Nightlife

THE SMOKE IS RISING

Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene is becoming more fast paced than ever before.

Along with institutions like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Frick Art Museum, other cultural centers such as the Andy Warhol Museum are alive and well in Pittsburgh. But the city’s tastes are not limited to the classics. A burgeoning tech and medical industry is attracting a young, ambitious population who like their culture a little more on the wild side. Music venues have responded enthusiastically and remodeled themselves after the city’s character: a luxurious exterior with a blue-collar soul where you can catch a Norah Jones performance and enjoy a $3 Grey Goose martini. — Jeremy Dillahunt

Diesel
1601 E Carson St • 412-431-8800
www.dieselpgh.com

A relative newcomer to the Pittsburgh’s club family, Diesel quickly flexed its muscles to become one of the city’s trendiest spots. The two-level club features a custom-designed 1,200 bulb LED light show that pulses to the beat of the music; a “cryogenics system” (a fancy word for an air conditioner that can cool down 7,000 square feet in 30 seconds); and private sky boxes. Despite the high-end bells and whistles, a hipsterati clientele and packed dance floor, Diesel’s cover is rarely more than $3, though a spot in the VIP lounge will cost you a bottle.

Privilege Ultralounge
• 1650 Smallman St • 412-253-7330 • www.privilegepgh.com

Featuring cherry wood floors, crystal chandeliers and outdoor personal fire pits, Privilege Ultralounge combines the old-world opulence of Pittsburgh’s magnate heyday with the contemporary joie de vivre of lasers, disco balls and a drink list of more than 250 cocktails. Friday nights feature $3 Grey Goose cocktails and local taste maker DJ Zimmie hosting hip hop stars from across the country, including Haul and Mason, DJ Revolution and Krames. Saturdays tend more to the Top 40 crowd and one-off events like the “Little Black Dress Fashion Show.” Privilege lives up to its name, so dress to impress.

Club Café
• 56-58 S 12th St • 412-431-4950 • www.clubcafelive.com

In a word, Club Café, a Pittsburgh institution since 1947, is intimate. There literally isn’t a bad seat in the house. With room for 150 guests, the club focuses on quality local and national blues, jazz, folk and vocal acts. Past performers include Norah Jones, The Bears, Red Elvises and Shannon McNally. The club’s dedication to local talent has meant producing a TV series and hosting a “100 Bands, 31 Nights, 1 City” showcase. If you’re looking for true Pittsburgh flavor, you’ll find it at Club Café.