Antiques
Dim lights
Soft music
Big comfy chairs
Ornamental rugs
Free tea & snacks
Free pantry, clothing, and supplies
Think of the programs/resources provided by a community center, but held in a Victorian library after dark.
Resource Desk:
- GF/Vegan Snacks & Tea: Hot & Cold teas with self-serve add-ins + individually packaged snacks that are ALL GF/Vegan & most items are top 9 allergy friendly.
- Suggested Donation Amounts: All snacks/drinks have a “suggested donation” amount. These items are free for those who can’t afford them, while we encourage those with extra funds to pay-it-forward by helping us stay stocked!
- Post-Op Care Packages: Free supply packages containing OTC health & comfort items to help folks recovering from any surgery, with a special focus on gender affirming surgeries! You can also order them online here
- HRT Supplies: Leur-Lock 1cc barrels, various sized needles, alcohol pads, and band-aids.
- Ear Plugs: We do our best to keep the lounge noise to a minimum, but the main road outside doesn’t care. Grab some ear plugs for a little extra quiet.
- An all-knowing guide: Okay, maybe not all-knowing, but we have learned A LOT in our years of Pittsburgh LGBTQIA+ non-profit work and can point you in the right direction for queer/trans friendly businesses, social groups, and resources.
Resource Room:
- Food Pantry: Non-perishable staples with a special focus on Gluten Free & Vegan items!
- Clothing Closet: Clothing & accessories in a range of styles, SM-4X. Dressing room available to try things on!
- Reproductive Health Supplies: Condoms, O-Pills, Plan B, pregnancy tests, literature, and more provided by The Autonomous Body Shop
- Harm Reduction: Narcan, purity test strips, literature, and more provided by The Autonomous Body Shop
Parking & Transit
Parking: Dormont street parking & public lots are free during our operating hours!
There are public lots across the street (Next to the VFW) and about a block up the road at Dormont Village. We also got Dollar Bank’s OK to use their lot!
Google Maps street view shows us as Utica Salon.
DO NOT park in the lot behind the building. It belongs to the apartments next door
DO NOT leave your car on the street overnight. At 6am street parking is restricted and you may get towed
Public Transit: The 41 (Bridgeville/Downtown) stops right across the street at the post office. We’re located about halfway between the Dormont and Potomac T stops. Folks have told us the walk from Dormont Station is a bit easier!
Book Private Events
Click Here to see more info on pricing and to submit a booking request
Wheelchair Accessibility
Inside, all areas are easy to navigate with manual and small motor chairs (it has to be, I use one!) The bathroom is fully private with multiple grab bars, a lever handle, everything within chair reach, and enough space to move around. Larger chairs may have difficulty, but we’d love to have you and hear feedback so we can make adjustments as needed!
Some items in the resource room may be difficult to reach due to limited space. There’s a reacher-grabber arm you’re welcome to use and we’ll be right on the other side of the curtain if you need help.
There is also a small stoop in the front. We have a ramp that lives right next to the front door and is left installed during your visit so you can come/go as you please. We also have a doorbell if assistance is needed. Removing this barrier is the #1 item on our “fix list”. Keep an eye on our Instagram for updates on when we have it fixed!
Handicap parking is available at the Dollar Bank (we got the OK to use their lot!) And across the street in the public lot next to the VFW.
Neurodivergent Friendly
Dim lighting, soft music, and comfortable furniture are the cornerstones of making this a space where folks can relax without being overstimulated. While we encourage conversation to be at a low volume, we are located on a busy road where traffic noise can sneak in. You can grab free ear plugs from our Resource Desk if you need a little more quiet.
Low Vision
In order to make the space neurodivergent friendly, the lighting in the lounge space is dim. Extra lights are set up for better visibility in the art section, resource room, and bathroom. We also have multiple battery-powered table lamps that can be moved as needed.
Other Aides
In addition to everything above, we also have:
In the bathroom: Adult disposable briefs (M-XL), pads, liners, tampons, (Auto)nomous Body Shop Reproductive Health & Harm Reduction Kits, single-use hygiene and first aid supplies, and sharps disposal box.
In the Resource Room: Autonomous Body Shop supplies, reacher-grabber arms, baby wipes, first aid, and other health/hygiene supplies.
Behind the Resource Counter: Ear plugs, HRT supplies, and everything in the Care Packages. We can pull out items if you don’t need the full package!
Have Recommendations?
We love any and all feedback to help folks feel comfortable and confident navigating the space!
Build a free space in the South Hills of Pittsburgh that’s alcohol-free, open late, wheelchair accessible, cozy, queer-friendly, and offers free resources.
As of April 2026, a local resource guide on LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses has over a hundred entries, only 5 of which are in the South Hills. All five offer specialty services like salons and personal training. None act as a location where people can gather and build community without the expectation of spending money. In addition to this, there isn’t a single sober meeting place or resource hub in Pittsburgh, queer-friendly or not, that’s open after 10pm.
Our area is in desperate need of a space where queer people can safely gather and also caters to locals who don’t drink, work odd shifts, want to make connections, or need to access free resources like food, home supplies, and clothing after typical cafe hours.
That Doesn’t Sound Profitable:
Its not meant to be! Nightshade Tea Lounge is a 501(c)3 non-profit! We’re not in this to make money. We’re in it to bring people together and provide support for those who need it.
We’re a small group of queer and trans folks in our 30s living across Pittsburgh’s South Hills! Working with queer non-profits has inspired us to create the space we always wished existed in Pittsburgh! Throwing our vast range of professional expertise together, we’re so excited to bring this project to life & support our local community!