Gay Life in Pittsburgh, PA: Best Spots in PGH’s Neighborhoods!
Take it from our team: Pittsburgh is one of the best places in the nation to be LGBTQ+! Our local community understands that queerness is something to celebrate - with gay-owned establishments, gay bars, frequent drag shows, and queer historical sites, there is something in this city for every gay: Pittsburgh slays!
Not all of the hotspots you’ll find below are queer owned, but each and every one is proudly queer friendly. We’re here to give you the low-down on our town, this is where to go in Pittsburgh…
Shadyside
Cafes and Bars
5801 Video Lounge & Cafe
A popular LGBTQ+ hotspot, 5801 is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Come for their full kitchen and drinks, stay for their dance parties and regular drag shows. Happy hour happens every day from 5-7 pm, and their weekly Wednesday drink specials last until midnight!
P Town on Baum Blvd
The description of their clientele says it all. “It’s a mix of straight, gay, bi, trans, bears, twinks, leather dudes, drag queens and every other cross-cultural personality out there.” This gay bar is good vibes only and includes a pinball machine, pool table, and digital jukebox - a few of the necessary ingredients to complete the recipe of a good, gay night.
Squirrel Hill
Cafes and Bars
Hidden Harbor
This glam spot isn’t a gay bar but it is well-known for its for exotic vibes, tropical interior, and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s our stand-in for a trip to Hawaii. Seriously, the rum selection is spectacular! Plus, their island-themed menu is complete with fish tacos and calamari so dining here is like taking a mini vacay.
Lawrenceville
Cafes and Bars
Brewers Bar
As a self-professed “alternative lifestyle bar” we are the first to attest that they truly do accept everyone. And that’s why we adore them. Plus, they host birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and other private events. Female-owned and wheelchair accessible, Brewers Bar is the oldest standing gay bar in PGH and is popular for their frequent and fabulous drag shows. Plus, their drinks are delicious and reasonably priced. Swoon!
Blue Moon
Similar to our real estate team, this legendary gay bar has won some major awards! In both 2016 and 2017 Blue Moon was voted Best Gay Bar in Pittsburgh, and was 2nd runner-up for Best Dive Bar in the city! Here it is: gay life in Pittsburgh at its finest.
This long standing LGBTQ+- bar features a cozy and welcoming interior, friendly and accommodating staff, and a diverse crowd. Join in for themed Wednesday and Thursday nights, or swing by for their weekly Saturday drag show. Saturday nights here are just as wild as Pittsburgh’s gay clubs!
Belvederes Ultra-Dive
Known for their dance nights and weekly Tuesday night karaoke, Belvederes Ultra-Dive is lively and LGBTQ+ inclusive. Don’t be surprised if you stop in for a drink and suddenly spend your whole night here! Trust us, time passes quickly on the dance floor with their talented DJs.
Spirit Lounge
This LGBTQ+-friendly space is known for its wide variety of events. Check out their unique multi-level bar and entertainment like live music, DJ sets, and themed parties!
LGBTQ+-Inclusive Organizations and Historical Sites:
Kure
This is our top recommendation for both lash and brow services and luxurious facials. We love Kure for so many reasons - they love us (the gays), they use an organic and sustainable skincare line for all of their treatments, and the results are stunning. Plus, estheticians Brittney and Kate’s positive attitudes are downright infectious.
Persad Center
This is a place everyone in PGH should be proud of! Persad is the nation's second-oldest LGBTQ+ counseling center. The center offers a wide range of services, including counseling, advocacy, and support groups. If you find yourself moved by the work they accomplish, consider supporting their cause.
Allies for Health
Healthy is always hot. Allies for Health have one goal: improve everyone’s wellbeing. Their staff and services are free of any sort of stigma or discrimination and they prioritize equity and inclusion of diverse communities. They also host an Allies Ball and provide free rapid STI testing at their mobile testing facilities by appointment. These are just a few of the reasons we had to include them in our list!
Highland Park
Cafes and Bars
Tazza D’Oro
If you’re looking for gay coffee, Tazza is the place! This neighborhood cafe is known for specialty coffee and hand-crafted Italian sandwiches on the inside and a historic brick building covered in ivy on the outside. It’s truly picturesque, and their idyllic patio is the perfect spot to unwind with a book and an expertly-pulled shot of espresso. The love for PGH is real here - they source all their ingredients locally! The open atmosphere and ideology mean you’re sure to fit in. P.S. Bring your bike if you have one!
Parks and Community Spaces
Highland Park Reservoir
What’s gayer than a leisurely stroll around a gorgeous wooded reservoir? This 2.7 mile loop around the Highland Park Reservoir offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reconnecting with nature and taking a break from the bustling city. The best spot to walk off a hangover!
The Union Project
Located nearby in East Liberty, The Union Project is a community space that hosts events, workshops, and art exhibitions. Their vision? “Through the arts, everyone is able to transform their lives and communities.”
Their mission? “Using the arts to bridge gaps between communities.” It doesn’t get better than that. Take a look at the ceramics classes and camps or artist memberships complete with studio spaces and equipment!
Regent Square
Cafes and Bars
Biddle's Escape
The cozy ambiance of Biddle's Escape and their extensive tea and coffee selection make it the perfect spot to stop in with a book, meet up for a date, or settle in to watch hours of re-runs of Drag Race. It’s up to you.
Take a look at their website to see their food truck schedule! Only available in summer.
The Loft
This one is for any beer and hot dog lovers - you don’t want to miss The Loft! More than dogs and 6 packs, this space is an LGBTQ+-inclusive bar that hosts lively events, drag shows, and dance parties. It’s a Regent Square staple!
Park and Community Spaces
Frick Park
Explore the extensive biking, walking, and hiking trails in Frick Park, Pittsburgh's largest historic regional park. Somewhere to walk your dog, play a little tennis, or get lost with a lover in the foliage.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
There is nothing #slayer than the arts. Located nearby in Shadyside, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that hosts art exhibitions, workshops, camps, and community events.
Mt. Washington
Cafes and Bars
Shiloh Street Bars
This is the place if you just can’t make up your mind about where to go! Here, it’s all about variety - on Shiloh Street you'll find LGBTQ+-inclusive bars like Cupka's II and the candlelit bar The Summit. Plus, the quaint street entrance will have you feeling like you’re in some small European town, instead of PGH!
The Library on Carson
Located nearby in South Side, The Library is an upscale LGBTQ+-inclusive bar. Forget about finding the best breakfast in Pittsburgh - make time for their weekend brunch, or spend your evening sipping on some of Pittsburgh’s finest cocktails. Happy hour is every weekday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Plus, we can all can look forward to their champagne and cigar patio, “...coming soon.”
Parks, Community and Historical Spaces
Monongahela Incline
Take a short trip down memory lane with the historic Monongahela Incline, one of Pittsburgh's iconic landmarks. This attraction serves stunning views as you ascend or descend Mt. Washington.
Emerald View Park
We love a grassroots movement! Originally a series of divided wooded hillsides, Emerald View Park was united in 2005 to create an uninterrupted green space. Take advantage of the peaceful walking trails and enjoy scenic views of the city’s skyline.
Central North Side
Cafes and Bars
Arnold's Tea
Located nearby in the East Ohio Street business district, Arnold's Tea is a queer-owned tea shop that also serves cocktails. The hospitality of this LGBTQ+-inclusive space is fabulous, plus its expansive selection makes it a one-stop-shop for tea lovers.
Community Spaces
Artists Image Resource (AIR)
This artist-run nonprofit is a printmaking studio and gallery space that supports PGH artists. Take a look at one of their most recent projects, The Museum of Queer Curiosities!
City of Asylum
Taking root after years of oppression, the literary and cultural community at City of Asylum is a safe haven for persecuted writers to celebrate creative expression. Discover more about the community’s fascinating history, writing residencies, and special projects.
Randyland
What a title! Discover the whimsical and vibrant world of Randyland, a colorful public art installation created by LGBTQ+ artist Randy Gilson. Immerse yourself in the wholeness of queer joy and creativity by paying a visit to this iconic neighborhood landmark and celebrating gay life in Pittsburgh!
Andy Warhol Museum
This iconic museum pays tribute to the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ artist, Andy Warhol. Visit the museum to explore his life and works through a fascinating collection of his art and exhibits.
The Strip District
Bars
Lucky’s (Real Luck Cafe)
This legendary spot is a one-stop shop for all of your gay needs. Yes, there are go-go dancers upstairs, yes, the disco is playing 80’s music, and yes, Pac-Man is available. Downstairs you’ll also be in for a treat, as they serve fresh pizza, keep a jukebox serviced in prime condition, and man a fully-stocked bar.
The Fraser Team: Your Local #Slaygents!
Last but certainly not least, our award-winning real estate team is yet another safe space for the queer community! Stop by to inquire about selling or buying a home, or to just say hi. Or, get in touch online for more details.
Wondering what to do in Pittsburgh this week? Sign up for our weekly newsletter for all of PGH’s lively weekend events!