Mad Mex to open Aug. 8 along lake

July 25, 2016

Rick Shrum
Observer Reporter

Mad Mex to open Aug. 8 is a shore bet for Mad Mex Lakeside.

A spokesman for big Burrito Restaurant Group, the Pittsburgh-based parent company, said the Mexican dining spot is targeted to open that day. He said Monday morning construction is almost complete and employees are receiving two weeks of training.

The new restaurant is at 200 Lakeside Drive North in North Strabane Township, near Little Lake Theatre, on a site previously occupied by On Deck Bar and Grill. Mad Mex is off Route 19, across Canonsburg Lake from Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Peters Township.

An early August opening is about a month later than originally forecast. The group announced plans for Lakeside in mid-March.

Mad Mex is recognized for its Mexican cuisine and margaritas. In North Strabane, it probably will be recognized for its large outdoor deck as well, overlooking the lake. Pleasant views on pleasant days and nights.

There will be an outdoor fire pit and indoor fireplace to warm patrons on cooler days.

Inside, there will be seating for about 250 in a 5,000-square-foot facility, and parking for about 150 vehicles – more than any of its other locations.

This will be the 14th Mad Mex restaurant and eighth in the Pittsburgh region. The other local locations are in Scott Township, Robinson Township, Oakland, Shadyside, Cranberry, North Hills and Monroeville.

Thirteen of the 14 are in Pennsylvania, including three in the Philadelphia area and one each in Erie and State College. Columbus, Ohio, also has a Mad Mex.

Big Burrito, based in Pittsburgh’s East End, also owns and operates five individual restaurants in Pittsburgh: Casbah, Eleven, Kaya, Soba and Umi.