The staff & service are very nice! The drinks are worth the price. The menu selection was good but the food we received was all very cold. That didn't make it very enjoyable as we tried to finish our meals. read more

Nice basic Mexican meal after theater... some times I find Mexican food heavy but burrito and filling were light. My wife especially enjoyed her rellenos ... seeds removed We will return in future read more

Solid Mexican food option in downtown Pittsburgh. Food was tasty. Drinks were reasonable. Nothing fancy but a good value especially given the location. read more

Such a great atmosphere and the food and drinks are delicious. Great service too! Highly recommend!

I love coming here! I've been here more times than I can count and have never had a bad experience. The only bad thing I have to say is it's too hard to pick what to get to eat because everything is so darn good! I love their margaritas, queso, guacamole, quesadilla, tacos, fajitas and salads! It's conveniently located in market square and is easy to walk to from most places downtown. Its a great place to meet up with friend after work for happy hour. This place is a must if you are visiting the downtown area. read more

Las Velas - Tacos pastor with a side of Mexican rice and elote - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On a Friday after putting in a couple hours of work, my boyfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a happy hour and a bite to eat. It's always nice to take a walk down in Market Square, and who can say no to margaritas? Las Velas is on the second floor of a building down in Market Square, and they have some seats along the windows so you can check out the lively scenery while you eat and drink and hang out. Happy hour is 4-6 here, and the Friday deals were a couple dollars off Don Julio margaritas that made them $8 and $15 and $5 Mexican draft beers. A little bit of an expensive happy hour, but we got a couple drinks anyways. Chips and salsa aren't free here, so we upgraded to chips and queso. Happy hour appetizers are $2 off, but it doesn't include salsa, guac, or queso. Both of us got tacos, chicken for me and mahi mahi for my boyfriend. Prices on the menu were pretty steep across the board, but when our tacos arrived the portions were fairly generous, and we got two sides with each meal. Overall, Las Velas was good, but not great. The drinks tasted good and some of the ones on the menu were pretty creative. The food was also pretty good. I wasn't a fan of the happy hour deals or the prices in general, but we were satisfied with everything. Above all, I really liked the location and the layout of the restaurant. Not a bad choice if you're craving a splash of tequila! read more

Las Velas - Basil agave and watermelon margs! Don Julio for $8 on happy hour. Not bad! - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

Best Mexican spot in Pittsburgh!! The drinks are amazing and the food was so tasty. Beware the habanero sauce is sooooooo spicy, a little goes a LONG way. Cute little spot in Market Square! read more

Las Velas - veggie burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Came here for lunch with coworkers. Ordered the chip and salsa and the carnitas fajitas. Service was very friendly and pretty quick considering It was a lunch rush. The chips and salsa are addicting and our table went through 3 baskets of chips and salsas lol! Free salsa free refills by the way! And then came my fajitas. They were very very good. The meat was amazing! Tons of peppers. Albeit overall a little oily...It didn't detract from the flavor. And the pricing was great for lunch. The portion was so big I had leftovers! The seating area is nice and I never knew this place existed! Will definitely be back! read more

Las Velas - fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Great tacos and lots of variety for lunch. I loved that the service was fast and easy with our sever.

I was on a layover in PIT Cinco de Mayo and selected this restaurant because they had Sopes on the menu. Got there and they had a limited menu, disappointed, but the food I had was horrible and flavorless. The soup tasted like they took chicken broth and threw in some days old rice and rubbery chicken. The flautas were wrapped in flour tortillas and burned to a crisp. The filling tasted like they used American cheese. The bartender was so inattentive she didn't address that I hadn't eaten any of the food when she brought me the bill. No manager in sight to address any concerns. Terrible all around. read more

Las Velas - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

Food was horribly mediocre :( the tacos had little seasoning and the salsa was not very flavorful. The staff was t able to answer some questions regarding allergies. Cute atmosphere and great location tho read more

Las Velas - Veggie tacos, enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is a must every time I visit Pittsburgh. Love the Filet Mango tacos and the fajitas. The rice and beans are amazing. Fresh chips as well. Customer service has been "meh", but the food is good! read more

This is the hole-in-the-wall of the Market Square restaurants downtown; I'd never have found if someone hadn't known where the door to the place is. I want to note now that I've only been here once for a spontaneous dinner date - and that only happened because Olive or Twist was completely and totally booked. But now I'm absolutely dying to go here again. The meal I had here hit the spot perfectly. I'm not even a major fan of Mexican food, so it's very rare for me to heap this sort of praise on Mexican restaurants. I ordered the pork quesadillas, and have to say, they were spot on - also a surprising statement coming from me, because I'm not a major fan of pork, probably because a lot of the time people overcooked pork dishes when I was younger and I grew up thinking all pork is just dry and pretty tasteless. Places like Las Velas remind me that nope, this is not the case - and bless them for it! My meal came with plenty of both the main course and the necessary toppings to spread on each individual quesadilla as I saw fit. There were more than enough toppings to go around, and combined with the juicy pork and toasted quesadilla wrap they made for a wonderful mix of tastes and textures. By the way, even if the food wasn't amazing here, I think I would still consider myself a major fan of this place just because of their supremely delicious Peach Margaritas (dying to go back and try the raspberry one). Fortunately the food is as good as the drinks, so everyone wins! I'll note that even on a not-so-busy night, I, like other reviewers, experienced a little teensy bit of drag in service. Still, I had company and we wanted to talk, so I think as long as I avoid coming here alone or when I'm starving, I'd be able to tolerate this as easily as I did during my first meal here. Still, I can see this being a drawback for folks, so just know it's a possibility here and be prepared. Bring company or a book. read more

Came here for a saturday night dinner with my parents. We were seated immediately and the ambiance was ok. The issue was the flying bugs around our table that made the food less tempting. Also, the food was not as flavorful as I would expect from Mexican food. All in all, not somewhere I would want to go back to but made for an ok experience. read more

See all

It was ok. The chicken for the quesadilla didn't really look freshly made. It looked like the pre-made chicken strips that can be bought in a grocery store. It was good, but could have been better. The margaritas were good with a nice combination of alcohol incorporated into the drink. I tried the raspberry, mixed berry, and plain lime. The refried beans were also tasty, and the chips and salsa were very good. I'll definitely give this place another go! read more

See all

I stopped in for lunch and enjoyed the visit. The service was good, I was greeted immediately and we ordered the chips and salsa (nope, they aren't free...kinda bummed about that). The chips are thick and fresh. I really liked them. They are very crunchy and don't break when being dipped in salsa. The salsa was so fresh. All that being said...they are totally worth ordering. I mean what's a Mexican meal without starting with chips and salsa?! For lunch we tried the shrimp and chicken fajitas and the fish tacos. I really like you get to pick your sides. Even better that street corn is an option. It was soooo good. Order it. Honestly, both were very good and arrived to the table nice and hot. I'd definitely visit again when I'm in town! read more

See all

I've gone to Las Velas for a couple years now, each time I go, I never remember why I showed up in the first place. Their food is decent, the prices keep rising, but the service gets worse and worse each time I go. At first, the slow service was fine, I have dealt with it for the food and moved on. But I had held off on going back for almost a year or so because I've found quality food elsewhere, with better service. But I recently went with a larger group for a birthday celebration and was treated very rudely and like we were a bother. Even though we were about to bring in quite a bit of cash for the restaurant, they didn't seem to want our business. We were not rowdy, we were not rude, we were not intoxicated, yet everything we wanted seemed like an inconvenience to the wait staff. Only after we all signed our checks, did the wait staff seem chipper and ask us if we wanted anything. I wouldn't be nearly as upset if this wasn't how the service was every time I've gone there. I do not plan on going back. read more

This place is probably the best for fajitas, "HUGE" margaritas, soup,, and burritos I've tasted in quite some time. They have quite the menu and I will say. read more

I stopped by here a couple of Friday nights ago with my wife for dinner. We knew that we were going to be downtown on this evening and so picked out that we wanted to head to Las Velas a couple of days before hand. Part of my motivation is that it was in the Enjoy book but I also remember having some good food here in the past. Las Velas is located on the second floor of a building and can be a bit tricky to find if you don't know where to look. Hint, it's between the diamond market and the original oyster house. In any case after heading up the stairs we were greeted by a hostess and sat at the last table available. Due to that, I can't say that it was the greatest table or that I could see much of the restaurant. We were seated without a wait though and so you won't see me complaining. For dinner on this day my wife and I decided I split the chips and salsa (bottomless) for an appetizer. After looking over the menu for awhile I also decided to go with the most expensive thing on the menu, the velada. While it sounded good on its own, I was also influenced a little bit by the little fire sign next to it which I assumed meant spicy. Our chips and salsa came out first and I rather enjoyed them. The chips seemed to be freshly made and the salsa was blended quite smooth and was flavorful. As we were on our second basket of chips our entrees came out. What I wasn't expecting was the show that came along with my food. It was described on the menu as half of fresh pineapple shell filled with chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, grilled peppers, onions and cilantro all topped with melted cheese and served with sides of tortillas, guacamole, sour cream and pick de gallo. What it failed to mention is that there is a tequila sauce that is prepared table side and then poured over the dish. This preparation consists of the tequila being added to the sauce and then lit on fire before being poured between two gravy boats until the alcohol was burned off. Overall it was a pretty cool presentation that I can't say I was ready for. The sauce they made from it was dynamite though and had a nice tequila flavor with most of the alcohol being gone. Everything in my dish was delicious, especially whenever it was combined with that sauce. I think my favorite of the meats was the shrimp (I got 3 of them) due to their natural sweetness. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future. Both my wife and I enjoyed our food and the dining room has a nice view over Market Square. read more

I've been here a few times and I always enjoy myself! They have a great happy hour and good food. I always get a margarita when I go, they have 2 sizes and a variety of flavors. My favorite is probably the traditional mango. They are super strong! And still have good flavor. This last time I went I got a burrito, it was delicious! Good flavor and quality for the price. My friend got chips and queso so I tried a bit of that as well, and really enjoyed their queso. Their chips are interesting, I believe they're fried so the texture is a little different than most tortilla chips, but still good! My only knock on it is that they don't always have the best service. A lot of their staff speak Spanish as a first language I think, so Ive had issues ordering before but they do their best. It would never stop me from coming back because they're very friendly and I enjoy the food and atmosphere. read more

Las Velas - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

I've been a long-time fan of Las Velas! From their early days I always enjoyed coming in to the restaurant and chatting with the staff and the owner, they are always friendly and make the experience better than an average restaurant. On a recent visit we ordered a pitcher of margaritas, a chicken quesadilla, an order of the shredded pork tacos, floutas, and an order of the chips and salsa. Everything was a hit! My sister proclaimed that they might have been the best tacos she's ever had -- which is something special coming from her! read more

This place is not that great especially considering all the other great Mexican cuisine restaurants I've tried in Pittsburgh. The queso was good, but remember when the waitress asked if you want more queso, it is NOT free. I ordered the hanger steak tacos and it was dry and not flavorful at all, the only thing I will come back for is their margaritas. The server knew that I don't like my tacos, so she gave us free dessert. It is nice of them but I wish it could be taken off my bill like many other restaurants will do. I barely ate any, and my boyfriend didn't like it either. I will not come back for their food, maybe their drinks! read more

Las Velas - Queso and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

I've been coming to Las Velas multiple times along with their other locations around Pittsburgh. Las Velas was always the best when it came to the food & service, although I am quite disappointed from my last experience, especially while it was during a slow lunch day. Thankfully I was able to see on my receipt the name of my Cashier, who I am assuming served us last. I have had plenty of energetic, attentive servers (at las velas specifically)...yet when I come again in the future I will look to be served by someone else. Again, the food was outstanding, came out quick, and was warm but the service was very slow (and we were the only table in the restaurant!) ...not to mention, she was listening to music or something on her headphones while attending to our needs.? I am not sure if it is just a thing now in the service industry generation wise or because it was slow, but I was definitely taken back! Initials of waiter was PI...Hope next time server is friendlier. read more

If I could leave negative stars I would. I'll keep it simple, pick somewhere else!! You'll thank me later.

Las Velas had always been my favorite mexican restaurant. Visiting 3 years later with my family and they did not disappoint. Really reasonably priced and large portions. Cade and Hailey were so kind and accommodating. I can't wait to come back :) read more

The food was pretty bad. The waiter disappeared for like 30 minutes and I didn't get any water. The prices on their menu are wrong and they overcharged us. This is also not handicap accessible as you have to climb up stairs. The place was pretty small inside. read more

Las Velas is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Pittsburgh. The food is excellent. I highly recommend the fajitas and if you get the chips, spring for the queso. The only downsides are that they haven't jumped on any apps like No Wait or Open Table, the limited accessibility (2nd floor location - steep stairs) and of course, the chips and salsa aren't free. read more

Las Velas - Chicken Fajita Sides - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See all

We arrived at 2:30 pm on light up night. Six of seven tables by the windows were open and we requested one but were told no. I asked multiple times and only told no you can't. five remained open while we were there. food was average. came out lukewarm. used to be much better. seems to have gone downhill recently. read more

Brought a big crew to this restaurant after the St Patrick Day Parade and it was AWESOM!! The staff could not have been nicer or more efficient and the Margaritas and food were terrific!!! We will definitely be back any chance we get - highly recommend read more

Delicious food! I tried to make a reservation online and it showed the evening was booked, but when I walked by in person and went in they gave me a table right away! Very nice experience read more

Las Velas - Mango Filet Taco, Chicken street taco, lemonade - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I thought the place was decent for the location. It was Monday evening when I visited and even though it was Mexican Independence Day (9/16) place didn't appear to have any promotion or celebrating the event.... also the staff appeared as if they just wanted the evening to be over. The bar tender was really cool though. She made awesome Margaritas. The al pastor tacos dinner was ok! The habanero salsa was fantastic, although I've never known a Mexican restaurant to charge for salsa like this place. Nice location, great circuses, but this restaurant lacks a Mexican soul!! read more

See all

Great service! Very nice waiters. My server Nicole D was so helpful. I will definitely come back here nice time I'm craving Mexican food!

I've been going to Las Velas for lunch with friends for a few years now as it has a great location in Market Square upstairs above the now Bank of America with window tables looking out at the Square. Las Velas has a full bar and is also a good place to get a big margarita or giant Corona after work with chips and snacks. Las Velas gets very crowded around noon so if you are going for lunch, I'd recommend getting there a little earlier to be seated and you'll need your whole party to be seated. I always split the chip and dip combo (salsa, guacamole, and queso) with friends which is a good amount to snack on with 3 or 4 people while waiting for your meal and they provide a good quantity of each dip. I generally get the enchiladas for lunch which is a ton of food. It is nice that you can pick different meats so you can mix things up if you're undecided on what to order. My general note about the enchiladas, tacos, and the restaurant as a whole is about average to its peers. I haven't had anything that was bad and have never been disappointed in the food or the portions, but have never been wowed or amazed by anything I've ordered either. The portions are huge and everything is good, but it is a regular Mexican restaurant with a great location and good service. read more

The food is terrible dry and the chips are bad. The prices are obscene and I was even over charged by 10 dollars on top of my 20 dollar meal. Never eating here again! read more

Brought out our chips and salsa (which we paid for) 1 minute before our entrees arrived. Average food.

Yum. Love their guacamole- it's amazing. I usually get their fish tacos or the mahi-mahi tacos and every time I love them. I wish I could order the tacos à la cart though because I'm not crazy about the sides options. Their margaritas are also bomb. Careful though they are not playing around. They may taste like they aren't strong but they'll get ya - you've been fairly warned! On Saturday night, this place turns into a dance party and it gets packed. read more

The service was slow, but I get it - you are having a hard time hiring. But the food is average or below average. The mole had little flavor and the reformed beans tasted, well, disgusting. I wanted a margarita - a clean, lime, tequila, and slightly sweet - and all they offer are "girl party" margaritas.... This is kind of sad for a business that holds themselves out as a traditional Mexican restaurant. read more

Fantastic service -- great food-- fun atmosphere. I was here with a large group. They handled everything very smoothly from seating to check. read more

If you need a nice nook and know good Mexican food. This is a sweet upstairs spot at the square over b of a. Fantastic service and the flavor of flautas like rolled fried tacos are delicious. read more

This is my favorite authentic Mexican spot in the city. They have a sister restaurant in Murrysville called Madera Cantina! What sets this place apart from other Mexican restaurants is that you can choose your sides, instead of everything coming with rice and beans. They have very unique items such as Elote, and my favorite.. poblano peppers and onions in a cream sauce. We started out with the dip trio, which is their guacamole, queso, and salad, served with their homemade chips. I got the Tex-mex tacos with Elote and poblano peppers as my sides. Everything was very tasty and it came out quickly. We had good service. We came here on a rainy Saturday night and it was not super busy, which was nice. They have big windows so you can overlook Market Square, which is really cool! Also, just a FYI that this restaurant is location above the old Diamond Market restaurant, so there are some steps required. Overall though, Las Velas is so good!! read more

Las Velas - Tex-mex tacos with poblanos and Elote! - Mexican Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania