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Mixtape Featured

Mixed Tape - Summer 2024 (Across Pittsburgh) -03

Food & Drink - Neighborhood Bars June 15, 2024 828

Mixtape: A Super Mario-Themed Dance Club in Pittsburgh

June 15, 2024 (Updated: February 24, 2025)

Overall rating

5.0

Drinks

5.0

Atmosphere

5.0

Service

5.0

Pricing

5.0

Location

5.0

I had dropped off my better half for an evening Tango dance at the adjacent studio next door. With some time to kill, I decided to wander around Penn Avenue, only to find myself back outside the dance studio a bit earlier than expected. The door was closed, so I was waiting outside when I struck up a conversation with a kind young lady who invited me to Mixtape, the dance club right next door. Intrigued, I decided to check it out.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was transported back to my childhood, straight into the world of Super Mario. The entire place was decked out to look like a Super Mario game, with green pipes where patrons could climb inside for some cool pictures. It was a nostalgic overload, and I couldn't help but smile at the creative decor.

While Mixtape seemed to cater to a far younger crowd than yours truly, it was buzzing with energy. The place was smoky, and the DJ was busy spinning up some cool dance hits—most of which I, as a Yinzer Dad, was totally clueless about. But that didn’t matter. Everyone was super friendly, and it was great to see how much fun people were having. It was fascinating to realize that the younger generation finds Super Mario and retro games cool, just like we did back in the day.

I felt like I fit right in because I was essentially part of the charming theme—a dude from the 90s, in a club celebrating all things 90s. It was by pure luck I stepped inside this place, much like Mario entering some strange pipe to a world he hadn't been to before. Only, I had been to this world before, back in the 90s.

It was a fun evening all around, and I even made some new friends. Mixtape is a fantastic spot to relive some childhood memories while enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Pittsburgh. If you ever find yourself on Penn Avenue, it's definitely worth a visit.