El Pilòn Restaurant — Restaurant in Clifton

We came, expecting the restaurant Bohemian Bistro, which was still listed as open on Google. We had heard good things about it and the online menu looked appealing. When we arrived and saw the different name, the waitress told us it was much of the same menu — just a name change. We sat down and ordered drinks and then realized the menu was very different than what we were expecting. We ordered a steak ($24), crispy chicken bites ($12), and a garden salad ($8). We waited a very long time for our food, and when it was brought out, the order was incorrect. They brought fried pork belly rather than crispy chicken bites. The waitress said that was what I had ordered, when I had not. She said it would take a while to make the chicken, and I said ok. While we waited, I ate the salad which was shredded iceberg lettuce and a few tomatoes, with what tasted like a takeout pouch of dressing. When the chicken came out, it didn’t even look like chicken. When you read crispy chicken bites on a menu, do you not expect chicken nuggets or tenders? These were bone-in fried chicken scraps without any breading. Not the breast or wings or legs. Basically the scrap joints. I didn’t eat them. The bill came and my husband paid. We left and I asked how much it was. He said $71. I started doing the math and it didn’t add up. Got to the car and looked at the receipt. They had added a 15% tip on the bill already, which we didn’t realize — then we added 20% tip despite the food and service. Curious if they add that on for all of their 2-person tables or if it was to make us pay for the pork belly error. Oh, and they charged us $2 for a glass of water....

Unfortunately, this meal did not meet expectations. The rice was dry like it had been an overnight rice. The beans were bland and dried, and the meat was extremely grease. Overall, the dish seemed carelessly prepared and did not reflect the quality or freshness I was hoping for. With better attention to flavor, texture, and presentation, this could be a solid option — but as it stands, I would not...

El Pilon in Clifton is a hidden gem! It’s a BYOB spot with great music and super chill vibes—perfect for a laid-back night out. The chaufa rice is absolutely amazing, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Big shoutout to Betty, our server, who was so friendly and attentive—10/10 service. This is definitely a new favorite spot. A must-try if you’re in the area—come out...