Review La Palapa - Pittsburgh

We love La Palapa so much that we had them cater our wedding! We had multiple people tell us it was the best wedding dinner they had ever had. Jesus was incredibly kind and helpful to work with. We love you all, we love the food, and we will keep visiting for years to come!

We came here once a couple months ago. Overall we felt the prices were decent, the food was very tasty, and the portions were good. I would say this is in the running for the best when Mexican food I've had in the Pittsburgh area, alongside the Franklin inn, although this is a very different style than Franklin Inn. Recommended!

Good food. A bit pricey. It was not too busy for our visit, but the traditional Mexican music was a bit loud and that made it hard to understand the servers and bartender. We were looking for a mezcal bar; and while there was some, there was less selection than we had hoped for. There was a language barrier that might have added to our experience. Either way, for traditional Mexican food in the South Flats, it was worth the visit.

I love dining at La Palapa, it's the best authentic Mexican food in the city! I go frequently for brunch or happy hour. The restaurant is always very clean and the staff is SUPER friendly.

I love it!!! The place has a fun, festive ambiance. The service was on point. And the food.... it is amazing. My husband got the nachos. All the fresh ingredients we're cooked to perfection - delicious. I got the slow roasted chicken adorned with roasted peppers and onions. The chicken was fall off the bone tender and every bite was infused with their wonderful marinade. It was the best chicken I ever had! Marvelous!!!

This restaurant is very cute and I love the space it's in. I got the green sauce vegetarian tamales. They were very good. The staff was nice and they had the world cup on the TV (sorry making this review months late). I have to say the highlight was the hot sauces and salsas they had.

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.

Such a nice authentic experience with great food. The prices were good and the serving sizes were pretty hefty. I would recommend going for dinner and drinks!

I get it now -- why my favorite foodies gush about La Palapa! When you step into La Palapa, the colors and decor transport you to Mexico, and then the food does it all over again! Pro Tip: Park on the street behind Carson if you don't mind a small walk.

This is one of my favorite full service Mexican restaurants in Pittsburgh. Authentic, home cooked and reasonably priced. The Margarita selection is good and the table side guac is a must have. Street tacos are exceptional.

I was here for lunch on cinco de Mayo this year. We obviously had to get our Mexican fix and I wasn’t disappointed. It was a great day and we got a nice table at their covered outdoor area. The margaritas on special were good.. came in a plastic cup though. The guac is made right at your table. Some find that really cool, I find it gimmicky. The guac is nothing fancy, just your regular guac ingredients, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños and lime but yummy! I also ordered the veggie stuffed peppers and a veggie empanada both of which were excellent. The stuffed pepper appetizer is highly recommended! We ended with their tequila cake which is a tequila infused tres leche. It tasted like a regular tres leche with no sign of any tequila infusion but tasty nevertheless! For vegetarians especially, La Palapa is one of the better Mexican restaurants in the city and I’ll definitely be back here again!

Absolutely the best Mexican food in Pittsburgh, we had enchiladas, tacos, tamales and everything was delicious… our waitress was karina with the blue hair she was amazing , she was so busy running around helping people but still made sure to keep checking on us, and made sure we had everything we needed… The atmosphere was great and the decor was so vibrant, nice portions of food as well… Definitely recommend this place, will be back🙂

Fantastic every time! When I don't want to think about where to eat out I say, "La Palapa." It is always so delicious and everyone I've interacted with is incredibly friendly. I recommend getting anything with the mole.

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!

Wandered in for lunch and was blown away by the atmosphere and feel. I felt transported and at home. The service was friendly and prompt. The food was delicious and of large portion. I’d recommend La Palapa to anyone for a great experience!

This place is great! Clean and tastefully decorated atmosphere and very tasty food. I got the Al Pastor specialty tacos and loved them

This is my favorite restaurant in South side. We always have a great experience plus good taste and quality food! We love Gina and Oscar. We will continue coming here. The birria tacos are delicious.

Due to work circumstances, I been living here in Pittsburgh. I have tried different mexican restaurants around here, but La Palapa has been the best one out of all of them. Honestly the best authentic mexican flavor especially in the tamales 🔥🔥they are the best ones. All of the dishes we have tried they are freaking good. The staff always friendly and kind. Very very good experience in La Palapa I really recommend it 🤘🏼