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Tamales and enchilada spots

A meal isn't complete unless the tamales are as carefully prepared as the enchiladas.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 1
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 2
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Stylish, clean space with outdoor seating offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere that feels family friendly and authentic. Freshly made sangria complements a menu praised for its mole enchiladas and burritos. Parking is convenient with both lot and street options.

Mole tamales stand out with their moist texture and rich flavor. They come alongside other dishes like pupusas and fajitas, adding variety to the meal.

Guajillo mole enchiladas stand out with rich, complex flavors. The mole enchilada and breakfast enchilada with chorizo also offer bold, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"It's so convenient, they have their own parking lot."

"These tamales are delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the restaurant complex itself.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.

3

Menudo is served on Saturday and Sunday.

02
Tlaquepaque Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a welcoming atmosphere features live Mariachi music that energizes the space. Guests enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas alongside exceptional traditional dishes like tamales and mole. The setting combines traditional hospitality with a vibrant, festive vibe.

Beef, pork, and chicken tamales stand out with consistent quality. The Christmas tamales offer a unique twist. Service during pickup is organized and friendly. The red sauce is less favored.

Enchiladas come with a variety of delicious sauces, including Mole and Suizas. The plates often feature a three enchiladas combo that pairs well with sides like beans and chips.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the birria tacos."

"The enchiladas here are full of flavor, especially the mole."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Sunday brunch with live music starting at 11am.

2

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

03
Tamales Veracruz MRV image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple, cozy interior creates a friendly, casual atmosphere that suits quick meals or relaxed dining. Regulars enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with standout dishes like tamales and chilaquiles. The spot feels like a neighborhood gem with a clean, comfortable vibe.

Tamales come fresh with a good chicken to masa ratio and savory, sweet, nutty chicken mole flavor. Options include banana leaf tamales and portions are generous and satisfying.

Red enchiladas have a homemade feel similar to those from a hometown. Salsa verde enchiladas come with rice, beans, and a drink and pack a lot of flavor. Options include green enchiladas with potato without cheese or cream.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is packed with authentic, homemade flavor."

"I found the tamales here to be great and second to none."

"I loved the red enchiladas; they had a homemade feel."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Street parking is available off Wilton for easy access.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.

04
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Enchiladas feature a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with sauce that evokes a homemade touch. Options include enchiladas de Pollo that stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, rich, and exceptionally delicious."

"I found the steak salad fresh and flavorful."

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

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.

05
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

Two tamales come with perfect salsas and include options like Chicken - Chili Verde and pork. Some tamales have too much masa and less meat or flavor, but overall they are filling and tasty.

Chicken enchiladas stand out with fresh, delicious flavors. Enchiladas Verdes deliver a fantastic, authentic taste that matches classic cravings.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"I got two different tamales and they were delicious."

"I found the enchiladas fantastic and exactly what I imagined."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

06
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room with historic decor and a courtyard-like interior creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Outdoor patio and family room add to the kid-friendly, lively vibe. Strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes complement the authentic, nostalgic setting.

Unique blue corn tamales stand out alongside green corn tamales and sweet corn tamales available seasonally. The Corn and green Chile tamale pairs well with the #3 combo featuring a pork tamale, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans.

Chicken enchiladas come with shredded white meat and colorful tortillas. Veggie and blue corn enchiladas pair well with black beans and rice. Portions are generous and presentation is beautiful.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious, especially the salsa."

"The enchiladas here are flavorful and delicious."

"You have to try the green corn tamales when they're in season."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.

2

Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.

07
EL CAPITAN MEXICAN GRILL & BAR image 1

Bright white lighting creates a fast-food-like atmosphere inside a small, often noisy space. Live Mariachi performances and sports TVs add energy, while a semi-enclosed patio offers a quieter, dog-friendly spot. The vibe blends casual dining with moments of lively entertainment.

Chicken tamales stand out with their rich flavor and are consistently well-made. Vegetarian tamales appear on the happy hour menu and offer a cheese-free option that tastes good.

Seafood enchilada stands out with strong approval and is often recommended. Other enchiladas like cheese and combos with tamales are more average but still part of the menu.

People are saying

"The chicken tamales here are amazing."

"The outdoor seating has a great ambiance and is very pretty."

"The chicken tamales here are very good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on busy evenings.

2

The restaurant serves breakfast all day.

3

The brunch buffet is popular and offers outdoor seating.

08
El Cholo - The Original image 1
Mexican restaurant

Historic Mexican restaurant with nostalgic decor and divided dining areas creates a cozy, old-timey vibe. Strong, flavorful margaritas and classic Hispanic dishes define the experience. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with a mix of quiet booths and lively spaces.

Green corn tamales stand out with a seasonal window from May through October. The sweet corn tamales and a corn-jalapeรฑo tamale offer distinct flavors that many find impressive.

Crabmeat enchiladas stand out as a favorite with rich flavor. Red sauce on chicken enchiladas offers a unique taste. Cheese enchiladas come highly recommended and pair well with sides like rice and beans.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican food; it was beautiful and delicious."

"The Mexican food's margaritas were excellent and a highlight."

"I found the enchiladas to be always great."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $9, with valet service available.

2

Green corn tamales are available from May through October.

3

USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.

09
Hercules Draft House & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with beautiful design and varied seating options, including a nice outdoor patio. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy, with lively energy on busy nights and quiet vibes suitable for intimate dining. Offers local craft beers on tap alongside authentic Mexican dishes.

Tamales come moist and tender with a perfectly balanced meat to masa ratio. Chicken tamales shine with authentic Mexican flavor and generous molรฉ or green sauce toppings.

Shredded chicken enchiladas come with a homemade feel and the green enchiladas offer a fresh, vibrant taste. The enchiladas trio delivers a mix of flavors that feel like homemade love.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is the best I've ever eaten."

"The tamales here are moist and tender, a real highlight."

"I loved the green enchiladas; they tasted like homemade love."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos and $5 margaritas.

3

Thirsty Thursday offers half-off tequila all day.

10
Lagos Mexican Cuisine image 1

Upscale restaurant with elegant decor and ambient music that keeps the vibe relaxed. Seating offers a 360-degree view around tables, enhancing social gatherings. Atmosphere suits fine dining and date nights with stylish design and comfortable lighting.

Beef tamales come large and filling with ample portions. They pair well with other dishes like tacos and mole, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

Enchiladas come with filet mignon or succulent shrimp in tomatillo sauce. Mole enchiladas are tasty but small, while veggie options in red sauce and green cheese enchiladas offer decent variety.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer elevated Mexican flavors and fresh, flavorful ceviche."

"The beef tamales here are ample and perfect."

"The enchiladas with filet mignon were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required after 6pm; no walk-ins accepted.

2

Parking is free in the adjacent lot for restaurant patrons.

3

An 18% gratuity is added to bills for groups of seven or more.

11
Maritza's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a family-run atmosphere and humble decor offers a casual, homey vibe. The place is cash-only and popular for its authentic, flavorful dishes like carne asada and homemade salsa.

Tamales come with beef filling and appear alongside dishes like Chile relleno. Cheese in the tamale tastes artificial, similar to the cheese in the enchilada.

Chicken enchiladas come with a flavorful red sauce that stands out. Cheese in the tamale and enchilada tastes artificial, but the overall enchiladas remain great and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here, especially the carne asada, is wood-fired perfection."

"The beans are delicious with their perfect seasoning."

"I found the chicken enchiladas here to be very flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so bring cash when visiting.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

They are closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.

12
El Mezcalito image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Cheese enchiladas rancheras stand out with rich flavor. Mole chicken and veggie enchiladas offer bold sauces and satisfying fillings. Beef enchiladas and shredded beef tacos come with well-seasoned meat and tasty salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The enchiladas here are excellent and well prepared."

"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
Sarinana's Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Converted house with four small tables and murals by Jose Ortiz creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Quiet and unpretentious, it feels like a family kitchen where familiar faces often gather. The vibe is tranquil and steeped in history, offering a genuine taste of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Tamales come in large portions with varieties like pork, cheese, chicken, and corn. They have a rich, satisfying flavor that many find exceeds expectations and pairs well with other Mexican dishes.

Enchiladas come with a sweet sauce that stands out as both cloying and unique. Cheese enchiladas and tamales also feature prominently, offering a different take from traditional flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I'd ever tasted."

"It's a true hidden gem, a diamond in the rough for great Mexican food."

"I found the enchiladas here to be delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing all day on Tuesday.

2

Parking is limited; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

3

Tamales cost $3 each, which may be considered pricey by some.

14
El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Classic Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden patio. Atmosphere mixes a 1940s vibe with occasional loud order announcements, creating a unique but sometimes startling environment. Features a salsa bar and homemade tortillas, adding to its traditional appeal.

Tamales come packed and delicious with a moist texture that avoids dryness. Frozen options steam well at home, tasting just like fresh, with pork tamales standing out alongside a soft drink selection.

Chicken and cheese enchiladas come with juicy, tender chicken and a good enchilada sauce. The potato taco and cheese enchiladas combo plate is a popular choice with well-rolled tacos alongside.

People are saying

"I thought the shredded beef tacos were the best."

"I found the tamales masa to be the freshest and most flavorful."

"I found the enchiladas here to be amazing and very juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes $3.50 for two street tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Parking is available across the street in a dedicated lot.

15
Tamales Lilianas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Casual rustic space with wooden tables and a large covered patio offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting but can get crowded and loud with close tables and no air conditioning. Walls feature colorful murals and paintings, adding charm to the mom-and-pop vibe.

Big, delicious tamales stand out here, especially the tamales de queso. These tamales have a home-style Mexican feel and are often compared to homemade versions from family kitchens.

Enchiladas come stuffed with chicken or served with mole sauce. They pair well with rice and beans and sometimes come alongside dishes like chilaquiles or meatballs.

People are saying

"The tamales here have the best tender and seasoned fillings."

"I found authentic Mexican food from the Zacatecas area."

"I found the enchiladas delicious and reminiscent of homemade flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking can be an issue in the neighborhood, especially during busy hours.

2

They charge a 4% fee when paying by card, so cash is preferred.

3

You need to order Christmas tamales at least two weeks in advance.

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