Where to find authentic Mexican food

Ryan Deto

Top-down view of a pink bowl of bright green sauce with round green ravioli, swirls of white cream, on a wooden table beside a spoon and blue-and-white patterned plates. — Duo's chochoyotes are masa dumplings in an asparagus and pea soup with chile verde and cashew crema. Popping with freshness for spring. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

May the food be with you — Mexican food that is.

The big picture: The Pittsburgh area's Latino population is growing, but it's still one of the smallest of any large metro area in the nation, so finding authentic Mexican food can be a struggle.

Zoom in: The city has plenty of popular spaces serving Mexican American favorites, like Condado, Mad Mex, Camino and Tulum, but they can't always satisfy the cravings for authentic flavors.

Here are my favorites when looking for a culinary trip to Mexico in the Steel City.

Two blue corn tostadas topped with avocado and slices of seared tuna, sprinkled with sesame seeds and glazed, on a speckled plate with lime wedges on a wooden table. — Tostadas de atun are crispy tortillas topped with thinly sliced tuna crudo and avocado. Duo's is one of the only restaurants in Pittsburgh to serve this popular Mexican dish. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

Duo's Taqueria

The vibe: Duolingo's CEO says it's the city's best Mexican restaurant, and even though he owns the restaurant, it's hard to disagree. Mexican cuisine in an upscale setting.

What to get: The flauta de tinga is filled with smoky chicken and wrapped in a massive fried tortilla.

Wash it down with one of Duo's great cocktails or pick from their impressive Mezcal list (the karwinskii agave variety is my favorite).

If you go: 5906 Penn Ave., East Liberty

California Taco Shop

The vibe: Laid-back taqueria that specializes in Baja California and SoCal-style Mexican. Recently moved from its Shaler outpost up to Wexford.

What to get: The rolled tacos are crunchy and smothered in fresh guacamole. The fish taco is crispy and zesty.

If you go: 11000 Perry Highway, Wexford

Alquisiras Paleteria

The vibe: It's best to know a little Spanish at this hole-in-wall spot, which advertises its ice cream and popsicles but also serves great hot snacks.

What to get: The gorditas are masa packets stuffed with beans, meat, lettuce and other toppings. Grab a popsicle on the way out the door (the arroz — aka rice — is like a frozen horchata.)

If you go: 2056 Broadway Ave., Beechview

A crunchwrap cut in half with crispy browned pork al pastor on red-and-white checkered paper, served with a cup of white queso sauce and fresh green cilantro on a perforated metal table. — Look at those charred pork bits! Taco Bell could never. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

Taqueria El Pastorcito

The vibe: Full-service casual restaurant with colorful accents and a full bar.

What to get: The crunchwrap is a perfect combo of authentic Mexican flavors packaged in an American fast food presentation.

If you go: 929 Fourth Ave., New Kensington

La Poblanita

The vibe: A former gas station turned into a Mexican grocery store and taco stand. A bit bare bones, but the food is worth it.

What to get: The tacos are loaded with meat. The chicken and pastor never disappoint. Try the lengua for incredible beef flavor — if you aren't afraid to eat cow's tongue.

If you go: 801 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis

Other locations in Ambridge and New Brighton in Beaver County.

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