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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Phoenix

Tamales

You know that the best tamales are the ones made with a level of care that mass production cannot replicate.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bistro Brunch Cocina Mexicana image 1
Bistro Brunch Cocina Mexicana image 2
Bistro Brunch Cocina Mexicana image 3
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Breakfast restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with corn tamales that boast amazing flavor and texture. Warm, bold decor and a big cherry tree create a welcoming vibe. Perfect for intimate gatherings or casual lunches with great music at conversation level.

Corn tamales stand out with amazing flavor and incredible texture. They pair well with Poblano chilaquiles and cafe de olla.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the authentic Mexican breakfast here to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the tamales to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times if visiting after 9am due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Ordering is done at the counter with no physical menu available.

3

Prices are reasonable and worth the visit.

02
Maria's Frybread & Mexican Food image 1

Cozy, family-owned spot serves fresh fry bread and authentic Mexican dishes in a relaxed setting. Tamales shine here, especially the red chili fried bread taco tamales and green tamales with beans and rice. Service feels like being served by family, adding to the warm vibe.

Red chili fried bread taco tamales and green tamales with beans and rice stand out here. The tamales range from very good to amazing, with some being a little dry but still flavorful.

People are saying

"The green chili fry bread tacos were awesome."

"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."

"I thought these tamales were some of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure accommodation.

2

The restaurant has a drive-thru for added convenience.

3

Expect large portions for the price, making it a good value.

03
La Purisima Bakery 3 image 1

Small bakery shines with green pork tamales that balance spice and flavor perfectly. Fresh homemade tortillas and sweet empanadas add variety. Atmosphere feels inviting and nostalgic, with fair prices that draw locals seeking authentic tastes.

Green pork tamales stand out with full flavor and a perfect layer of masa. They offer a light texture and a good balance of flavors and spice, often paired with fresh tortillas.

People are saying

"You have to try the green pork tamales; they're full of flavor."

"I found the tortillas here to be the best in town."

"The green pork tamales are full of flavor and meat."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they serve menudo, which goes pretty fast.

2

They have a wide variety of pastries, including sweet empanadas.

3

The prices at La Purisima Bakery 3 are pretty fair.

04
Presidio Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot shines with pork tamales paired with eggs and beans. Stylish decor and outdoor seating create a vibrant vibe. Enjoy great margaritas and a notable tequila selection for a lively meal.

Pork tamales come with eggs and beans, offering a solid, flavorful combo. The tamales pair well with other dishes like enchiladas and huevos rancheros, making for a very good meal.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic, fresh, and made with real care."

"I loved the chicharron and pork belly tacos; they were incredible."

"I loved the tamales with eggs and beans."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours.

2

Employees occupy many parking spots, reducing availability for customers.

3

The restaurant offers Taco Tuesday specials.

05
Oaxaca Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint spot with authentic Mexican vibes and calm bolero music creates a cozy, family-friendly feel. Tamales shine here, especially mole and green tamales wrapped in banana leaf offering rich, balanced flavors. Diverse, traditional dishes make it a unique find.

Mole and green tamales wrapped in banana leaf offer very flavorful bites with a perfect amount of meat. Green corn tamales stand out for their balanced masa and meat.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the green and mole tamales perfectly balanced with masa and meat."

Good to know

1

Live marimba music is performed on Sunday mornings.

2

The menu features authentic Mexican dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

3

Tacos are priced at $1.75 each.

06
Reinas De Las Pupusas Restaurant image 1

Bright lights and salsa music create a lively, welcoming vibe with authentic Salvadoran food. Corn tamales come in red and green varieties with great flavor, plus sweet tamales de elote. Large fans keep the space cool in a casual, beautifully decorated setting.

Corn tamales come in red and green varieties with great flavor. Tamales de elote offer a sweet corn option alongside savory choices.

People are saying

"I found the pupusas here to be delicious."

"I loved the tamales and Jamaica here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no air conditioning, only fans are running.

2

Expect long wait times for food, especially during busy hours.

3

A $1.00 surcharge applies for card payments; cash is cheaper.

07
El Bravo Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with award-winning tamales like green chile and chicken green corn. Bright murals and an open kitchen create a lively family atmosphere. Handmade tortillas and fresh salsas add authentic flavor in a clean, casual setting.

Green chile and chicken green corn tamales stand out with rich flavors. Vegetarian options exist alongside award-winning tamales and easy availability even on busy days.

People are saying

"You have to try their Navajo taco; it's incredible Mexican food."

"I found the food to be amazing and reasonably priced."

"I found the green chile tamales to be the best."

Good to know

1

Prices at El Bravo Mexican Food are higher than those listed online.

2

Chips and salsa are charged separately, even with a full meal purchase.

3

The restaurant has changed ownership recently, affecting menu pricing.

08
Fry Bread House image 1
Native American restaurant

Cozy spot with a friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly patio offers tasty red and chicken tamales that pair well with fry bread tacos. Handcrafted native jewelry adds charm, making it a warm, family-supported place to enjoy good food and local crafts.

Tamales come in red and chicken varieties and pair well with other dishes like fry bread tacos. Availability varies, but when served, they are consistently very good and part of combo meals.

People are saying

"The fry bread is huge, hot, and fresh."

"The cinnamon sugar fry bread dessert is wonderfully flavorful."

"I thought the tamales here were excellent."

Good to know

1

No reservations are necessary, but it can be busy and tables fill up quickly.

2

Seating is very limited, especially during peak hours.

3

Expect large portions; consider splitting a meal if you're not a big eater.

09
Los Reyes Bakery Panaderia image 1

Small spot shines with authentic Mexican bakery and soft breads. Tamales stand out for their great texture and flavor. Known for best menudo, perfect for breakfast lovers.

Tamales come out great here, with a texture that pairs well with their fresh bread. Both items show consistent quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be great and soft."

"It's a cute, authentic Mexican bakery."

"I've never had menudo this good before."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a good variety of authentic Mexican bread and pastries.

2

Cash is preferred for purchases, as card options may be limited.

3

Expect a cozy atmosphere with limited seating available.

10
La Piñata Mexican Food Restaurant image 1

Traditional Mexican spot with homemade tamales like green chile corn and red tamales in sauce. Dark, cool interior and colorful decor create an intimate vibe. Spacious patio with a big fireplace offers dog-friendly seating and lively energy.

Tamales come homemade and include options like green chile corn and large red tamales covered in sauce. The TIA CARLOTTA features a green corn tamale with shredded chicken, cheeses, and Ranchero salsa.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is super yummy and generously portioned."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

"You have to try the tamales; they're the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially during busy hours.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is very popular.

3

Happy hour specials provide great deals on food and drinks.

11
Panaderia El Guero image 1

Panadería serves authentic Mexican bread and fresh tamales with moist masa and hearty meat. The place feels like stepping into Mexico with a friendly atmosphere and clean space. Wedding cakes offer quality without high cost, making it a great spot for treats and celebrations.

Tamales come well packed with meat and have a spongy, moist masa. They stay available throughout the day and can be bought warm to go.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican bread here to be the best in the area."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, especially the tamales."

"I thought the tamales here were really, really good."

Good to know

1

They specialize in cakes for various events and festivities.

2

Prices for cakes are reasonable compared to other bakeries.

3

Tamales are priced at about $3.25 each with various filling options.

12
Funky Frida's image 1
Restaurant

Colorful, artsy decor with a Spanish twist sets a cozy, lively scene. Green chile tamales offer tender chicken and bold flavor, paired with hearty sides. Dog-friendly patio with heaters and fire pits invites relaxed socializing under cumbia tunes.

Green chile tamales feature tender chicken and a strong green chile flavor. They come with sides like black beans or pinto beans and lime rice, making for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I loved the enchiladas with perfectly cooked, well-seasoned shrimp."

"The salsa here is super fresh and has good heat."

"The green chile tamale's flavor and tender chicken were amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of tacos with customizable meat options.

3

Seating is plentiful, including outdoor patio options.

13
El Norteño image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old building offers a simple, cash-only setup with family-oriented atmosphere. Red and green tamales shine with flavorful sauce and perfect meat to masa ratio. Outdoor seating faces a busy intersection, adding noisy backdrop to the colorful mural and large menu.

Red and green tamales come with very flavorful sauce and a perfect meat to masa ratio. They stand out alongside other dishes like enchiladas and chile rellenos.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really very good and authentic."

"I thought the carne asada tacos were the best I've ever had."

"The tamales had a perfect ratio of meat to masa."

Good to know

1

El Norteño offers daily lunch and dinner specials.

2

The restaurant accepts only cash payments.

3

Customers may have to wait outside in the heat for their orders.

14
La Purisima Bakery 2 image 1

Neighborhood bakery shines with fresh tortillas and authentic tamales in hot red and mild green flavors. Soft Mexican bread and pastries use traditional lard recipes. Clean, affordable spot with a steady morning crowd makes it a top choice for genuine Mexican baked goods.

Tamales come in a nice size and texture with flavors like hot red, mild green, and cheese with chile. They taste homemade and authentic, often served hot and sometimes given as extras by the staff.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic, freshly made Mexican pastries and sweet bread."

"I found the homemade tortillas here to be incredible."

"I thought the tamales here were incredible."

Good to know

1

Hot tamales cost about $3 each, and they also offer custom orders.

2

Prices are generally affordable, with tamales priced at $14 for 6.

3

The bakery offers a large variety of Mexican bread and pastries.

15
Mama Olga's Tamales and Fine Mexican Food image 1

Bright green and red building offers a casual, diner-like vibe with outdoor seating. Fresh, hot tamales come in wide variety like red pork and sweet corn, capturing authentic Mexican flavors. Great prices keep a steady crowd coming for homemade style tamales.

Tamales come in a very nice variety including red pork, red beef, and sweet corn. They stay fresh and hot with a spot on texture and flavor that resembles traditional homemade styles.

People are saying

"These tamales taste just like the ones I grew up with."

"These tamales taste like the ones I grew up with."

"The food here is amazing, especially the tamales."

Good to know

1

Tamales cost $3 each, with options for half dozen or full dozen.

2

The parking lot is very small, so arrive early.

3

Seating is limited, and outdoor dining is the only option.

16
Taco Night & Tequila image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-air Mexican spot shines with colorful murals and a cozy patio. Grilled meat gives tamales a distinct flavor that feels homemade. Guests love the lively vibe and mezcal margaritas that pack a punch.

Grilled meat gives the tamale a distinct flavor compared to griddle-cooked versions. The corn tamale stands out with perfect seasoning and a texture that feels homemade.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The breakfast service was outstanding, especially from Jackie."

"The tamales here are served with excellent, friendly service."

Good to know

1

Taco Night & Tequila offers half-off draft beer and margaritas on Taco Night.

2

Customers must order at the counter and find an open table.

3

Reservations are recommended due to the busy atmosphere.

17
Cuban Foods Bakery & Restaurant image 1

Small Cuban spot shines with super-sized tamales that sell out fast and are top-rated outside Miami. Cozy, family vibe blends with authentic Cuban music for a relaxed meal. Early lines form for freshly baked bread, showing strong bakery roots.

Tamales sell out fast and come in a super-sized version. They serve them as appetizers and offer pick-up orders. People consider these tamales among the best outside Miami.

People are saying

"I thought the Cuban food here was amazing and authentic."

"The Cuban bread here is grilled to perfection for sandwiches."

"I found the tamales here to be the best outside Miami."

Good to know

1

Call an hour ahead if you want to try the paella.

2

Expect a line as soon as the restaurant opens for fresh bread and desserts.

3

Desserts and bread run out quickly, so arrive early.

18
Restaurante Guanaco y Chapin image 1

Small, family-owned spot serves authentic Salvadoran cuisine in a cozy, clean space. Pupusas are perfectly cooked and tamales have a perfect masa texture with a slightly sour taste. Tamales de pollo feature a great chicken filling that stands out.

Salvadoran tamales come with a perfect masa texture and a slightly sour flavor that stands out. The tamales de pollo offer a great chicken filling inside the masa.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really authentic and amazing."

"I found the pupusas, curtido, and salsa to be authentic."

"The Salvadoran tamale here tasted exactly as I remembered from childhood."

Good to know

1

Restaurante Guanaco y Chapin has an A rating from the health department.

2

Prices are very friendly.

3

The To Go packaging is secure, ensuring food stays intact.

19
Tacos Huicho #3 image 1
Taco restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine with a wide variety of tacos and spicy tamales in both red and green. Casual, picnic-style seating creates a family-friendly vibe. Weekend red pozole adds a special touch to the welcoming atmosphere.

Spicy tamales stand out with both red and green varieties offering a good kick. The tamales are consistently delicious and well balanced in flavor.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be delicious and some of the best I've ever had."

"The salsa verde and pico de gallo were so yummy."

"These tamales are spicy and just right."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a good value with discounted prices on tacos.

2

Expect to pay $14.99 for three tacos, which some find overpriced.

3

The salsa bar charges for small containers, so be mindful of that.

20
The Original Carolina's Mexican Food image 1

Simple, old building with hole-in-the-wall charm offers a casual vibe. Green Chicken Tamales shine with authentic flavors alongside traditional hard tacos. Cash-only policy keeps it unpretentious and busy, creating a true walk back in time.

Green Chicken Tamales and Green Corn Tamales stand out with authentic flavors. Tamales come alongside hard tacos and enchiladas made traditionally.

People are saying

"I've been eating this Mexican food since I was a kid."

"These tortillas are the best I've ever had, so fresh and flavorful."

"I enjoyed the tamales and chicken tacos."

Good to know

1

They are cash only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

The restaurant's schedule can be inconsistent; call ahead to confirm hours.

3

The Mojave location has limited seating and no table service.

21
Someburros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with bold tamales like green chili and red beef. Modern, upscale decor creates a clean, inviting atmosphere with lively music. Drive-thru serves frozen margaritas and breakfast, adding great convenience.

Green chili and red beef stand out as bold tamale flavors here. Meals often include a beef tamale side that complements the main dish.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently delicious and very good."

"I thought the salsa was perfectly flavored and had a great texture."

"I thought their tamales were some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals every week.

2

Expect a guaranteed 15+ minute wait to park in the lot.

3

Drive-thru opens at 7am for breakfast options.

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