The Best Tacos in Pittsburgh

When you're a foodie like me, you live for this time of year.  If I do not eat a dozen ears of corn each week, I go into cardiac arrest.  The peaches? To die for. Many a fresh peach pie has been consumed.  

Summer's bounty can translate into brightening up an old favorite.  I give you…the summer taco.   The onions are sweeter, the tomatoes are juicier, and the salsa is fresh  from the Pennsylvania gardens and farms that are so beautifully lush this time of year.  Sit outside when you can to enjoy these Mexican Sandwiches.

Reyna's Taco Shack  -  2023 Penn Avenue  -  Strip District – Lunchtime

Reyna's is a Mexican Grocery store specializing in – if not for Reyna – hard to find dried peppers, spices, canned, bottled and jarred Mexican fare.  The Shack sits outside in the front o the store and features true street food. The good kind. Choose pollo, carnitas, chorizo, steak, fish, shrimp, and yes, even cow's tongue for your taco filling.  
Let the Mexican chef behind his grill load you up with everything : tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, sour cream and cheese.  Fill up with 2 for $5 .  Find a place to sit, or you will be wearing your lunch – and that is taco abuse.   The homemade corn tortilla is warmed, never crispy.  The crispy taco shell is an American aberration and dulls the flavor of the corn tortilla which is deeply more flavorful than the flour version.  We sampled a fish and a carnitas taco  topped with Reyna's homemade salsas --muy bueno!  Don't forget to cool your palate with an amazingly colored hibiscus smoothy!  Husband of Foodie highly recommends.

Mendoza Express  -  Mansfield at Noblestown Roads – West End – 10AM – 8PM

This is in the dictionary next to "cute little family Taco Joint".  There are 2 tables outside – come early and often.  The Mendozas serve an oh-so-popular Mexican favorite called Al Pastor (Shepherd's Style) .  This is why you are here.  Slowly grilled pork and pineapple bathed and rolled  in a tantalizing homemade salsa and loving arranged on a warmed corn tortilla.    Familiar I was not with this filling.  Haven't seen the offering anywhere here or in my travels to Texas and California.  A delightful surprise washed down with a Mexican Soda – Jarritos.   Try the picante El Yucateco salsa – if you dare.  It's served with your basic rice and beans, but that is not why you are here!  Friends of Foodie are autentico Al Pastor converts.

Fajita Grille  -  5865 Ellsworth Avenue  -  ShadySide  -  Dinner
Here in the land of muchos choices you will find a range of delectable salsas and fillings. It was here on the lovely patio that I discovered destiny in chorizo.  The slightly spicy sausage can be dry or fresh but it is always delicioso.  Order this now and thank me later.  Get 3 tacos, rice and beans, for around$13.50.  A full  and filling dinner – and be sure to BYO Mexican beer (or wine!).  HOF had the chicken taco and wisely ordered a side of mole sauce.   To say that mole is a spiced chocolate sauce is selling this unique and fabulous concoction way short.  Dive in! While you're at it, take a dip in the guacamole .  All the tacos are served in a warmed, fresh corn tortilla by pleasant servers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Round Corner Cantina  -  3720 Butler Street  -  Lawrenceville - Dinner Daily/Weekend Brunch

The newest and hottest Cantina is serving the taco of the moment – the Fish Taco.  Though Ensenada, Mexico, claims to be the starting line for this little gem, and San Diego says they were first in this country, the Cantina has channeled the ancient vibes and twisted them fantastico.  What we have here, is a good sized piece of lightly battered fish in a grilled (nice touch!) corn tortilla with spicy crθme and fresh slaw.  A dash of cilantro across the tacos and limey slaw makes it all taste fresh, fresh, fresh.  The menu is in Spanish with English subtitles, teasing you with seasonal selections which are – say it with me – los ingredientes son frescos.  With sidewalk seating and charming back yard patio,  you have more places to enjoy an extensive beer and adult beverage selection with whatever taco you choose.  Though the bar's ambiance speaks to me….

Yo Rita  -  1120 E. Carson Street  -  South Side  -  Happy Hour and Dinner
This place is too cool for school.  Try these tacos: Crispy Eggplant with sweet chile, avocado, and hot fries.  Spring Onion with manchego, spinach and lemon aioli.  Braised Chicken with chipotle, queso fresco, and cool ranch Doritos.  Or have what I had: the Ahi Tuna with kimchi, crispy rice, mangos and mizuna.  Creative and a bit daring, Yo Rita introduces you to what tacos can be – an anything goes Mexican sandwich that somehow works.  And that's just how they roll.  Check out Rita along the way. She is the vixen who will be calling you back.

This is but a sampling. More tacos await at Azul in Leetsdale, Parton in Monroeville, Las Palmas Carniceria y Supermercado in Brookline (when the blue awning is over the outside grill), Kaya in the Strip  and more. Tell us where you go.  Who knew? A taco for everyone and everyone in a taco place. A Mexican sandwich circa 1520 AD. Share with friends – it's nice to share.  Si Si!

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Gwen Dakis is an architect and foodie who lives for this time of year. She makes a wicked peach pie.

Pictures taken at Reynas (top), Mendozas (center, and sombrero) and Round Corner (below).

Photographs copyright Brian Cohen