Pilar’s Tamales
2261 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103
Pilar’s Tamales Menu
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Address :
2261 W Liberty St
Ann Arbor, MI, 48103 - Phone (734) 929-4161
- Website https://pilarstamales.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Tyler S.
I've been here a couple times now and - while I'm not a food connoisseur - I have to say this place is legit. One of Ann Arbor's must-visit restaurants. Expect to pay $8-12, but you can also get individual items like tamales, and spend like $3-4 if you're not as hungry. Their plantains are delicious. It's authentic food and the folks who work there are always upbeat. Good decor/vibe, too.
(5)Jochen Z.
Very good tasting tamales and pupusas. Alternative ambient and decoration gives this place the right touch. Try the platain. Exotic juices, too.
(4)Fai F.
I brought a group of friends here after indoor rock climbing. I had Pilar's at the Ann Arbor Farmer's market and had wanted to try the cafe for awhile. It's a bit out of town (Ann Arbor), located in a tiny strip mall, so this was the perfect chance to try it. Anyways, the ambiance was friendly and casual, and the interior bright and colorful. We ordered at the counter and then seated ourselves. Water and silverware were on a self serve cart that we helped ourselves to. It wasn't busy and the food took about 15 minutes to come out for the 6 of us. The quality of food is really good. Fresh, unique tasting tamales using local ingredients. For less than $14, you can order the Perfect Pair received a platter with one tamale and one pupusa, plus tasty sides of fried plantains, curtido, and a drink. Try the tart hibiscus drink!
(4)Tim B.
This place has many things that warrant a 5 star establishment. We were first greeted by a very friendly and helpful woman who was extremely pleasant and eager to serve. Her smile and excellent attitude combine for a warm welcome before I had tasted a bite of food. She even provided a few seasonal suggestions that were not on the traditional menu. This indicates that Pilar's uses fresh and local ingredients to create new an innovated dishes. This certainly came into play as I ordered a chicken tamale with brussels sprouts. Most people would cringe at the idea, but it was a delicious combination. The other tamales that I ordered were also extraordinary. Packed with interesting ingredients, each bite was far from dry and contained quite a bit of flavor. The papusas were tasty as well. This is definitely an eatery worth checking into. The ambiance was homey and casual, but also quaint. A great way to spend lunch in Ann Arbor.
(5)Blake H.
Pilar's is such a great, friendly environment. I have visited twice, both when I was visiting Ann Arbor for work, and both times have been great experiences. I really love the chicken pupusa, and have also tried the cheese & jalapeno tamale, as well as the spicy pork tamale. Both are good, but I'm still searching for the perfect tamale to complement the pupusa. Fingers crossed I get another chance to come back to Pilar's. The perfect pair special is what I stick to. I enjoy the plantains and the rice and beans, while the cabbage provides some nice acidity to the meal (quoting Chopped to feel like a foodie expert). I also highly recommend getting the horchata for your drink. Tried the tamarind today, but wish I had stuck to what I knew. Pilar is very friendly as an owner, and I enjoy supporting a local, small business. Would highly recommend experiencing this Salvadorian establishment.
(4)Tara L.
Husband and I really enjoyed this place. I love it for the food and colorful interior, but Husband for simply the food (men, they are interesting characters. ;)) Pilar is a character. When I asked her if they accept American Express, she jokingly said no, but quickly changed her answer. (how am I supposed to know lol, some places still don't accept Amex! :D) so, even though the sticker isn't shown, she DOES in fact, accept Amex, Visa, and MasterCard with a $10 minimum. Now that we got some facts out of the way, let's talk food. Husband and I ordered a tamale plate (beef) and a pupusa plate (chicken and cheese). Both were $10 each, so very affordable. They both come with a side of slaw (which was crispy and tart; my favorite flavor profile), black beans, plantains, and rice pilaf. The flavors were awesome, as they each had a different flavor: sweet (plantains), salt (pupusa/tamale), tart (slaw), and smoky (rice and beans). The portions were good, though I felt my pupusa was a little small, but still okay. The tamale was moist and pillowy soft, and the plantains were great, not greasy at all. :) We washed things down with the hibiscus iced tea and horchata. We both favored the hibiscus tea, but the horchata had a nice cinnamon rice flavor. As if our meal wasn't complete already, Husband decided to order their flan ($4.95). We are flan enthusiasts and Pilar's is different in that the texture is much more dense than the French counterpart. It is almost like eating cheesecake! Yummy flavor, but we were surprised at the texture. We enjoyed our meal here, and will most definitely come back. There aren't that many shops like these around anymore, and bonus that most everything is locally and organically sourced, and made from scratch. Visit Pilar if you're in the mood for some El Salvadorean treats!
(4)Beck E.
Wow, they are so nice here and the coffee is pretty tasty. I think the menu says it's from Ugly Mug? I ordered mine with cream and sugar, and this is some really tasty cream. The only thing keeping me from giving this place five stars right now is that my bf and I both had trouble connecting to the wireless. The signal is pretty weak over in the coffee shop area, but I managed to connect while standing next to the Che Guevara book. The bf isn't having the same luck. Can I just add that the food smells AMAZING. I wish I hadn't eaten lunch before coming here.
(4)Kate P.
Amazing food, amazing owners, amazing atmosphere. A cool place to catch up with friends or a fun place to take your family. Pilar's makes the BEST vegan tamales, made with all natural, quality ingredients that you can taste, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Logynn H.
They have the best pork tamale ever, with green olives in them. The tamales are all large and flavorful. Their beans are unusual and delicious. I adore their plantains. I love the counter people too. Very pleasant and fun. The food here is 5 Stars good. The only reason I'm giving it four is because it seems too expensive, and they could work on the dining room a bit. It is small, sometimes dark, and not air conditioned. Also, they stop making eggs fairly early, and I think if you are serving that much starch you should have as many protein options available as possible all hours.
(4)Andrea G.
I love this place! Food was fresh and delicious, also love the interior design and all the little trinkets you can buy when you walk in the door. They have a shelf in the bathroom with free little knickknacks you can take home :)
(5)Patrick D.
Wow, the other reviews were right. The food is great. The service is outstanding. We tried both the tamales and the papusa and you could taste the love that goes into making them. The horchata was awesome too.
(5)Kevin T.
If you didn't have Pilar's big windows opening up on Ann Arbor's Liberty street outside, you would think you were miles away in Central America soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the splendid cuisine. The food here is stellar. The Tamales, whichever variety suits you are delicately prepared, ample sized, rich in flavor, not too dry or moist. Whether you are gere for the first time or a repeat customer, the food will not disappoint. My favorites are the Tamale Special and the Papusa Special. Both come with your choice of Tamale or Papusa + a serving of Curtido (Cabbage slaw) + Casiamento (Black beans and rice) + Plaintains (perfectly prepared) + a choice of beverage. All that adds up to a wonderful & satisfying plate. Not too much...not too little. Just right. Don't waste that beverage choice on a soda! Try the Horchata (A sweet and creamy drink made from rice, morro seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and spice). The coffee is extraordinary. Rich and strong, yet very smooth. The folks at Pilar's are very friendly too. You'll feel like you stopped in at their family kitchen and are very welcoming.
(5)JoEllen H.
What a great find! Eclectic cafe with a friendly and helpful owner. The tamales are tasty, with lots of options for fillings. Several vegan options were offered the day we were there. The tamarind drink was sweet, sour and refreshing! The black beans and rice are also very good. The spiciest item on the menu is the fried yucca, it is just the right amount of spice on the hot, crispy, creamy, salty golden nuggets. Don't miss an opportunity to eat at Pillar's!
(5)Friend of D.
I get a tamale almost every Saturday at their stand at the Ann Arbor farmer's market. Love the taste! Perfect blend of ingredients and spices. Thank you for bringing tamales to the masses!
(4)Christian M.
Pilar offers a one-item speciality, tamales, but they are the best tamales in the state. Her variety of fillings and extras is beyond compare and her tamales just melt in your mouth. She is located around the corner from the best Mexican restaurant in town, so for my money, these are the best restaurants in the otherwise overrated Ann Arbor. I'll take Pilar's or Chelas over any Main St misadventures.
(5)Aaron R.
This place is really really good. Their food is awesome, their staff is super friendly and enthusiastic, and the value is good. Also, try their drinks.
(5)Sara B.
This is my favorite place to eat in Ann Arbor. Horchata is by far the best I've ever had. Great vegetarian and vegan options but meat eaters love it too. She makes everything from scratch. Amazing.
(5)Nuri G.
My wife and I stopped in the other day for dinner. We ordered a bunch of vegetarian items, and had a seat in the cozy restaurant. I started to take a bite of my slaw, when my wife looked at me and said "You can't eat that, the water is no good here." The food and atmosphere was so good and authentic that she had a momentary lapse and thought she was in Central America. Not even joking. Extremely vegetarian friendly, authentic, and cheap eats.
(5)M F.
I've been a faithful consumer for a couple years at the farmers market. In fact, I almost considered following the "cart" around until she opened her store front. The tamales are amazing. They are not anything like the tamales you get in Mexican town. They have a totally different taste to them. They are all good but I love the spinach and the black bean!
(5)Jose S.
The beans were meh... the tamales... not worth the hype. I have had better at another place in Ann arbor.
(2)B M.
If your mouth is bored, head on down to Pilar's. Nuff said.
(5)Tony L.
Pilar's cafe is rather unique among Latin American eateries, specializing in Salvadoran cuisine, with a smaller menu focused on (you guessed it) tamales. They also have pupusas, but I've enjoyed the tamales more. The regular varieties that I've tried were all good, but my favorite was a seasonal special: brussel sprouts with chicken. Definitely inquire about the seasonal flavors if you stop by. The spiced mocha and horchata beverages are also outstanding. The refried beans (side item) deserve special recognition; completely different from the bland mushy kind I've had before. The base is black beans (some sort of "turtle" variety from a local organic farmer) and ends up with a firmer consistency along with some crispy grits (presumably scraped from the bottom of the pot) - incredibly flavorful (a bit skeptical when told that it was pretty much just black beans and canola oil). These come with your choice of chips or thick, patty-shaped corn tortillas (recommend choosing the the tortillas; basically pupusas without the filling). You can order items individually, but probably the best bargain for a full meal is to get the $12 "perfect pair special", which comes with 2 tamales/pupusas, fried plantains, rice w/ black beans, cabbage slaw, and a house drink. Now if only you could substitute the plaintains or rice for the refried beans...
(5)Antonio C.
The Place is small, splendid little family owned place, with only two tables, you pay at the counter and should clean your own plates ò_ if you're polite! But no need to tip! And the food is reasonable. $10 for the Papusa special plate: one Papusa, black beans and rice, pickled cabbage, a drink, and the salsa/spice/sauce. My sister got a chorizo tamale and loved it, great flavor! The beans n rice were fantastic! The Papusa was ok, sorta dry and the meat is hardly perceivable. You'll think it was a bean Papusa, but the meat is finely diced... I think? I thoroughly enjoyed the tamarind juice, earthy and bittersweet.
(4)Alice S.
One of my biggest fears when I moved to Michigan from California was the idea that I would not be able to get great Mexican/South American food. Where would I get my super, gigantic burrito or my fish tacos or pupusa?! What about horchata?! How else am I suppose to satisfy my craving for the milky, cinnamon drink?! Boy am I glad I found Pilar's. Upon entering Pilar's we were greeted with a warm welcome. The person who helped us had a great attitude and totally enjoyed her work. She even thanked one of her workers as they were getting off for the day for a good well done. Talk about a great b employer/employee relation! But back to the food... I ordered two different pupusas, one chicken and one pork, along with an ice coffee drink (sadly they were out of horchata for the day) to eat in and three different tamales to-go. The pupusas were excellent. It had a nice crispy tortilla and wasn't too oily or greasy at all. Slather it with the sauce and the cabbage side and I was in heaven. With most South American cuisine, I come out feeling feeling heavy, but the pupsas were a good light meal. The tamales were even better. We ordered the chorizo, pork, and chicken and the chicken came out as our favorite. Pilar's is a place I would go again when I'm in the Ann Arbor neighborhood!
(5)Leo C.
cheesygrapes.blogspot.co… I have always been curious to try Pilar's Tamales. We always see them at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market. I have also heard great things about their food so we decided to go there for lunch. Sylvia (owner) is such a wonderful person to meet. Since it was our first time, we went with her recommendations and it was fantastic. Please click on the link above to read my review. Thank you! Leo C.
(4)Sean A.
More than just tamales. My favorites are the spicy pork and the Jalapeno cheese tamales, but when you start to factor in the hibiscus tea, horchata, papusas and fried plantains, that takes things to a whole different level. Sylvia is a wonderful host and her demeanor is sure to set you at ease and in a mood to try everything she has to offer. The first time I was there, she immediately sensed my liking to spicy food and suggested the spicy pork tamales. Service was quick and the coleslaw that came along with it complemented the meal. Sylvia came over and asked how the food was and offered a sample of the hibiscus tea. Tamales and the tea were out of this world and had set me in a mood to try something else. I went for the jalapeno cheese and left the cafe knowing I would be back for more. I've returned to Pilar's several times since and have never been disappointed. Everything that I have ordered off of the menu has been well prepared and full of flavor, so I have nothing to complain about. If you've never been and believe in chance, ask Sylvia to make a recommendation and then sit back and enjoy.
(5)Pilar H.
Went to Pilar's for the first time on Tuesday with some colleagues. The hostess was so kind and friendly. Ordered the tamale meal, and it was pretty good. Yes, these are not the usual tamales, this place takes great pride in offering high quality ingredients. I'm not used to spending so much on tamales, but I'm guessing it has to do with the ingredients. The plantains were amazing.
(3)Reed N.
What do you get when a sweet El Salvadorian decides to make gourmet tamales using local ingredients? Gastronomic heaven. Add papusas? Is there a place better than heaven?? If so, this is it! I tried four different tamales in a large take out order I bought for my work colleagues. Cheese/Jalapeno was mild and easy eating. Spicy pork had a little kick and some of the pork braising liquid was integrated into the masa... so each bit was full of flavor. The chicken and cheese was very good, and seasoned better than most chicken offerings. The black bean and cheese was the true standout. Instead of black beans in the middle, they were pureed and part of the masa. Totally unexpected and totally delicious. She gives you some tasty sauce and spicy slaw with you order. Mmmmmm. : ) There are some seasonal offerings from time to time. Those should be fun. But anything here is going to be just incredible if my take out was any indication. One should note these tamales are fairly large. Two would do for most folks. Three for the hearty eater. Four for the truly gluttonous. LOL
(5)Sylvonna R.
Over the summer I was at a local music festival and Pilar's was one of the many local vendors available. Not only was I impressed that they knew of the event and decided to have a presence there, but I was blown away by the tamales. We had original pork tamales as well as some sort of Greek tamales (they were green and they had feta and olives inside...YUM) with a delicious salsa to pour over the top!I was surprised at the variety, who has Greek tamales??? Well, Pilar's does and they were deelish! *I myself have never ordered from here or dealt directly with Pilar's, so please keep in mind I am only reviewing their food. In my mind, though, with tamales this good, why wouldn't you try them out??? The tamales serves by Pilar are pretty large and definitely filling. I love that they have many different varieties to choose from making tamale dining a fun experience. The traditional authentic pork tamales were just as delicious as the more adventurous options, and are definitely MUST for anyone who likes tamales.
(4)John S.
First time discovery. Had squash tamale.amazing. Will be back to try the pork tamale.
(5)Liz W.
Pilar's tamales are amazing. Her pupusas are a delight. She had me hooked though with her hibiscus tea. Try some and you will likely be hooked too. At some point I need to try horchata but I am too hooked on the tea. My poor blood sugar! Call ahead if you are dead set about what you want, I have tried most everything though and find it all to be pretty delicious. My fave items are the pork tamales, bean and cheese tamales, the pork or chicken pupusas. My husband however likes the beef or the jalapeno and cheese tamales best. Sides are nice. The curtido hits the spot with its vinegar kick. The casamiento. a blend of black beans with rice is filling and satifying. The fried plantains with sweet cream though are happy sigh inducing. The guac here is zippy and the salsa fresh. Lost in the shuffle is her black bean soup, do yourself a favor and get some. Featuring basmati rice, sour cream and some avocado top this nicely. I am a black bean soup fan as is my mom and we rank this as one of the best. Empanadas are just great here, I personally like the con crema ones with custard quite a bit. Definitely happy take out.
(4)Jennie S.
By the length of this review, you can tell how much I loved this place. Pilar's Tamales makes the best tamales I've had in my life. I feel kind of bad saying this because I made Mexican tamales at my friend's house with her family, and I liked Pilar's better. (Shh! Don't tell anyone I said that...) I was visiting a friend in Ann Arbor and we decided to go to Pilar's. I've personally been dying to try Salvadorian food because one of my best friends is Salvadorian, and her aunt would make her these awesome pupusas for her. For dinner, we shared 3 tamales (grass-fed beef, black bean corn and rice, and jalapeño and cheese), and a pork pupusa which came with curtido (cabbage salad), beans and rice, fried plantains, and horchata. The 3 tamales cost $10 (or you can get them for $4 each), and the pupusa platter (with all the side dishes) was also $10. This resulted in us being COMPLETELY stuffed and having to take some leftovers home. I don't know where to begin. We got the very last jalapeño tamale, and now I know why. It had just the right amount of heat, and with the gooey cheese, and with that sauce, wooo I was in heaven. The other two were awesome, and did I mention that the sauce is killer? The horchata was really thick, but delicious. The pupusa was good, but compared to the tamales it just couldn't stand up to them. The fried plantains were melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and even the beans and rice tasted way better than average! Not only did we get to enjoy the tamales, but we got to learn a lot about the food. The woman who helped us explained that the tamales aren't stuffed with a bunch of stuff - the bulk of it consists of the masa around the filling. It seems like they put a lot of work into the flavor of the masa, which differs by tamale. For example, our black bean tamale had beans in the masa. The masa was very moist, not at all dry like many tamales tend to get. She also told us what was in each tamale to help us choose which ones we wanted. They have seasonal flavors which sounded awesome, and they're going to have some new flavors for the homegrown festival tomorrow. Pilar's uses local and organic ingredients, and humanely raised meat. Their horchata is dairy-free, and everything is home-made, and done so thoughtfully. They have fresh vegetables on the counter, and the way the shop is decorated is very cool. It's very small inside, so don't count on being able to sit down and eat (although it wasn't busy when we went). They're only open from 12-7, but they sell at the Kerrytown Farmer's Market, too. Don't hesitate to ask questions - they obviously care about their food, and they have a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share. I will compare all future tamales I eat to those I had at Pilar's. I think I'm setting up all other tamales for failure.
(5)Christina B.
Great Tamales, and such a cute, warm and friendlly ambience. The food is very authentic and carefully prepared with fresh local meats and produce. The horchata and red hibiscus drink and tamarind juice are also great. I recommend the special plate w/ pork tamale, plantains, rice and beans and curtido salad. Very yummy and satisfying portion.
(5)Kelly F.
This place has amazing tamales at very reasonable prices! I am almost always waited on by the owner and she is so pleasant and helpful. My favorites are the black bean and cheese tamale with a glass of freshly squeezed watermelon juice. By fresh I mean the last time I got a glass they carried the whole watermelon out of the back and 3 minutes later I had my juice.
(5)Sarah M.
I recently moved here from San Francisco and have been missing all the great latino food you can get there. Pilar's Tamales remind me of home. I love how it's so bright and clean inside and the food is really freaking good, and so reasonably priced for what you're getting. When I came, my companion and I both ordered the tamale plates and in addition to the tamales being awesome - a good balance of perfectly seasoned filling and tender masa, all the other components were stellar. The casamiento was so tasty and creamy like a risotto and the cabbage slaw had the right hit of acid needed to lift all the starchy components of the plate. The plantains were also perfectly cooked with crisp slightly charred edges that made it so addictive. Pilar and her staff are also so friendly and patient. If they could offer sugar-free versions of their drinks, for people that don't like their drinks so sweet, the experience would be absolutely perfect!
(5)Jess B.
I was first introduced to Pilar's delicious tamales from the catering world- my company would frequently request catering that was out-of-the-norm, un-boring food- and Pilar's is perfect for that. So glad that Pilar's opened a storefront! I used to know a prep-cook who worked there- and my "inside knowledge" makes me want to eat there even more! With many restaurants, the less you know, the better. NOT WITH PILAR'S! The owner-chef Sylvia takes places importance on organic food, local ingredients if possible, and meat from sustainably/responsibly raised and mostly local meats! And from the mouth of my friend who worked there, everything they made was fresh, homemade, and took many hours of preparation (e.g. the salsa that comes with the pupusas/tamales). The casamiento (marriage of beans and rice) sounds simple, but takes hours of special cooking (with special water) to bring out the delicious flavors in otherwise bland food. Yes, the tamales are good, and are super fun in the seasonal flavors, but what really brings me to the west side of town are the PUPUSAS!!!! They are quite labor-intensive, and you can really tell that Sylvia (or Sylvia's grandmother, or whoever the prep cook is ;)) makes those pupusas with LOVE. The pickled cabbage (Curtido) that comes as a little side is also DELICIOUS. Price wise, it is a little more expensive than your average Salvadorian restaurant- but you get what you pay for! In Pilar's case, it is guilt-free, healthy, delicious, ethically-minded, sustainably-minded, unique Salvadorian fare made with love. P.S. - The beverages kick ass too. Try the Horchata, Hibiscus Tea, and Tamarind drink. Not necessarily in that order.
(5)Dan R.
I've visited the store several times now, and on more than one occasion the owner talked to me about the different ingredients in the dishes and offered suggestions. The flavors are outstanding, and in most cases unique to this area. Try the hibiscus ice tea to wash down the hearty tamales! You can get this food on Fridays at Wolverine Brewery down the street as well, which is definitely worth it. Oh yeah - the plantains - so good.
(5)Meagan B.
I can't speak to the experience of the actual restaurant as I picked up some tamales at the farmers market, but will definitely be visiting soon! Tried the Black (Bean) & Cheese and the Chicken & Cheese tamales and they were both great! Definitely looking forward to going back for more!
(4)Tom M.
Just stopped by today for the first time and I'm glad I did. Best tamale I have had in a long time, perhaps even the best. The staff was very polite and helpful. I will definitely be coming back for more. Bring cash if you plan on spending less than 10 dollars though. After you spend 10 dollars or more, they do take credit cards.
(5)Yi L.
The tamales were splendid! The dining room was bit small and couldn't accommodate many people, it was a good place to get take-away food but possibly not a good place to dine in
(5)Abigail G.
I can't tell you how happy I am that my boyfriend and I decided to try Pilar's Tamales out today! First of all, the service was just amazing. The owner (I'm assuming) took her time to explain menu items to us and also made great recommendations. We decided on the jalepeno tamale (my fav!! & not too spicy), the chicken, the black bean, and the breakfast one (chorizo, I think). I also couldn't resist trying the vanilla brownie, which turned out tasting like a cookie, but was very, very good. We ordered both the horchata and the tarmarindo to drink. The horchata reminded me of a chai latte, which I adore, and the tarmarindo reminded me of apple juice, but better! I would recommend Pilar's Tamales to anyone who wants great service, awesome food, and a relaxed environment to enjoy lunch or dinner.
(5)Jessie S.
Pilar's Tamales is fantastic! What a cute little restaurant. I did not expect it to be so cute and colorful, as it's location would suggest otherwise. My husband and I shared 3 tamales, the black bean, the jalapeno & cheese, and the summer squash in addition to the casamiento (beans & rice), the pickled salad and a real Coke. The total was only $15 and we couldn't even finish it all. We agreed that the cheese & jalapeno tamale was the best - and the casamiento was so flavorful! If I hadn't been so full from the tamales, I would have forced myself to eat every delicious bite of the casamiento. I've had tamales all over the country and no two places make them the same way. The tamales here are very very moist - with an almost creamy texture. I was pleasantly surprised at how much flavor is in each item. I've got to say, Ann Arbor sucks pretty hard in the Mexican/Latino food department so I couldn't be happier with Pilar's Tamales! I was also pleased to see Tapatio on the counter. Strangely, Ann Arbor grocery shops and restaurants do not carry Tapatio, at all. Another great result of visiting Pilar's today is that we went next door to Tienda La Libertad and they sell Tapatio as well as a great many other Mexican and Latin American food products that I haven't been able to find in A2's grocery stores. Pilar's Tamales, you made my day!
(5)Lex S.
This place is delicious. It's been about a month since I've been there but I feel like it's still fresh in my mind and most definitely worthy of a review. The last time I went I had the black bean and cheese tamale special which comes with a few other things including plantains. It was delicious!
(5)Miriam S.
Pilar, so sorry...being Latin I wanted to be a patron..actually, my husband thought I should. The tamales are average to tasteless. How on earth could you get a breakfast order for two people (when there was nobody else in the place), all mixed up? We did not recognize the order but decided to grin and bear but never return. The prices for a latte were comparable to the best Deli in Ann Arbor. Therein the comparison ends. It reminded us of the "fondas" you usually encounter in small Latin countries serving excellent food at equally reasonable prices. Not here, neither applies. Would love to help you with your business plans....who really do you aim to be your client? One lovely thing, when we left, you came out to say good bye..that was nice. Oooooops, I am not allowed to give this place a one star..."eeks methinks not" once again raised its head...hmmmmmmmm. M. Snyder
(1)Nissa N.
The owner happens to be muy simpática herself, and the taste of the food here is simple and decent. Also considering that we don't have a great deal of variety when it comes to Latin food in Michigan, that automatically bumps up the rating. The first time my husband and I tried Pilar's, we got the food to take away. I called ahead and ordered two beef tamales, one jalapeño cheese tamale, one bean & cheese pupusa, and one loroco & cheese pupusa. I was driving from across town to pick up the food and got held up with detours and game day traffic, so by the time I arrived to pick up the order it had already been over an hour. Of course we assumed the food would not taste as good as when it is fresh, but we were quite happy with the tamales. The pupusas, however, were not stuffed like the Salvadoran pupusas I've had in downtown Los Angeles and we could only just detect the flavors of the filling. The subsequent times that we've eaten Pilar's Tamales we ate in and the food tasted even better. I stuck with the tamales and those always taste good, particularly the jalapeño & cheese tamale. The Mexican Hot Chocolate is also simply amazing. It's spiced with a little kick to it, so watch out for that if you are at all sensitive to spice. I'll admit I'm a real sucker for the personal touch in service. Even if the food is no more than decent, an establishment will get a high rating from me for the personal touch (that won't happen if the food is terrible, though). Pilar's uses the best local ingredients in their food and that is important to us, so we immediately appreciate the quality. The taste is good, too. And because of the owner's personality and the fact that she remembers our names and things we talked about with her, this place merits an additional star. We really enjoy the quiet ambience and decor of this place as well. This will definitely be one of our go to places in AA.
(5)Lucinda S.
This place is great! Once my friend and I came here one evening five minutes after they closed (I thought they closed at 8, not 7 pm). The woman at the counter however insisted on taking our orders and said that the food was still hot and they had plenty of things left. She even insisted we sit in the seating area they have next door because she said it would take the staff an hour to clean everything up before they left for the day. The first time I came I ordered a black bean and cheese tamale and the second time I ordered a pupusa (black bean and cheese again lol) . Both were great and the price of 4 bucks is incredibly reasonable.
(5)Maya B.
Let me keep this short and sweet---the food speaks for itself! Pilar's is the heart and soul of Salvadoran food! It is made by people who are passionate about food and who care about sustainability and good wholesome eating. The grains are organic. The meats are local grass-fed and free-range. Many of the veggies are purchased at the Kerrytown farmers market from local farmers (often organic) when in season. The tamales are amazing and made with the most delicious and flavorful masa I have ever tasted (they use jalapeno broth for the jalapeno and cheese tamal, black bean broth for the black bean and cheese tamal, chicken for chicken, pork for pork, beef for beef etc.). What's more, their are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free tamales (all the meat-free tamales, the meat tamales have soy sauce which is not gluten-free) and you don't have to place a special order to get them! The casamiento is hearty (black beans and rice). The platanos fritos (maduros) are syrupy and straight from heaven. The curtido salad is fresh and has a great bite. The pupusas (veggie and meat) will knock your socks off. The horchata (rice-milk drink) is the best I've ever had (tops Spain and Mexico!). The jamaica (hibiscus iced tea) is refreshing (a hint of tartness), beautifully fuschia, and really good for you. And the tamarindo, where else can you find fresh, made-from-scratch tamarind juice? I suggest doing a half-n-half--half jamaica, half tamarindo! Love! Love! Love this place!
(5)Charles F.
I really, really wanted this to be a good place to grab some good food. I live part of the year in Honduras and I miss Central American food and I was looking forward to visiting Pilar's. My daughter and I visited on a Saturday at 12 or 12:30 - right in time for lunch. The first big problem was the help - two girls who knew little, if anything - about the food. I asked if the tamales were wrapped with corn husks or banana leaves. They didn't know (banana leaves, I think). They offered no useful advice about the food or menu and while they were not rude, they were no better than the help at a fast-food joint. Bad. Next, it took a long time to get our food. Twenty minutes? And we were the only people in the place and they food was all pre-cooked. There was nobody in the kitchen so all they needed to do was heat it up and serve it. Oh yes... they were out of three or four types of the tamales and pupusas. The tamales were good - not great, but good. I am not a big fan of tamales with soft masa (I like the drier Mexican style better) but these are fine. The pupusas were definitely NOT like we have in Honduras. The pupusas we got here looked like they are formed in a machine or a press of some sort, then fried on a griddle. The filling was good, but nothing to rave over. Two tamales, two pupusas, a diet Coke and a horchata cost us about $23 - not too bad for the US, but it is about 5 times what the same (or better) meal would cost at home. Go here and give it a try. Other reviewers might have had better experiences or maybe they are gaga over something other than a Taco Bell taco. If you know Latino food, this is ok - but not great. Maybe next time!
(2)Kathryn D.
Pilar's new place is a quaint little storefront with colorful decor and a terrific variety of Latin American cuisine. She has a list of standard foods, and then some seasonal items on rotation. You order at the counter, and get your own silverware. It has just a few tables and stools at the window, but my boyfriend and I were the only ones there on a Tuesday at 6 pm. I got the tamale meal for 10 bucks. Each one (spicy chicken, jalapeño and cheese, and sweet plantain) was delicious in its own way. Usually I complain because the spiciness of dishes is toned down for Midwestern taste buds. I was prepared for my meal to be bland, so I grabbed a couple of bottles of hot sauce before I sat down. Totally unnecessary! The spicy chicken and jalapeño did not disappoint. And the sweet plantain was like a desert tamale. I also devoured the curtido (pickled salad). The ingredients were fresh and crispy. To wash it all down, I had some horchata, and my boyfriend had real imported Coke (no high fructose corn syrup). Pilar's also sells a variety of crafts and the ingredients to make her famous hibiscus tea. This place is a great find, and right next to the Latin grocery store--perfect location.
(4)Sarah P.
Locally-sourced deliciousness. The jalapeno and plantain tamales are a favorite. We often pick some up from the cart at the Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor farmers markets, but drop into the store at an off-time to snag one of the two tables.
(5)Adam S.
I'll say first off that I don't know a great deal about Latin food, but I do know something about good, fresh flavors. Pilar's has that. I got the dinner plate (beans and rice, a small salad, fried plantains, and the tamale of your choice). I chose the pork. The beans and rice were flavorful and rich; the salad was pleasantly acidic, and the tamale was dense, moist and satisfying. I had never eaten (pan-) fried plantains before, so I don't know what they were supposed to taste like, but for me they were a little sweet. I think I would have liked them better if I didn't order the horacha (which was also really good, but sweet). Overall, I really enjoyed the meal. Nothing too spicy, but a broad spectrum of flavors on the same plate. I'll be back.
(4)Mary L.
I've only had their tamales at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, but it's always a treat whenever I get them! I like the black bean and cheese, and the tempeh tamales, and I also really like the cabbage salad or cole slaw type of salad that the tamales come with (I'm sure there's a special name for it, which I don't know...), which is a great cooling agent when the sauce gets too hot for me. I'm giving the place only a 4-star for now, just because the selection at the farmer's market is limited, but they offer much more at their actual restaurant, so after I try there, I may/may not change the stars. The pupusas also look yummy!
(4)Tyler L.
Do yourself a favor and eat at Pilar's right now. Don't let the unassuming location and exterior fool you - the food is wonderful and unexpected. You can taste the care and time it took to make each tamale from scratch. And the homemade tamarindo is easily drinkable by the gallon. I had the combination plate with a tamale, beans and rice, cabbage slaw, and fried plantains. Each element ranked in the top five I've ever had. I had a tamale filled with chicken, olives, and spices - exceptional flavor when combined with the tangy red sauce served on top. I will be back soon.
(5)Abe M.
This might be one of the highest 5 stars I have ever given! This place has all the ingredients of a perfect 5 star review. Yelp was programmed to make places like this shine. It is tucked away in a place with no foot traffic, barely visible from a main road, yet offers delicious food cooked from the heart. The absolute best tamales I have ever had Us Caifornians like to gripe and complain about the lack of good Mexican food out here in the Midwest. However, Pilar destroys every single other Tamale I have ever had in my 23 years in California. I have had the bean and cheese, Christmas chicken, and veggie special and they were all delicious. Even the Horchata was the perfect mix of creamy, but not thick and chalky. Pilar is one of the friendliest people ever. Strike up a conversation with her and you are sure to leave in a better mood. Brotips --Seating can get cramped so be prepared to share a large table with someone else -- tamales can come with sides, which can fill you up. If you are a big eater like me, 2 tamales should be enough to satisfy -- the drinks are super unique and really done nicely. Agua Fresca and Horchata tastes completely different when made with care and love. -- Pupusas are pretty much a ton of cheese inside of thick tortilla. I haven't had them here, but I am sure they are good! However, if deciding between the two, I would recommend the Tamales This place is a must try for Ann Arbor!!!
(5)K S.
We just moved here from out of town and when we saw this place off of W. Stadium we knew we needed to try it asap. We were not disappointed! It is delicious and very authentic. The people that work there are super friendly, too. Great prices, delicious food and nice atmosphere. If I had any 'room for improvement' it would be to serve the tamales without the sauce on top. The sauce is delicious, but it would be nice to serve it like they do with the pupusa, with it in a dish on the side. Next time I'll ask to hold the sauce on the side so I can taste more of the natural flavors of the tamale itself. highly recommend and we will be frequenting this place for sure!
(4)Dia D.
Stopped here for lunch and got a chicken pupusa and a spicy pork tamale and a Mexican chocolate to drink. I could barely finish all of the food. The Mexican chocolate was delicious and dairy-free. The spicy pork tamale also was very tasty. The chicken pupusa was less flavorful and next time I would only order the tamale. The food arrived quickly and the people who work here are very nice.
(4)Julie T.
This place was amazing. First time trying a papusa and it was excellent. I had the papusa special, chicken papusa, beans and rice, fried plantains, slaw, and a delicious salsa on the side. The owner, Sylvia, is a sweetheart as well. I will definitely be back to try the tamales and fried yuca!
(5)Raina B.
Yes, yes and yes. I really love having a diversity of cuisine and I have been pretty lucky to find some gems lately. Checked out Pilar's today for lunch and the tamales were oh so yummy. I'm used to really cheap tamales in CA, so the price was a bit more than normal, but I recognize there are also not as many places with Latin American flare in the area so I'll pay it! They have a lunch special of 3 for $10.50, but otherwise, tamales are $4/each. There are so many different types of tamales they offer for veggies and non-veggies alike! We tried 4 varieties (tempeh, kale, jalapeno, and spicy pork) and enjoyed them all. Spicy pork was probably my guy's favorite, while I'll vote for the jalapeno. Kale was pretty innovative so gets some kudos. The place is also super adorable and the ladies behind the counter are the sweetest. Can't wait to come back.
(5)CV C.
I have to say that the restaurant/store is quite unique. The little South American trinkets that they sell make the place very colorful and transport you somewhere far from the Midwest. I came, however, for their food and I was not very impressed. The flavors were nothing special and I left feeling like I had only come to fill a space in my stomach. I have no much desire to make it back to this part of town again.
(2)Arcelia G.
Maybe I'm just used to really good pupusas because I grew up in California, but these pupusas just didn't meet my expectations nor the hype. The prices are outrageous, especially when you realize how tiny the pupusas are at this restaurant. And fine, in a desperate craving I would be willing to fork out ~$4 for a pupusa if it tasted amazingly. But even the taste and texture was such a disappointment. Do yourself a favor and head to Detroit to buy yourself some delicious pupusas at half the price.
(2)Ellen K.
I met my friend at Pilar's Tamales, and had no idea what to expect. I'd never heard of it, but the website seemed promising. When I pulled up, I was surprised at how tiny it was: just a little storefront in a small stripmall. My friend hadn't be there, either. We each ordered a perfect pair. I had the Chicken & Cheese tamale, the loroco & cheese pupusa, and a spicy mocha. It was really delicious. It came with beans and plaintains, and the spicy mocha was seriously good: warm, chocolatey, with a real kick. The staff was very sweet and helpful (at first we weren't entirely clear on how to order, what to do, etc.). We ended up staying for a long time catching up, and it was a great experience. I highly recommend it.
(4)Josh W.
Love this place! Incredibly good tamales and pupusas. My wife and I were also impressed by the fresh drinks, especially the tamarind juice. Try the Christmas chicken tamale
(5)David L.
Wow. Tamales don't have to be dry and bland. Who knew? I love this place: I love the food they make, and I love the people that run it.
(5)DNR F.
Tiny little place! Everything I have eaten I loved. I didn't know I liked Tamales but now I do. Favorites are Pork Tamale and the Sweet Plantain Tamale It is different but that is the point. Why would I want another hamburger when i can have Sweet and Spicy Tamales with some kind of Cole Slaw and Horchata
(4)Pam H.
Delicious food! Black bean and cheese and the spicy pork tamales are my favorite. The casamiento is perfection and so is the horchata! Wish it wasn't so expensive and they didn't use disposable dishware though.
(4)Aaron L.
Delicious tamales. Great for take out (great service very fast). I can recommend the chicken, vegan black bean and tempeh tamales. Fried plantains and casamiento are also yummy. The drinks are too sweat for my taste. The curtido is OK (though not great) as an acidic element. For dinner take out it helps to add a green veg. or salad made at home.
(4)Caleb C.
Not Yo Mama's Tamales, unless your mama was Central American Super Tamale maker!! The point is these are not your run of the mill generic Mexican tamale. These are authentic thoughtful tamales that I promise will win you over.
(5)Ray A.
Quite good. Very vegetarian/vegan friendly. Staff are extremely nice and helpful in deciding on order size. The curtido (cabbage slaw) was a bit less flavorful than I'd hoped. All in all, will definitely be back for more takeout!
(3)L R.
Tamales and pupusas were the best I have ever had! Flavorful and fresh somes up everything they make. Loved the horchata! The staff was so kind and made you feel at home. We will be back!
(5)mariah c.
They are great from the cart -- at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market or around town -- but I'm so pleased that Pilar's has an actual storefront/restaurant space again! It's not a place to take a big group -- as it's a cozy little spot on Liberty, but if you happen in with a few friends, you can grab a seat at the vintage table while you gorge yourself (or maybe it's just me who gorges?) on some top-notch tamales. Every variety I have tried so far has hit the spot (and for cheap!). I usually go with something veg-friendly or chicken. However I know they sometimes offer special tamale types and I have yet to try to pork (which I hear are pretty off-the-hook), so I've got plenty of reasons to go back. If you've sampled Pilar's tamales around town, get yourself to their actual restaurant to try more -- stat!
(4)Anya P.
Oh Tamales.... you are the light at the end of my hunger tunnel, the joy of my day and the 8th wonder to the world. And this place has some of the best I've had. Now I don't know how traditional they are, but I do know how good they are. The Masa so smooth and moist with a nice little sauce on top and they come with a nice little vinegar-y cabbage salad on the side. Yum! The store front is adorable and staff is super sweet. I vote it a must if you like tamales.
(5)Robert F.
Pilar's is awesome. Kind of an odd, hidden location, but there is a great little Mexican market next door if you stop by. Most people probably encounter Pilar's at the farmer's market, but you should also stop by their shop. They always provide excellent service and the tamales are fantastic. My only gripe would be that they do run out of flavors late in the day at times, but this also speaks to the fact that their product is made fresh daily. Have tried just about everything on the menu and have never been disappointed.
(4)Chelsea M.
I love Pilar's Tamales! What makes it even better is to see them around supporting the local farmers markets. Their tamales are fresh affordable a delivered with a smile. I really enjoy the cheese and jalapeno and the pork. I'm so glad they have a store front now and I'll be able to swing by for my tamale fix!
(4)Julie D.
I really like Pilar's. Simple, tasty, mm-mm. They always have several flavors of tamale's available, my personal favorite is the jalapeño and cheese. Papusas (filled corn tortilla) are also very good. I love getting these at the tamale cart on campus or at the farmers market and LOVE the new brick and mortar restaurant. Always very friendly. They serve only top quality food and drink, most of their ingredients from local farmers, coffee producers and bakeries. My only peeve is that I wish I could buy a dozen frozen tamales at a much better price.
(4)Ryan O.
Now that I'm thoroughly stuffed, I'll weigh in on Pilar's. This place has been around for 12 years, in one form another, and I've just now heard of it. It's run by a Mexican woman and her mother, who are very nice and eager to tell you about their food and process. The exterior is unassuming, and hides a beautiful interior. They just added a "cafe" next door where you can sit down and enjoy your food. The menu is pretty simple: several varieties of tamales and pupusas. That's about it. I ordered 2 tamales and a pupusa, and after talking to the owner I ordered a Mexican Mocha. The food was unassuming in appearance. Neither particularly appealing no un-. The pupusa was a little bland for my tastes. The tamales were delicious. I had a spicy pork and a jalapeño cheese. Both were a little spicy, just about right to me but maybe a bit much for those not accustomed to spicy food. The masa was thick and smooth, not at all mealy. The pork was tender, and the jalapeño cheese was filled with tasty melted cheddar. The meal was served with a vinegar-based coleslaw. I can't place the flavor. I don't normally care for coleslaw, but this was good. The surprise hit, though, was the Mexican Mocha. Served as a shot of espresso, then topped with water-based melted chocolate, spiced with nutmeg, cayenne, and other flavored I can't place, it is wonderful. Spicy, with a real chocolate flavor (not that nasty chemical mocha you get at Starbucks). Overall, I was extremely pleased with Pilar's. The prices are reasonable (by Ann Arbor standards), and the quality and care is evident.
(5)Kate B.
One of my favorite quick-dinner staples is visiting Pilar's Tamale shop on Liberty. Our favorite varieties are the pork, jalapeno-cheese, chicken and beef. The chicken also contains pickled peppers and capers - which is a fantastic combination. Call ahead to secure the flavors you want, all-to-often the shop will be out of your favorites and you'll have to settle for dessert tamales or, even nothing. *and when one has a craving, this can be very disappointing!* Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to get Tamales - it's 6 for $16 so you'll save quite a bit of cash as they are usually $4/each. Pilar herself is a super-cool, vibrant woman -- ever so often she'll be manning the cart at the Farmer's Market or bustling about the shop on Liberty.
(4)Nick L.
What a gem! Got turned on to this place by a local news article and was very impressed. Having never experienced El Salvadoran food before I was totally in the dark but the owner seemed to love explaining all about the food there. I had a pupusa and a tamale, both were great. Great prices too! Tamales and pupusas will run you about ~$3 each so great for a good snack or for bigger meals. One caveat, parking is a little limited around the area, though it wasn't a concern when I was there. The inside is a bit small too (seating for 10 or so) but it just built on the small, local food image so that was all good with me. Take out too!
(4)Dining A.
After reading all the amazing reviews on the place, I had to give this place a try. How disappointing it was to actually try the food, which was incredibly average in every way. We bought a tamales combo plate and a pupusa combo plate; neither was noteworthy in a particularly good or bad way. Our chicken pupusa did not contain any meat, but by the time we had tried it, we were too bummed to ask them to fix it.
(1)Miriam R.
Love this place! The pork tamales are delicious and absolutely authentic. Sadly, they often run out. Prices seem a tiny bit high, otherwise I might eat here everyday.
(4)Billy M.
Yum! Always innovating new tamales - ask what seasonal ones might not be on the menu. I had one with chorizo. The tamarindo specialty drink is also great. Try the plantain tamale for dessert.
(5)Riki L.
Pilar's has the freshest, tastiest tamales anywhere in this area. I visited yesterday for the first time in a while with my vegetarian friend. The tempeh tamales are good for people who like tempeh, obviously. if you don't, then you probably won't like them even though they also include green olives, capers and potatoes. My favorite tamales are the pork and the black bean & cheese. So good! Although I wish I had ordered some pupusas as (any of) those are my all time favorites. The Fanta in glass bottles is a nice touch :) The tamales come with a side of the cabbage slaw which is always refreshing. My vegetarian friend accidentally received a pork tamale when she ordered 2 tempeh tamales. It worked out for me because I got to take her pork tamale home and she received another tamale free of charge (black bean) and as an extra mile, the clerk gave her a Pineapple Prune tamale to take home to further the apology since they had run out of tempeh tamales. All in all, great, fast service and a beautiful, clean dining room. I was there about 3pm on a Thursday and it wasn't busy at all but if you go any earlier don't expect a seat.
(4)Eric P.
A real asset to the Old West Side! This hole-in-the-wall restaurant has room to seat maybe 10 people, but they do take-out; and tamale's stay warm for a long time! Everything I've had here has been great, except maybe the plantain tamale. And, I swear, these are the NICEST PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET. EVAR.
(5)Mike C.
I have had Pilar's Tamales at the cart at the Farmer's Market, and also now from her storefront. It is wonderful and refreshing to have this "pillar" (Pilar) of Salvardoran cuisine right here in Ann Arbor. I am actually partial to the pupusas - wonderful handmade corn tortillas stuffed with various fillings, such as beans, beans&cheese, pork, etc. These are served with curtido - a wonderful cabbage slaw made with vinegar - and a tomato salsa that has a wonderful kick. Yum! The combination of the pupusa, curtido, and salsa is a unique and wonderful flavor sensation. There are other interesting things here too - a drink called horchata, made with rice, and another drink made from hibiscus flowers. And don't pass up the Pan Dulce a la Gabriel - a really nice cake that has feta cheese in it, although you'd never know it! Pilar's offers a unique dining experience that really adds a lot to the food scene in Ann Arbor.
(4)Matt M.
Had a mini meal from Pilar's Tamales at the famer's market today for lunch. Fantastic!
(4)Debora G.
A friend gave me over a dozen tamales from Pilars on Liberty because she didn't like them...so being a huge tamale lover, I took them home. When Pilars was on State Street I tried their tamales, and though I didn't like them nearly as well as the AWESOME Mexican tamales at La Fiesta Mexicana, they were certainly edible. The tamales my friend gave me ended up in the garbage after I could not finish eating ONE. The cornmeal breading, if that is really what it was, was like eating a flavorless mush. I couldn't even tell that it was corn - none of the graininess or texture one would expect. There was a small amount of chicken filling with so little seasoning that it was very bland. I'm sure there are plenty of people who love Pilars tamales because there are some great reviews here, but I couldn't fine a single thing to recommend about them.
(1)Jon C.
OK- so the business has gone through a few changes and locations each year but if you have been to the AA Farmer's Market you have seen Sylvia there. Now the food is already great before you try it because she welcomes customers with such warmth. Sinister- yes- because the food already taste so good before you eat it. Everyone should great people like she does. Now onto the food. Fantastic. She is in a new location off of Stadium and we now pick up from here once a week. Tamales vary by region but regardless of country of origin(El Salvador) , Pilar's are the best in town.
(5)T. S.
Tiny place, tiny parking lot, GREAT food. Get it to go if you have more than 2-3 folks. Staff is very helpful, obviously trying hard. Mismatched dishes are charming, bright walls are cheerful. Hibiscus tea grows on you! YUM.
(4)Natasha A.
I was out today around lunch time and stopped in and grabbed carry out. Big YUM goes to the black bean & cheese tamale AND the hibiscus tea! Now, I will go take a nap because my belly is satisfied.
(4)Jeff K.
Best tamales around, and to be trueful everything is delicious. try the hibiscus drink. All natural and all ingredients are sourced locally. Just a great local spot. And they do catering too.
(5)Rocio O.
I went to Pilar's Tamales very excited. My family just moved to Ann Arbor and being Salvadorean we were thrilled to find a place that sold Salvadorean food. I read the reviews and was very excited to go have some good food. I do have to say that we did not try the tamales, so I am only reviewing their service and the pupusas. My husband and I ordered two pupusas each. Unfortunately they were out of Loroco which is our favorite. The pupusas were plain and did not have much stuffing in them. We thought that paying $3.50 for one pupusa would get us something out of this world, we are used to paying $2.50 to $3 for giant pupusas with stuffing spewing out of them; but these pupusas were not like that. I found myself leaving parts uneaten because it was just masa (no stuffing in parts of the patty) The unfortunate worst thing was the service, which by reading all the reviews here, I think we may have gotten someone on a bad day (perhaps?, I hope). I consider myself a friendly person, and as I mentioned earlier I was so excited to go here. When we arrived I started speaking Spanish to the person, young woman, behind the counter but she informed me she did not speak Spanish. And from there, she was extremely short with us. We were the only people inside, so I know it wasn't because she was so busy. We ordered two horchatas for our eat-in order. We were shocked to get two 12 oz plastic cups about 2/3 full. I then asked her if the drinks had refills and she said no. All we could do was chuckle amongst ourselves. We couldn't believe that we paid $3.75 for 8oz of horchata each. My husband and I are not cheap by any means...specially when it comes to good food, but we were honestly shocked here. I always give places a second try. I will try Pilar's again, but this time maybe we'll get the tamales and TO GO. Most reviews here seem to be for take out, maybe we'll have better luck with take out as well. So far we've had the tamales at Dos Hermanos market (also from awesome yelp reviews) and for $1 each tamal they were delicious. I am excited to try the tamales at Pilar's and hope for a better experience than with their pupusas.
(2)Andrea B.
Had lunch here with 6 of my coworkers today and it was amazing! Highly recommend it!
(5)Alison H.
So glad she set up a brick-and-mortar shop. Best tamales ever. My favorite are the black bean and cheese. The guac is great, but warning, very heavy on the cilantro. Service can be slow, but it's worth it for the delicious food.
(5)