Top 8 Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has some fantastic selections to choose from if you want to try authentic south of the border cuisine. Whether your favorites include enchiladas, tacos, or slow roasted carne asada— you’ll definitely find those at any of the places on the list below.

Make sure to complement your authentic dish with a deliciously cold margarita as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try out a new dish while you’re at it-- you won’t regret it!

Treat a friend to a night out at your favorite authentic Mexican restaurant with a GiftYa electronic gift card. It’s the perfect way to get out and try some new restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. You never have to worry about leaving it at home either-- the amount transfers right to their debit card. GiftYa is accepted at all the Mexican restaurants on this list-- as well as many others in Pittsburgh.

El Campesino

The best Mexican cuisine just north of Pittsburgh.

Take the short drive north of the city and check out the authentic Mexican food at El Campesino. Image courtesy of Instagram.

4771 McKnight Rd | Pittsburgh | elcampesinospgh.com 

El Campesino is a family owned restaurant that has been serving the people of Pittsburgh for over 20 years. It’s known throughout town as having one of the best happy hours, and making some of the most delicious margaritas in Pittsburgh. Make the drive north to Ross Twp. and you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re interested in trying some authentic Mexican cuisine-- or just looking for a nice place to relax and unwind-- El Campesino is a great option. Make sure you try some of their famous shrimp ceviche soup!

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“The staff is very friendly. The food has never disappointed me. And my wife and I are always amazed at how fast the meals are prepared and served. For good Mexican Cuisine, I have found El Campesino is worth the trip.” -Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa To El Campesino

Las Velas

Authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown’s Market Square.

This restaurant has brought a bit of Mexican flavor to downtown Pittsburgh. Image courtesy of Instagram.

21 Market Square | Pittsburgh | lasvelasmex.com

Las Velas is located in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, and is always packed at lunchtime and happy hour. With a fantastic second story view, you can enjoy the events happening at Market Square as you dine on delicious Mexican cuisine.

Known for their tamales as much as for their margaritas, Las Velas has quickly grown into a favorite amongst the working professionals of downtown Pittsburgh. Perhaps it’s the lively atmosphere or the friendly service-- or perhaps it is because all the dishes on the menu are out of this world!

Hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.

“Great downtown spot in market square for Mexican food and cocktails. The queso rocks, and the tamales are perfect. The star of the show each time I eat here though are the elotes. I LOVE them.” -Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa To Las Velas

Patron Mexican Grill

This restaurant serves up authentic Mexican food in large portions!

135 S Highland Ave | Pittsburgh | patronpittsburgh.com

Patron Mexican Grill has a couple of locations throughout Pittsburgh, but their first restaurant was located in East Liberty. It was in this community that Pittsburghers really began to enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine from this restaurant. 

This place strives to offer the best cuisine they can-- prepared fresh and exactly to order-- and ensure that their staff is the friendliest and most helpful around. Since 2007 Patron’s has been doing just that-- and as many happy customers agree-- would love to see them doing it for many more years to come. 

Hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. 

“I loved Patron's tableside guacamole; it was fun to watch and even better to eat! I also enjoyed their queso, which had a little bit of a kick to it.” -Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa To Patron Mexican Grill

Emiliano’s

A Pittsburgh favorite for authentic Mexican!

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican, consider stopping by Emiliano’s. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2557 E Carson St | Pittsburgh | emilianos.net

Emiliano’s is a Pittsburgh favorite-- and it’s easy to see that at each of their locations across town. These places are always packed at happy hour, because not only is the food amazing-- but the service is friendly and the prices are right.

Their South Side location can get especially busy on Friday evenings, so if you’re thinking of stopping by for some margaritas, best to come early! Hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 

“This is my favorite Mexican restaurant ever....their food is delicious and service is excellent. It's a must stop for me anytime I'm in the burgh. Great happy hours & great for groups!” - Yelp Review

Condado Tacos

A restaurant and bar serving up Tex-Mex cuisine and delicious drinks!

You might be craving Mexican Food on Tuesdays, but this restaurant’s tacos are a delight any day of the week. Image courtesy of Instagram.

4300 Butler St | Pittsburgh | condadotacos.com

Condado Tacos offers a wide variety of choices for their tafos and extensive drink choices as well. Margaritas, drafts, sangria, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are all available to you here.

And, despite the name of the restaurant, you might find something you like even if you’re not a big taco fan! The chips and dip selection here are also very impressive, with multiple kinds of queso, guac, and salsa all available. You can also pick from a few side choices, or build your own taco if you don’t like any of the ones listed on the menu.

Condado Tacos is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re open for delivery, pick-up, and indoor dining. 

“Everything was delicious. There weren't too many "non-flame icon" preset taco options on the menu, so for people who can't take the heat- beware. It may be best to build your own taco.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Condado Tacos

Totopo

The tacos are out of this world at this Mexican restaurant!

When you dine at this Mexican restaurant, you’re treated like one of the family. Image courtesy of Instagram.

660 Washington Rd | Pittsburgh | totopomex.com

Totopo is a new addition to the Mt. Lebanon business district, and one that is quickly becoming one of the most popular! It’s located right on Washington Road, and can get quite busy after work and on weekends.

They have many authentic Mexican options on both their lunch and dinner menus, including tamales, tacos, quesadillas, and guacamole to name a few. They also offer paired tequila drinks for all their menu selections, so make sure to stop by often and try them all out!

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“Crazy good margaritas, and the mar y tierra was outstanding.  Huge grilled shrimp with steak medallions in a creamy red sauce.  It was excellent and weeks later I'm still thinking about it.” -Yelp Review

Moe’s Southwestern Grill

A chain of restaurants that’s very popular in the Pittsburgh area— for good reason!

Even if you can’t dine-in at Moe’s, the food sold here is absolutely delicious! And they offer catering, too! Image courtesy of Instagram.

210 Forbes Ave | Pittsburgh | moes.com

Moe’s Southwestern Grill has several locations in the country, many supported by GiftYa, this one is located in downtown Pittsburgh’s Market Square. Although it’s only open for delivery, takeout, and curbside pick-up, there’s plenty of outdoor seating space in the square.

This incredibly popular Mexican restaurant chain is popular for a reason, with a wide variety of choices on the menu that includes burritos, bowls, stacks, curls, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, salads, and a kid’s menu.

The Moe’s in Market Square is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. 

“Been here multiple times and it is by far my favorite fast service Mexican restaurant. There are so many topping choices for your burrito, bowl, salad, quesadilla, etc. They don't limit you either,” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Moe’s Southwestern Grill

La Palapa

Perfect spot for authentic Mexican cuisine.

This restaurant is consistently voted as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Pittsburgh! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2224 E Carson St | Pittsburgh | lapalapapgh.com 

La Palapa is located in the busy South Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and is quickly becoming one of the best additions to its dining scene. The owner of this restaurant seeks to not only give customers a fantastic meal-- but also to ensure it's done with impeccable service.

You’ll appreciate all the fresh flavors that go into the dishes at this authentic Mexican restaurant-- every option on the menu is hand selected to showcase the wide variety of Mexican food. Their drinks are outstanding and their happy hour is always a fun time. Keep a look out for their food truck as well-- it travels all over the city!

Hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and on Sundays, while the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,

“Fantastic empanadas, and our waitress was so sweet and patient. The portions are very generous and it's new location is absolutely lovely. There's beautiful Mexican art adorning the walls and the drinks are also stellar.” -Yelp Review

Bull River Taco

Lovely tacos in the lovely area of Mount Lebanon!

The tacos served here are delicious! Have them with your choice of sides, such as the nachos! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1707 Murray Ave | Pittsburgh | bullrivertaco.com

Bull River Taco primarily deals in, as the name would suggest, tacos, but you can also order sides such as nachos, black beans, and taco salads. In addition, they also offer catering!

This restaurant is takeout only, but there are a few tables for informal dine-in options if you want to eat right there!

Bull River Taco is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.

“Everything tasted fresh and delicious. The buffalo chicken had a mild heat to it. The more traditional chicken and pork were nicely seasoned. We chose to carry out, but there are also a couple of standing tables to eat at.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Bull River Taco

El Burro

This place uses the freshest ingredients in their Mexican dishes.

This place specializes in fresh, authentic Mexican dishes. Image courtesy of Instagram.

1108 Federal St | Pittsburgh | elburropgh.com

With locations in the North Shore as well as Regent Square, El Burro is a great place to satisfy your authentic Mexican cravings. The burritos at this place are what most Pittsburghers like to try-- they come in all sorts of flavors and are paired with fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

El Burro offers many vegetarian and vegan options as well for their famous burritos-- while their delicious rice and beans are always vegan and vegetarian-friendly!

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

“It's amazing this little Mexican restaurant Tucked away on the Northside's Federal Street. I was quite surprised by how fresh and delicious their burritos, tacos, fresh salsa, amazing guacamole, and homemade chips were.” -Yelp Review

Chipotle Mexican Grill

This location of the classic, well-known chain is right on campus!

Students love coming to the Chipotle on their campus, and even if it’s not a sit-down dining restaurant, there are plenty of nice spots to take your food to eat nearby. Image courtesy of Instagram.

3615 Forbes Ave | Pittsburgh | chipotle.com

There are 3 Chipotle locations on Forbes Avenue alone, one of the most main streets in the entire city of Pittsburgh, all supported by GiftYa. This particular address, however, is right inside the University of Pittsburgh Campus, making it very popular among students.

Chances are you’ve been to a Chipotle before— you probably know what the menu looks like, and you know what you’d want to order. If you’re touring Pitt or even just walking around the gorgeous campus, it might be the perfect place to grab a quick and delicious meal.

On Mondays through Thursdays the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays it’s open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Sundays it’s open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“As a college student, chipotle is a staple. A satisfying meal that keeps me full. I have come to this location countless times and usually they are pretty good. Beware of the lunch and dinner lines though.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Chipotle Mexican Grill

El Paisano

One of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Pittsburgh!

You can’t get more authentic than this cafe and street taco stand! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1542 Beechview Ave | Pittsburgh | facebook.com

El Paisano is as close as it gets to an authentic Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh. It’s located in the busy Beechview business district, and serves people from all over the city. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, this is a must try-- and as many happy customers agree-- the food is amazing.

This place is a great spot to try something new as well-- there are many menu items that you might not see offered on other Mexican restaurant menus. It’s BYOB as well, so feel free to enjoy your favorite wine or beer with your meal.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday, so you could be eating authentic Mexican food for three meals a day every day of the week right here if you so choose!

“This place is as authentic as it gets. Great hole in the wall joint. You are greeted by Spanish waitresses and you can see them cooking and making everything fresh. Best part is it's BYOB.” - Yelp Review

Mad Mex

Three different locations in the Pittsburgh area, all equally delicious!

Perhaps not entirely authentic Mexican cuisine, but it’s certainly delicious! Waffle fries and tacos go together surprisingly well. Image courtesy of Instagram.

370 Atwood St | Pittsburgh | madmex.com

Mad Mex has three locations in Pittsburgh that are GiftYa supported— Shadyside, South Hills, and Oakland, which is the location listed and the most popular due to its proximity to the University of Pittsburgh campus.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day of the week, but on Fridays and Saturdays the kitchen closes an hour earlier. However, there’s an extensive selection of drinks along with all the food options.

Mad Mex is just as well known for its tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls, wings, chips and more as it is for its margaritas, cocktails, and tequila drinks. It’s open for delivery, takeout, and indoor dining. 

“The amount of time I've been to Mad Mex before and during this pandemic is uncountable. Their food is great, margaritas are great, ambiance is great, all around one of my favorite chill go-to spot in Pittsburgh.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Mad Mex

No matter what your Mexican favorite is-- tacos, burritos, or empanadas-- these places are sure to have it. Or step out of your comfort zone and try something new! What’s your favorite authentic Mexican dish? Let us know in the comments!