El Pilon

- 1281 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

New Jersey residents seeking an authentic, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful dining experience need look no further than **El Pilon** in Clifton. More than just a local restaurant, El Pilon offers a true taste of rich Latin culinary traditions, expertly blending beloved Caribbean and South American specialties with American barbecue classics. From perfectly seasoned meats cooked on the grill to comforting, homemade pasta and traditional appetizers, El Pilon brings a spectacular fusion of flavors right to the heart of North Jersey.

El Pilon is proudly identified as a **Family restaurant**, dedicated to providing a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Reviews frequently highlight the “great vibe” and “friendly and attentive” staff, which contributes to its reputation as a fantastic spot for a casual dinner, a fun date night, or a large family gathering. While the diverse menu features classic American grill items like **Rib-Eye Steak** and **Char Burger**, the soul of the restaurant shines through its Latin-inspired dishes. For example, their menu features appetizers like **Croquettes**, **Chicharrones**, and various **Empanadas**, and entrees that include slow-cooked and grilled meats celebrated in Latin American cuisine, such as the prized **Picanha (Sirloin Cap)** and the bone-in **Asado (Short Ribs)**. Customers especially rave about the authentic Dominican cuisine that they serve, making it a must-visit spot for these unique flavors in Clifton, NJ.

The culinary focus at El Pilon emphasizes freshness, generous portions, and complex seasoning. Whether you’re indulging in the crispy and flavorful **Breaded Cod** from the sea, sharing a hearty **BBQ Combo** of Chicken & Beef Ribs, or savoring the classic **Crepes Dulce De Leche** for dessert, the menu is curated to delight and satisfy.

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El Pilon is conveniently situated in Clifton, NJ, making it an easily accessible dining option for people throughout Passaic County and neighboring regions of North Jersey.

• Address: 1281 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA
• Phone: (973) 413-2303

Accessibility and convenience are key features of the location. The restaurant ensures a comfortable visit for all patrons with several accommodations:

• **Wheelchair Accessibility:** The venue offers a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **restroom**, and **seating**, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire community.
• **Parking:** Guests can take advantage of **Free street parking** available near the premises, simplifying the process of stopping by for a quick bite or a full meal.
• **Planning Your Visit:** El Pilon **accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended for weekend evenings or groups to guarantee seating. The atmosphere is deliberately **Family-friendly** and accommodates **Groups**, making planning easy for any occasion.

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El Pilon provides a wide array of services that cater to various dining preferences, from a sit-down meal to hosting your next big event.

• **Dining Options:** The restaurant is open for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with dedicated times for **Counter service** and full **Table service**. Guests can also enjoy the comfortable **Outdoor seating** area when weather permits.
• **Off-Premise Services:** For convenience, El Pilon offers **Delivery**, **Takeout**, and comprehensive **Catering** services, allowing you to bring the delicious Latin flavors to your home, office, or event.
• **Full Beverage Service:** The offerings include a selection of **Alcohol**, including **Wine** and **Cocktails**, perfect for unwinding after a long day or enhancing your meal. They also feature **Coffee** and cater to the popular **Happy hour food** crowd.
• **Inclusion and Amenities:** El Pilon is committed to being an inclusive space, providing a **Gender-neutral restroom**, and promoting an environment that is **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**. Essential amenities like **Restroom** facilities and **Wi-Fi** are available for all guests.
• **Payment:** For ease of transaction, the restaurant accepts **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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Several distinctive features make El Pilon a standout choice for local dining in New Jersey, ensuring a unique and memorable visit every time.

• **Diverse Ownership and Community Focus:** El Pilon is a beacon of diversity in the local business landscape. The business proudly identifies as **Asian-owned**, **Black-owned**, **Latino-owned**, **LGBTQ+ owned**, **Veteran-owned**, and **Women-owned**. This commitment to a diverse background infuses the atmosphere with a unique and welcoming energy.
• **Authentic Latin & BBQ Fusion:** The menu is truly a highlight, featuring traditional Caribbean and Latin dishes—often described by customers as “good Dominican cuisine”—alongside high-quality grilled fare. Don't miss the famous **BBQ Combo** platters or signature cuts like the **Skirt Steak** and **Picanha**.
• **Atmosphere and Entertainment:** The environment is consistently described as **Casual** and **Cozy**, with a fun "vibe" that is perfect for date nights and groups. A major draw is the inclusion of **Live music**, which enhances the festive and engaging ambiance.
• **Menu Variety and Dietary Options:** The restaurant ensures everyone in the family has something delicious to enjoy. Offerings include **Comfort food**, **Organic dishes**, **Small plates**, and options that cater to specific dietary needs, such as **Vegan options** and **Vegetarian options**. A dedicated **Kids' menu** and **High chairs** make it genuinely **Good for kids**.
• **Exceptional Dessert:** The dessert selection is a star attraction, with patrons raving about the quality. Highlights include the creamy **Pineapple Cheesecake**, decadent **Massini**, and classic Latin sweets like **Crepes Dulce De Leche**.

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For making a reservation, inquiring about catering, or placing a quick takeout order, use the following contact details for El Pilon in Clifton, NJ.

• **Address:** 1281 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA
• **Primary Phone:** (973) 413-2303

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El Pilon is worth choosing for New Jersey diners because it delivers an exceptional blend of authentic, high-quality Latin cuisine and a genuinely welcoming, high-energy environment. It’s a place that successfully marries the best of a traditional steakhouse with the soulful warmth of a family-run Latin restaurant.

Start your meal with the highly recommended appetizers like the **Mushroom and Goat Cheese Croquettes** (a customer favorite) or the **Sticky Wings** (often noted for their incredible flavor). For the main course, you can enjoy a massive, perfectly cooked **Rib-Eye Steak**, or dive into the restaurant's signature Latin flair with the **Picanha**—a succulent, charcoal-grilled sirloin cap—or the tender **Baby Back Ribs**. The **Breaded Cod** is also a stand-out seafood choice, praised for being cooked to perfection.

The atmosphere is a key component of the El Pilon experience. With **Live music** and a **cozy, fun vibe**, the restaurant ensures your dining time is not just a meal, but a celebration. The exceptional service, exemplified by charismatic and attentive staff like server Pilar mentioned in reviews, ensures every guest feels valued. For locals in Clifton, New Jersey, El Pilon provides an easily accessible destination with **free street parking** and the convenience of accepting **reservations**, making it simple to plan your next lunch, dinner, or date night at this vibrant spot. This commitment to both superb food and a superior customer experience solidifies El Pilon's place as a top-tier, minority-owned, and LGBTQ+ friendly family restaurant in the region.

El Pilon

1281 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA