PHOTOS BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

New Taco Spot in McCandless

The North Hills just got a little spicier! Condado Tacos opened last week in the former IHOP space at McCandless Crossing, 9036 St. Simon Way. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, the restaurant chain opened its first location in 2014 and offers unique dishes, an array of tequilas and a build-your-own-taco concept. 

Since its founding, the brand has grown to more than 40 sites in metro areas including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio; Detroit; and Nashville, Tennessee. There are six Condado Tacos in the Pittsburgh area. Each one is decorated with floor-to-ceiling, graffiti-style murals done by local artists.    

PHOTO BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

Peruvian Polleria Opens in Carnegie

Luis and Marisa Neira are making the rounds in Carnegie. 

The couple opened El Pollon, a Peruvian charcoal rotisserie chicken restaurant, at 335 E. Main St. in a storefront most recently occupied by Bak’n. They also operate pollerias in West Virginia and Florida. 

El Pollon is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, when the eatery features handcrafted ceviche and several authentic, specialty dishes such as Lomo Saltado, tender steak sauteed with onion and tomatoes, served over fries with a side of white rice. 

There are affordable breakfast combos and lunch offerings, such as the Hamburger a lo Pobre, a quarter-pound patty served on a Kaiser roll and topped with American cheese, fried egg, fried plantain and the chain’s mild sauce.

Slow-roasted chicken is the name of the game. El Pollon sources all birds from local farms before they are cooked in the rotisserie charcoal oven, which can hold up to 24 at a time. They’re available whole, half or by the quarter and in family-style meals with sides included. 

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Have Lunch at Gaucho 

Gaucho’s been around for a while, but the Argentinian spot known for its wood-fired meat, recently launched lunch service. Grab a sandwich or try a new menu item from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. The eatery at 6th and Penn, Downtown will close to reset for dinner and reopen at 4 p.m. 

No need to make a reservation as lunch is offered on a first-come, first-served basis on the first floor only.

PHOTO BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

“Catch” a Quick Meal at K-Town Snack Bar 

The folks behind the wheel of the Mr. Bulgogi Korean Grill food truck have a sister space in Oakland.

K-Town Snack Bar, a Korean fast-casual restaurant at 210 Oakland Ave. debuted last summer. It’s open from 11 am. To 8 Monday-Friday, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday. 

Follow up your Korean corn dog or bowl of ramyun with a bungeoppang, a fish-shaped waffle-like dessert filled with red bean, custard or chocolate filling.