Navigating Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods
Pittsburgh's gay bars aren't all in one "gayborhood" like some cities. They're scattered, each with its own vibe. You've got Downtown for the glossy clubs, South Side for mixed crowds and dive bars, and Bloomfield for something more laid-back.The Essential Gay Bars Pittsburgh Pennsylvania List
Here's the lowdown on where you'll actually want to spend your time and money:Crewlers
Location: 1401 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Downtown) Hours: Tue-Thu 8pm-2am, Fri-Sat 8pm-3am, Sun 8pm-2am (Closed Mon) Cover: $5-$10 weekends My take: This is the main dance spot. The drag shows are legit – think RuPaul's Drag Race local queens level. Lights are flashy, music's loud (mostly top 40 remixes), and it gets PACKED after 11pm Fridays/Saturdays. Drinks? Yeah, they're pricey. $12 for a basic cocktail hurts, but their themed Saturdays ("Show Tunes Shakedown") are iconic. Bathrooms? Meh, could be cleaner. Still, it’s the staple for Pittsburgh gay bars nightlife.| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drag Show Nights | Wednesday & Sunday (10pm) |
| Happy Hour | None (premium pricing always) |
| Best Night | Saturday (expect 1hr+ line after 10:30pm) |
| Parking | Street meters ($2/hr) or Liberty Ave garage ($15) |
5801 Video Lounge
Location: 5801 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Shadyside) Hours: Mon-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Cover: None My take: Completely different energy. Chill, friendly, feels like hanging in a cool friend's basement. Retro arcade games (think Pac-Man), comfy sofas, and walls lined with cult movie posters. Cheap drinks! $5 well drinks until 8pm daily. Diverse crowd – younger queers, older locals, everyone just vibing. Their patio? Absolute gem in summer. Not a "scene" spot, but perfect when you hate loud clubs. One downside? Cash only at the bar (ATM inside with $3 fee).Blue Moon Bar
Location: 5115 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Lawrenceville) Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am Cover: None My take: Dive bar lovers, this is your spot. Unpretentious, strong pours, friendly bartenders (shoutout to Deb!). Jukebox plays everything from Dolly to Lady Gaga. Known for karaoke Thursdays (starts at 9pm – get there early for a slot). Feels authentically Pittsburgh. Bar food is surprisingly good – try the pierogi bites ($8). Gets busy with locals after 10pm. Parking is street only and tough on weekends.Beyond the Big Names: Other Pittsburgh Gay Bars & LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots
Looking for Pittsburgh gay bars beyond the usual suspects? These deserve attention:Brillobox (LGBTQ+ Friendly)
Location: 4104 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Bloomfield) Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am Cover: Sometimes $5-$10 for events Why it's great: Ground floor is a cool bar, upstairs turns into a dance club/event space. Great indie vibe. Hosts regular queer dance parties like "Hot Mass" (after-hours, starts at 2am Saturdays – intense but legendary). Craft cocktails ($10-$14). More alternative crowd than Crewlers.Tilden (LGBTQ+ Friendly)
Location: 4300 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Bloomfield/Liberty Ave) Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-2am (Closed Mon) Cover: None Personal note: Liberty Ave has history. Tilden feels like inheriting that legacy but modern. Industrial chic space, fantastic cocktails ($12-$15), knowledgeable bartenders. Food menu is small plates (try the lamb meatballs!). Great for dates or small groups. Less "gay bar", more "everyone's welcome" queer space.
Pro Tip: Use the "Busway" (MLK Jr. East Busway) for Bloomfield/Lawrenceville spots. Way faster and cheaper than Uber on weekends. Get off at Penn Station stop for Brillobox/Tilden.
What to Expect: Practical Info for Visiting Pittsburgh Gay Bars
Thinking about gay bars in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania? Keep this in mind:| Factor | Pittsburgh Reality |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) essential late night. Bus service stops early. South Side = Easy Parking | Downtown/Bloomfield = Tough Parking |
| Age Demographics | Crewlers/Brillobox: 21-35s | Blue Moon/5801: Mixed 25-50s |
| Safety | Generally safe inside venues. Be aware walking alone late in Downtown/South Side. Groups are better. Security is visible at Crewlers/Tilden. |
| Cost | Drinks: $5 (dives) to $15 (craft cocktails) | Cover: $0-$10 Expect $40-$60 for a decent night out. |
| Seasonal Changes | Patios (5801, Blue Moon) HUGE in summer. Pride Month (June) = packed EVERYWHERE. Winter = Cozier vibes at Tilden/5801. Crewlers stays busy year-round. |
Watch Out: Some older guides mention "P Town" or "Images". Those are permanently closed. Don't waste the Uber ride!
Making the Most of Your Night: Gay Bar Culture in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's scene is friendly but not always obvious. Here’s how to fit in: * **Tipping:** Tip your bartenders! $1 per drink minimum. Drag shows? Tip the queens ($2-$5 per performer is standard). * **Events:** Pittsburgh gay bars thrive on special nights. Check their Facebook pages (seriously, they update those more than websites): * Crewlers: Drag Brunches (Sun), Show Tunes Saturdays * 5801: Movie Trivia Mondays, Karaoke Thursdays (unofficial) * Blue Moon: Karaoke Thursdays (official!), Sunday Funday beer specials * **Dress Code:** Mostly casual! Jeans and a nice top work everywhere. Crewlers gets dressier weekends (think button-downs, no baseball caps). Brillobox events can be creative/edgy. * **Meeting People:** Pittsburghers are genuinely friendly. Strike up conversation at the bar or smoking patio. Don't be shy.Gay Bars Pittsburgh Pennsylvania: Your Questions Answered
Here are things people *actually* ask me:Are there any lesbian bars in Pittsburgh?
Honestly? Not a dedicated one anymore. Blue Moon and 5801 have strong followings among queer women and are the most welcoming. Brillobox queer nights also attract a diverse crowd.What gay bars in Pittsburgh are best for dancing?
Crewlers is the main dedicated dance club. The upstairs at Brillobox during specific events ("Hot Mass") is intense dancing. 5801 has a small dance floor that gets lively late weekends.Is there a gay bar in Pittsburgh with cheap drinks?
Blue Moon and 5801 are your best bets. Blue Moon has $3 PBR tallboys always. 5801 has $5 wells until 8pm daily. Downtown spots like Crewlers are pricier.Which Pittsburgh gay bars have outdoor spaces?
5801 has a fantastic, heated patio (year-round!). Blue Moon has a small sidewalk patio (summer only). Tilden has a few outdoor tables on Liberty Ave.What time do gay bars in Pittsburgh close?
Almost all close at 2am Sunday-Thursday and 3am Friday & Saturday. Brillobox events like Hot Mass go *much* later (like 7am), but that's the exception.
Local Insight: The Liberty Ave (Bloomfield) stretch (Tilden, Brillobox) feels like the evolving heart of queer Pittsburgh now – artsy, inclusive, less focused *only* on the bar scene.
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