Pilar's Tamales in Ann Arbor - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Amazing food made by an amazing woman and staff. There’s so much heart in what Pilar puts out. I feel blessed by her presence and food! Go support this utterly amazing local business!

Pilar’s = Happiness. Tamales are yummy!! ❤️🔥 Flan and rice pudding are next level. Get some!

The watermelon Agua Fresca is the best. Good variety of tamales for all preferences.

The pupusas were the worst I have ever had. They were not made fresh, they were the ones that you can get in the frozen food section. I remember getting these pupusas at the grocery store and thought they were a very poor excuse for pupusas but were a quick snack on par with microwave pizza rolls. The ones they have at this restaurant are worse than that. Absolutely terrible. If I could give negative stars I could, it's bad. I don't normally leave reviews for bad restaurants, but I just had to this time. The audacity to charge as much as they do for these pupusas is crazy. It's highway robbery. You can get the real thing for much cheaper elsewhere. I got 2 "pupusas", plantains, and a horchata for almost $30. How can the worst pupusas I've ever had also be the most expensive? it blows my mind. The plantains were good though

Fantastic local place! The staff were very warm and personable, and I highly recommend getting the chicken and cheese tamale and a hibiscus tea!

Happened to stop in after an appointment nearby. Incredible food, warm, hospitable service and the atmosphere was everything you could hope for.

I traveled 40 minutes because I was craving pupusas and I was not disappointed! Not only was the food incredible, Sylvia is such a kind hearted, sweet and amazing person. Do yourself a favor and stop in here, get a few pupusas and the horchata drink. It truly tastes like I’m back in El Salvador and I couldn’t be more satisfied.

Came here on a quick lunch break for the first time and was welcomed walking into the front door. Service was amazing and served with a beautiful smile. Will definitely go back soon.

A gem from El Salvador. Pilar's Tamales is where eating food is equivalent to receiving the caring love of a mother's heart that gets poured into the recipe and in the surrounding air. We had the best conversation about her life since El Salvador while enriching ourselves with pure healthy ingredients. With a sense of building community through serving food, this establishment has restored faith in human values. In vegetarian options, the suggestion was to have Jalapeno and Cheese Tamale, with Pupusa and Tamarind (which is home peeled) drink. My friend had the special Turkey and beef options. It was served efficiently with magnificent presentation and warm with all the cultural heritage that was preserved over lifetimes. We even exchanged ways of eating food and left with a renewed spirit just right to start the New Year. Being a small, cozy place the only disadvantage is that we cannot bring all our friends there together.

The owner is warm and welcoming and the food was fantastic!

We just stopped in because we love Tamales after seeing the sign. We are from Ohio and we will drive just to get tamales. The best we have ever had.

Excellent. Incredible flavor and quality. The best tamales I have ever had in my world travel.

The folks at Pilar's are SOOO helpful and the food is delicious! I have some unusual food allergies and they were so patient and accommodating. It's such a treat to be able to eat out without worrying. We had a variety of the tamales and pupusas and cannot recommend them enough!

AMAZING authentic food. I love this place definitely an ann arbor staple!

All of the food and drinks here are delicious, and the owners are the loveliest, most community oriented people you can hope to meet. I’ll support this business for as long as I’m in Ann Arbor.

Really good food and ridiculously nice staff and owner. We really enjoyed eating here.

Tamales are great! Recommend the spicy pulled pork and mole with chicken. Staff is really nice but it was a little confusing to me how to order the first time. There is no access to the place, just take out through telephone

Delicious tamales! I also really enjoyed the slaw and salsa served with them. Several flavors to try from and the woman working there was so nice. The storefront was closed when we went - you had to call ahead to place an order and they brought it out to you. I would go back to try more flavors.

Absolutely wonderful place. Everyone should try it!

The food is 5 star but deduct the fact that they descriminate people based on vaccination is utterly insane. The amount of stupidity I’ve seen from some in Ann Arbor is beyond rediculous. They turned down business, and would not let me dine in, because I’m not vaxed, this is 3 years after covid started. The vaccine does nothing to stop the spread my sister works with all multiple vaxed people they’ve all been spreading covid and have had it 3 times.while the only unvaxed person working there, my sister has had only one mild case of covid one time. Food is great but can’t support a business that discriminates and I would inciurage all other unvaxed not to support a business like this.

Best food ever. So fresh. Highly experienced Salvadorian food. Healthy food. Made with love.

Best food I've had in Ann Arbor!

Best El Salvadorian food I have ever had! <3 Super delicious vegan and vegetarian options, can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu.

Delicate texture, beautifully made. Wish there was more spice/seasoning, but I do like it strong.

I would not recommend this place. This is the most high priced Mexican food I have ever seen in my life lol coming from a restaurant that looks like a shack. Extremely ridiculous.

Delicious tamales bring the flavor of Ensenada to Ann Arbor! 5/5 if it were not for the ridgid covid policy in place.

The food is excellent and the owner is really nice

Delicious, friendly and had great vegan options. I had this on my list to try for a while and glad I finally made a visit. I placed my order when I got there and didn't have to wait very long. The salad and sauce provided a great compliment to filling tamales. I will be back!

Pilar's has the best tamales in town! The prices are reasonable and the customer service is excellent.

The best pupusa I've ever eaten. The bean and cheese is awesome, the jalapeño and cheese is my most favorite with the pickled cabbage; the plantains are ripe and sweet....its all delicious! The owner is so nice and friendly. You can tell she's passionate about loving on ppl through food and through her org. the Pilar Foundation.

Perfectly encapsulates what great food should be. Every dish is superb and made with great care, ingredients are fresh and top notch, and the staff are genuinely kind and loving people. Every item on the menu will treat you well, but make sure to always get plantains because they put every other plantain in Michigan to shame.

Wow! Vegan tamales are amazing! The lady who works here is so kind it’ll make your entire trip! Thank you for the amazing service and food

Didn't have what I was looking for

Pretty interesting! They had some vegan tamales, the black bean one was to die for! Really enjoyed the Fried Yuca root too. The rest of our food was pretty alright, but definitely going back for those two!

Absolutely delicious. Lots of gluten free options. Thank you so much for making wonderful and safe options. Highly recommend.

Pilar’s is absolutely delicious! The pupsusas are to die for, and the yuca fries are undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had. They’re also incredibly friendly. So glad we found them and would recommend especially to gluten free people!

Pilar's is an amazing woman-owned business and a hidden gem of Ann Arbor. This is feel-good comfort food reminiscent of a home-cooked meal; the owner tries to source as many ingredients local as she can.

Ordered pick up from this place for the first time yesterday. We've never been there before. We got some tamales (chicken, and the black beans one), some papusas (chicken), the cole slaw and the casimiento. Everything was delicious. We paid about $65, and it was more than enough for 5 adults (we had guests.) Everyone loved it, and we have left overs enough for two adults for, at least, another meal, and possibly two. Plus, the owners (or whoever I was talking to on the phone) seem really nice, and the place itself looks lovely from the outside. (I did not go in, as they are doing curbside pickup at the moment.) Great experience. We will be back.

The kind of restaurant where you can taste the love in the food. Instantly became a favorite, even exceeded our own expectations. Incredibly delicious, very healthy, and so satisfyingly filling. And the cherry on top of the tamale is the owner who was so sweet and personable. I really appreciate the menu showing what is gluten free, and I wish all restaurants did this! If you want one of the best of Ann Arbor’s authentic restaurants, you MUST try Pilar’s!

The plantains are so good, they're bananas!🍌

Salvadoran food - you'd be hard pressed to find anything comparable in Michigan let alone Ann Arbor. You will not be disappointed! Because of Covid only take-out is currently available.

I *love* this place. The papusas in particular are mouth-watering.

¡Me encantó! La comida es muy rica: probamos pupusas en su local y pedimos tamales para casa. El de jalapeño con queso es MUY rico, los acompañamientos son deliciosos. También, cabe agregar que la atención es excelente, todos son gentiles y serviciales. En resumen, es altamente recomendable 💕 Un lugar al que, sin duda, volvería a mi retorno a Michigan 💙

Delicious meals, whether you choose tamales, pupusas, or other delicious treats. Everything is made with loving care, such that the beans and rice is surprisingly special and delicious. Their aguas frescas are excellent as well. Did I mention the food is delicious?😉 I don't think you can go wrong here.

Lovely people and some of the best food I’ve had in a long time. Hands down the best tamale I’ve ever eaten.

This place is amazing! They make everything from scratch and have vegan and vegetarian options! Their watermelon drink is the best I've ever had! They have a little shop and their vibe is incredible!

This place is amazing. Their Wednesday tamale special is the way to go. Spicy pork is awesome as is the black bean and cheese.

Simple but superb tamales and pupusas. Very delicate masa, beautifully seasoned with savory spices in the sauce but not too much heat for the people who are worried about that. We tried a variety of flavors and enjoyed them all.

Delicious comfort food that reminds me of home and family. I will be eating here everytime I come to town!

Amazing homemade tamales. The service was great and the staff were very nice and friendly. Overall a great experience. I would recommend the chicken and cheese one and the jalapeño and cheese one. Will definitely return!

The most heart of any restaurant I've ever visited. It's always such a delightful experience to get something from here. Great food, great people, everything is great.

Delicious food, delightful service.

Great place great staff great food

Super good place with authentic food. Try the hibiscus drink

First time visit to Pilar's today! I got 6 yam and cheese tamales and 2 small tamarind juices. It was very good! The person who took my order took care to share which vegetarian tamales they had. I ordered the 6 tamales special because she mentioned it. Tamarind juice was real good too. Thanks, Pilar's Tamales!!

Food is amazing. The owner is the sweetest human alive.

Best tamales in the area! The owners are great and will occasionally throw in a sample of new dishes which is a fun surprise. Highly recommend

Really love the consistency, variety, and bulk orders for special occasions.

i absolutely adore pilar's. wonderful dishes and they have continued to offer generosity + kindness in serving their community amidst an ongoing pandemic. thank you pilar's for being such a sweet part of this community.

Great food and portions. The owner is so nice and you can tell she puts her heart into everything.

I love tamales, who doesn't love tamales?! After 2 years of driving by and thinking "Tamales!!!" I finally decided to stop in on a whim with my son. It was like going home. The food was fresh and delightful, there are vegan options as well. In addition to food that feeds your soul you will also find jewelry, pottery, place mats, and other beautifully made items for your home. The woman helping us was warm, kind, and thoughtful. It's a wonderful place I hope to visit often.

Amazing cuisine made by the nicest lady. She clearly puts love into her food. Must try you will not be disappointed.

Wonderful little restaurant. Don't let the size of the dining area fool you. The food here is TOP NOTCH! I have been here multiple times and will continue to frequent them! Sylvia and her staff are friendly and professional. The food ROCKS! ENOUGH SAID.....

Best restaurant in Ann Arbor! Love the owner so much. We talk for a long time every time I go in there and she never forgets a face.

Amazing food here with an outstanding flavor!! Highly recommend and you can take out in these difficult times. The spicy pork tamal was my favorite!!

Tamales are great, especially the jalapeño one - hard to find good vegetarian tamales, but definitely a hit here. Coffee is amazing - love the spicy chocolate latte. Great atmosphere. Check the hours before you go since they are only open at specific times.

Pilar's offers interesting variations on the usual Latin American fare one finds around Ann Arbor. In particular, she offers El Salvadoran pupusas, which are quite delicious. Her tamales are first-rate, too. There are very tasty vegetarian options, including several made with loroco. The jalapeños and cheese tamales and pupusas are very good (and a bit spicy). A friend had breakfast burritos for lunch the other day, and was quite pleased with them. Just because it was cold outside, I ordered a Mexican hot chocolate with my lunch. It was very good, with a good amount of cinnamon and cayenne. It was spicy, but not really spicy hot. I was glad to have gone with my whim. In the past, we have picked up tamales for Christmas. Provided you order in advance, you can get plenty of delicious tamales, with several varieties. The seating is tight, but I have never had to struggle for a place. In good weather, you can sit out front.

Finally had a chance to get to Pilar's after wanting to try it for a long time. The host (I'm assuming Pilar) took our order and was extremely friendly. The three tamales I ordered (spicy pork, black bean and cheese, and Christmas Chicken) all tasted great and were served piping hot. Will definitely be back to try again, and maybe something other than tamales.

One of my favorite places in Ann Arbor, and that's really saying something. Great family place, the atmosphere and people there are really amazing. I want to stay and hangout every time I go, 😁

They were excellent and the staff is polite and friendly. At least that was my experience. Give them a try, there is a reason that they have been around for a number of years.

AMAZING selection and quality! It is obvious the moment you walk in the door that they really care about their community. Seasonal options are lush (e.g. vegan butternut squash tamale!) as are regulars (tempeh cooked and seasoned perfectly, diverse meat options as well). They also clearly care about local sourcing and a sustainable kitchen. Lastly, drink options - tamarind juice, VEGAN horchata, and more!!

They have an awesome array of tamales with great vegan/vegetarian options. The masa has a beautiful texture to it and they aren't too skimpy with filling. Definitely authentic options, with some really adventurous options too. This is food that you can tell they put love into. Silvia is so welcoming and friendly too! I love Pilar's!!!

So good! Yummy tamales, plantains & hibiscus tea. Highly recommend.

Amazing service and equally as amazing food. Totally recommend.

My kids love this place. The owner is so nice.

Delicious food and warm friendly service

My favorite place in Ann Arbor! Delicious food and always so lovely to go in. Highly recommend!

Pilar's is friendly, cozy, and delicious. I only wish they used real lard in the tamales.

Friendly service and delicious food. Silvia runs the restaurant and front counter and her service is excellent and positive energy is contagious. The tamales and plantains are simply delicious. They also source a lot of their food from local organic farm. Mmm, can't wait to go back.

Food was good but it was not very clean. It was lunchtime so maybe we came in just after a rush. I wasn't impressed enough to plan to go back but if i was i the area i would give it another chance.

¡Cene, saque, o compre congelado y prepárese a su conveniencia! Me encanta el té de hibisco dulce mezclado con el té amargo del tamarindo. Alegría llena de acogedor comedor. Venga, apoye los negocios locales y disfrute de una buena comida casera local sin gluten.

Amazing tamales and the owner is incredibly genuine

Amazing food, as always. The dining room is pretty small, though, so maybe better for carryout

The best food AND atmosphere! Silvia is so warm and welcoming. Just seeing Silvia's smile brings me peace. The food is gluten free and there are many vegan options as well. Aromatic, colorful and delicious. Try the fried yuca root, pupusa's and horchata they are amazing!

Cozy little place with festive decoration and personal atmosphere. The owner is really nice, and the specially drinks are well worth a try. The hibiscus and horchata drinks are both excellent. I ordered the spicy pulled pork tamal, and it was fabulous.

Great food, cozy spot, and warm hospitality.

The owners are amazing! She was super friendly and helped with recommendations!. She felt like a tia.! It was an great experience!! I would go again. I ordered the pork pupusa and spicy pork tamale! The black beans are amazing and garlicky!! I ordered the tamarind drink.!! There is ton of coffee and latte drinks for purchase.! 10/10 would reccomend! Around the resturant are jewerly and bags for purchase.!! It is beautiful decor! Go support Salvadoran businesses!!

Best Flan I've ever had. And Pilar is one of the sweetest hosts you'll encounter. Loved the whole place!

Yummy food and authentic atmosphere! Really enjoyed the Christmas tamale and sides. Rice pudding was the best!

He estado viniendo aquí por años. Llevo tamales a casa para tener (congelar) cuando quiero, además de comer y sacar. Sugiera ser inteligente y hacer pedidos con anticipación y tome nota de las nuevas horas de operación. ¡Siempre un placer!

Fast friendly service and very good food. The tamales are very fresh and pretty large, so they're really with the price.

Awesome! Great service! Thank you!

Great food and conversation. Get the flan.

My dad and I used to go here every time we were in the neighborhood. Sylvia is, along with the rest of her staff, very friendly. Come strangers, leave family.

Great place. Wonderful staff. Food is so good

Lunch at Pilar's is the best! $9 for a cheese and jalapeno tamale with delicious tomato salsa on top, vinegar-based cole slaw, and Mexican hot chocolate. Sylvia warmly welcomes you into her restaurant and by the time you finish your meal, you've become her friend.

Hazte un favor y come aquí. Grandes papusas y tamales. La horchata fue increíble. Es pequeño pero está lleno de ambiente y la gente que dirige el lugar es extremadamente amigable. Gran comida salvadoreña y latinoamericana. Definitivamente no te arrepentirás de venir aquí.

Very tasty, authentic food. Charming interior

A cozy little eatery with big tamales and staff that care about what they do.

This is not your common Mexican tamale restaurant. Nope this is South American cuisine in a small store front served by a fantastic cook, chef, who cares about what she serves. As much as possible is locally sourced, and it tastes fantastic. These are not the tiny tamales you might be used to. Two are more than enough. Also the owner, PIlar, is at the counter, helping her customers, has a strong sense of community and believes in giving back to her native country and to her American community. If you have the chance go there. Nothing fancy, just fantastic food.