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Tamales and chili spots

Made for those who seek out the most comforting combination of tamales and chili in a relaxed, no-frills environment.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Small, cozy restaurant with Pop Art decor and close tables creates an intimate setting. Live music adds energy while a full bar offers diverse cocktails. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, blending a speakeasy vibe with family-friendly warmth.

Sweet corn tamale stands out with its rich flavor. Tamales come alongside empanadas and other dishes that pair well together.

OG Chile Gueritos feature a unique, flavorful sauce with balanced spiciness. Empanadas pair well when dipped in the accompanying cajun sauce, making both dishes solid choices.

People are saying

"The empanadas had a perfectly crisp crust and came with cajun sauce."

"I loved the tamales with queso fresca crema and corn on top."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

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Expect wait times of over 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Limited parking is available close to the entrance.

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Small, clean space with only six tables creates an intimate setting. Family-friendly atmosphere with older owners and waitstaff adds warmth. Known for authentic Mexican dishes like green chilaquiles, menudo, and tamales, it offers a quiet, unassuming vibe distinct from larger, busier spots.

Jalapeno cheese tamales stand out with fresh ingredients and bold flavor. Over 300 dozen tamales sell during holidays, showing strong demand and consistent quality.

Green chili stands out with dishes like Chile Verde and the green chili burrito. Chili Rellenos and taquitos paired with chili verde also highlight the menu's focus on rich, flavorful chili.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be exceptionally good."

"The green chili here is amazing, seriously the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking is rough when busy, so arrive early.

2

They may run out of some items late in the day.

3

The menu is simple with classic options.

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Small, charming hole-in-the-wall with authentic Mexican style and a nostalgic, home-like atmosphere. Quiet and casual with friendly energy and well-chosen music enhancing the experience. Known for delicious, spicy dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Green chili and rajas con queso tamales stand out with a good meat-to-corn ratio. Sweet tamales with nuts and fruit pair well with coffee and come in special orders for large groups.

Chile Verde dishes stand out as delicious and spicy, especially the burrito and plate options. The chili relleno is flavorful, light, and crispy, often served as a complimentary dish and noted for its quality compared to traditional versions.

People are saying

"The tamales, especially green chili and rajas con queso, were super delicious."

"The chili relleno is flavorful, light, and crispy."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from Monday to Friday.

2

Taco specials on Tuesday and Thursday cost $1.50 each.

3

Reservations are recommended due to a small menu that changes daily.

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A small Mexican restaurant with a back patio offering outdoor seating. The air carries a strong scent of fresh masa and simmering chiles, creating a rich, authentic atmosphere. Known for large, flavorful tamales made without lard, it draws a crowd despite limited parking and a takeout-focused setup.

Big and tasty tamales stand out here, especially the green chicken and sweet corn varieties. Prices stay fair, and many return regularly for these flavorful tamales.

Tamales come in cheese and poblano pepper, green chile cheese, and red pork varieties. The chili in the tamales is mild, not spicy, and pairs well with plenty of cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, which can be a problem.

2

The tamales are $4 each and are pretty big and filling.

3

They don't take small orders over the phone.

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Outdoor area offers standing tables and bar seating, creating a casual, retro American style vibe. Atmosphere feels historic and cozy, often lively after sports events. Known for 24-hour service and iconic chili cheese burgers.

Cheese tamale pairs well with chili fries and chili dogs. The tamales have a heavenly taste that appeals to many.

Chili cheese burgers come with extra chili and hold a strong reputation as a piece of local history. The chili topping is a defining feature, making these burgers a standout choice for chili lovers.

People are saying

"You have to try their chili burgers; they're an LA classic."

"I found the chili-covered tamale to be heavenly."

Good to know

1

Tomorrow, 3/11, is the last day for the $2.99 burger specials.

2

Original Tommy's is open 24 hours for takeout only.

3

If there's no parking in the little lot, you can park across the street at their overflow lot.

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Fast food hamburger restaurant offers 24-hour drive-thru and utilitarian indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere carries an old school, 1970s nostalgia with a busy lunch hour vibe and a sometimes rough crowd at night.

Chili tamales come with a spicy, flavorful chili topping. Options include chili cheese tamales that some find greasy. Extra chili is available to add on the side.

Chili here is beanless and stays consistent with well-balanced spices and very little heat. It tops burgers and fries with a rich, savory flavor that complements juicy cheeseburgers and crispy fries perfectly.

People are saying

"I loved the chili on everything, especially the burgers."

"You have to try the chili tamales; they're spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They are open 24 hours, including the drive-thru.

2

Parking is available in the rear of the restaurant.

3

Prices have increased significantly, so check the menu before ordering.

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Espresso bar anchors a quaint space with outdoor seating surrounded by plants. Ambient lighting and music create a charming, welcoming vibe that can get noisy when busy. Family-friendly energy fills the cafe, making it a popular spot for gatherings.

Red tamales stand out with super flavorful taste and just the right amount of spice. The masa stays soft and the meat inside is always tender and perfectly cooked.

People are saying

"The red tamales here are the best, with tender meat and soft masa."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Saturday night, hosted by Juan.

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The cafe is pet friendly, allowing dogs in the outdoor seating area.

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Sundays are busy, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

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Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with cozy blue velvet booths and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Lively salsa music plays, creating a community vibe that feels like family. Bakery area displays conchas and stuffed peeps, adding a charming touch to the decor.

Huge tamales come with perfect masa and fillings like spiced chicken, pork, and cheese with chile. They taste rich and flavorful.

Bold, comforting flavors shine in the green chili and chili verde. Hand-made tortillas and a chili oil-style hot sauce add authentic, rich taste.

People are saying

"These tamales are delicious and clearly made with care."

"The chili verde here is excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Pupusas must be preordered with a minimum of six for availability.

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Pupusas are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

The cafe avoids using styrofoam and plastic for take-out packaging.

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Small family-operated restaurant offers authentic Guatemalan cuisine with marimba music playing softly in the background. The atmosphere feels warm and homey, fostering a sense of camaraderie among diners. Handmade tortillas and dishes like Churrasco and tamales highlight the menu's genuine Chapin style.

Guatemalan tamales stand out with authentic flavors that satisfy even those who cook them at home. The chicken tamale offers a classic taste, paired well with other dishes like tostada de salsa and chile relleno.

People are saying

"I found the Guatemalan tamales here to be the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but calling ahead is recommended for daily specials.

2

The restaurant offers well-priced pupusas that are substantial and filled to the edges.

3

Expect slower service as the restaurant is newly opened and family-operated.

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Small Mexican restaurant with festive mariachi music that creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Space feels clean and nicely decorated despite being somewhat cramped. Micheladas and menudo stand out as notable offerings.

Tamales come moist and flavorful, especially the tamale de elote. They pair well with sour cream and green salsa and get solid ratings, like an 8 out of 10 from a young diner.

Spicy chili salsa sits on the table adding a strong kick. Menudo comes with chile en polvo and salsa Macha to adjust heat levels.

People are saying

"I thought the menudo was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available for customers.

3

Breakfast specials are offered for $9.99 before 10:30 am.

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Cozy restaurant with beautiful Latin decor and three TVs showing soccer games. Atmosphere feels lively but not loud, filled with laughter and conversation. Known for authentic Mexican food and 5-star quality margaritas.

Tamales have a high masa content with less meat inside. They come alongside dishes like enchiladas and chile relleno on combination plates. The tamale and pozole stand out as not quite matching homemade versions.

People are saying

"These tamales are among the best I've had from a restaurant."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5 PM.

2

The restaurant has plenty of parking available, even during lunch hours.

3

The bill for two people with drinks and appetizers averages around $51.

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