When it comes to Mexican food, I am looking for the proven formula: No inventive cuisine but quality enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. In my opinion what distinguishes a good Mexican from an average one is the tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole. Same goes for the decor – when I decide on Mexican, I am looking for a simple, bar-style atmosphere with small tables, beach and palm tree motives, Inca style symbolics and Corona and Tecate commercials.
Los Pilones Amsterdam fits that bill nicely and has been serving authentic Mexican food since 2001.
Los Pilones is located on Kerkstraat 63, between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat. It recently opened a second restaurant in the Jordaan, on 1e Anjeliersdwaarsstraat 6, which I have not been to yet.
As soon as you sit down at Los Pilones you are served thin tortilla chips and fresh salsa. You can wash them down with one of the many Mexican beers, including Tecate, Pacifico, Negra Modelo, or XX. Or you can opt for a Margarita, Daiquiri, or one of the other Mexican cocktail classics.
The menu is well executed classics, too. The choice is between Tacos and Enchiladas, for both of which you get to pick the filling (beef, chicken, cheese, etc) and the sauce. There also is a Taco and Enchilada special of the month.
Later on you can enjoy a Tequila shot from the rich selection of Tequilas including some rare aged ones while pondering whether you just saw van Gogh on one of the traditional Mexican paintings.
Make sure you make a reservation – Los Pilones can get very busy even on a school night.