Birroteca Closed Temporarily In Bel Air, Will Reopen In Future

BEL AIR, MD — Birroteca will be reopening in Bel Air, according to the Harford County Liquor Control Board. The only question is when.

The Bel Air restaurant that specializes in Italian food has been closed since mid-March 2020. On Wednesday, the Harford County Liquor Control Board was given an update on when it may reopen.

"They closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they intend to remain closed until the state of emergency is lifted," Judith Powell, special projects coordinator for the Harford County Liquor Control Board, said at the board's Wednesday meeting, which was held virtually.

Birroteca has been closed since March 16, according to Powell, who said the liquor board reached out to the eatery about its status after learning the Tidewater Grille in Havre de Grace was also temporarily stopping operations due to the pandemic.

Maryland has been under a state of emergency due to the coronavirus since March 5, and Harford County has been under a state of emergency since March 18.

Since March, Birroteca has posted at various intervals on its Facebook page that the business was looking forward to reopening soon.

"Temporarily closing as of March 16th. Looking forward to reopening to everyone soon," the restaurant posted April 24.

The business posted that it wanted to ensure patrons had "not just the experience you are used to but the one you deserve," in late May, after the state began allowing outdoor dining May 29.

Birroteca shared with its fans: "We will not be doing just carry out. Focus will be to bring everything back under the current guidelines .... We just want to get it right for everyone."

When Maryland entered stage two of its reopening, indoor dining was permitted to resume at 50 percent capacity June 12.

On June 13, Birroteca alerted followers a date for reopening would be announced soon.

Someone posted on the Birroteca Facebook page June 16: "Please reopen soon. We miss you!"

"It will be here before you know it," the restaurant replied in a post June 17.

After running into what the business called a slight delay, the restaurant shared in August: "A week in September has been settled on" for reopening.

However, that week never came.

Until it reopens, the restaurant off Route 1 has a host of followers on its Facebook page wishing for its brussels sprouts, pizza and happy hours.

"Thank you for your continued support through this time of uncertainty," the business, which also has a location in Baltimore, states its website. "We feel we must do what is in the best interest of our company at this time. Birroteca looks forward to reopening when our local government and public health officials indicate that efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic have been successful."

Birroteca Bel Air is at 1226 Baltimore Pike. Patch reached out for a comment from the restaurant and has not yet heard back. We will update this post accordingly.

See Also:

• New COVID Rules In MD Ahead Of Anticipated Hospital Surge
• Outdoor Dining: Harford County Executive Waives Code Restrictions