Los Pilones Opens on Nieuwmarkt

Standard and Poor’s may have downgraded the credit ratings of nine euro-zone countries, but Amsterdam's restaurant scene continues to grow unabated and apparently unscathed by the economic crisis.

One of several new Amsterdam restaurants to have opened in recent weeks is Los Pilones on Nieuwmarkt.

The third branch of the small Mexican restaurant chain, Los Pilones Nieuwmarkt is based on the same formula as its predecessors: a compact menu of quintessential Mexican dishes – think nachos, quesadillas and enchiladas – Mexican beers and more than 185 kinds of tequila.

Image of Los Pilones Mexican Restaurant on Nieuwmarkt Brothers Juan, Hector and Pedro opened the first Los Pilones on Kerkstraat (Leidseplein) in 2001. The second branch opened seven years later in the Jordaan. Los Pilones on Nieuwmarkt now also gives the brothers a presence in spitting distance of Amsterdam Central Station.

I ate at the original Los Pilones several years ago, with a friend who only drinks tequila. Food prices are reasonable (starters are around €5, four tacos €15 and desserts €6.25), but this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for. The dishes are simple and sometimes greasy.

If you want more from your food, think of Los Pilones as a well-stocked Mexican bar and eat at one of Nieuwmarkt's better restaurants, such as OCHA, Café Bern or Lastage.