by Barb Hickey

Created on: February 20, 2009

If you are looking for authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices in Pittsburgh, then El Campesino is the place to eat. El Campesinohas five locations in the Greater Pittsburgh Area including Altoona, McMurray, Monroeville, North Hills and Robinson Township. Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Weekly lunch specials start at $5.00 are served in 15 minutes. Each meal is handcrafted by an authentic Mexican chef. The Fajita Quesadilla is outstanding! This popular entree consists of a large flour tortilla stuffed with either chicken or beef and onions, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese and is served in a sizzling skillet with a side of refried beans and Mexican. The menu also features many other popular Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, flautas, carnitas, tostadas, chile rellenos, and nachos. The endless baskets of chips and salsa are incredible and addictive! And, the margaritas are the best you'll find in Pittsburgh. El Camesino is all about the food and not the atmosphere. The restaurants are small and the waiters are very helpful and friendly. Plan to arrive before 5:00 PM on the weekends if you do not want to wait for a table. Take out is available from all locations.

If you prefer the look and feel of a chain Mexican restaurant, Don Pablo's is a great choice. Don Pablo's two locations in Pittsburgh at the Monroeville Mall and at the Pointe in North Fayette. Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Weekly lunch specials are available. Don Pablo's a great atmosphere that looks like traditional Mexican Plaza. You can watch the tortillas being made by hand when you enter the restaurant. The menu features many of the classic Mexican meals such as burritos, enchiladas, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, tostadas and nachos. The portion sizes are huge and taste great and are similar to what you would find other chain Mexican restaurants across the country. Don Pablo's a great place to celebrate a birthday. The entire wait staff will sing a Mexican birthday song to you while you are wearing an authentic sombrero. It makes for a great photo opportunity. Both locations tend to get very crowded, especially on the weekends. You'll want to get there by 5:00 PM to avoid waiting for a table. If you don't mind the wait, the bar area is large and the margaritas are great. Take out is also available.

Whether you prefer the authentic food and casual atmosphere of El Campesino or the more lively atmosphere of Don Pablo's, you will definitely be able to enjoy great Mexican food north of the border in Pittsburgh.

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