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.
"These tamales are delicious and clearly made with care."
Good to know
Pupusas must be preordered with a minimum of six for availability.
Pupusas are available on Fridays and Saturdays.
The cafe avoids using styrofoam and plastic for take-out packaging.
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.
"I thought the tamales here were the best I ever had."
Good to know
Parking is very limited, which can be a problem.
The tamales are $4 each and are pretty big and filling.
They don't take small orders over the phone.
Dark, moody space with black walls and ambient lighting creates an intimate, elegant vibe. A cool cave-like hallway leads to extra seating, adding a unique touch. Music from a DJ keeps energy chill while good acoustics allow easy conversation.
Kare Kare Tamales blend Filipino and Mexican flavors in a unique fusion. They offer a mix of comfort and sophistication that stands out consistently.
"I'd return just for the delicious tamales."
Good to know
There is a public parking lot across the street.
Sampa does not have a liquor license yet; only mocktails are available.
Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu.
Store offers freshly made tortillas and homemade birria with strong local reputation. Atmosphere shows lack of cleanliness and outdated maintenance, with some products expired. Prices vary from reasonable for tortillas to high for other items.
Fresh masa stands out for making tamales. Oaxacan tamales with mole and cheese offer rich flavors.
Good to know
Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours with over 20 people in line.
Prices for tortillas and produce are generally good compared to other local stores.
Cleanliness could be improved, as there are concerns about mold on tortillas.
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.
"I found the tamales to be delicious."
Good to know
The bakery has a limited selection of basic Mexican sweet breads.
Prices at the bakery are considered high compared to most bakeries.
Parking is plentiful and available near the bakery.
Mexican restaurant with fresh handmade tortillas and a renovated, beautiful interior. Atmosphere feels culturally authentic and welcoming, accompanied by good music and cabanas. The environment is generally warm, sometimes with poor ventilation.
Chicken and pineapple tamales offer a solid Mexican flavor. They pair well with pineapple juice and come in good portions.
"I found the tamales here to be awesome."
Good to know
The restaurant offers a variety of affordable lunch specials.
El Gallo Giro is also a bakery with fresh bolillos available daily.
The restaurant maintains a clean environment during visits.
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.
"The tamales here are really delicious."
Good to know
Cake orders must be placed 3 days in advance unless it's a simple order.
Don Pancho's Bakery accepts card payments with a $1 extra charge.
Mexican bread costs $2 each.
Small space with cozy, authentic Mexican ambiance and colorful wall art creates a welcoming, homey atmosphere. Few tables seat up to four, making it intimate and simple. Known for highly praised tamales and breakfast burritos, it draws people seeking traditional flavors.
Tamales here have a good ratio of masa to meat and come without large fat or bone pieces. The chile verde chicken and red salsa pork tamales stand out, along with a raisin and pineapple option that is also delicious.
"I found the tamales here to be the best I've had."
Good to know
The restaurant opens early from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and 6am to 6pm on weekends.
They take holiday orders, and reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Tamales cost about $3 each, with chicken, pork, and cheese options available.
Mexican grocery store combines airy layout with a restaurant-style area and employee-manned sample carts. Atmosphere stays vibrant and welcoming with music at a balanced volume. Fresh tortillas, salsas, and meats stand out alongside a full selection of produce and prepared foods.
Fresh tamales come with excellent service from kind staff at the tamales station. Prepared meals include tamales de pollo, tortillas, salsas, and guacamole, all made fresh and ready to take home.
"The tamales here are delicious and fresh."
Good to know
The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and Mexican groceries.
Daily specials provide great deals on selected items throughout the week.
The hot food section features a large selection of ready-to-eat meals.
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.
"The beef tamales here are ample and perfect."
Good to know
Reservations are required after 6pm; no walk-ins accepted.
Parking is free in the adjacent lot for restaurant patrons.
An 18% gratuity is added to bills for groups of seven or more.
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-jalapeño tamale offer distinct flavors that many find impressive.
"You have to try the green corn tamales; they're fantastic."
Good to know
Parking costs $9, with valet service available.
Green corn tamales are available from May through October.
USC students get 50% off with a valid ID.
Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.
Handmade tamales here are very delicious and come in all types. Ingredients like masa, dried chilies, and leaves are available for making tamales at home.
"These tamales are tasty and full of beef."
Good to know
On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.
Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.
The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.
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.
"You have to try the chili tamales; they're spicy and flavorful."
Good to know
They are open 24 hours, including the drive-thru.
Parking is available in the rear of the restaurant.
Prices have increased significantly, so check the menu before ordering.
Hamburger restaurant with friendly atmosphere and very clean dining area. Known for chili cheeseburgers and chili cheese fries that many consider among the best. Drive-thru can be slow, and access may be affected by nearby traffic.
Spicy Caliente Tamale features pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, tomato, chili, and green sliced peppers. Chili tamales come with a strong chili flavor and pair well with chili cheese fries.
"I tried the Caliente Tamale; it was spicy and delicious."
Good to know
Parking is ample but can be tough to access during peak hours.
Expect longer wait times during lunch and dinner rushes.
Online coupon promotions can make meals more affordable.
Supermarket offers wide variety of Hispanic foods and freshly cooked items like carnitas and tamales. Spacious and very clean environment with a welcoming atmosphere and aromas from the food court. Prices vary, with some items affordable and others higher than nearby stores.
Tamales come in a variety of flavors and are consistently delicious. They offer both fresh and cooked options alongside other dishes like chiciron.
"I found the tamales here to be the best I have ever had."
Good to know
Vallarta Supermarket offers a wide variety of Hispanic foods and products.
The prices on meat during sales are often unbeatable.
EBT is accepted for cold items only.
Small taco spot with only three tightly packed tables offers a lively and energetic atmosphere. Interior features well-decorated, neat design that creates a welcoming, homey vibe. Music plays loudly, adding to the high-energy environment despite the compact space.
Tamales de corundas and elote tamales stand out with strong corn flavors. Tamales come fresh from the pot, ready to eat without fuss.
"These elote tamales taste just like eating corn."
Good to know
Carnitas sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Street parking is available, but can be limited during busy hours.
The menu includes vegan options alongside traditional dishes.
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.
"The sweet corn tamales here are so soft and flavorful."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.
Expect to wait 1 to 2 hours for a table on weekends without a reservation.
The atmosphere can be loud due to frequent birthday celebrations.