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Tamales and Mexican food

Made for those who prioritize authentic tamales as the foundation of their Mexican food experience.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tamales y Elotes Cucais image 1
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Corn tamales stand out with rich flavor and are considered unbeatable by many. Corn on the cob and corn cups complement the menu with excellent preparation and distinctive taste. The setting is straightforward, focusing on delivering authentic corn-based dishes.

Corn tamales stand out with rich flavor and a deliciously prepared grain base. Service complements the experience well, making the tamales a highlight worth seeking out.

Corn tamales stand out with rich flavor and excellent preparation. The corn on the cob also impresses, paired with very good service.

People are saying

"I found the corn tamales to be some of the best I've ever tried."

"The Mexican food here, especially the corn tamales, is some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The location is in a high-crime area; exercise caution when visiting.

02
El faisán image 1
Tamale shop

Small shop offers variety of tamales with generous portions and high-quality ingredients. Atmosphere is straightforward and clean, with no card payments accepted and limited menu variety after mid-afternoon. Busy street location includes convenient parking across the street but lacks delivery space.

Tamales come with meat, potatoes, carrots, and Chile inside, offering a rich and hearty flavor. Varieties include chicken in red sauce, mole, and strawberry, all fresh and very delicious.

Tamales stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings like carne with meat, potatoes, and Chile, plus chicken in red sauce. Flautas come generously served with consommé, adding a tasty bonus to the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tamales, is delicious."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious and fresh."

"The food here is high quality and I enjoyed it."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot right across the street for convenient ordering.

2

El faisán does not accept card payments; cash is required.

3

They are closed to the public on Mondays.

03
Elotes Don Jose image 1
Restaurant

Street-style eatery offers yellow and white corn with cream served in the cup, a rare touch here. The atmosphere centers on well-cooked, tender corn and extraordinary tamales and tostielotes. It operates on select days, drawing those seeking top-quality elotes.

Tamales come in several varieties including tamalitos and are consistently fresh and flavorful. They sit alongside corn on the cob and sweet options like cakes and champurrado.

Elotes, tamales, and tostielotes stand out with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Yellow and white corn, along with champurrado and desserts, round out the menu served on select days.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has perfectly cooked yellow and white corn."

"I thought these tamales were the best in its field."

Good to know

1

Elotes Don Jose operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Cash is preferred; credit cards may not be accepted.

04
La Casa del Mole Poblano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic mole dishes with handmade corn tortillas and generous portions. Atmosphere stays quiet and family oriented, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment. Prices remain very affordable, making it a typical local spot with a beautiful setting.

Sweet tamales stand out with a subtle flavor and come served as a dessert option. Pineapple tamales offer a unique twist, often paired with consommé and pot coffee for a complete experience.

Chicken mole stands out as flawless and deeply flavorful. The enchiladas verdes and a unique sweet tamale dessert add variety and authenticity to the Mexican food offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and traditional."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the mole, was delicious."

"You have to try the sweet and wonderful dessert tamale."

Good to know

1

Generous portion sizes are served at this restaurant.

2

Prices are very affordable compared to other places.

3

Parking availability could be improved in the area.

05
Creyente cocina mexicana (cacho) image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with loud acoustics that make sounds bounce off walls. Space feels comfortable but crowded, often leading to waits during busy times. Affordable prices and delicious traditional dishes create a lively breakfast spot favored for its food quality.

Oaxacan pork belly tamale stands out with its rich flavor and is often served as a courtesy. Chicken tamale in green sauce tastes good but is less memorable, and sometimes substitutions like suadero tamale happen when items run out.

Stuffed chilaquiles stand out with options in chipotle and green salsa. Other dishes include quesadillas, enchiladas, tortilla soup, and an Oaxacan pork belly tamale, all with rich, authentic flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the chilaquiles."

"The stuffed chilaquiles here are really tasty."

"The tamales here are delicious, especially the Oaxacan pork belly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is small, so expect a wait on weekends.

3

Menu items may not always be available, so check before ordering.

06
Champurraderia “Yuyi” image 1

Small truck setup offers seven champurrado flavors and warm tamales with various sweet options. Atmosphere feels casual and affordable, attracting those seeking diverse traditional treats. Food holds up well even when reheated, maintaining its flavor.

Sweet tamales come in many flavors with good prices and great taste. The green tamale tastes a bit salty. Tamales stay delicious even when reheated.

Small truck offers about seven types of warm tamales and champurrado. Sweet tamales come in many flavors and keep their taste when reheated. Prices are good, but the green tamale tastes a bit salty.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious tamales and champurrado."

"I loved the champurrado and tamales; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The place offers a huge variety of both food and desserts.

2

Expect to find seven types of champurrado and warm tamales.

3

Prices are generally affordable for most menu items.

07
Café Gardenia image 1

Spacious cafeteria with outdoor terrace and hacienda-style architecture offers a peaceful atmosphere with calming jazz music and a lovely fountain setting. The vibe is warm and welcoming, attracting those who enjoy quiet, cozy spaces. Frequent guests appreciate the pet-friendly policy and convenient parking.

Tamale plate stands out with its exquisite flavor and is often recommended. It pairs well with other dishes like red chilaquiles and desserts.

Chipotle chilaquiles with birria stands out as a favorite dish. The menu includes a variety of Mexican food and desserts.

People are saying

"The desserts here are delicious and better than most."

"The chilaquiles with chipotle and birria are my favorite Mexican food."

"I found the tamales to be exquisite and super delicious."

Good to know

1

Café Gardenia has a large, free parking lot available for customers.

2

The restaurant is pet friendly and allows dogs inside.

3

The menu changes frequently, so specific dishes may not always be available.

08
Tamales YUYI image 1
Tamale shop

Variety of tamales defines the menu, offering different flavors. Atmosphere centers on simple, focused food with a straightforward setup. Energy stays calm, emphasizing authentic taste over ambiance.

Variety includes strawberry, corn, and beef tamales. Tamales taste delicious but substitutions happen without prior notice.

Tamales come in a variety of flavors including beef, corn, and strawberry. Substitutions happen without prior notice, but the tamales remain delicious.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be delicious."

"I found the tamales to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tamales are made fresh daily and can sell out quickly.

2

Expect a wait time of 15-20 minutes during peak hours.

3

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.

09
Riochia 7 La Cabaña del artista image 1

Rustic building with colonial style and artistic decor creates a cozy, peaceful atmosphere that feels like a getaway. Soft, relaxing music adds to the pleasant, romantic vibe. The place attracts those seeking a homey, intimate setting for enjoying unique food and wine.

Chipilín tamales stand out for their fresh, delicious flavor. Options like tamales with Chicken and Mole and Tlaxcalate showcase creativity and mastery in preparation.

House salsa blends Chile Serrano, habanero, and Chile cascabel for a distinct spicy kick. Tamales come in varieties like Chipilin and Chicken with Mole, served fresh alongside Chiapas-style tortillas and Tlaxcalate.

People are saying

"I found the food here absolutely delicious and freshly prepared."

"I loved the traditional Chiapas-style tamales and tortillas."

"The tamales here are delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

There is plenty of free street parking available nearby.

3

The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible.

10
Tamales Tía Juana image 1

Tamale shop offers 24-hour service with a wide variety of tamales wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. The atmosphere is busy but fast, with a pleasant architectural style and enough space for quiet eating. Tamales taste homemade and fresh, attracting those craving authentic flavors anytime.

Tamales made with banana leaves and corn come in many flavors like meat, chicken, and sweet. The rib tamale stands out for its taste, and the tamales are available 24 hours with fast service.

Tamales come in many flavors like meat, chicken, and sweet, wrapped in banana leaves or corn. Open 24 hours, the tamales are fresh, large, and affordable with fast service.

People are saying

"These tamales taste like they're straight from a home kitchen."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be very good."

Good to know

1

Tamales Tía Juana is open 24 hours, allowing late-night cravings to be satisfied.

2

They accept credit cards and cash payments for convenience.

3

The restaurant maintains high hygiene standards and is very clean.

11
Restaurante Chichos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large two-story tiki hut with refined decor creates a cozy atmosphere filled with live music that ranges from relaxing to lively. The place draws a family-friendly crowd enjoying casual dining with occasional busy periods and valet parking service.

Banana leaf tamales stand out as very filling and popular for breakfast. Pork rind tamales, also called tamales de chicharron, come out delicious but some tamales arrive cold even after reheating.

Banana leaf tamale stands out as a very filling breakfast option. Fresh-made tortillas and chilaquiles with Salsa Morita and Chicharron offer authentic flavors. The cazuela española combines chorizo, eggs, beans, and chilaquiles for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, comforting, and made with care."

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles, has tender, juicy meat."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Valet parking is available, but the service can be slow.

3

Expect a wait for tables during peak hours, especially on weekends.

12
Tamales Los Socios image 1
Takeout restaurant

Tiny takeout spot with no dining area offers banana leaf tamales praised for their great flavor and non-greasy texture. The place stays clean and serves a working class neighborhood clientele. Staff respond to window taps, accommodating those with mobility needs.

Banana leaf tamales stand out with rich flavor and a tender texture. Varieties like red beef and pineapple offer tasty options without being greasy or too spicy.

Tamales stand out with banana leaf wrapping and a variety of flavors like red beef and pineapple. Champurrado pairs well, and the salsa adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food tamales delicious and not greasy."

"I thought the tamales were delicious and not greasy."

Good to know

1

The place is small and primarily focused on takeout orders.

2

Handicapped customers can tap on the window for assistance.

3

There is no dedicated dining area for customers.

13
Mole Poblano House image 1
Mexican restaurant

Stone fountain anchors the space, surrounded by wide aisles and simple decor that feels quaint and Mexican. Live piano music plays softly, creating a relaxed and family atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious, distinct from more polished or luxurious Mexican restaurants.

Beef tamales stand out with their rich flavor and tender texture. Mole tamales come with a peanut sauce that adds a unique, special touch. Complimentary corn tamales offer a simple, delicious finish.

Mole stands out as the star of the menu, especially the mole poblano which is sweet and very tasty. Other dishes like beef tamales and enchiladas with chipotle cream also deliver authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and plentiful."

"The mole here is so good, I always crave it."

"The mole tamales here are on another level, truly delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a parking lot that serves the restaurant on a side street.

2

Mole Poblano House has parking and security for cars.

3

They had a large parking lot on one side and handicap parking in front.

14
El Sabor del Mole image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with warm lighting and colorful decor reminiscent of a hacienda dining room. The space feels calm and relaxing, suitable for quiet conversation and enjoying traditional dishes. Attentive valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

Sweet tamales stand out with pineapple and raisin flavors. Savory options include beef tamale with poblano mole and chicken tamale served with broth or soup.

Mole stands out with its exquisite consommé and poblano mole dishes. Handmade tortillas and a variety of delicious salsas complement traditional Mexican flavors like chilaquiles and tamales.

People are saying

"The food service here is attentive and friendly."

"I found the sweet tamale to be a delight."

"The Mexican Food service here is attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; no card payments are accepted.

2

Prices are affordable, with full meals under 300 pesos.

3

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

15
Corn and Tamale Mago image 1

Tamale shop offers very good tamales with options like pork rind and red fruit and chicken in green sauce. Corn tamales have shifted from traditional corn to a more masa-like texture. Occasional shortages cause some customers to leave without tamales.

Tamales feature chicken in green sauce and pork rind with red fruit varieties. The corn tamale texture shifts toward minsa or masa, differing from traditional corn tamales.

Tamales stand out with chicken in green sauce and unique flavors like pork rind and red fruit. Corn tamales have shifted to a texture more like minsa or masa, which some find less authentic and less worth the price.

People are saying

"I loved the tamales and corn on the cob here."

"I found the chicken in green sauce tamales delicious."

Good to know

1

Tamales are often unavailable, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

2

Consider calling ahead to check if tamales are available.

3

Expect potential menu limitations if you visit during busy hours.

16
Hunger Street image 1
Buffet restaurant

Outdoor buffet setup with three double aisles and food trucks creates a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Bright lighting and bounce houses for kids add to the cheerful vibe. Crowds gather for a variety of snacks, desserts, and casual eats in a relaxed, fair-like environment.

Stalls serve tamales alongside Mexican snacks and desserts. Options include traditional tamales paired with atole Yuyi for a classic combo.

Tacos include brain, eye, and tongue options alongside arrachera and carnitas. Dishes like tostadas with pork rinds, gorditas with mole, and milanesa tortas offer a variety of traditional flavors. Churros and tamales with atole Yuyi provide sweet finishes.

People are saying

"You can find a great variety of delicious desserts here."

"You can find so many different Mexican foods here, it's hard to choose."

"I loved the tamales and atole Yuyi."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for $20 pesos at Hunger Street.

2

Parking gets difficult on weekends.

3

They accept card payments.

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Tijuana, Baja California

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