Infusion cuisine has really taken off around the country-- and in Pittsburgh as well.
It seems there’s no shortage of Asian fusion, or European/American fusion restaurants popping up all around the city. But Pittsburgh also has its fair share of another fusion-- Tex Mex/Cal Mex. This is the combination of traditional Mexican dishes, and coupling it with some of the techniques and flavors of Texas and California. Many Mexican immigrants have relocated to those states and have brought their ingredients and recipes with them to mix with the fruits, vegetables, and grains of the American southwest.
This cuisine is easy to fall in love with-- it has all the fresh ingredients and time-tested cooking techniques of Mexican cuisine-- but with a little California or Texas twist. This combination has produced some of the tastiest dishes around, and the places on the list below are just waiting for you to give them a shot!
Send someone you know a GiftYa electronic gift card to any of the Tex Mex/Cal Mex places on this list. If they like to try new food they’ll appreciate the chance to get to any of these popular spots in Pittsburgh. They won’t have to worry about leaving their gift card at home either-- the funds transfer immediately to their debit card, giving them a stress-free gift!
Oakland and various
370 Atwood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Mon-Sun 11am-1am
Mad Mex stands as one of the best places in Pittsburgh to get a tasty infusion of California Mexican cuisine. It seems to flawlessly bring out the fresh flavors of the southwest in their burritos, quesadillas, salads, and famous wraps.
There are locations all across Pittsburgh, and there are more locations being planned as well. Happy hour at Mad Mex is one of the best in the city, and there margaritas are not something to be missed! Make sure you stop into their famous Oakland location, which has become a University of Pittsburgh student tradition.
“Such a classic here in Oakland. Mad mex is my go to when I'm looking to eat a hearty burrito. I always order the classic mad mex burrito. They also have a lot of other options: quesadillas, nachos, wings etc.” -Yelp Review
Downtown
971 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-9111
Mon-Sun 11am-2am
Condado Tacos is a fantastic place to enjoy some Tex Mex cuisine in downtown Pittsburgh. It specializes in build your own taco options-- and customers really love the selection and the freedom to choose whatever they want on their tacos.
They also have some premade options, such as the surf and turf, the Dutch Dragon, and the El Tradicional-- in case you’re a little indecisive. There are some delicious tequilas to taste as well, so make sure you get one of their popular, homemade cocktails.
“Condado is a great place to come for tacos--the menu is vegetarian and gluten-free friendly and they don't skimp on the toppings of your customizable meal!” -Yelp Review
Downtown
940 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-586-5024
Mon-Sun 11am-2am
If you’re looking for a great place to stop and grab some amazing Cal Mex tacos, consider doing lunch or dinner at Bakersfield. This spot has a couple of locations across the country, and downtown Pittsburgh is home to their latest location.
This relaxed California-cool restaurant specializes in tacos, tequilas, and whiskeys-- and wants to share the love of good food and drink with Pittsburgh. Make sure to stop in at happy hour for some amazing drink and food specials as well!
“Bakersfield has some delicious, but different Mexican food. The setup of the place is really cool and authentic. It's especially nice on summer days when they have the window seating available.” -Yelp Review
Warrendale
400 Warrendale Village Dr.
Warrendale, PA 15086
724-799-8791
Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Calavera Tap and Taco is new on the Cal Mex Pittsburgh food scene, but they’re quickly gaining a loyal following of fans. Located just north of downtown Pittsburgh in Warrendale, this place specializes in slow cooked meats and fire roasted vegetables. It’s so authentic you’ll think you’re in California!
Make sure you come hungry, as their taco plates are especially big-- they’re filled with some of the freshest ingredients available on homemade tortillas. This is a very gluten-free friendly place too-- all of their tortillas and nachos can be made using gluten-free options.
‘Great new spot in Warrendale! It was a busy Friday night and service was on par. Food came out in a timely manner. The cilantro lime rice was delicious. I will be back to try other items.” -Yelp Review
Downtown
214 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-471-8256
Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Sun 3pm-9pm
Tako is the Cal Mex infusion restaurant from the chefs that brought Pittsburgh Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and the Rye. It has a small storefront, so if you’re not careful, you might accidentally walk right by it. The goal at this restaurant is to bring Cal Mex street food to Pittsburgh-- and to infuse it with flavors from all kinds of other cuisines-- especially Asian.
It seems to have worked because this is one of the most crowded places in downtown Pittsburgh for happy hour. Their tequila-based drinks are always changing according to the seasons, so make sure you stop by often!
“As to my experience, the food is fresh and fabulous. The bar makes great margaritas and offers Mexican beers.” -Yelp Review
South Side
1220 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-238-8515
Sun-Mon 11am-10pm
Tues-Thurs 11am-12am
Fri-Sat 11am-3am
Doce Taqueria is a fantastic taco shop located at the start of the South Side neighborhood. Their menu is simple, but full of amazing taco options including some for those who like meat-- like carne asada-- and those who don’t-- full of avocados and potatoes.
The staff is extremely friendly and well versed in creating just the right taco for customers. If you’re unsure what to get, be sure to ask them for suggestions!
“This is a place that I am not one to pass up if I'm in the area! Doce Taqueria is a very small, authentic taco joint located in the heart of South Side.” -Yelp Review
Strip District
2533 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-849-8864
Mon 10:30am-5pm
Tues-Thurs 10:30am-4pm
Fri-Sat 10:30am-5pm
Edgar’s Best Tacos has a great story-- what started out as a food truck business quickly grew into a restaurant that continues to serve amazing Tex Mex cuisine to Pittsburghers. The delicious food and friendly service paid off and now it’s a very popular spot located in the Strip District.
This family owned business strives to serve amazing Mexican inspired food and give the best customer service possible. All of their menu items are adaptable to be gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian as well!
“Big fan of these folks from the street stand days. Great tacos and burritos. Used to be only the stand a couple of blocks away, but now they have this pretty big restaurant and bar space.” -Yelp Review
It may not seem to, but Pittsburgh has quite a lot of places where you can pick up some Tex Mex/Cal Mex cuisine. It’s getting popular here, and there seems to be new places-- and food trucks-- popping up all the time. Where’s your favorite place to get some Tex Mex/Cal Mex infusion cuisine? Let us know in the comments!