Casa del Tequila Fine Eatery: A Sizzling New Addition to the Squirrel Hill Dining Scene

February 6, 2026/Rick Handler

I watched with interest several months ago as Casa del Tequila Fine Eatery opened in the former Silky’s space next to the Manor theatre in Squirrel Hill. On a very cold day recently I stopped in for a late lunch. The space has been remodeled impressively. The additional second floor dining space of Silky’s remains. Custom embroidered bar seats and a visually appealing back bar full of tequila and other spirits make for an attractive focal point.

My server, Trinity, gave me their large menu and patiently gave me time to peruse it. While deciding I enjoyed the warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa she brought, I was looking to try something different than my normal Mexican restaurant favorites. They even have a selection of T-bone steak, shrimp, and tilapia dishes. Lunch specials are offered from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

For my main dish I tried the Pollo Palapa and a prickly pear margarita. Trinity served me the entree sizzling on a platter, like fajitas are served. The dish was composed of two flattened chicken breasts, either sauteed or cooked on a griddle, topped with a spicy ground Mexican sausage, cheese sauce,, peppers, and onions. It was very savory, with the sausage playing a nice counterpoint to the subtle flavor of the chicken. The entree was accompanied by refried beans, Mexican rice, and three flour tortillas. The prickly pear margarita was good for a change (I had never had that flavor before), but it probably wouldn’t be my “go-to” Margarita. Ingredients included; 1800 Tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear syrup, and fresh lime juice. Casa del Tequila offers several specialty margaritas, a selection of Mexican, domestic, and imported beers, wine, and other spirits.

For dessert I tried the churros, fried dough pastries, coated in cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with chocolate sauce. a strip of whipped cream with a few multi-colored, candied sprinkles splendidly separated each churro.

On my second visit I tried the tamales. I love good tamales and I asked my server, Hector, if they made their own and he said they did. They were delicious, the deep corn masa flavor of the tamale was filled with a delicious pork filling. There are three tamales to an order.

Growing up in Shadyside, my mom had a friend who had immigrated from Mexico. She would occasionally make flan and bring it to my mom in a small metal container. At the time I had never heard of flan, but I sure did enjoy the taste of it. I asked Hector how the flan was and he said it was very good and they made it there. He added that they make almost everything in house themselves. The flan lived up to its billing. Velvety custard flavor and topped with a caramel sauce. Muy bueno!

After paying my bill, I met the owner, Onys Gutierrez. He said in regards to his concept for Casa del Tequila, “We are focused on best quality, best customer service, and best Margaritas. The best in traditional Mexican food.” He continued, “I worked for two Mexican restaurants for over 20 years. One is Tres Amigos in Indiana, Pennsylvania, which is owned by Hector Marcias, who is also a partner in Casa del Tequila.” Gutierrez also gives a lot of credit to his wife Kimberly, who is a banker and whom he calls his biggest supporter. He is quick to give thanks to the residents of Squirrel Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods for their good support.