Real Luck Café, affectionately known as Lucky's Bar, is a hidden gem nestled in Pittsburgh’s vibrant gay bar scene. Located at 1519 Penn Ave, this unpretentious dive bar offers a distinct charm that resonates with the locals. Many patrons consider it a nostalgic nod to an era when neighborhood bars thrived. With an enticing menu featuring personal pizzas—including combinations like sausage and pepperoni—at just $4, and affordable snacks like Cheetos and Slim Jims, Lucky's keeps things casual and accessible. Patrons rave about the relaxed atmosphere, where characters and stories abound. Reviewers highlight the upstairs as a favorite spot, especially during weekends when house music infuses the space with dancing energy. While some might find the indoor smoking policy a downside, it undeniably adds to the bar's old-school vibe, which regulars like Tom Paris celebrate as part of its character. The friendly bartenders, along with the lively performances, create an inviting environment where everyone feels welcome. As Tom noted, Lucky's seems to encapsulate a post-apocalyptic charm amidst Pittsburgh’s changing landscape. As a pillar of local queer history, it’s a bar that encourages you to let loose and celebrate the authenticity of community, proving that we truly are lucky to have such a bar around.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has bar games
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live performances
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Has dancing
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Outside food allowed
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Cash only
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Real Luck Café (Lucky's Bar)
Andrew Petro
May 22,2025
This place makes dive bars seem posh. That’s what makes it great.
Tom Paris
May 13,2025
Relaxed, unpretentious, old school, gay dive bar. I don’t love that they allow smoking indoors, but the vibe here is just right. Lucky’s represents a dying breed of neighborhood bar. Also, the federal cold storage building being torn down around it, gives a wild post-apocalyptic vibe. CASH ONLY!
Benjamin Bills
May 4,2025
Best bar in Pittsburgh, especially the upstairs. ;)
Daniel L
Apr 25,2025
Honestly, one of my favorite places to go out in Pittsburgh--it's a dive bar, in the best sense possible. Have an open mind and have fun--let loose! The second floor has amazing house music on the weekends (and dancers!). Others comment on the no-nonsense aspects of this place, but it adds to the charm. And by that I mean this is an old building and the bartenders are direct in their service. No frills. Even if this isn't your scene, it should be noted that this is still part of Pittsburgh queer history and what they've done over the years. This is an independently-owned-and-operated bar and we are lucky to have Lucky's as part of our community!
Keenan Smith
Apr 21,2025
Great staff and extremely sexy dancers!!!! I finally made it there from Baltimore last night (been trying since summer 2021 when I completed the background check) to work as a dancer and hoping to make this a monthly recurring trip. Make sure you tip your dancers and your bartenders. This place needs to stay around and can't close.
Dan Mullen
Mar 31,2025
Lucky's is awesome, casual and unpretentious. Go-go dancers upstairs and a dance floor. Fun and friendly, like the old days.
Andy Kerstetter
Feb 12,2025
This weekend was my first time back in Pittsburgh in a really long time and my first time at Lucky's, which I'd heard about but never gotten the chance to visit. I loved it! It had a great, friendly, dive bar atmosphere. The drinks were good, the bartenders and clientele were chill and fun, and the dancers upstairs were great (especially Ben, he was fantastic!). I'll definitely be back!
Reviews For Real Luck Café (Lucky's Bar)