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La Palapa, Pittsburgh, PA

La Palapa

4.3
4.3
100 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Traditional Mexican Kitchen, with Mezcal Bar, home-made salsas, fresh Guacamole, Tamales, fresh soups, chiles rellenos, etc...
We share the dream of bringing the real flavors of Mexican cuisine to the people of Pittsburgh.
Mi casa es tu casa!!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Latin / Spanish
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (412) 586-7015
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic
  • Catering
    We cater for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, office meetings, private parties, etc...
  • Private party facilities
    We have two private spaces, one that host up to 18 people and an enclosed patio area where we can seat up to 40 people. email us at catering@lapalapapgh.com to book your private event!We also book private lunch for school trips or business meetings!
  • Private party contact
    Jesus: (412) 586-7015
  • Neighborhood
    South Side
  • Cross street
    Across the Birmingham bridge, near corner of Carson Street and 23rd Street.
  • Parking details
    On the corner of Carson St. & 23rd St.
  • Entertainment
    Live Mariachi band 1st Sunday of each monthBossanova Trio 3rd Wednesday of each month
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 100 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

100 Reviews
  1. KathleenK

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great margaritas and delicious food! Excellent service with a large party of 8!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Aliso

    New York Area

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was a week night so the restaurant was quiet. Service was excellent - attentive and efficient. Margaritas and guacamole to start were delicious. All 5 in our party enjoyed their entrees very much. Would definitely return when back in Pittsburgh again.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an amazing meal at La Palapa. Interesting and well prepared cocktails. The waitstaff was warm and welcoming. The food was fresh and homemade tasting — including the Mexican rice and pinto beans. My daughter and I had the birria tacos and they were to die for My husband had a mix of enchiladas with mole and verde sauces and loved them. We all left very full and satisfied. Will be our new go to in Pittsburgh.

    Is this helpful?

  4. JenniferB

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    VERY authentic restaurant with excellent food! A lot of healthy food and drink choices.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Thom

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Told us that onions were in the side and they were in the meal. When asked to remake food they just attempted to take the onions off the meal and returned it to the table. The onions were still on the meal.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was good. The service was good. I’m not sure they knew how to handle a large party even with the reservation. Food came out at many different times. So some of us were eating and some of us weren’t. Orders were forgotten but still on the bill. The restaurant was good but the safe fell short on getting all the food out

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  7. 78737Gal

    Austin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Fine. Not fancy. Sticky floors. Loud music. Food was fine but not exceptional.

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  8. JimmyW

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Manager canceled reservations by e-mail. He stated because of Cinco de Nayo.

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  9. Ashley

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The location was great, food was delicious! Music a bit loud due to the room acoustics. Only con for us was the time of service--took quite a while to get food and check ins/check service. Server was very friendly and kind, just slow service overall. Would come again!

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  10. krisi

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was okay. I would not eat there again or recommend it to a freind.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RGetMomuffins

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have known Jesus for yrs and the quality of service and food has remained top notch each time!!!! We had frozen blackberry margaritas-highly recommend!! Robin ❤️

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  12. distanthorizon

    Pittsburgh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good authentic Mexican food and margaritas. Energetic music videos.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    The food was just so-so. Service was slow. Highlight was guacamole.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great food and service. Really nice workers and great authentic Mexican food.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Flonzo

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    4.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Good fresh food. Good service. Nice vegetarian options.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service and food was amazing. I mentioned it was a birthday celebration and without me reminding them they brought everyone out to sing her happy birthday and gave her a piece of cake and she loved it!

    Is this helpful?

  17. BradA

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    the service was poor. there was hair in the food. the quality of the food was meh.

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  18. KarenA

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was terrific and the atmosphere very nice with authentic Mexican wares decorating the area and all for sale! Very pleasant server and great food! I would highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  19. KenB

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food atmosphere and overall outstanding place. Loved it and will return

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I liked that we had the room upstairs all by ourselves.

    Is this helpful?

  21. PegR

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    This restaurant is very casual and comfortable. The food was good. The table-side guacamole was excellent! The service was very good. The background music was a little loud.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Wife and I came here on a whim. I’m glad we did - everything was delicious. She went with the enchilada and I had a molcajete which was unbelievable. We also both had a drink the jalapeño mezcaltini which was good and then the vip mezcarita.

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  23. DawnF

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My family and I really enjoyed our experience at La Palapa. The food was delicious and very affordable. The service was quick and the servers were super friendly and helpful. We will definitely return again and again.

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  24. Mugdertz

    Edmonton

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had heard how good it was and it exceeded our expectations! Everything was outstanding- from the decor to the staff to the food and drink. We had guacamole made table side and it was amazing. Very attentive, but not intrusive, service. Highly recommended. Can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. BrockM

    Cincinnati

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great staff and great food and drinks. Very accommodating to our group. Get the guacamole!

    Is this helpful?

  26. MarkR

    Pittsburgh

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding. Great food, amazing service (Gina is great), mezcal drinks rock the house.

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  27. knees

    Pittsburgh

    118 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    118 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Fun place!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful on every level!

    Is this helpful?

  29. Jbob

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    First time at this establishment; food was good but not great, our waitress was very pleasant without being officious; nothing great but very nice and definitely worth a return visit.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Mexican place. Everything was very good, and served in a timely manner. Pretty extensive drink menu as well that’s pretty affordable. Definitely will look to go again sometime.

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  31. JohnP

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It’s was really good. The menu was a bit limited but very good. We would definitely go back.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    They have the best Mexican in the city. I wish more people knew about it and went there. The food is authentic and delicious. They provide great service and they made the place really nice. I love the barbacoa and tamales.

    Is this helpful?

  33. EliS

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super food, service and ambiance. We enjoyed it immensely. The pico de Gallo was best we ever tasted.

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  34. JesM

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    The service and food was terrible. Our drinks were disgusting. The manager wasn’t very nice. We will never go back. It was the worst.

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  35. ericab

    Pittsburgh

    37 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2020

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We were excited to try a new Mexican restaurant especially since they made guacamole table side. We were seated on the covered patio with heaters but it was still a bit chilly on a cold night! Waitress was nice but not around too much. The bar was short staffed so it took awhile to get drinks. The pineapple margarita didn’t have much flavor and the hot pineapple cocktail had a smoky taste. Salsa and chips were not included and the salsa trio we ordered was a bit disappointing as far as flavor - as was the guacamole. The food was ok - nothing spectacular. 2 of us ordered shrimp fajitas and they were mixed with onions and peppers instead of them separate. My husband got the wrong mix of enchiladas but didn’t want to send back so he ate it. Cute atmosphere but we wouldn’t rush back.

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  36. AutumnB

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant was not only fantastic, I was able to bring my kids. We certainly got a lot of food as well. I loved that the kids portion food items were not pricey whatsoever. My kids didn’t eat the food. I could never eat the food. But it’s nice not to Pay a significant amount for kids food. They did love being at the restaurant. I am gluten-free and it was accommodated well. My daughter is dairy free and they were able to substitute tomatoes for the taco instead of cheese. The only sad thing is that I did not order the tamales. My husband did and he did not give me enough of his meal. my margarita was wonderful. Not too sweet just like I asked for.

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  37. DRLG

    Columbus

    124 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    124 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful. Can make food spicy if you like. Guacamole made table side. Would have liked to be able to have a house salad.

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  38. MayB

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I used Open Table to request a Lunch reservation for work crew of 10 with space for boxes holding our secret Santa gifts. La Palapa provided a private room upstairs, and we were comfortable to speak and joke freely. I ordered the refreshing and delicious signature mojito and the tilapia, which was cooked perfectly (not dry) served with a sauce that did not overwhelm the light fish. We all thought the drinks, food, and service were great. Returning with family, friends or for work happy hour is in our future.

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  39. TonyG

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2019

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was tasty and authentic. Our waiter was wonderful. I asked him if I could practice my Spanish with him, and he obliged. We had a wonderful conversation, and he not only helped me with my language skills, but also taught my guest and me about the cuisine. Get there early - the parking lot is small, and on-street parking is at a premium. Nice place, good people, and tasty food.

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  40. BeeGee

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We sat in the back, next to the space heaters. It was comfortable and quiet. Service was good, food was good though a bit on the spicy side. Plenty to eat. We like it here and come for dinner every few months.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

La Palapa does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. La Palapa also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (412) 586-7015.

La Palapa is rated 4.3 stars by 100 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for La Palapa

2224 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Across the Birmingham bridge, near corner of Carson Street and 23rd Street.
  • Neighborhood
    South Side
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Latin / Spanish
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    On the corner of Carson St. & 23rd St.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Latinx or Hispanic
  • Entertainment
    Live Mariachi band 1st Sunday of each monthBossanova Trio 3rd Wednesday of each month
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (412) 586-7015
  • Catering
    We cater for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, office meetings, private parties, etc...
  • Private party facilities
    We have two private spaces, one that host up to 18 people and an enclosed patio area where we can seat up to 40 people. email us at catering@lapalapapgh.com to book your private event!We also book private lunch for school trips or business meetings!
  • Private party contact
    Jesus: (412) 586-7015
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