Duo’s Restaurant, a contemporary Mexico City-inspired restaurant in East Liberty, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico’s capital to Pittsburgh with a focus on handmade nixtamal tortillas. Originally a takeout window opened in 2022 beneath Duolingo’s headquarters, Duo’s has evolved into a full-service restaurant and bar with a private dining room for events.
Chef Marcella Ogrodnik, with over a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across New York, Spain, and California, leads Duo’s culinary vision. Known for founding the Pupusa Stand, Café Agnes, in Pittsburgh, Marcella combines traditional Mexican techniques with local Pennsylvania ingredients. Her passion for fresh, in-house masa and tortillas made through the traditional nixtamal process shines in every dish.
Esquiles. ©Duo’s Restaurant
Duo’s menu features standout dishes like smoked birria de chivo, served with consomé and house-made tortillas, and new shareable options like big-eye tuna tostadas topped with salsa negra and charred broccolini a la plancha with mole verde. Beloved takeout windowfavorites, such as tacos al pastor sliced fresh from the trompo, remain. Guests are also drawn to desserts like the tamal
de cacao topped with whipped corn cream and cajeta.
Cultural celebration is at the heart of Duo’s, highlighted by Jueves Cultural, a weekly tribute to Mexican mezcal, tequila, and regional music that has quickly become a guest favorite. The restaurant also hosts pop-up events and special celebrations, including Día de los Muertos.
©Duo’s Restaurant
The beverage menu showcases agave spirits from Mexican-owned producers, featuring classics like margaritas and palomas alongside creative cocktails inspired by Mexico’s dynamic bar scene. Notable drinks include the Dos Palos, made with Pasilla mezcal, mango, cinnamon, tomatillo, lemon, and árbol chiles, and the Brujeria, a seasonal blend of reposado tequila, pear liqueur, piña, and a mulled wine float. The rotating menu ensures new surprises each season.
General Manager Colin Smith, with 20 years of experience curating bar programs and crafting cocktails, leads Duo’s Mezcal & Tequila Program. A Pittsburgh native, Colin has managed, owned, and consulted for various restaurants in Pittsburgh, New York, and beyond. During Duo’s monthly Agave tastings, Colin provides an educational and enjoyable dive into the world of agave spirits.
Chocolate tamal. ©Duo’s Restaurant
Duo’s Mezzanine level and Green Room, accommodating up to 25 guests, are perfect for private events. The entire restaurant space can host up to 110 guests for larger gatherings. For more details, visit www.duos-pgh.com/events or email events@duostaqueria.com.
Experience the Mexico City-inspired dishes paired with locally-sourced fresh ingredients at Duo’s in East Liberty. Follow them on Instagram @duospgh for updates and promotions.
This article was published in our winter 2024-25 print magazine.
