Pittsburgh has a lot of hidden gems but the goth and alternative shops around the city may be some of the coolest. These stores have become a safe space for those looking to explore the darker, bolder side of self-expression, offering real atmosphere, tactile history, and an unapologetic love for the obscure. Not to mention, many are happy to help you on your journey, offering education and guidance whenever asked. From Victorian apothecaries with a secret bookcase speakeasy to vintage horror havens and homes for oddities, get ready to explore the weird and the wonderful in Pittsburgh.
Goth, Horror & Alternative Shops in Pittsburgh
The Weeping Glass
Pittsburgh’s popular oddities store is like a museum and gothic shop all in one. When you walk in, the first thing you’ll notice are various cases full of vintage medical artifacts, various skeletons and specimens, taxidermy, antiques, and so much more. Many of these pieces are for sale as well but you can always browse the assortments in wonder. Outside of the antiques and oddities, the store also stocks everything from a goth’s daydream (or nightmare) like metaphysical books, locally made candles, artwork, jewelry, herbs, dried flowers, and so much more. You genuinely don’t know what you’re going to find as you head inside.
Wonder Witch Boutique
Also up on the Hilltop near The Weeping Glass, Wonder Witch Boutique specializes in graphic t-shirts that combine classic literature, mythology, and band tees. Imagine a design that places the Bennett sisters from Pride and Prejudice on the Abbey Road cover from The Beatles. Or, Romeo and Juliet placed in the circular artwork from Guns N’ Roses logo. Besides the shirts, which you can also purchase online, you’ll find book themed drink mixes, handmade smoke bundles for rituals, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics, grimoire stationery, and even a community altar space where you can donate to non-profit organizations that align with the different deity candles.
Hocus Pocus
Have you ever been curious about the metaphysical or spirituality as a whole? Let Hocus Pocus be your introduction to witchcraft and the occult. On Meyran Avenue in the heart of Oakland, this is your stop for crystals, tarot and oracle decks, spell and ritual supplies, incense, oils, handmade jewelry, and everything else you could need. The staff at Hocus Pocus are happy to help you if you have any questions or are looking for any guidance in your shopping experience. Step inside just to feel the positive energy flow through you and even learn something new about the spiritual world.
Lost Lizard Video
The days of Blockbuster may be gone but Lost Lizard Video is helping video rentals have a hot new comeback. At Lost Lizard Video you can rent cult and b-movies on DVD or VHS. Don’t have a VCR player? You can actually rent one from the shop and set up your own vintage movie night. Imagine watching some of horror’s classics like Dracula or Re-Animator on tape. There are memberships available that get you a number of free rentals each month, entry to events, and other perks but you can always stop inside for a one-time rental too. Even if you’re not looking to rent, the store also carries vintage video games, toys, candy, snacks, and horror magazines for sale.
Time Bomb Toys/Horror Haven
Did you know Pittsburgh has its own shop dedicated to horror? Well, really it’s two shops in one. Horror Haven is the main storefront that you’ll find in Canonsburg, full of VHS, Blu-rays, DVDs, Vinegar Syndrome exclusive releases (the cult film preservation company which also has its own Pittsburgh location in the South Side), and other types of collectibles. But, on the third floor, there’s also Time Bomb Toys where you’ll find more horror collectibles like action figures, high-quality masks, movie posters, t-shirts, and other surprises. You never know what you’ll find in either of the shops but it’s sure to be something you’ve never seen before.
Preserving Record Shop
In both Dormont and New Kensington, you can stop by one of Preserving’s three different record shops. With roots in Underground genres like punk and hardcore, Preserving’s brand expands into modern pop, jazz, classical, R&B, and just about any other genre you can think of. The original shop over in New Kensington is the largest location and also connects to Preserving Underground, a small concert venue with a big history in the metal, hardcore, and punk communities. Plus in New Kensington is also Preserving’s bargain outlets with $2 CDs and vinyl records between $3 and $5. Their Dormont location (the newest of the three) also sells high-quality band shirts from Fleetwood Mac to The Cure to My Chemical Romance.
Maude’s Paperwing Gallery
Queer- and woman-owned, Maude’s Paperwing Gallery has a little bit of everything but centers around witchy and LGBTQIA+ needs. You can stop inside to pick up supplies for your next spell, stickers to express yourself, decorate your home with cryptid-themed merchandise, or read zines on everything from witchcraft to bicycle maintenance. Besides the products, Maude’s also offers services like guidance on your spiritual journey, ritual and sigil creation, smoke cleansings, or workshops on spell jars and bath blends. It’s a place for anyone who’s looking for a welcoming community that’s willing to take in lost souls and help them find a home. Think of it as your catch-all for the complicated feelings you have inside.
Dr. Tumblety’s and The Storyville Lounge
In Allentown’s gothic neighborhood you’ll even find a Victorian apothecary with something special right next door. Dr. Tumblety’s considers itself “time-inspired” meaning you’ll be thrown back to the days of fine fragrances, gentlemen’s caps, elixirs, shaving kits, tinctures, and hand-rolled incense. It’s also the retail shop for Inspired by Spirits Distilling Co., a local producer of handcrafted spirits like moonshine, brandy, gin, rum, and vodka. Then, when you’re done browsing the shop, a secret bookcase leads you to The Storyville Lounge, a New Orleans’ inspired lounge. Relax with a drink that uses Inspired by Spirits products as you watch burlesque shows or simply immerse yourself in the red light-esc setting.
Grim Wizard Coffee
Also in, you guessed it, Allentown, Grim Wizard is a heavy metal coffee shop featuring a number of pinball machines past the coffee counter. While there’s of course metal music coming from the speakers, there are also vintage videos on the TV, band shirts and coffee merch on the shelves, posters all over the walls, and a friendly staff ready to take your order. The staff here is truly one of the best parts of going in, besides the delicious beverages. Check out their menu for heavy metal references like the All Hallows (a shaken iced latte with white chocolate, pumpkin, and lavender) or Windhand (a shaken iced latte with apple butter and caramel.) But you’ll also find locally made treats in their fridge like breakfast burritos on the weekends or pastries during the week and even soup behind the counter. Grab something to eat and carefully curated coffee then put a few dollars into the Metallica pinball machine and your day is set.
Harold’s Haunt
Considered Pittsburgh’s “Haunted They Bar,” Harold’s Haunt is for everybody. Over in Millvale, and right beside Maude’s Paperwing Gallery, this may be the gayest dive bar you’ll ever go to and that’s a genuine compliment. Among bottles of liquor you’ll also find jars of gummy candy for sale as well as plenty of options for those on their sobriety journey, or just looking to stay away from a hangover for one night. Along with nightly specials, the bar also hosts a number of events and is one of the best places for drag shows in the city. Dress up for one of their themed nights that turns the interior and back patio area in a circus for clowns, Hobbit movie night, or even a funeral parlor for an anniversary party.
Keep exploring the spooky side of the city with our guide to Halloween in Pittsburgh.
Featured Photo From The Weeping Glass
About the Author
Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky.
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