This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Bites Nearby: Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Mexican food right here in Richland Township.

Overview:

I went to graduate school in New Mexico and had the opportunity to travel to nearby Mexico quite a bit, so I consider myself a bit of a Mexican food expert. When I moved back to the Pittsburgh area, it became my personal challenge to find good, authentic Mexican food. I’m happy to say that Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar is one great find in this quest!

I have learned not to judge a restaurant by its outside, strip-mall exterior. As often as not, you step inside and are instantly transported into a lovely setting as is the case with the Richland location of Emiliano’s.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

It also has a bar area for just drinks and snacks [although you can order a meal there].

Decor:

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Contemporary with a Mexican theme –- a nice, friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating welcomes you when you walk in the door. As I stated earlier, don’t let the strip-mall exterior fool you.

The drinks:

Of course Emiliano’s has margaritas, with drink specials daily. [I must admit that I have never had a margarita in Mexico though and they were never featured on the menus as they are here!] Various beers including a couple of Mexican selections, mojitos, sangria and other options are offered. Emiliano's also offers the normal selection of soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Appetizers:

This is where I confess my guacamole addiction. I could live on guacamole and nothing else. Seriously. I love Emiliano’s guacamole and even as I write this, I am starting to plan my next fix – and it is only $2.99, but you may want several orders.

The restaurant also offers nachos, the mandatory Mexican appetizer, with all the toppings – I can make a meal out of the guacamole and an order of nachos and still share. Nachos range from $5.99 to $8.99 depending on toppings.

The Salsa Sampler is also a nice choice with its three choices of the restaurant's salsas for only $3.99. Soups, salads and quesadillas round out the selections.

Entrees:

So many entrees, what to chose? My daughter loves the Fajitas Cancun [she loves all fajitas] with shrimps and scallops for $13.99. My son had the soft-shelled three-taco dinner for $10.99, choosing the roasted steak filling although he could have chosen the fish, pork, chicken or sausage fillings as well.

My husband chose the Emiliano’s Special which was a sampler of sorts with a burrito, a tostada, a tamale, an enchilada, a chile relleno and a taco. As if that wasn’t enough food, rice and beans came with it, all for only $13.99.

I chose the Vegetarian Sincronizada, a grilled tortilla sandwich filled with spinach and mushrooms, cheese, onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. It was topped with guacamole salad [yes, more guacamole for me] and a side of rice for only $7.99. The entrees are huge and we had plenty of leftovers.

Desserts:

Fried ice cream has somehow become a Mexican tradition and I love it. The problem is, I never leave any room for it! Emiliano’s offers its version in a crispy shell and my son graciously allowed me a bite - $6. The restaurant has several dessert offerings including Tres Leches Cake for $5; Churros [fried dough sticks] for $6; and the all-time Mexican dessert, sopapillas [fried dough wedges] for $4.

Service:

We always have friendly waiters at Emiliano’s and they keep your water and ice tea glasses filled – always a plus in my book.

Address:  Richland Mall, 5375 William Flynn Hwy., Gibsonia, 724-443-7778.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Pine-Richland