The Best Mexican Restaurant in Pittsburgh 2019 | La Palapa
Relax and enjoy home-tasty flavors from Mexico in this beautiful spot in Pittsburgh
Settling on the best Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh is a bit like figuring out the best American restaurants in America. Where does one even start? You have fine dining tasting menus with plates as precise as they are boundary pushing. You have simple yet ambitious taquerias making revelatory dining experiences accessible to the masses. You have places that have been making their signature dish so long that it’s basically illegal to make it anyplace else (more on that later).
There is incredible diversity within the regional cuisines of Mexico and the different directions they have taken as they have crossed the border and mingled with American palates. It is impossible to account for them all comprehensively, but we are quite confident that if you experience the flavors of Mexico at this restaurant, you will be thoroughly pleased with your decision.
La Palapa, Mexican Cuisine & Catering in Pittsburgh
When it comes to finding authentic Mexican cuisine in Pittsburgh, it is truly a difficult task unless you know exactly where to look. Rather than celebrate the incredible food culture of Mexico, we are only able to find poor imitations and Tex-Mex restaurants that are just not the same.
Yet, one South Side restaurant is going against the grain and is making some of Mexico’s best meals right here in Pittsburgh. That restaurant is La Palapa and, along with their food cart of the same name, this one is changing the way we look at Mexican cuisine in the city.
La Palapa restaurant is named after the dried palm-leaf umbrellas that you might see if you pay a visit to a Caribbean beach. La Palapa decided upon that name as to convey that same feeling of kicking back and enjoy a good meal. If you visit La Palapa, you will enjoy some home-cooked flavors that Chef and Co-Owner Jose Luis Navarrete creates.
Navarrete, a native from Puebla, Mexico is truly an experienced Chef — with over 15 years of experience, and creating intense, savory meals that leave customers yearning for more. Navarrete and his business partner, Jesus Martinez — native from Mexico city established La Palapa, Mexican Restaurant in 2012.
La Palapa has an extensive Mexican menu, after visiting a few times I have been able to try a variety of meals. With all confidence, every meal will make you feel an immense sense of joy and fulfill your palate’s desire. If I was to pick some favorites, I would definitely side with the Cazuela del Mar ($ 16.95), the Chamorro de Borrego en Guajillo ($ 15.95), the Corte Porter House a la Mexicana ($ 24.95) or my absolute favorite Parrillada para Dos ($ 29.95).
In contrast to other Mexican restaurants in Pittsburgh, La Palapa brings not only delightful but truly home-made deliciousness to fill your appetite. If you would like to truly taste the variety of flavors, definitely check out the Tamales ($ 13.95), the delicious and tender Barbacoa ($ 14.95) and if you visit with your partner — definitely try the Charola para Dos! ($ 29.95) which brings enough to fill both of you.
La Palapa also has a small trailer which is located a bit north of Pittsburgh’s downtown right at Penn Ave and 7th street. If you are up to a quick delicious lunch, make sure to stop by La Palapa’s trailer. They are open during lunch hours: 11 AM — 2 PM Tuesdays through Fridays, year round. If you have or know of a cool event happening in Pittsburgh you can let them know at catering@lapalapapgh.com and they will try to accommodate their scheduling as to bring the trailer to the event. Follow the trailer around social media with #LaPalapaBuggy hashtag.
La Palapa has a wonderful staff that will make sure that your visit is truly remarkable. On weekend nights, the place is usually packed! So make sure to call ahead or schedule reservations online in order to reserve your spot. If you were not able to make a reservation on time, it is easier to dine in at lunchtime or on a weekday evening.
La Palapa Mexican Restaurant and Pittsburgh Catering it’s located at 2224 E. Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203. Get Directions!
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