Alquisiras Paleteria — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

We just went here for Mother's Day lunch! OMG!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS SSOOOOOOO GREEEAAAAT!!!! People often speak of restaurant authenticity. It's way overused as of late. If a restaurant has the right ingredients or flavor profile, people scream and shout how authentic a place is. Nah. Today, I can tell you with all certainty that this place is legit! Like official, official! I have gone to a lot of Mexican places in the Burgh, and nothing really compares to ones l had growing up in San Jose, California. You open the door, and that aroma punches you in the face! It bathes you in the smell of my abuelitas kitchen! Welcome home, baby! YEEEEEESSSSS!!!!! If you can't speak or read spanish speak to whomever is taking orders they are very nice, or just get out Google translate! You really want to know what all of your options are since there are so many things to choose from! I recommend the Agua frescas, the sopas, birria tacos with soup, the langua (beef tongue) tacos were the best!!!!! And they actually had the Oaxaca cheese!!!! I nearly died! I was making yummy...

On a scale of documentaries to novels, Alquisiras Paleteria reminds me of The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. Story and food transports consumers, and Alquisiras Paleteria did exactly that.

Walking in to this restaurant feels like you were just transported to another country -- from the décor to the menu. While the restaurant does show some wear and tear, it is clearly a community staple, and the food blew my mind.

We ordered a quesadilla, enchiladas, a tostada, and two cups of corn as well as horchata. And I'm already dreaming of returning for another serving of quesadilla, tostadas, and the horchata! WOW, this meal was astoundingly delicious, and I'm excited to return to try the tacos!

If you love a meal that feels wholly authentic, Alquisiras...

Can't wait to go back - and it will be soon! The tacos were wonderful with tender meats; asada, birria, lingua, and el pastor. Sides of cilantro, onion, salsas, and lime were served. The elote was delicious and with the just the right amount of fixings. We stumbled across this place on the afternoon of the eclipse and the weather was nice enough to enjoy an outside table. The street was so quiet, with very little traffic except for the street cars that ventured by so we enjoyed the sunbathed table whilst we enjoyed lunch and watched the eclipse. The service was friendly and attentive. This place took us back to the great places we frequent when in Mexico. We're so lucky to have this authentic place here in Pittsburgh. Don't miss out...