Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

3615 Forbes Ave

412-687-7700

$

No Panther Funds

If… Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

3615 Forbes Ave

412-687-7700

$

No Panther Funds

If you’re looking for restaurant quality food without all the formality, swing in to the Baha Fresh on Forbes Avenue. A far cry from fast food, Baja Fresh boasts “no microwaves, no can openers, no freezers, no lard” and they deliver. Whether you’re in the mood for burritos, tacos, or some of their specialties like fajitas, enchiladas, or quesadillas, every meal can be enhanced by heading over to Baja Fresh’s salsa bar for a little over-the-top goodness.

For those of you looking to watch what you eat, check out Baja Fresh’s Lifestyle Choices menu, which lists the protein, carb, fiber, fat and calorie content of its picados, enchiladas, and burritos. If you’re only there for a small snack, try some of the nachos, which boast a variety of toppings. Just be prepared to wait a few minutes at Baja Fresh, because as they put it, “food cannot be made at microwave speed.”

— David J. McCarthy

La Fiesta

346 Atwood St.

(412) 687-8424

$$

No Panther Funds

While most Mexican restaurants try to simulate the theme of Mexico for their patrons, entering La Fiesta truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped south of the border.

After walking past the wooden wind chimes, the first thing that hits patrons is the jaunty Mexican music, full of guitars and quick verses in Spanish. The bright orange stucco walls are accented with jeweled sombreros, red maracas, acoustic guitars and miniature scenes of Mexico.

The friendly servers and complimentary fresh salsa and corn chips add to the experience. The food is served in traditional Mexican style and is made by Vincente Valdez, who learned the recipes from his grandmother when he lived in Mexico.

Order any combination of burritos, tacos, enchiladas and a variety of other Mexican foods in either a pre-designed platter or separately. Or, to satisfy the late-night Mexican cravings, skip the madness of Taco Bell and take advantage of the authentic La Fiesta food served at half price Monday through Saturday between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.

— Lauren Unger

Mad Mex

370 Atwood St.

(412) 681-5656

$$

Only about 45 Mexican food fans at a time can fit into this sexy restaurant at 370 Atwood St. But it’s not unusual to see hordes of people waiting outside for up to an hour at a time to get a seat in the shiny wood pews or at the curvy copper bar inside Mad Mex.

Part of the Big Burrito group of restaurants, Mad Mex serves tasty Mexican-American fusion food in a — shall we say — womb-like atmosphere (it’s dark, it’s warm, it’s cramped).

One of the reasons Mad Mex attracts such huge, patient crowds is that both meat eaters and vegetarians alike (vegans, too) can find something yummy on its lengthy menu, ranging from traditional burritos and giant plates of nachos to tofu enchiladas made with soy cheese.

Another reason Mad Mex has so many ardent fans is the many ways to eat and drink cheaply. With $6 lunch specials, half-price meals with student ID, half-price margaritas, drafts and wings during happy hour, and late-night specials after 11 p.m., there’s no denying its Mex appeal.

— Clare Perretta

Qdoba

3712 Forbes Ave.

(412) 802-7866

$

No Panther Funds

In the mood for a burrito? Qdoba can satisfy you. Stuffed with chicken, beef or steak — along with rice and a variety of tasty additions — two hands are needed to take on one of these creations. While Qdoba also offers salads, tacos and quesadillas, the selection of burritos will tempt your appetite. Do not worry about the long lines at lunch because they move fast. If you are over 21, you can take a walk upstairs to the bar for an alcoholic beverage. Located right on Forbes Avenue, Qdoba gives you a great value.

— Cathy Denning

Veracruz

3715 Forbes Ave.

(412) 688-0766

$

No Panther Funds

Often ignored in surveys of Oakland’s dining is the plethora of good Mexican restaurants. And of those, perhaps the least recognized place is Veracruz.

Sandwiched amidst retailers on crowded Forbes Avenue, Veracruz is a haven for those craving Mexican food in a hurry. If you can’t stand the thought of one more Eddie’s burrito or Taco Bell value meal, Veracruz is the place for you.

While it once served Middle Eastern food as well, Veracruz has narrowed its selections and now prepares only authentic Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss the first-rate quesadillas or the award-winning burritos.

With prices that rival its fast-food competitors, Veracruz is a bargain for even broke college students: show your Pitt ID and get 10 percent off. Most dishes are served with chips and homemade pico de gallo, and they don’t skimp on portion size.

Great for lunch and open until 9:30 p.m., Veracruz is also a wonderful place to grab a late-evening snack.

— Greg Heller-LaBelle