9. Salsa Pittsburgh

The dance, not the condiment.  And in this case, the only organization in the area (as far as I'm aware) to count on for a reguarly updated event calendar of all things salsa music and dancing.  Any night of the week you need some bailando, they've got you covered. 

8. Mallorca

As their web site will tell you, "We offer the finest Spanish Continental Cuisine, an award winning wine list and world class service."  The desserts aren't bad either.

Only complaint/suggestion: they should open a breakfast stand in the patio on weekends serving Mallorca Tostadas. 

7. Mexico Lindo

High quality Mexican art, right in the heart of Squirrel Hill.  Mexico Lindo.

6. Riva's Nicaraguan Restaurant

Photo: City Paper

When Rivas moved to my neighborhood in the South Side recently, I had no excuse not to experience Nicaraguan cuisine for the first time.  I had the churrasco chimichurri and was very pleased.  Some plantains with rice on the side, a delicious cabbage salad, and a few camarones stolen from my wife's plate made for a great meal all around.

You can find Rivas along that stretch of East Carson Street between Station Square and 10th Street.  BYOB.  I'd suggest a bit of rum to mix with their house blend fruit juice.

Read Munch's recent review here.

5. Reyna Foods (and taco stand)

It's Saturday.  So make like a Pittsburgher today and head to the Strip District.  As you're making your way along Penn, maybe you'll get some fresh bread at Jimmy & Nino Sunseri's Market or pick up some fish for dinner at Penn Ave. Fish Co.  And, of course, you'll stop into Reyna's for some staples.  While you're there, be sure to have a taco or two at their cart on the sidewalk outside.  Best taco in Pittsburgh?  Many would say so.  But I'll save that for a later post. 

Read more about Reyna Foods here.

4. Este Casa

Photo: Post-Gazette

Spanish on the outside, less so on the inside.  Yours for just $445,900.  See more here.

3. Guitar Society of Fine Art

Perhaps not Latin through and through, but the GSFA is certainly the most consistent provider of good Flamenco music in the region.  Beyond the regular concert series which usually includes at least one big flamenco show each year, Executive Director Michael Chapman (a native of Trinidad and Tobago) sporadically holds smaller flamenco fiestas around town, which can range from guitar concerts at bars or restaurants to all-out music and dance recitals at more formal venues as artists pass through town.  Get on his mailing list to keep apprised.

The next big production: Puerto Flamenco, October 8, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

2. La Mendocina Argentine Catering

La verdad: Monica Aveni makes the best empanada in town.  Order some here.

1. That dude who sells homemade salsas in Market Square on Thursdays

Photo: yumpittsburgh

The tomatillo salsa is awesome.  So is the blackbean salsa, the pineapple chutney, and everything else he sells.

His name is Arturo Vizzuett.  You can find him at other markets around town on other days.  Read more about him here.