Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
California's best

Tamales and cafes

A cafe that serves authentic tamales, rather than the generic, mass-produced options that usually fill the menu.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sierra Mexican Cafe image 1
Sierra Mexican Cafe image 2
Sierra Mexican Cafe image 3
View all

Small coffee shop offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with Rock en español music playing softly. Seating expands inside and includes a quiet patio for peaceful coffee moments. The vibe feels homey and intimate, ideal for work or casual chats without rush.

Tamales come with perfect spice and sauce, especially the chicken, pork, and mole varieties. The green tamale stands out with tons of flavor and the dishes often remind people of home.

Coffee here features an aromatic cafe de olla that pairs well with the strawberry and banana toast. Service feels personal and welcoming, with staff greeting by name and avoiding the typical chain coffee shop vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the mazapan and biscoff lattes at this cafe."

"I highly recommend the tamales de pollo, puerco, and mole."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back through the alley.

2

Customers can order online or call ahead if they are in a hurry.

3

The cafe offers unique drinks like cafe de olla and Americano.

02
Mystic Mocha image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cozy indoor space and extensive outdoor seating filled with dogs and picnic tables. Atmosphere feels artistic and inviting, with a pet-friendly vibe and peaceful patio perfect for conversations. Frequented by down-to-earth people, it offers excellent WiFi and outlets for work.

Vegan tamales stand out here, often praised for their flavor and paired with vegan bacon. They heat tamales in a microwave or warmer, but availability is limited since they often run out and restock weekly.

Cozy little spot with a Seattle vibe and chill atmosphere. Offers good coffee, great food, and outdoor seating in a dog-friendly setting.

People are saying

"I dreamed of their amazing breakfast burritos."

"The Cafe's bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is amazing every time."

"I love their vegan tamales and vegan bacon."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on the second and fourth Mondays and Tuesdays due to street sweeping.

2

There is no onsite parking; however, plenty of adjacent street parking is available.

3

The cafe offers free alternative milk options, which is rare in coffee shops.

03
ChapMayan image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with Guatemalan-inspired decor and authentic cultural music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Drinks feature in-house syrups and come with oat milk included, enhancing the handcrafted experience. Small space fills with earthy, vibrant energy and offers a unique neighborhood vibe.

Guatemalan tamales stand out for their rich flavor and authenticity. The menu includes chapin tamales and chuchitos, all noted for their delicious taste.

Cafe de olla and Mayan lattes stand out with rich, authentic flavors. The shop offers a cute, mom and pop vibe with thoughtful in-house sweeteners enhancing the coffee experience.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee; it was strong and balanced."

"I loved the delicious tamales and coffee here."

"The cafe de olla latte was delicious and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find on weekends due to the small size of the coffee shop.

2

The bathroom is located in the back and requires going through the kitchen.

3

They offer a daily pour over and flavored lattes made with in-house syrups.

04
Barrio Donas image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop offers a modern, bright interior with cozy, warm atmosphere and beautiful decor. It attracts people who enjoy quiet, happy moments while savoring unique, delicious donuts and pastries. Limited seating and early sell-outs create a sense of urgency for early visits.

Tamales here stand out for their exceptional taste and are often rated a perfect 10 out of 10. They set a high standard for flavor and quality among similar dishes.

Cafe de olla stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with horchata. They serve Cafe Moto coffee and offer unique treats like the churro donut.

People are saying

"I found the donuts to be dangerously delicious and insanely tasty."

"Their tortas have the best bread I've ever tasted."

"I found the cafe de olla incredible, especially with horchata."

Good to know

1

They're sold out of their top flavors by 10am.

2

Visiting early provides the best selection of Donas.

3

You can't expect to have a full selection of donuts after lunchtime.

05
Little Barn Coffee House image 1
Vegan restaurant

Outdoor patio surrounded by plants offers a cozy, intimate vibe with dog-friendly seating. Atmosphere feels relaxing and inspiring, perfect for quiet moments or casual gatherings. Small space with walk-up ordering creates a casual, tucked-away feel.

Tamales pack a lot of flavor and come in multiple varieties. They serve as a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that stands out for being satisfying and well-made.

Small vegan cafe offers a variety of cafe drinks and an all-day breakfast menu. The spot feels pretty nice for a casual coffee stop.

People are saying

"I loved the vegan breakfast burrito and chicken pesto sandwich."

"This cute vegan cafe has a lovely outdoor patio."

"The tamales here are legit and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The establishment is fully vegan with many plant-based dishes.

2

There are no customer restrooms available at Little Barn Coffee House.

3

They ask that people don’t stay longer than an hour.

06
Alushe coffee bar image 1

Cozy coffee shop with comfy chairs and unique wall artwork creates a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. Plenty of seating invites lingering and conversation. The vibe feels like entering a friend's home, blending charm and serenity.

Fluffy, almost creamy masa stands out in the tamales here. Some tamales have spoiled cheese or a strong stench, while others like the chicken tamale offer good flavor.

Cozy and comfortable atmosphere invites long stays. Owners Jessica and Marcos provide exceptional hospitality that stands out. This cafe serves as a reliable go-to spot for coffee nearby.

People are saying

"Their coffee and signature drinks are amazing and not too sweet."

"The cafe owners, Marco and Jessica, are the most hospitable people."

"The tamales here have fluffy, creamy masa unlike any I've had."

Good to know

1

They had a Valentine's Day special menu until stocks last.

2

The breakfast burrito costs $15 and is a solid size.

3

There are no vegan options available on the menu.

07
Antigua Bread image 1

Cafe offers clean, open space with a peaceful and vibrant vibe suitable for working or relaxing. It features outdoor seating and serves high-quality coffee and fresh Guatemalan sweet bread. The atmosphere resembles a casual bakery with a diverse menu and occasional loud music.

Pork tamales have a perfect texture and a generous amount of pork. They pair well with the relaxed atmosphere for working or reading while enjoying food and drinks.

Coffee quality stands out with high-quality coffee served consistently. The cafe offers a pleasant spot to enjoy drinks and food.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was strong and the lattes were good."

"I finally found a cafe with great coffee and delicious vanilla lattes."

"The pork tamale was delicious with perfect texture."

Good to know

1

The coffee bar opens at 7:00 AM.

2

They offer pastries and breakfast all day.

3

Parking is available every time I visited.

08
buenos días cafe image 1

Small cafe with beautiful artwork and warm, inviting atmosphere offers high-quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. The vibe is trendy and lively, popular among students with a contagious energy.

Moist but not too wet masa defines the tamales here. The cheese tamale stands out, enjoyed even by kids, and the corn tamales appear freshly made and tasty.

Coffee shines with cafe de olla and horchata latte alongside a loaded burrito with chorizo and chilaquiles. The cafe offers authentic Hispanic vibes, clear menus, and beautiful artwork inside.

People are saying

"I loved the churro latte and other fun coffee drinks."

"The Cafe de Olla is coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo."

"I loved the tamales here; they were so delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe does not have a drive-thru option.

2

Expect long lines, but they move quickly.

3

There is no menu displayed anywhere in the cafe.

09
Mexes Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with beautiful East LA decor and a homey, cozy vibe. Atmosphere stays calm and welcoming, suited for relaxed meetups or quiet moments. Offers ample seating indoors and outdoors with a quaint, family-inspired feel.

Pork and chicken tamales stand out here. They taste delicious and keep the focus on traditional flavors.

Cozy and welcoming atmosphere blends with Latino-owned charm and a sense of family tradition. Coffee offers a variety of choices and pairs well with sweet treats for a relaxing break.

People are saying

"The coffee here has such a cute and quiet vibe."

"You can pick a photo to print on your latte at this cafe."

"The pork and chicken tamales here were delicious."

Good to know

1

There is parking available on site.

2

The cafe closes early, around 2 or 3 pm.

3

They plan to expand their menu soon to include pupusas and burritos.

10
Con Azucar Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with bright Mexican decor and Chicano cultural touches creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Mexican music plays, enhancing the vibe and making it feel like an authentic café. Unique feature includes custom photo art on coffee foam, adding a playful and personal touch.

Soft tamale shells come with spicy rajas or pork fillings. Chipotle sauce adds a tasty kick. Quality varies between visits.

Offers photo foam art on coffee and serves Cafe de olla alongside fresh, tasty pan. The cafe has a cute aesthetic with Latino ownership and a local, welcoming vibe.

People are saying

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

"The cafe's coffee and creative Hispanic drinks are so good."

"I thought the tamales were really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a one-hour wait outside the cafe on Saturday mornings.

2

There is no parking available at the location.

3

The cafe is small, and seating is often unavailable.

11
Hood Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with loud music that can make hearing orders difficult and a hot interior despite added air conditioning. Offers a simple menu featuring Mexican breads and tamales, with mixed reviews on food quality. Limited seating and parking require planning ahead.

Large tamales offer a good meat-to-masa ratio and include firm cheese like panela with tomatoes. Green tamales pack plenty of chicken and stay moist, making them a solid meal choice.

Unassuming appearance with friendly employees creates a welcoming vibe. Drinks include iced matcha and cafe de olla latte.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was delicious, especially the horchata."

"These tamales are amazing, packed with chicken and not dry."

"The cafe's horchata and cafe de olla lattes are delicious."

Good to know

1

Mobile ordering is recommended for faster service.

2

The menu includes chilaquiles, croissant sandwiches, and burritos.

3

There is ample parking available at the location.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...