3 Pittsburgh Suburbs Mexican Restaurants Reviewed by their Chicken Enchiladas

The part of the show where Barbara goes to three different Mexican restaurants in the suburbs of Pittsburgh in the space of 5 days and orders the SAME THING every time. Insert eye roll.

I didn’t set out to write this post (so there are going to be like 2 pictures). Because, well, I hadn’t planned on getting the same food three times or going out to Mexican restaurants three times in the same week…but here we are.

If you’re in the Pittsburgh South Hills and you love Mexican food, then you’re likely to have heard of Casa Nayarit in Bethel Park, Totopo in Mt. Lebanon, and Old Mexico in West Mifflin.

3 Pittsburgh Suburbs Mexican Restaurants Reviewed by their Chicken Enchiladas

Casa Nayarit

This hole-in-the-wall gem is set right off of South Park Road, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll drive right by it. The parking lot is small, and so is the restaurant. But don’t be fooled. Casa Nayarit is Bethel Park’s best-kept secret.

Once inside the restaurant, you are led to a booth in the back or a nearby table. Chips and salsa. And a menu with all of the classics. I went with the Enchiladas Verdes, essentially chicken wrapped in corn tortillas covered in cheese, green salsa, and iceberg lettuce. To the side of the enchiladas was a pile of Mexican rice.

Details: $8.99, 3 enchiladas, side of Mexican rice

Flavor & After Effects:

Every bite was delicious. I’m not a huge fan of iceberg lettuce, but I do love a good green salsa. The chicken was a perfect consistency. Now, for the fun part, sometimes I get GI distress from eating out. And Casa Nayarit wins because I ate and didn’t experience any GI distress.

Totopo

Located in downtown Mt. Lebanon, Totopo is hip and stylish. My cool points bumped up just walking in the door of that restaurant. Parking is up to you: choose street (parking is free after a 5 or 6 pm) or parking garage.

Totopo is spacious with a center bar and flat screen televisions mounted along the walls. The bright, earthy tones used for the decor have you thinking warmer thoughts despite the chilly Pittsburgh temperatures. Once again, I went right for the Enchiladas Verdes (hold the sour cream). Same deal as Casa Nayarit, but this plate included a small bathtub of black beans.

Details: $12, 3 enchiladas, sides of Mexican rice and beans

Flavor & After Effects:

Smooth yet spicy flavors accompanied every chew with these enchiladas. And the Mexican rice was nothing to snort at. While I only ate two of the enchiladas, within about 20 minutes of eating, I started to feel bloated. A friend fondly termed it “bubble guts.” And yup, that was it. The discomfort lasted until I popped a trusty TUMS. While I was bummed that I’d forgotten to bring my leftovers home, I’m more relieved than anything that I don’t have to feel guilty about throwing them away.

Old Mexico

Previously housed in the Century III Mall, Old Mexico fled that location for the prime real estate of Clairton Boulevard or Route 51. I’ve had my eye on this place and its renovations for the past few months. And once it opened, I’ve noticed that the parking lot never seems to be empty.

Walking through the front door is like walking into a place that gives off vibes of old timey Saloon. Bright colors with lots of wood detailing could give you something to stare at for hours. It’s a pretty great vibe. But side note, the bathroom felt like a freezer, and I’m so not into that. But hey, if you can steer clear of using the bano, then you’ll be good to go. For fun’s sake, I chose the Chicken Enchiladas (it promised a green salsa, but I think mine came with a red).

Details: $9.25, 4 enchiladas, no sides

Flavor & After Effects:

Yes, please. Pass the enchiladas. These ones were delicious, and I ate two, then I had to eat just one more. I was feeling cautious, though, after the experience of the previous restaurant. When it came to post-eating after effects, no bubble gut was involved (thank goodness). I did feel rather heavy after that though.

 

Barbara’s Choice of Restaurant and Enchilada

I’m going to give it to Casa Nayarit. For the price, the service, and the food without after effects, I think it’s a bargain to be sure. And I also just love the intimacy of a hole-in-the-wall place. There’s a certain camaraderie between everyone in the place because you know that you have found the best well-kept secret of delicious Mexican food in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Honorary Mention: Old Mexico