Duolingo to open full-service taqueria in East Liberty

Pittsburgh’s largest tech company is expanding, but not in the sense the language app’s users might think.

The East Liberty-based Duolingo is opening a full-service Mexican restaurant and bar next door to its offices on Penn Avenue. The restaurant, called Duo’s Taqueria, will be open starting Tuesday.

Duolingo’s venture into food service started in 2022, when it opened a take-out window next to its headquarters, and interjected Spanish language learning into the ordering experience.

CEO Luis von Ahn, a native of Guatemala, said expanding the takeout window into a full-service taqueria continues those language-learning integration efforts. He said practicing Spanish can be both “delicious and rewarding.”

“Our goal with this restaurant is to give back to the Pittsburgh community by providing the best Mexican food in the city,” said von Ahn. “And we know food is a wonderful way to get people excited about learning and speaking Spanish.”

The new restaurant will feature an indoor dining area, bar seating, and a private dining room for large groups and events, according to a release. It was created in collaboration with Chef Marcella Ogrodnik.

The expansion also comes with an expanded menu that is focused on Mexico City staples like tacos al pastor, ceviche, smoky lamb barbacoa de borrego, and cajeta, a sweet chocolate dessert. Among the cocktails being offered are: margaritas, palomas, and a tres leches punch, a popular Mexico City beverage.

Guests at the new restaurant are also encouraged to practice their Spanish through interactive games at the table and language-learning tips through scannable tokens. Diners can also flip their coasters to let the restaurant’s bilingual staff know if they want to order in English or Spanish.

Reservations are now being accepted at Duo’s Taqueria, located at 5906 Penn Ave. in East Liberty. It will be open from Tuesday-Thursday, from 5-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, from 5-11 p.m.