Taco Tuesday goes next-level at these Western Pa. eateries
Western Pennsylvania has no shortage of dining destinations for tacos — and non-traditional tacos are having a moment.
If you are looking to take #TacoTuesday to the next level, these local restaurants are just a few that offer specialty tacos all the time. You may find yourself with crunchy cravings on other days of the week.
Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar
Cornerstone owner Erin Connolly added tacos to the menu a decade ago.
“They’re super popular,” Connolly said. “They’re a nice alternative to a sandwich and we’ve had Bulgogi-style short rib tacos, duck confit. We always feature the brisket taco and we’ve had shrimp and salmon tacos.”
The miso salmon tacos ($18) prepared by executive chef Ken Mizuno are topped with a vinegar slaw, spicy cucumbers and wasabi aioli.
The brisket tacos feature Brussels sprouts, cheddar, crispy onions and aji crema.
301 Freeport Road, Aspinwall.
412-408-3420
Buenatarde
Owned by husband and wife dining duo Henry and Rebecca Avila and their business partner Brian Magaritz, Shadyside’s Buenatarde (“good afternoon” in Spanish) offers authentic Latin American fare.
The street-style tacos (crunchy, fried shells) feature a protein of choice — ground beef, tinga chicken, grilled tofu, chorizo, wild shrimp, pork belly, al pastor, grilled salmon and more — topped with cilantro and onions. They’re served with rice and beans, verde and charred tomato salsa.
Made-to-order fresh guacamole, a casually industrial atmosphere, customizable tacos and an outdoor patio with garage-style doors make for a total taco destination.
5741 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside
412-404-2203
Bull River Taco Co.
Greensburg resident and Bull River Taco Co. owner Kevin Griffin says his customers clamor for crunchy tacos.
Griffin got his start in the restaurant industry at Spilly’s BBQ in Whitehall.
“Our brisket taco was originally a weekly special, but demand was so high it’s a regular menu item,” Griffin said.
The brisket tacos ($4.55 each) feature slow-smoked brisket, shredded cheese, creamy slaw topped with in-house-made BBQ sauce.
The menu is simple — a few varieties of tacos and sides that include loaded nachos, black beans and chips and salsa, as well as a taco salad.
2650 Lincoln Way, White Oak
4849 Clairton Blvd., Whitehall
412-409-9202
The Gray Goose
Gray Goose chef Patrick Lacey added a tricked-out chicken taco to the mostly American-themed menu at the Ligonier establishment.
The street corn chicken tacos ($15) feature house-dredged chicken tenderloins, street corn salsa, shredded romaine, Mexican crema, cotija cheese, lime and cilantro on a toasted flour tortilla.
Gray Goose owner Michelle Kent said the tacos are a hit with customers.
“They’re fresh and flavorful,” she said.
2377 Lincoln Hwy., Ligonier
724-441-4947
Mad Mex
Big Burrito Restaurant Group chef and partner Bill Fuller leads a successful portfolio of Mexican-themed eateries serving up tasty tacos, a staple at all Mad Mex locations.
The beef brisket birria taco plate ($21) is made with slow-roasted adobo beef served in corn tortillas with queso fresco, pickled red onion, cilantro, side of consomme, Mexican rice and beans.
Those who aren’t carnivores shouldn’t fear: crispy shrimp tacos, grilled mahi-mahi tacos and the herb o’vore’s tofu tacos round out the selections.
The Shadyside location on South Highland Avenue has an exclusive selection of street tacos, including crispy avocado, carnitas, and chicken al pastor.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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