The Story
Tako opened on Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh in 2016, bringing Korean and Mexican fusion tacos, bowls, and street food to the heart of the city. Co-owners Ryan Kough and Steve Howells created a menu that blends gochujang with lime crema, Korean fried chicken with pickled daikon, and short rib with kimchi in ways that feel both inventive and satisfying.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
The Market Square location features a fast-casual ground floor and a full-service rooftop bar with views of the square. Tako's rooftop has become one of Downtown's go-to spots for after-work drinks and weekend outings, adding energy to a public space that has been central to Pittsburgh life for more than two centuries.
Tako demonstrates that Downtown Pittsburgh can support creative, chef-driven casual dining. The restaurant's success on Market Square has contributed to the ongoing revival of the city's central business district as a place where people want to eat, drink, and spend time outside of working hours.