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Tamales and coffee spots in California

You need a strong cup of coffee to go with your tamale, and you shouldn't have to hunt for both.

Based on 813 Opinions
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01
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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 has a Mexican twist with options like horchata cold brew that refresh on hot days. The coffee tastes strong and rich, not watered down like at big chains.

People are saying

"Their coffee, especially the lattes, is always delicious."

"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
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Spacious cafe-style restaurant with an open roof and board games like checkers and chess available for guests. Atmosphere feels homey and kid-friendly, with cheerful music and a live band adding to the lively vibe. Seating areas are ample and airy, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Curry tamales stand out with Indian spices in the masa and curry both inside and on top. Chicken curry tamales come as part of a flight and pair well with dishes like Tandoori fried chicken and paratha.

Bold and rich Indian coffee stands out here, perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. The chai is light and beautifully spiced without being too sweet.

People are saying

"You have to try the curry tamales; they're so tasty."

"You have to try the Indian coffee; it's bold and rich."

Good to know

1

You can host events there.

2

There are microphones and speakers, suggesting they might host karaoke nights.

3

The parking lot in the back is a big plus.

03
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Bakery offers authentic Guatemalan baked goods with fresh pastries and generous portions in a relaxed atmosphere. The space feels charming and unassuming, attracting those interested in genuine flavors. It stays open early and late, serving a variety of breads, pupusas, and other traditional foods.

Guatemalan tamales here are hearty and delicious. The tamale torta also stands out with its tasteful bread and flavors.

Coffee comes out perfect and strong, with iced coffee described as heavenly. Options include various coffees alongside pan dulce and other drinks.

People are saying

"The tamales here are hearty and delicious."

"Their coffee was perfect and strong."

Good to know

1

The bakery serves authentic Guatemalan baked goods and pan dulce.

2

They offer a variety of foods, juices, and coffees.

3

The bakery is Latina owned and operated.

04
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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.

Coffee here stands out for its Mexican-style flavor and amazing taste. Lattes and cappuccinos come out delicious and pair well with fresh bread.

People are saying

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

"The coffee here is amazing, especially the house blend."

Good to know

1

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

2

Pupusas are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

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

05
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Small bakery and pizzeria in a run-down plaza offers fresh Mexican sweet bread and delicious tamales with a wide variety of pan dulce. Atmosphere feels like a hidden gem with a cozy, authentic vibe and plenty of parking. Prices tend to be higher than typical bakeries, and the selection is somewhat limited.

Two tamale options come in at $3 each: spicy pork skin and shredded pork. Both are delicious and not listed on the wall menu.

Champurrado and fresh coffee start the day here. Coffee pairs well with Conchitas and bread.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be delicious."

"I found their coffee to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery has a limited selection of basic Mexican sweet breads.

2

Prices at the bakery are considered high compared to most bakeries.

3

Parking is plentiful and available near the bakery.

06
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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.

Coffee here has a strong yet sweet profile with a slight exotic flavor. The Mexican coffee pairs well with doughnuts and cold brews like horchata and de olla.

People are saying

"I found the donuts and coffee to be delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were out of this world."

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.

07
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Oaxacan restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with attentive service and a down-to-earth vibe. Regulars enjoy authentic, flavorful Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos and mole tamales that stand out for their quality and taste.

Tamales come in authentic Mexican flavors like mole and pineapple, with vegan mushroom and spinach options clearly labeled in separate trays. Orders arrive on time with clear updates, and the portions deliver strong flavor and quality.

Coffee here has a perfectly sweetened taste that recalls Oaxaca. The Oaxacan mole tamales come with coffee that matches that rich flavor. The matcha latte stands out as a notable option.

People are saying

"These tamales are so delicious and have great flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-minute wait during peak breakfast hours.

2

Halal meat options are available upon request.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

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Bakery offers authentic Mexican bread and traditional Hispanic snacks in a vibrant, no-frills setting with ample seating. The atmosphere stays chill and inviting, attracting many bread lovers. It stands out for fresh, affordable options including vegan choices and savory dishes alongside sweets.

Tamales come in green chicken, red pork, and cheese with strips varieties, all very tasty. They stand out as some of the most enjoyable and savory tamales around.

Hazelnut iced coffee stands out with a strong flavor and flavorful punch. Flavored coffees and teas complement a simple, no frills setting focused on great drinks.

People are saying

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

"I thought the hazelnut iced coffee was the best I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

K Bakery offers a variety of authentic Mexican pastries and savory dishes.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be challenging.

3

Prices are not displayed on many items, so be prepared for surprises.

09
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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.

Coffee comes in a carafe on the table and is served hot at the right temperature. Staff show teamwork by pouring coffee and clearing tables efficiently.

People are saying

"The coffee here is perfectly brewed and delicious."

"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.

2

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

3

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

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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 here is strong and delicious with high-quality lattes like vanilla and horchata. This spot offers some of the best coffee in the area.

People are saying

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

"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.

11
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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.

Iced coffee de olla stands out as a favorite, offering a unique and delicious flavor. Mornings include free pan dulce with coffee, and the pot coffee consistently tastes good.

People are saying

"The menudo was so tasty and flavorful, I really enjoyed it."

"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.

Mexican-style coffee stands out with de la hoya coffee served fresh and flavorful. The coffee in the olla offers a unique option alongside the usual cups to go.

People are saying

"I had the de la hoya coffee and it was perfection."

"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.

13
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Bakery open 24/7 offers fresh tamales, large chocolate-covered donuts, and traditional pan dulce in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The space draws a steady flow of people seeking hearty breakfast items and sweet treats any time of day. Community involvement adds a local touch to this casual spot.

Tamales come wrapped perfectly and taste well-seasoned with options like pork, chicken, and red and green chile. Red chili sauce is available on the side to add extra flavor.

Coffee comes fresh and well-made here, pairing perfectly with their menu items. They offer a fresh variety of donuts and pastries alongside consistently delicious coffee.

People are saying

"These tamales are amazing, tasty, and well-seasoned."

"The coffee here is fresh and tastes great."

Good to know

1

The bakery is open 24/7, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Prices at California Bakery & Cafe are fair for the area.

3

There is a $5 minimum to use a credit card.

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Tiny Mexican bakery offers authentic pan dulce with freshly baked, individually wrapped bread that melts in the mouth. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, resembling a clean, cozy cafe where care shows in every detail.

Tamales come in red and chicken varieties priced at three dollars each. Some tamales are half open, and the green chicken tamale tends to be dry and spicy.

Coffee pairs well with fresh pastries like conchitas. Every sip complements the rich flavors of the treats perfectly.

People are saying

"You have to try the tamales; my husband loved them."

Good to know

1

They bake fresh bread every morning.

2

The bakery offers custom orders, such as conchas in specific colors for events.

3

They have tamales on Saturdays.

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Mexican-style decor creates a bright and clean space with a welcoming atmosphere. Background music adds to the pleasant vibe, while a salsa station offers customizable sauces. Fresh, warm bread and pan dulce stand out as signature features.

Cheese tamale stands out with great dough and rich flavor. Tamales come out quickly after ordering and cost around $3.80 each.

Coffee comes brewed in a clay pot and served both hot and ice cold. It pairs well with conchas and fresh breads.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be very delicious."

"The coffee and conchas here are the best."

Good to know

1

Cruise Night event happens every Sunday, featuring Lowriders and Car Clubs.

2

The bakery section sells fresh bread and pastries daily.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

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Cozy bakery with homelike atmosphere and family-owned charm offers fresh Mexican-style bread and notable tamales. Seating includes a few indoor tables and outdoor spots. Bread quality varies, but the place feels welcoming and familiar.

Tamales here are known for their authentic flavor and come in varieties like pork and veggie. They pair well with Mexican sweet bread and are easy to get quickly.

Coffee comes with unique twists like horchata with espresso and a clay pot brew called chorreada. Options include hot horchata lattes and iced dulce de leche lattes, all paired well with fresh bread.

People are saying

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

"The horchata latte is delicious and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

They had very limited parking at La Mascota Bakery.

2

Ordering ahead does not reduce wait time on busy days.

3

The bakery specializes in artisanal Mexican-style bread.

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Clean space with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating offers a pleasant bakery aroma and seasonal decorations. The atmosphere suits relaxed dining with views of a Pacific Coast sunset and gentle breeze. Prices tend to be higher, reflecting a focus on quality and variety in baked goods.

Tamales come in pineapple, corn, and chicken varieties that taste very good. They pair well with sweet bread and tortas for a satisfying meal.

Mornings feature cinnamon coffee and a good variety of coffee options alongside breads and oatmeal. Coffee pairs well with items like croissants or Avena with Bolillo and beans with chopped jalapeños.

People are saying

"I grabbed a delicious coffee with my morning bread."

"The tamales here are really delicious."

Good to know

1

Cake orders must be placed 3 days in advance unless it's a simple order.

2

Don Pancho's Bakery accepts card payments with a $1 extra charge.

3

Mexican bread costs $2 each.

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Small bakery with cozy atmosphere and lively, welcoming vibes fills quickly with a long but fast-moving line. Offers authentic Mexican pan dulce and vegan options like tamales and bread. Parking is limited, and seating inside is scarce.

Melt-in-my-mouth pork tamales have a perfect ratio of masa to meat. Vegan options like corn tamales are available, and the tamales consistently please at gatherings.

Coffee here strikes a perfect balance of sweet and strong with flavors like cookie butter and brown sugar lattes. Drinks come with unique cold foams like oatmilk banana and vanilla, all mixed well without overpowering.

People are saying

"The latte flavors here are mixed perfectly and not overpowering."

"I found the tamales here to be melt-in-my-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very scarce, with limited street parking available.

2

A cup of coffee costs about $10, which is on the higher side.

3

The line can be long, but it moves quickly during busy hours.

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Super fancy dining room with Instagramable decor and a beautiful tree inside creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere filled with loud music and festive noise. Popular spot draws energetic crowds who enjoy unique Mexican pastries and a full bar featuring standout cocktails. Tables have a strict 90-minute limit, emphasizing a fast-paced, social vibe.

Sweet corn tamales stand out with their super soft texture and natural sweetness. They appear on sampler plates alongside chilaquiles and machaca, making them a notable part of the meal.

People are saying

"I found the chilaquiles with secret sauce to be very delicious."

"The sweet corn tamales here are so soft and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to wait 1 to 2 hours for a table on weekends without a reservation.

3

The atmosphere can be loud due to frequent birthday celebrations.

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Small Mexican grocery store combines bakery with sweet bread, butcher shop, and prepared food in one busy space. Crowds gather especially during holidays for fresh masa and pan dulce, creating a lively atmosphere. Parking challenges arise due to a compact business area, but quality items like meaty chicharrón and Wagyu beef stand out.

Brewed coffee is available in the mornings alongside Cafe de Olla, a cinnamon coffee option. Prepared food and baked goods are offered in the same area.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Parking is very difficult due to the crowded small business area.

2

Tamales cost $4 each, and they are popular during holidays.

3

Expect long lines during holidays, especially for masa.

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