Los Pilones

You know the feeling: you have a craving for Mexican food, but you are nowhere near Mexico.

Never mind. The phone book in nearly every world city lists at least a couple of ‘Mexican’ restaurants.

And every time you make the same mistake in thinking, “This time I will get lucky and find a place where they serve real Mexican food.” Think again, compadre. Normally what passes for Mexican food would never be recognized as such by someone from Mexico.

Which in the case of Los Pilones, at Kerkstraat 63 near Leidseplein in Amsterdam, is a good thing. For Los Pilones is run by Hector and Pedro – two real-life Mexicans who take pride in their country’s culinary heritage.

Fair warning: if you grew up in Texas or Southern California and think that the best tacos are served at Taco Bell, Del Taco or – can this be true – Jack-in-the-Box, you’re in for an education that will soon have you making trips south of the border. Los Pilones will raise your standards so high you won’t ever settle for fake Mexican stuff again.

Los Pilones is a small place, just north of Leidseplein. You’ll want to make reservations, because by 7 PM (19:00) the restaurant fills up. Small wonder. The food is great and is served in generous portions. Just as impressive as the quality of the food is the service: friendly and attentive, but never hurried. You get ample time to enjoy the meal and the great atmosphere.

By the way, Hector and Pedro like tequilla. Or at least they hope you will. After all, they serve some 60 different varieties, along with Corona, Pacifico, Negra Modelo, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Tecate, Michelada and, well, Heineken.

If we were to give stars, Los Pilones would get five out of five.

As an aside, Los Pilones also sells a variety of salsas, chiles, and other goodies (including the unusual Mexican candy, Pulparindo).

Address and Contact Information

Los Pilones
Kerkstraat 63 [Google Maps]
Phone: 020 – 320 4651 [Amsterdam phone info]

Web Site

Los Pilones, Cantina Mexico
lospilones.nl (Under construction).
lospilones.com (Spanish)

Details

• Tuesday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM (16:00 – 23:30)
• Reservations recommended
• Credit cards accepted

See Also

• Mexican ‘must-haves’ at Santa Jet