Restaurants in Oakland shout Ole

Chipotle 3619 Forbes Ave. 412-621-1557 Open daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $$ Panther Funds? Yes … Chipotle 3619 Forbes Ave. 412-621-1557 Open daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $$ Panther Funds? Yes Chipotle’s customized burritos will leave you full for days and put you in the mood for a serious siesta. Giant tortillas tightly wrap together Mexican basics at their best: rice, beans, vegetables, salsa, sour cream and your choice of naturally raised, antibiotic-free meat or guacamole. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, they also serve salads, tacos and bowls (all the fillings of a burrito without the tortilla). The menu may be small, but each entree is made before your eyes, ensuring your food is just the way you like it. La Fiesta 346 Atwood St. 412-687-8424 Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. -11 p.m., Sunday: Closed $$ Panther Funds? No If you’re anxious to escape to some place south of the border, look no further than La Fiesta. The restaurant has some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the city, with otherwise hard-to-find menu items like Huevos Con Chorizo (a sausage and eggs dish). There’s also a great vegetarian menu for those who prefer to fulfill their cravings sans meat. Chef Vincent Valdez uses recipes passed down from his grandmother, so you know you’re getting the good stuff. Dine in the restaurant to soak up the atmosphere ‘mdash; the warmly painted walls are adorned with sombreros and pinatas ‘mdash; or take your fiesta elsewhere and have your food prepared to go. Either way, you’ll get a generous helping of real Mexican fare. Mad Mex 370 Atwood St. 412-681-5656 Open Daily: 11 a.m. -1 a.m. $$$ Panther Funds? No This South Oakland favorite doubles as a happy hour destination as entertaining as a spring break trip to Cancun. Though the weekday margarita and wings special from 4:30-6:30 p.m. are great reasons to visit Mad Mex, they also have a vast menu of all your Mexican favorites.’ Sample their wide selection of salsas and dips or try one of their many burritos, enchiladas or tacos. For a late night bite, stop by after 11 p.m. for its half-price menu. If you prefer your fiesta fare earlier in the day, they also have a half-price student lunch special Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Qdoba 3712 Forbes Ave. 412-802-7866 Monday-Tuesday: 11 a.m. -10 p.m., Wednesday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. $$ Panther Funds? Yes For a great selection of commercialized Mexican on the go, Qdoba is your place. With a wide range of customizable burritos, nachos, quesadillas and dips, there’s something to satiate every craving. Those who are over the age of 21 can enjoy their burritos with a nice cold Corona upstairs in the bar area. Qdoba will get you in and out quickly on days you want to head south of the border in a hurry. Vera Cruz 3715 Forbes Ave. 412-688-0766 Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. -10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m. -10 p.m. $ Panther Funds? Will accept soon Is your bank account as empty as your stomach? Head over to Vera Cruz for some of the most affordable Mexican food around. Here, it’s easy to get a decently substantial meal, which comes with a small bag of tortilla chips, for under $5. The inexpensive menu is made even cheaper for students ‘mdash; a college ID will get you an extra 10 percent off. The decor may be minimal, but the TV playing in Spanish adds an authentic kick. Food is made fast and brought to your table or bagged to go. In addition to the typical slew of sodas, there are shelves of authentic Mexican sodas and juices to quench your thirst.