When Luis, our CEO and co-founder, couldn’t find the tacos he craved in Pittsburgh, he didn’t complain. Instead, he spent the next few years figuring out how to open Duo’s Taqueria, a spot that feels like a mini escape to Mexico City, conveniently located right next to Duolingo’s HQ in Pittsburgh, PA. (And it’s free for Duolingo employees to eat and drink there every Wednesday from 5-7pm.)
The food
Chef Marcella Ogrodnik’s menu brings flavors from Mexico City, where influences from all 31 Mexican states come together. The menu includes plenty of tacos (al pastor, suadero, two kinds of fish, and a vegetarian-friendly mushroom option), enchiladas, esquites (Mexican street corn), pollo rostizado (roast chicken), tamal de cacao (chocolate tamale), and more.
Because one of our company principles is “Raise the Bar,” we apply that to everything, including tacos. And you need good masa to make good tacos! This is why Duo’s Taqueria makes its own masa by sourcing heirloom corn from farms in Mexico and Pennsylvania. We turn this corn into masa using nixtamalization, an ancient grain processing technique, to ensure the freshest, tastiest tortillas for our tacos.
The drinks
The bar serves Mexican standbys like aguas frescas and 120+ rare tequilas and mezcals, all from Mexican-owned brands. Guests can participate in tasting flights and classics like margaritas or palomas, or they can opt for something more inventive, like the Guava-Cava, made with guava puree, gin made from honey, mezcal, and a Mayan anise and honey liqueur. The menu is designed to showcase the flavor profiles of the cocktails and spirits, so everyone can easily find a drink that works for their taste.
The experience
Duo’s isn’t just about great tacos—it’s also about creating a lively atmosphere that feels like a quick stopover to Mexico City, in the heart of Pittsburgh. Tropical plants and vibrant artwork from contemporary Mexican artists were specifically chosen to fill the space with the energy and culture of Mexico City.
Duolingo employees eat and drink at Duo’s Taqueria for free on Wednesdays nights, so it’s busiest then. You’re likely to run into everyone from Duolingo executives to interns, all coming together to hang out, talk UI, and celebrate our wins. So if you want an extra lively atmosphere, come then!
Visit Duo’s Taqueria
📍 Where? 5906 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
🍽 When? Monday through Friday 11:30-2 and 5-9; Saturday and Sunday 11:30-2, 5-10:30
