Pilar’s Tamales Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Warren for healthy meals suggestion.

Visit below restaurant in Warren for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Mikey L.

    Small restaurant with a massive kitchen that produces one of the finest tamales my lips have ever hit. They also have pupussa, which translates to English meaning glorious flat grilled burrito thing that will have you asking for more. It's a small store front in a little strip mall, but don't make the mistake of passing it by.

    (5)
  • John O.

    Not really from this area although I've spent the last year and a half here seeking out the tastiest eateries I could find one way or another. When I passed this place last night and noticed the sign 'Pilar's Tamales' I needed to know more. Found them easily on the web, took one look at the menu, and knew I needed to dine there asap. Traditional Salvadoran tamale and pupusa? Yes a must try. And to no disappointment. Yes they certainly are different type tamale than what I've known but that only added to the experience. Don't get caught up in these bad reviews, this place is absolutely worth it. Very clean, very fresh, & very professional.

    (5)
  • Tim K.

    A few buddies from work and I decided to get some Tamales from here and then take them across the street to Kuhnhenn. While our experience sucked at Kuhnhenn, the Tamales were fantastic! We went on a Wednesday so we could take advantage of their six for $16.00 deal and decided on a dozen (four each) and we all maxed out on two a piece. These things are very filling! My personal favorite was the Black Bean & Cheese, but they were all great. We also got sides of Curtido that came with them which is basically cole slaw. I wasn't a fan as I am a creamy cole slaw guy and this is vinegar based. I will definitely be going back though, just next time opt to either take them home or find another brewery that lets you bring in outside food. Maybe Dragonmead perhaps?

    (4)
  • Juliana M.

    Delicious! They give sources for where they purchase organic meats. They are gluten free, have vegan and non vegan fare, good flavors and presentation. I wish they were bigger and open later! They should also have a food truck business on the side because they would do very well anywhere they travel. Dining room is limited but they prep a nice takeout box and are fast+healthy.

    (5)
  • Laura B.

    EXCELLENT customer service!! Not to mention delicious food. We were looking forward to trying this place when we were planning our trip to Michigan; and we are so glad we made it! Definitely will stop here again when we are back in the area!

    (4)
  • Alexandra M.

    I drove past and found this hidden gem! I love the atmosphere and even better the food! I didn't expect them to have vegan options but there were plenty! The staff is so friendly, I would go back just to chat!

    (5)
  • Megan M.

    Finally stopped in here today for a take out dinner. Ordered their perfect pair dinner which included a tamale of your choice, a pupasa of your choice, beans and rice, fried plantains, cabbage slaw, and a house made drink for $12. It was all great. I also ordered two extra tamales for $3 each. I had he chorizo (highly recommended), kale and bean and cheese. All were delicious and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

    (5)
  • Chris P.

    Excellent food! Very pleasant people that are warm and inviting. I can't say enough about Pilars, one of the hidden gems. The papusas are awesome! The spicy pork tamales, so good! I could go on and on but you need to try this place for yourself. Words don't do it justice.

    (5)
  • Randi B.

    We saw this when driving down Mound the other night and had to stop by the next time we were in the area. Lucky me, I am at the Warren Community Center three times a week. We got three tamales and two papusas. Chicken and chicken and cheese tamales and a pork and jalapeño and cheese papusas. First, I loved the chicken tamale. The capers, potatoes and olives gave it a lot of interesting texture and flavor. The sauce they put on top is great. I had the jalapeño and cheese Papusa, which was also really good. You add the salad and red sauce to it and it is just awesome. The red sauce is the same for the two dishes and is so good. Most of the menu is gluten free from what I could tell. There is also dairy free and vegan options. I won't say there is a variety, but the menu isn't huge. There was a lot of variety for meatless options in the tamales, which I will be trying soon. I would review the pork Papusa and chicken and cheese tamale, but my daughter ate them both and never let me try them. She was really impressed with the pork Papusa and wants to know when she can have another. I really need to get a more nuanced vocabulary, but I wanted to make sure someone highlighted the good stuff. I really liked the service. They talked to the customers even though the place was busy. All of the customers were excited about something new and different in the area. We did have to wait a bit, definitely not too long, and it is really a carry out. There are a few seats, but not a lot. If you aren't eating right away let them know and they will package it so it stands up better. They will leave the tamales in foil sauce on the side, etc. The menu isn't vast, I will post a pic of it, so if your kids are picky you might be getting them happy meals on the way home. My daughter is kind of picky, but loves this kind of stuff.

    (5)
  • Steven W.

    My wife and I just got back from our first trip to Pilar's, and it definitely won't be our last. We tried the chicken & cheese, jalapeño & cheese, and pork tamales, with a glass-bottle Coke to wash them down. We were both very impressed with the flavor and preparation of the tamales, and I even liked the slaw, which is not something that happens often. The staff were friendly and service was speedy. The dining room is quite small but clean and nicely decorated, and you can always get your food to go. We'll definitely be back again to try Pilar's other offerings! This is the kind of restaurant that is sorely needed in this area.

    (5)
  • Laurie A.

    This is a hundred percent gluten free restaurant. It is basically a carry out and each meal is cooked upon order so it does take time to receive your order. The food is amazing. Everything is very fresh and the spicing is just perfect. There are only a couple of stools there to sit and wait . The people are extremely friendly and they're more than willing to answer any questions you might have. They have dairy free selections they have vegan selections. You must stop by just to check out their drinks menu and their fresh made soup. It's the first place in Michigan that I have found hibiscus tea that's made from the flowers. It's wonderful. There is also a gluten free bakery, located in the same space. So they have gluten free desserts that are fabulous.

    (5)
  • Rob B.

    Came her for lunch Ordered their perfect pair dinner which included a tamale of your choice, a pupasa of your choice, black beans and rice, fried plantains, cabbage slaw, and a house made drink for $12. The Tamales are the clear winner. they are not the same as the traditional Mexican tamale these are way better. If you are near Mound and Chicago road in Warren you need to stop by and check this place out. No late hours only open till 6pm. Looks like husband, wife and possibly one of their mothers or Aunts. tamale's are moist and wonderful - I had he chicken and cheese filling. I have been to Pupusería y Restaurante Salvadoreño in Detroit - the Tamale's are much better here. The restaurant is geared for take out only about 5 tables. As one writer noted if you eat in the food is served in plastic baskets with waxed paper liners. Plastic forks. Not a problem for me - I was there for the food. But plastic plates would be a recommended improvement. The restaurant is owned by a local couple, thier cousins own and run the one in Ann Arbor. They have a special board - don't miss that - they serve local produce in season.

    (4)
  • Noelle G.

    Love this place! I'm vegan and its so hard to find good, homemade food for lunch in Warren. FINALLY we have a great option! The tempeh tamales are amazing - love the green olives which give it a little saltiness. And the homemade corn tamales are amazing. The place is small but cute and cheerful with its bright paint colors. Wish they had a bigger sign out front on Mound Rd. since it can be easy to miss but other than that this is a winner!

    (5)
  • Sue W.

    Wow! Delicious chicken tamale, plantains, and casamiento! It's not as cheap as what you get on the coasts, but it's also higher quality (organic, local, etc.) so seems worth the price. If you're gluten free this place is heaven-sent. Really happy to find this!

    (5)
  • Stephanie K.

    Very good. Tried the jalapeño cheese , chicken, and pork tamales. Large portions (hubby and I split the three tamales and we're very full). Staff was friendly and helpful. Dining room small but clean and newly decorated. Wish Warren had more places like this!

    (4)
  • M S.

    Ive eaten at both the Ann Arbor location and the Warren location and both are excellent. The best Tamales I have eaten, they take great care in crafting homemade Central American comfort food. If you are near Mound and Chicago road in Warren or in Ann Arbor you need to stop by and check this place out....fat guy approved!!!

    (4)
  • Adam O.

    One of the more enjoyable eating experiences I've had in the wasteland of dining that is Warren, MI. Absolutely love P.y.R.S. downtown, so when I found out there was a place serving up authentic Salvadoran food closer to work I sprang for lunch a couple weeks ago. Place is small, but bright and colorful with a couple tables to enjoy the dine-in experience. Tried a sampler plate to get a feel for what they had to offer. Came with curtido (the slaw/acid component, fried plantains (sweet component), and casamiento, a downright delicious marriage of rice and beans that defies the sum of its parts. Had one pupusa and one tamale, respectively. Fair or not, I'll pretty much judge every Salvadoran meal to P.y.R.S. and this place measures up. Better, moister tamale, the aforementioned and delicious casamiento, and perhaps the best part, the unbelievably good tamarind drink. Pupusas were not quite as delicious, but that could have very well been the lack of fat they were cooked in. Curtido could use a bit more of that acid punch to cut through the hearty mains. Very friendly staff who are clearly taking a lot of pride in what they're serving and it shows. One of the best meals I've had in Warren and I'll be back.

    (4)
  • Mina Y.

    You don't find many places like Pilar's on this side of town; a place that lists where they get their ingredients on the back of their menu and takes great care in the quality of their food. Prices are very reasonable, too! I have only tried one tamale and pupusa, but I will be back for more! If you haven't tried a pupusa (El Salvadorian) before, please come here and give it a try. Also recommend any of their house drinks.

    (5)
  • Josh K.

    Veggie/ vegan options. Gluten free. Never had a tamale to compare this place to. But I was surprised how good everything was. I got the vegan bean and cheese tamale and wasn't sure what side I wanted, so they just threw a little of all the vegetarian sides! Everything was so good. I'll definitely be back there soon. AND Kuhnhenn definitely doesn't have a problem with you bringing food in there....

    (5)
  • Jonathan M.

    Incredible!! Mostly organic. They even identify the sources of their ingredients. About as authentic as you can get. Reminds me of a wonderful place in DC that I used to frequent.

    (5)
  • Rachel O.

    Holy tamale! The tamales here are Central American. This is very important to note because they are not the same as the traditional Mexican tamale that many of us are used to. In my opinion, these are better. The difference is in the masa. I'm a tamale noob so I can't exactly describe it, but just try it. The company is owned by a local couple. The service is sweet and personal. They'll do what they can to make your tamale experience one to remember. They also sell papusa as well as some traditional drinks. All made very well. May I suggest the Mexican hot chocolate? Yum! And there's a small selection of gluten free desserts to tempt all of us. They have vegan, vegetarian and carnivore choices for fillings. I personally love the black bean and cheese.

    (5)
  • Christina R.

    My sis and I stopped into Pilar's Tamales for a to-go order before heading over to Kuhnhenn's. The owner, Juan Carlos, was there, and he was so friendly and explained what everything on the menu was and gave us some suggestions. He explained that they use all natural ingredients, many of them sourced locally. You could tell that he really takes pride in his business and cares about the customer experience. I ordered the chicken tamale and my sis ordered the chorizo tamale. We both got casamiento (black beans and rice) too. All of our food was excellent. I am excited to return for a hibiscus tea or horchata next time!

    (5)
  • Dean V.

    Yum. I've been wanting to try this place for about a year. What a hidden gem. I had the Tamale Special. It seemed very authentic and certainly was an enjoyable meal. The hibiscus tea was good too.

    (5)
  • T W.

    So good! Enjoyed the pork papusa & chicken cheese tamale, accommodating sauce was very tasty (+habinero table sauce). The cabbage side could have tastier. Tried the tempa tamale for the first and last time. Will likely be back. They also cater & take credit cards. Small dining area, seats around 10 people comfortably.

    (4)
  • Bill B.

    People who know me know that I don't use words like amazing and awesome, so abused that they have lost their power. So, even though they both apply to Pilar's in their original senses, I'll use another, equally apt word: bliss. My lunch at Pilar's was food bliss. It was, perhaps, the best meal I've ever had, certainly the best in memory. The black bean and cheese pupusa was well-grounded and earthy with a tangy sauce. Curtido is a cabbage slaw that is healthier and more interesting than coleslaw with a very light dressing that lets the veggies speak. Fried plantains were sweet but not cloying, a combination of soft and crispy textures. Finally, there was the watermelon juice drink with citrus accents and a hint of sugar. Pilar's has a small room for eating in (playing, I think, the Sirius XM Caliente station in the background). In addition to traditional carry-out, they offer tamales and pupusas cold for later steaming. As other reviews have mentioned, they have a very friendly staff. They also have some shelves of hot sauces, granola, poetry and very attractive and colorful handbags. Pilar's is a blessing, not only for people who eat gluten-free (I do not). The food is real. It trusts its ingredients, does not have to rely on excessive spice to be interesting. Five stars is not a high enough rating for Pilar's so I'm gushing but Pilar's is gushworthy.

    (5)
  • Jessica Y.

    This place needs a better location, I feel if they opened a straight up restaurant they would book! The people are so friendly, the tamales are melt in your mouth delicious, and the soda is in bottles, awesome! They clearly care about what they do and it shows, I hope they grow and blossom, I'd be there all the time!

    (4)
  • Robbie W.

    Service: it was great! Super friendly! Food: did the perfect pair. Chicken pupusa is yummy. The chicken tamale was tender and tasty. The beans and rice was authentic and fresh. Love the plantains! Will come back again

    (5)
  • Molida K.

    Don't be fooled by the size of the location...Pilar's Tamales packs a huge punch in flavor. The tamales they serve are much bigger and less starchier than Mexican tamales. I got the spicy pork and it is no joke. It's made with ghost pepper so be warned, it is muy caliente!! They have great meal deals that are fairly priced for the amount of food you get. I chose the perfect pair combo that comes with a tamale, pupusa, rice and black beans, slaw, fried plantains, and a drink for $12. I had to take it home as there was so much food. The owner is very friendly and is happy to answer any question you might have. Whether it is to sit down or grab your food to go, make sure you stop by!!!

    (4)
  • Brandon J.

    Pilar's is fantastic. The tamales are excellent with diverse, strong flavors. The service is very good and attentive. If you want a quick lunch that's fresh and tastes great, this is the place. It's worth going out of your way if you're not in the neighborhood. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Michael C.

    The fried plantains have been too greasy for two of the last three visits I've been here, but everything else is great. The service is always incredibly kind and I leave feeling like my business was genuinely appreciated, something that is a rarity these days. I've tried all the pupusas (the jalapeño & cheese is definitely my favorite) and tend to gravitate to those more than the tamales out of personal taste but pretty much everything is tasty. Note that they are out of options quite often but that's because they make everything from scratch. The fact that they are gluten free & vegan friendly is a bonus - you can eat lunch here without feeling "guilty" or heavy. Definitely a lunch staple moving forward.

    (4)
  • Tara L.

    What a disappointment! We absolutely love the Ann Arbor location, so we were thrilled to hear that they opened a closer location in Warren. Well, the verdict is in: Stick with the original location! Let me explain. We dined in. No plates..not even paper plates. Plastic forks, plastic baskets, parchment paper. Not my idea of proper eating. The idea of scooping my tamales off of parchment paper in a plastic basket doesn't sound appetizing nor feel hygienic. Who knows if they even wash those baskets! Ick. Each tamale was old and dry, and that's considering there was sauce. The chicken meat was dry and didn't flake off uniformly, rather separated in chunks. Same with the pork. The black bean and cheese was good though. Similarly, our casamiento (mixed organic black beans and rice) was cold, dry, and over salted. I suspect that they're canned beans. Curtido wasn't fresh, vibrant, and crunchy. Instead, it was soggy and not sour enough. The guys running the place were a bit scatter brained, and completely forgot our hibiscus tea. Once we got it though, it was not appetizing and far too sweet. We even found a piece of plastic in it. Final bill, $19, and it wasn't worth it. Too much plastic, and not enough finesse and care like that of the A2 location. Not coming back. Probably more suited for take out, but don't count on good flavor. So sad. :-(

    (2)
  • Remi S.

    Would have driven by and never checked this place out of not for its yelp reviews. It did not disappoint. Very unpretentious venue. Excellent food (I had the spicy pork tamale combo with the hibiscus tea). Felt like I was eating a home cooked meal.

    (5)
  • Colleen R.

    Such a good first experience here the other day. The owner, Juan Carlos, was so incredibly friendly from the moment we walked in, and his customer service was excellent. He brought us each a complimentary side of casamiento, and when my friend wanted to order the sweet plantain tamale for us to split as part of the 3/$10 tamales deal, he instead brought one for each of us at no extra charge because they are smaller than the other tamales. I can't really compare the location (or the food, for that matter) to Ann Arbor because I've never been there. The eat-in area was small, but clean and cheerfully decorated with bright colors. One reviewer complained about the food being served in plastic baskets with plastic silverware, but they must have changed that, because we had real plates and silverware. My friend and I each got the 3/$10 tamales deal. Juan warned us that this would be a lot of food, especially because it comes with a side of curtido, and it was, but we wanted extra to take home anyway. I got the chicken & cheese, spicy pork--loved the slight kick from the ghost peppers--and chorizo tamales, and my friend tried all three vegan options--tempeh, vegan black bean, and the aforementioned sweet plantain. We each found our selections delicious (although admittedly neither one of us is a tamale connoisseur!). The casamiento and a side of fried plantains were also very tasty, as well as the mild red chile sauce topping the tamales. I found the curtido just okay, but I am not a big coleslaw fan in the first place, and prefer the creamier style anyway. Still a nice bit of crunch on the side, though! Next time I look forward to trying the pupusas, and to drink, the horchata or agua de tamarind. I did try my friend's Spicy Mocha and loved the cayenne kick. We will definitely be back, and will be sure to bring other Pilar's newbies with us.

    (4)
  • Shelly S.

    This place is great! The food is amazing, I had the perfect pair with bean and cheese papusa and chicken tamale - delicious! There was a lot of food and I was quite full after my meal. They didn't have the horchata when I went, but the hibiscus tea was a tasty substitute. If you're gluten free, this place is your new favorite. Everything is labeled really well and it's all basically gluten free. Even if you're not gluten free, you'll love this place. I was visiting friends in Michigan and we stopped by. If I lived here, I'd eat here all the time!

    (5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Accepts Bitcoin : No
    Good For : Brunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Pilar’s Tamales

Share with your social network

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.