This is essentially a sweatbox up a big hill.
It's actually a lot of fun. You pay your $3.25 (for round trip, you can stay at the top for 3 hours), go up, check out the city lights at night and enjoy some brews and ice cream at the little restaurant strip at the top.
The whole thing feels very old school, which adds to the fun. Definitely a must-see when in Pittsburgh, though I can't compare it to the Duquesne.