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Mexican tamales

The smell of masa and spices brings back memories of home. A simple, honest meal is exactly what the afternoon calls for.

Based on 505 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 1
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 2
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 3
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Small pizza restaurant with cozy atmosphere and quiet environment offers authentic Cuban pizzas and comfortable seating. Surrounded by green trees, it provides a clean and welcoming space with shaded outdoor seating. The place maintains a pleasant vibe with good parking availability.

Handmade and fresh, the tamales pack full of flavor with a Cuban style that stands out. They pair well with other items like steak sandwiches and tropical milkshakes.

Tamales stand out as spectacular and excellent here. Other Mexican dishes like the minuta steak sandwich and papaya smoothies also come highly recommended.

People are saying

"I thought the Cuban pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"It's a small but very cozy place."

"I loved the delicious Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

2

Expect a wait time for food to be prepped upon ordering.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for money.

02
Lolis Mexican Cravings image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and calm, chill vibe offers a salsa bar labeled by heat and name and fresh daily tortillas. Decor adds to the unique feel while an app simplifies ordering ahead. The place draws those seeking authentic, flavorful tacos and fast, delicious Mexican food.

Pork and chicken tamales stand out for their rich, authentic flavor. They come highly recommended and often sell out quickly due to their popularity.

Tacos stand out with fresh daily tortillas and bold, authentic flavors like carne asada and al pastor. Pork tamales come packed with meat and offer a generous size, matching the quality of the tacos.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and fresh."

"I loved their salsa bar; it was amazing and labeled by heat."

"I thought the tamales were incredible and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer happy hour until 6 pm.

2

Lolis Mexican Cravings is the area's best Taco Tuesday destination.

3

Chips and salsa cost less than $3.

03
Ranchero Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck with authentic tacos and homemade tortillas offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with limited seating. The place serves fresh, scratch-made dishes quickly and affordably, attracting those seeking genuine flavors without frills.

Spicy red tamales sell out fast, so arriving early is key. Chicken tamales and other varieties come highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Tacos here are incredibly fresh and authentic with standout options like the LENGUA taco, crispy outside and moist inside. Burritos come massive, packed with flavor, and the freshly made tortillas add a great touch to every bite.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is massive and flavorful."

"The food here is massive and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to get there early for the tamales because they sell quickly."

Good to know

1

Parking is a bit difficult, so plan accordingly.

2

Call ahead to place an order to avoid waiting.

3

Ranchero Tacos offers takeout options for convenience.

04
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican decor and a bar area playing Mexican music creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The space fills with a diverse crowd including families and locals, making it lively and a bit noisy. Tables are spaced to avoid feeling cramped despite the small size.

Tamales come in a torta de tamale and as a side with dishes like fajitas. They pair well with rice, beans, and salsa and stand out alongside enchiladas.

Authentic Mexican food shines with Al pastor tacos, Birria and carnitas tacos, and Carne Asada. Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, adding value to the delicious menu.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic and good."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best tacos in Tampa."

"I thought the tamales were so authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

05
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican style interior combines with cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and open, simple dining area. The place stays busy and lively, with tables close together and a relaxed, authentic vibe. Patio features older plants adding to the comfortable environment.

Chicken mole tamale and corn tamale stand out with unique flavors. The tamales come in a variety on the everyday menu and remind some of homemade versions.

Tacos stand out as the most authentic and best-tasting Mexican food here. The breakfast burrito and refried beans also rank highly for their flavor and authenticity.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best and unsurpassed."

"I found the Mexican food here to be so authentic and tasty."

"I thought the tamales were delicious and reminded me of my mom's."

Good to know

1

TacoSon offers counter service only, so be prepared to order at the counter.

2

Expect to wait for your order to be prepared as they start cooking after you arrive.

3

Prices are reasonable, with burritos priced around $13 including rice and beans.

06
Taqueria Mi Mexico Tampa Restaurant image 1

Small, authentic Mexican eatery with a lively, welcoming atmosphere and Spanish-language TV. Impeccably seasoned tacos and homemade enchiladas create a genuine taste experience. The place feels like a hidden gem with fair prices and a warm, cantina-style vibe.

Fresh tamales come in mole and chicken, cabeza, asada, and al pastor varieties. The flavors stay consistent and tasty across different options.

Carna asada tacos stand out with juicy, flavorful meat served alongside fresh baked sweet breads like churros and donuts. Authentic dishes like homemade enchiladas, burritos, and tamales offer a taste reminiscent of traditional Mexican cooking.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The tacos from the truck are juicy, flavorful, and amazing."

"I fell in love with their fresh, tasty tamales."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large menu with many options to choose from.

2

They have a special lunch menu available.

3

You can take your food to go.

07
Taqueria y Pupuseria Acajutla image 1
Latin American restaurant

Outdoor food truck offers extensive menu of Salvadoran and Mexican dishes with homemade-style pupusas praised as the best in the area. Atmosphere stays peaceful and clean, with a focus on take-out service and Spanish-language menus that reflect authentic cultural roots.

Chicken tamales stand out with their delicious flavor. Overall, tamales here are consistently tasty and satisfying.

Tacos come piled high with meat on a single tortilla, especially the Asad tacos. Pupusas like chicharrón queso and frijole are fresh and tasty, alongside tongue quesadillas and burritos. Horchata is also available.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The tacos and pupusas here are fresh and tasty."

"I found the pupusas to be the best I tried in the area."

Good to know

1

Prices are not posted, so be prepared for surprises at checkout.

2

The menu is exclusively in Spanish, so know what you want beforehand.

3

They open at 10AM, earlier than many food trucks.

08
Mema’s Alaskan Tacos image 1

Quaint wood-floored casita offers a cozy, homemade vibe with casual indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels like a friendly family gathering with pet-friendly accommodations. Energy stays relaxed and welcoming, perfect for enjoying authentic, flavorful tacos.

Tamales come with a perfect sauce that enhances their flavor. The chicken tamales are moist and delicious, paired well with beef options like Alaskan tacos and quesadillas.

Tacos here have a unique character and stand out as very delicious with interesting flavors. The Taco-Rita, a double-decker taco, and the exceptional elote add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The tacos here are incredibly delicious and interesting."

"I found the tamales to be delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos offers a loyalty punch card; get one free taco after ten.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly with outdoor seating available.

3

They provide water for dogs at outdoor tables.

09
Lolis Tacos - Westshore image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a salsa and hot sauce bar offering multiple heat levels for self-service. The space is bright and open with a casual, cozy atmosphere that stays quiet during dinner hours. Patrons enjoy authentic, flavorful tacos in a clean, pleasant setting with an outside patio.

Chicken tamales stand out as very delicious and highly recommended. The red pork tamale also pairs well with pastor tacos, making the tamales a notable highlight.

Tacos stand out with high quality and authentic flavors. Salsa options are wonderful, and tamales rank among the best ever tasted.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I loved the variety of fresh salsas available."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos every Tuesday.

2

Expect to order at the counter; there is no table service.

3

Vegetarian options include Beyond products for plant-based diets.

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