After my trip to Colombia, I was sad at the notion that finding any comparable Colombian food back in the states would be too difficult. El Pìlon not only transported me back to the motherland, but it was also a reminder of all the wonderful culinary adventures right here in Sunnyside. El Pilon looks like a tiny cafe from the outside and gets little to no pub compared to the rest of the vast Colombian eateries throughout the neighborhood. There is only seating for a small handful and is the consummate solo dining spot. Come in the morning and marvel at the display case, which is chock full of items found in Colombian panaderías. There is a myriad of sweet goods, such as pan de bono, almojábana, mojicón, pandeboca, and roscones. There is also a decent amount of savory choices, such as pan de yuca, empanadas, buñelos, and arepas de queso / choclo. The latter is so fire that not every bakery will have it. There are also daily food specials, which is perfect for a hearty solo lunch or an affordable option with big portions. None come more decorated than the Colombian national dish, bandeja paisa, in which their version (bandeja especial el pilón) comes with a chicharrón stick, chorizo, carne asada, topped with an egg and avocado, over rice, beans, plantains, and an arepa. The ground beef (carne molida) version is through their bandeja montañera, pechuga empanizada, bistec encebollado, and a fine bowl of their sancocho de costilla, costillas guisadas, or the sopa de pollo. Speaking Spanish and having cash will go a long way. This is not a dinner spot, but perfect for breakfast and lunch. I won't necessarily endorse it as a destination, but it is a quality addition to the neighborhood and one that collectively adds to the wonderful Colombian options found in the most delicious borough. ___________ (#1) $10 minimum. read more

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I've been coming here for years and always done when I visit. Love this little gem. Food is always spot on. Be far my favorite place for an authentic Colombian breakfast and baked good. Although prices have increased I don't mind because I know the food is amazing. Service is always great which is a plus. The place itself is small and cozy but worth visiting. I definitely recommend El Pilon. read more

El Pilon Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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A little out of my way but worth the trip and food is amazing . The food is consistently good although I prefer breakfast here . This is my favorite place for empanadas read more

The last Colombian bakery I'd gone to was stale and greasy. This place was neither! Really fresh breads, all full of flavor. My main complaint is that some of them were dry and/or mealy, but that might be an issue with my own personal taste. That might come with the nice part of the flavor, too, since so much is with indigenous South American flour. read more

Many thanks to yelp for recommending highly El Pilon Bakery. Extremely pleasant, clean, and beyond friendly. Every thing that we ordered was extremely fresh and delicious. The service was remarkable. El Pilon Bakery - We will definitely return. read more

Non existent customer service and mediocre overpriced bakery goods. Go elsewhere there are much better options. I would recommend Pan Rico in Woodside. Much better food, less expensive and kind employees. read more

The food here is delicious, the service is great. Although this is listed as a bakery it is also a Colombian restaurant. It's clean the staff is polite, attentive and friendly. It is small but worth it. The breads and treats from the bakery are fresh and delicious as well as the other food.. Even better, the previous waitresses that used to overcharge and were rude are gone. read more

absolutely fantastic. i'm not a colombian food connoisseur... but this place is delicious, well-priced, friendly, communal, cozy, and kind... for people who are intensely food sensitive and speak spanish, i bet you could ask them to modify things for you. my spanish skills are lacking but i was able to get several larger modifications! next time i'll attempt conversations about cooking oil and butter... SIBO pals, gluten free, dairy free... consider this place an option! but again, come prepared with your multi-lingual greatness. this place is perfect for a fast weekend brunch date with yourself. not good for big groups! if i correctly read the spanish sign above the register... cash only unless you purchase $10 and up. which is surprisingly hard to meet that $10 mark because everything is SO AFFORDABLE!!!! and delicious... i definitely ordered two meals because i came unprepared with cash... and i don't regret this life choice! ok ask me later, i might regret it then. but that's not my prob. future self has to worry about the tummy pain! read more

El Pilon Bakery - from inside out - Bakeries Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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A local gem!!!!! I grew up in this neighborhood. I would always get a bread which is amazing Cambray and the empanadas. Then I paid attention to their food menu. Authentic COLOMBIAN food! I had Chicken soup and it was the most delicious filling bowl that I have had. On a sunday morning I had some Huevos pericos with rice and beans, arepita on the side. Oh and a large cup of colombian coffee. All I have to say try it! You wont regret it. Just be aware that it is not a spacious place, but your there for the food. Your welcome in advance. read more

Ahhhhhh, now were talking. These guys have been around for some time and the best way to describe them is consistent!!!!!! I visit the place enough to know the owner picks up fresh products daily. He has a baker who goes every morning to make my favorite, empanadas de cambrai (it's basically a cheesy bread filled with guava and cream cheese). The almojabanas are to die for. They also have a daily special which includes the soup of the day and a rice dish with salad and a protein. It's is fairly priced and as close to home cooking as it gets. The kitchen is super clean. The ladies at the counter are friendly and very hard working so make sure you tip them guys. *the only thing I would recommend is to increase the portion a bit. I've noticed them shrinking a tad from time to time and though the quality hasn't been compromised, I fear others will begin to look for food elsewhere. You guys give me a great reason not to cook ") read more

Bakery opens early morning and offers good coffee with cheese bread. I'm addicted to their cheese bread/pan de queso fresh and filling for breakfast. I have been frequenting the place and I was short of change and they take $10 min for card. The lady is nice enough to tell me to pay her next time. I would recommend it to everyone. There are multiple Colombian bakeries around but I prefer their baked pastries which is perfect before I go to work. read more

I have been coming to this bakery with my husband for a couple of years. I can honestly say that they served the best lentil soup that money can buy. It's thick, hot and full of tender meat and some potatoes. Very filling and DELICIOSA. This bakery is small and gets busy during lunch weekdays and breakfast on weekends. The waitress are friendly and super busy. Only gave 4 stars because the chicken portions are getting a tad small. Otherwise, good COLOMBIAN bakery/restaurant at a decent price. read more

Colombian pastries are new for me, and it's been so exciting getting to k ow them at El Pilon. The spinach and cheese empanada is stuffed-STUFFED-with savory, delicious filling. The arepa de choclo is unlike anything I've ever had before: a flat cake of sweet and salty corn kernels. Might be my new favorite breakfast item. But then there's the bunuelo...the spherical donut-like pastry for those not in the know. It's delicious! And the coffee is great. Very reliable read more