El Pilar

Mexican restaurant · Riviera Beach

El Pilar

Mexican restaurant · Riviera Beach
8109 Fort Smallwood Rd, Clearwater Beach, MD 21226

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Highlights

Authentic Mexican street tacos, birria ramen, and flavorful salsas  

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8109 Fort Smallwood Rd, Clearwater Beach, MD 21226 Get directions

elpilarmexicaneats.square.site
@el_pilar_mexican_eats

$10–20 · Menu

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8109 Fort Smallwood Rd, Clearwater Beach, MD 21226 Get directions

+1 410 437 5729
elpilarmexicaneats.square.site
@el_pilar_mexican_eats

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 12, 2025

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Rutanya Quarles Miles

Google
I ordered catering for my daughter's graduation party this weekend, and everything was absolutely amazing. The food was fresh and hot. The portions were large and more than expected. Everything was well seasoned, and our guest kept saying how good everything was. I eat there often but never ordered catering. I was pleasantly impressed with their catering service and the food quality. Not to mention, the prices were very affordable. I will definitely order catering from them again.

Sean K

Google
Food truck review: It’s amazing! Their birria ramen is truck-exclusive and is delicious! We always try to stop by the truck when it’s at the local Taphouse a couple miles away.

Jason

Google
The establishment utilizes high-quality ingredients, and the chicken portions are generous and well-prepared. Their nachos are highly recommended, and all other menu items have consistently received positive feedback. The desserts are also of a high standard.

create with doc

Google
Stopped by to try the tacos at this Mexican carry out restaurant and was pleasantly surprised by both the portion sizes and the flavors. The sauce for the seafood tacos was tangy but also complimented the avocado, pico, and seasoning on the fish and shrimp. Definitely will be stopping by in the future as this is a quiet location with nice table to eat out front.

Brandon Simental

Google
This is my go-to place!! I walk here with my golden retriever and hang out while we wait for the food. I've never had a bad meal from here, always hot, always fresh, and always tasty! I love their authentic flavor! You will not be disappointed!

J. Manes

Google
The short and sweet answers to this question are. Best corn tortillas - never came close to crumbling. Refried beans - were great Flautas - good and crispy Tacos - we had six with four being steak. Which was dry and a little gristly. Chicken and chorizo were okay. No horchata. Oh yeah, carry out only.

Drew Steese

Google
FANTASTIC food. The service was great and the food came out quickly. It is carry out only, but the folks live pretty course by so it worked out great. The food was not spicy but there is salsa verde and a red sauce they provided that were both very spicy to me (I don’t do spicy at all). The flavor was great on the chicken and the prices are very reasonable. The queso dip was about a pint and was very good. I will definitely be back there again.

Elizabeth Cross

Google
Everything I've eaten here has been good. I had a couple chicken tacos that didnt have the freshest chicken on it (cold and rubbery), and I think the chips could be better. But the BIRRIA!! While hard to catch sometimes because they only have it 1-2 days, its so good!! And the chipotle/mayo-ish sauce they have for the taco's, so good!! I'm glad I dont live closer or I'd be here too often.
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Rick R.

Yelp
Burritos 5 Tortas 4 Enchiladas 6 The green sauce and hot sauce they give you with the burritos and the tortoise is fire. The enchiladas are just out of this world. I haven't tried the Molay or the cheese, but the red and the green sauce is life-changing.
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Jenny T.

Yelp
Such a great local Mexican spot. They don't ever let down. The food is delicious and priced so reasonable. They have a different special everyday that comes with a can of soda, typically priced around $10.50.
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Tara R.

Yelp
Great local and authentic food! My husband and I have ordered from here a couple times as it is right around the corner from our home. My husband typically gets a burrito and tacos while I like the tostadas. I like the pork (al pastor) while my husband always sticks to chicken. I have previously had their chicken flautas which I enjoyed. We always get a side of rice and beans which never disappoint. I feel the prices are decent and your order is always ready for pickup in a reasonable amount of time. The sauces they provide are yummy, especially the green one.
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Diane C.

Yelp
Food is wonderful and staff is polite. Neighborhood favorite! The specials are particularly tasty.

Julia C.

Yelp
The food is amazing! Whenever I do stop in to place an order or even place an order over the phone they just seem so rude and they don't even greet you when you pick up your order they just ask for the name of the order. Customer service is lacking I understand there's a language barrier, but I've been to tons of Mexican restaurants and they are bubbly as heck- so don't tell me I'm expecting too much. Especially if I'm driving over an hour and spending $80+ dollars.
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May A.

Yelp
El Pilar is my new go to for tacos and quesadillas. I get their shrimp tacos with everything (pico de gallo, cilantro, onions, avocado, chipotle sauce, lime) and it never disappoints. The prices are perfect and the food is consistently good. Find me on Instagram for more destination inspiration @wherezmay
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Oliver J.

Yelp
This carry out place is still awesome. They do have a couple of picnic benches set up outside for when the weather is nice. The shrimp tacos are out of this world.
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Lina C.

Yelp
I like El Pilar, I really do. I love their tacos, but since they raised their prices, I'm hesitant to order as often. $5 for one street taco... oof.
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Chauncey P.

Yelp
Best tacos around. If you are looking for some authentic and delicious authentic food, this is your place.
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Ahra J.

Yelp
Despite how it looks from the outside, don't let that turn you away! For the price you pay, the portions are huge and not to mention the quality ingredients they use. The food was flavorful and everything we got was made to perfection !

Hungry G.

Yelp
Can never go wrong with the Breakfast Burritos. Excellent tacos too! There is often a short wait, but well worth the wait. Prices have gone up, but quality and quantity has not suffered. Otherwise, I would not recommend it. Check it out next time you are out their way.
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Dale E.

Yelp
Yea not that great. It was recommended to me but I won't be returning as the tacos weren't all that from a flavor/freshness standpoint. The salsa wasn't traditional but was alright however the chips were hard as concrete..for $20+ for lunch I will definitely go elsewhere.
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Paul P.

Yelp
The place to for authentic Mexican food ! The food quality is exceptional and convenient to my home.
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Natalie Q.

Yelp
This place has me in my Mexican food era. Serving sizes are enorme. Forks and sauces are on the casa. Don't worry, they give you plenty of napkins, which I put in my car console. The order is put nicely into a plastic bag, which I always reuse. I recommend the chimichanga, quesadillas, enchiladas, taquitos, tacos, salads, and bowls. Way better than Chipotle.
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Kathy H.

Yelp
I was really excited to try the food after the raving reviews. While the spicy torta and quesadilla we ordered were good, I wouldn't say it's been the best we had. Also everything seems to lack salt. The ingredients tasted real fresh and the torta's bread is out of this world. Delicious.
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Drew K.

Yelp
Great tacos and service. Today, I messed up my online order and only asked for tomatoes vs excluding them. I realized my mistake when I was at the restaurant and told them it was totally fine that I take the order as it was already made. The person at the counter insisted they make a new order with my intended ingredient and that "it wouldn't sit well" with them if they they didn't. Not only were the tacos fantastic but their service is the way to get a future repeat customer like myself. Can't recommend them enough.
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Adam C.

Yelp
Great local authentic Mexican food - very quick - call ahead and roll in - I always get a carne asada burrito and never disappoints. Only knock is it closes a little early and no Sunday hours but otherwise great.
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KhanhMy V.

Yelp
Delicious Mexican food with super spicy hot sauce. I had the best tacos here (tilapia and shrimp). The pupusa, sope, quesadillas, and pretty much everything else is worth trying and getting. Definitely the best in town and is a nice break from the local American , seafood fare. Good spot for take out , space is limited and is not good for dinning in.
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Andrew R.

Yelp
Best Mexican food I've had in Pasadena and best prices. Carne asada burrito 9/10. Chicken quesadillas 10/10
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Stephanie C.

Yelp
Awesome authentic food. It's a small restaurant that puts quality ingredients into their dishes. I e never been dissatisfied by anything I've ordered. I'd definitely recommend
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Kayla R.

Yelp
Best fish tacos and nachos in Maryland. Queso is amazing. Everything is fresh and delicious. Great value for your buck. Highly recommend.
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Tonia R.

Yelp
Love love love this place. Food always tastes good and authentic, can't get enough of it. Im not ashamed to say we eat here twice a week sometimes.
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Molly H.

Yelp
We've been looking for authentic Mexican food for awhile and finally found our place! Between the Baltimore and D.C. area, this is hands down our favorite. The food was absolutely amazing - super flavorful all the way down to the dessert. The guac is a must-order! The staff was welcoming and helpful when providing suggestions on the menu. The food was ready really quickly and priced great. We brought our friend and he loved the food so much, after he finished his plate, he ordered one to go. We love the food and service here and will definitely be back and recommend others to make a visit, too!
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Monique P.

Yelp
The food is delicious! I ordered the soft tacos. 2 with chicken and one with mexican sausage. The chicken was by far my favorite. The mexican sausage was a little salty to me but that could just be my palette. Such simple ingredients and the food was delicious. I added the green salsa to my tacos, which has a little kick but added to the overall flavor. I will definitely be back again to try a different menu item.

drdove L.

Yelp
Oh my God the food here is so delicious! Whether I come here to get a Carne Asada taco or Al Pastor taco or especially the shrimp taco, or if I come to get a breakfast burrito (that is so delicious) I am never disappointed. I am from California and I had a difficult time finding an authentic Mexican restaurant on the East Coast, this is authentic Mexican, yum!.
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Bryan H.

Yelp
Some of the most amazingly delicious Mexican food I've had in a long time. There are a lot of places that make the same kinds of food but El Pilar's is especially great because everything we've had is at the same level of deliciousness. This is a treasure to have in this area! We'll be going back again and again for sure.
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Chaz D.

Yelp
Was really excited to try this place after reading the reviews. Definitely was not my experience. Portions were small and red & green sauces were blah. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff or maybe the sauces were made with ingredients that lacked flavor. I will definitely try them again as it looks like they have a nice steady, family business. Hope it's better next go.
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Lucas D.

Yelp
Cute little carry out place in Curtis bay. The food Fresh and made after you order. The food is authentic and the portions are a decent size. It doesn't get any better than this.
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Mia D.

Yelp
My neighbor recommended this mostly carry out restaurant. I have lived here for about 2 years before I would even try it. The building is just not welcoming although the orange awning does get your attention. Once I walked in I could see it was a family establishment. Supporting small business has always been my preference. Definitely understated decor. I picked up my food and went home to eat. Oh my when I got home I didn't just eat but ENJOYED every bite!! I couldn't eat it all. I ordered queso dip & chips and a barbocoa burrito. I ate half. My girlfriend ordered 3 soft barbicoa tacos and only ate 2. If your ever in the area; remember drive in diners and dives. This place is a dive but should be on that show!!!

Michelle G.

Yelp
The best tacos ever!! I live in Millersville and i haven't found an authentic mexican restaurant as good as this one in YEARS!! Service is impeccable service!! I highly recommend this place!!
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Nikki E.

Yelp
Just when I thought El Pilar could not get any better I tried the shrimp quesadilla and shrimp tacos. The best way to describe the chipotle sauce is liquid crack! I am really hoping that they will start doing food prep soon!
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Jessica Z.

Yelp
We order from El Pilar ALL the time! I crave Mexican food more than anything else, but there aren't a lot of quick options besides Taco Bell. This is where El Pilar comes in with nachos that are a staple for me; they're delicious & their service is quick. It is such a nice treat and a cute little gem in the Curtis Bay/ Pasadena area! Definitely try it out one night! I also wanted to add that it's a tiny little place, so if you're looking to sit down and eat, it may be a bit cramped. They have a few stools, but we typically just bring it right home :)
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Gwen S.

Yelp
Love the shrimp quesadillas. I stop here whenever I'm in the area. The shrimp are big and tasty. I also enjoy the large selection of Mexican desserts.
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Corey P.

Yelp
I've lived right next to El Pilar for 5 years and just had it last week for the first time. The food is GREAT and CHEAP! I love Mexican food and I think they do a great job of preparing authentic Mexican dishes at affordable prices. This isn't a place you want to go out to eat at, as the restaurant is super small with no seating, but it's definitely going to be my new spot for take out close to home. Btw, try the Barbacoa tacos, pure heaven! Great job El Pilar!
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Pamela C.

Yelp
Can't say enough good things about el plair the food is hands down the best. You have to go!
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Shelby D.

Yelp
By far the best Mexican food ever! Great staff too! Fresh ingredients and huge portions!

Caren D.

Yelp
This place is amazing! We had tacos -- chicken, shrimp, spicy pork, and barbacoa -- all unique and extremely flavorful! The spicy guac is incredible, quite possibly the best I've ever had. It's carry out only, but there are some picnic tables out front. They also have a food truck!
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Nichole V.

Yelp
The spot is small but the favor of the food is tremendous. Great customer service, flavorful food, generous menu.
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Scott P.

Yelp
Love this place, very authentic and great customer service. Always consistent. Will definitely be back again soon for one of their weekly specials.
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Ashton K.

Yelp
Amazing and authentic Mexican. I have dreams of the shrimp tacos. Everything is fresh and made to order. The red and green sauces will light you up but it's a good burn :) Recommend the shrimp tacos, tostadas, breakfast burritos, and tamales.

James H.

Yelp
Moved from SoCal last year to the area and their chicken quesadilla is awesome and watch out for their sauces they have some kick! I'm sure you can some mild sauces as well.
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Heather A.

Yelp
I did pick up from them and I was pleasantly surprised. The papusa's were amazing and warm and perfect and the street tacos were exactly what I expected but a bit smaller than what I was hoping for.
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Vivian D.

Yelp
My favorite place to grab food on the go. I always get the quesadilla de carne asada con todo and it's always delicious. The staff is very friendly, it feels like family whenever I go in. Choco- flan is a must try. So good!
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Allison R.

Yelp
Had 2 chicken tacos and 1 spicy pork tacos. Some of the best street tacos I've had! Marinade was on point. The simple toppings were fresh and delicious. Wouldn't change a thing. Green sauce was way hotter than I anticipated... and I like it hot! Definitely going back.

Keith K.

Yelp
This is a place Food Network's Guy Fieri needs to visit. Small, family run place making some delicious and off the hook street tacos, fresh made to order guacamole and a few other authentic Mexican dishes. This is primarily a carry out but there are a few counters you can stand at to eat. We were welcomed with smiles from the staff behind the counter as they went about answering the phone or prepping orders. The tacos were just delicious, each served with fresh ingredients, wedge of lime, and 2 types of spicy sauces on the side. Portions are generous, including the fresh made to order guacamole. The tortilla chips are fried up made fresh and warm. We'll be going back for sure and we're thrilled we found this little gem of a place.
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Shamil S.

Yelp
Everything I have tried, it has been great. They obviously take pride in their food, it shows. If you like a kick of heat, be sure to ask for the green hot sauce on the side. I would recommend hitting it up for lunch over dinner.
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Mac C.

Yelp
Awesome food and great margaritas! Customer service was awesome as well. Even as I got there late they welcomed me as if I were the first customer of the day. Definitely recommended!!
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Sakara Y.

Yelp
This restaurant will always be 100/10! My #1 most favorite place to eat! The customer service is phenomenal and the food is equally as great! I always get my order quickly and it is so fresh and delicious! There's no better spot for authentic Mexican food in Maryland!

Monica G.

Yelp
As far as we are concerned, this is the best Mexican in the area. So much flavor packed in every dish we've tried. They have never disappointed! Definitely put this takeout restaurant on your list to try! I'd love to see them open for full dining service ;)