I've got a FEVER. And the only prescription is... more Tacos.

Pittsburgh Taco Challenge





 

 

 

 

 

I've been on a hunt.  All through the city, from street cart to restaurant, from google searches to blog posts.  I want to find the greatest taco this little city can offer. Pittsburgh may not be near fresh water, we may not be near any cultural hub that would link us to a taco, but I will say, there are tacos out here and they're good.

 

 

The Places:

 

Yo Rita

Kaya

Verde Mexican Kitchen

Smoke Barbecue Taqueria

Penn Avenue Fish Company

Reyna's Taco Stand (Penn Avenue)

AND! an attempt for the Pittsburgh Taco Truck that has ceased to exist

 

Winner of Best Surprise Taco:

 

Smoke Barbecue Taqueria far and away had me impressed.  Their ingredients are fresh, the pricing is very reasonable, and the flavor combinations are spot on.  It's worth a trip to 8th avenue in Homestead where they're located.

 

 

Wagyu Brisket Taco.  A wow worthy moment.

 

 

Veggie Taco with black beans, corn relish, crispy potatoes, pico de gallo and chili de arbol.

 

 

 

Winner:  Best Selection

 

This one is pretty obvious.  Yo Rita wins best overall selection of gourmet tacos in Pittsburgh.  It's not a secret that they're serving up delicious food at reasonable prices.  That's most likely why they're always packed (I appreciate they keeps the chips, salsa and drinks coming).

 

 

Rock Shrimp Taco, Santa Cruz Fish Taco

 

 

Winner:  Best Taco Item in a Restaurant

 

This was a close call.  I've had exceptional taco creations at several different restaurants around the city.  During the summer I especially enjoyed Eleven and Meat and Potato's take on a soft shell crab taco.  But that's not why we're here.  The best taco you can get for the majority of the year that is consistent, delicious, well priced and flavorful (that is a feature in a restaurant) would be Kaya's crispy fish taco. 

 



The tortillas are soft and high quality (credit goes to the delicious Reyna taco stand for supplying them).  The fish is always battered well and served up extra crispy.  The slaw adds just the right amount of bite and texture.  It's what you want when you're in the mood for a crispy fish taco.

 

 

 

 

Noteworthy:

 

I recently had tacos from Verde Mexican Kitchen and they were also delicious.  Alas they didn't make my winners circle, but I will be back for more.

Reyna's Taco Stand in the Strip is always worth a stop.

I'm still hoping Pittsburgh gets it together and allows for more food trucks, especially the taco variety.  Waiting to hear good news on Twitter.

 

Hope you enjoy, if you hear/see/smell of any more taco joints in the area, shoot me an email.