been a post office, a grocery store; it was a lot of things," said Hargest, who is in the process of compiling and writing an official history for his business. "But 1952 is when it actually became a hotel and bar-type establishment."

The hotel segment of the business is long since gone—in lieu of student apartments no doubt— but the bar and restaurant remain, under Hargest's ownership.

Although he's owned the place only for a short time—three years in April—he has been a part of the business since his high school days, when he was scrubbing up the bathrooms.

"I kind of went from the bathroom to the board room so to speak," he joked.

Hargest has seen no shortage of big names come through in his years at the Hotel.

Comedian Andy Dick has been spotted there, as well as the guys from Derrick Comedy and producer Carter Smith.

The Hotel also has seen a few professional athletes come in recent years.

A certain Pittsburgh Steeler and two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, who shall remain nameless, was spotted there in 2008. 

Pittsburgh Penguins left winger Mike Rupp, a Saegertown native, has also been in, as is evidenced by the signed jersey that can be seen hanging on the front wall.

A colorful history, some new additions and the occasional celebrity make the Hotel Bar an interesting place to relax and even escape from the rigors of academia - in a mature and responsible manner, of course.