La Palapa, Mexican Cuisine & Mezcal Bar

Quiet, dark and rainy outside when I entered. Soothing warmth inside, low key with rhythmic dance music videos playing. First time here and waiting for friends at a table looking outside at the bridge traffic. Reviewing the menu and the drink list. A drink in hand by the time friends arrived. Tall margaritas, slightly salty, ok but not what I'm used to. Neither was the red (more pink) sauce that came with the nachos. But it grew on us as we pretty much finished it off. Burritos with chicken and cheese were yum; and my friend loved the mole. Quesadilla with barbacoa and two different toppings was too good and too much. Half went home with me. I'd go back... also, one of my companions said they sometimes have a band. Definitely will look into that.

Very very underrated Mexican spot in Pittsburgh. If you've driven through south side to get on or off Hot Metal Bridge you've seen this spot without a doubtHave gone 3 times now. First two times I got tacos and they were solid. Double shelled which is an unwritten rule for a good taco. All should be juicy and packed with filling to where the double shell is a must !! The guac, queso and chips solid3rd time I went I got a chimichanga just because I was feeling gluttony and I'm a little upset I went that route. Sauce needed a little more spice in it and the filling of the burrito was less bang for your buck compared to the tacos. Also got am empanada and it was way more dough than fillingInside is okay. Floors were a tad bit dirty. Every waiter we had was always very politeNot my favorite Mexican or taco in Pittsburgh but in my top 3-5

Good location, but the food is just eh-average. My biggest issue was that the food was not warm enough, and it wasn't even because there were too many people lol. The fact that the side is fries is also kinda "non authentic"The price was quite expensive in my opinion, but maybe that's the market in Pittsburgh.

This is such a cute small spot to stop in for a drink or food. We came in for a margarita on national margarita day! I ordered a frozen mango margarita. Definitely yummy! Our table also ordered chicken nachos. I do not normally like chicken on nachos but these were very good. Could've used a few more chips for the amount of toppings.

I absolutely love La Palapa! It is quickly becoming one of my staple Southside restaurant spots. The location is great; locate on E Carson in the middle of Southside.The service is always great and the staff are so friendly and attentive. The food is absolutely amazing. The portions are ginormous!! I get the chicken nachos for my meal every time and they are loaded with cheese and chicken. They have my favorite nachos in the city. Their margaritas are very good too. I think their prices are super reasonable as well. The vibe is very cute inside and they have a nice outdoor, covered patio!

4.4 average (yes, precise!). La Palapa restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine and also has a full-service bar. Menu items include soups, salads, appetizers (e.g., nachos and jalapeños rellenos), dozens of entrees (e.g., flautas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, chicken, pork ribs, lamb, tilapia, and several vegetarian dishes), several sides, and several desserts. The menu is available for dining in, takeout, delivery, and catering.I ordered lunch from La Palapa for delivery. Here are my and my husband's ratings for the foods:Empanada - 4.5 stars - This empanada was available in several flavors, and I selected the shrimp. The empanada was large, had a crispy dough, and contained juicy and flavorful shrimp. On the side was salsa.Fajitas nayarit with side of plantains - 4.5 stars - A few proteins were available, and I chose steak. The steak tasted good. The chef included a very large amount of fresh peppers as well as rice, beans, and some pineapple.Tamales - 4 stars - A corn-based tamale was filled with my choice of filling, which was vegetables, and was wrapped in a corn husk. On the side was salsa.Tacos - 4 stars - Several possible fillings were available, and I chose the rajas con papas (poblano peppers and potatoes). I felt thankful that the soft taco shells did not get very soggy during transport. I might have given these tacos a higher rating if I had ordered a different filling.Carne asada - 5 stars - The flank steak was *very flavorful*. My husband felt surprised to see squash, cheese, and cactus. On the side was perfectly cooked rice.

I can't believe I've never reviewed La Palapa before! I love the drinks and food here. Everything I've had is delicious and so well made. I love how authentic it all feels. The service is always very friendly albeit sometimes slow. My only complaint is the bathrooms. You go into this very cold basement space and the stairs are a little much sometimes. Their day of the dead celebration is to die for though!

Delicious Mexican food, great service, and good vibes all around. Plus reasonable prices! Who could ask for anything more?

WTH Sunday night waited 45+minutes for food? And nobody came and told us what's going on. So at this restaurant you normally wait this long for food? And they forgot one of the food we ordered until she came with bill and noticed that one of us don't have any foodreally not cool And normally when you're starving and waited a long time, anything should be taste extremely good but it's actually not I'm sorry the food was soso and the service was extremely BAD

Amazing food & service!! My mom recommended this place and we were not disappointed. I frequently get Mole enchiladas when appropriate and my boyfriend always gets birria tacos. We were blown away!! My boyfriend and I loveee Mexican food and being hispanic, I'm always on the hunt for the best Mexican food. We have tried multiple places in Pittsburgh and have been very disappointed. The Mole Enchiladas, Birria Tacos, salsas & margaritas were top tier and highly recommend them!!!! Met with the owner and he was so kind and the staff as well. Love this place and will be going back!