La Palapa Pgh

Made the 50 min trip from Gbg to try it, and would gladly do it again. My 6 yr old son and I (best bro date ever,) started with what I THOUGHT was just chips and guacamole. Then a cart showed up with fresh avocados in a Molcajete (mortar & pestle,) and was asked what ingredients and how much of each for a customized guac….TBH I was expecting bagged guac most restaurants use, even cubed frozen avocados, nope…. Having this to start out has done 2 things, one great….one bad. 1. My son may have gotten over his dislike of “potatoes” (what he calls tomatoes, I’ve tried, I’m letting him run with calling them whatever he wants, it makes me smile.) 2. By the time we got home, he wanted a snack. and asked for guac, but was not happy with the Aldi’s guac in my fridge, he wanted fresh made in my Molcajete that’s sat on my counter as “decoration” ever since my old roommate left it behind 7 years ago. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Well played La Palapa. I also added a chicken Tamale with Green Chili sauce on one side, and Mole on the other, sadly, it was gone before my son could share much I did not partake in any cocktails being with my son, but the ones I saw made, and the drink list was beyond your typical Mexican Cocktail List made for yinzers, and hope to return to enjoy another time. His Quesadilla was way beyond a typical kids quesadilla with melted blended cheese and a tortilla, with enough flavored chicken and flavor, that Dad ate the leftovers as soon as we got home and was impressed. I had the Mocajete with chicken, steak, shrimp, peppers, rice, beans, etc. I didn’t leave hungry, but smelling the leftovers on the way home made sure it didn’t last to going in the fridge. Because we were fortunate enough to come during their celebration of De Los Muertos, we had Pan de Muerto and hot chocolate for dessert. We were seated in the enclosed patio so I and he could not take much in as far as the amazing decor of the everyday decor, the Alibrijes (neon animals from Coco Disney film for parents.) Or the tasteful and proud Ofendra altars for lost loved ones, but we were able to visit them, and write the names of a loved one on a butterfly before leaving. On the other hand, we were able to enjoy a soccer match broadcast with a legion of fans, apologies for not knowing either team involved, but the atmosphere was exciting. The only negative, that I have, if it is one, is there as far too much that I want to try. I had the special soup, but the other two available I want to try. I didn’t even touch any of the specialty dishes, or the tamales, or the flan, or the burritos, or the seafood,. It’s great, because I and my son could’ve easily had any item off the menu and enjoyed, including the beef tongue. I cannot wait to go back, and come warm weather season, if we have it again in Pittsburgh, that’ll be the best hour long drive windows down for some of the best food I’ve had in the area.

Being from Mexican background, this is a legit Mexican restaurant. The bartender was very friendly and served me a Michelada. They give you chicharrones for starters (Which is legit, authentic). The flautas of potato were amazing, unfortunately I was called to work and had to leave before finishing my whole meal so I got it to go. Had a chance to talk to the owner who was very nice as he was behind the bar for a bit. Great service and great quality Mexican food! If I’m ever back in the area I will for sure coke back!