The gay scene in Pittsburgh is smaller and sort of nomadic so outside of the two bars on Ellsworth everything is sort of spread out. There Ultra Lounge is an alright place if you want to stay downtown but I personally don’t go unless I’m supporting a friend that’s performing because I’ve had stuff stolen multiple times and dudes taking creeper shots of me. So be forewarned if you go you might be packed in like sardines and forced into the back room where they allow smoking if you want any sort of personal space. Other than that Blue Moon is a great dive bar to get cheap drinks at but they are PACKED on weekend nights when there’s drag.
5801 which is just down the block would be a better place for a bigger crowd and more guys to hit up. Pittsburgh has the East End Food Co-op (7516 Meade St), which. Plus there’s never a cover/fee even on show nights (one thing Pittsburgh is great at is not charging people to get into their gay bars). Hannah: Before we get to all the restaurants, let’s take a moment to address every queer person’s favorite place: a food co-op. Drag bingo 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, drag trivia 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and shows every Friday at midnight. Like others said, Element is a good low key way to start as its not very busy during non event days, but I would definitely check them out when they have something going on because it’s normally a good time.
Adding onto what others are saying, I would recommend hitting up Ellsworth for at least a night to see what it’s like.
