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Tamales and cake in Illinois

You want a tamale that holds its own alongside a slice of cake.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tamale Mami - Little Lulus image 1
Tamale Mami - Little Lulus image 2
Tamale Mami - Little Lulus image 3
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Tamale shop offers fresh ingredients and bold flavors, especially in jerk oxtail and chicken tamales that carry noticeable spice. The atmosphere feels adorable and inviting, with many returning for seconds and enjoying a variety of desserts like tres leches and cheesecakes.

Tamales feature amazing flavors with standout options like oxtail and jerk varieties. Large orders disappear quickly, showing how delicious and popular they are.

Cakes have a dense and rich texture with a good ratio of cake to frosting. They are not overly sweet, offering just the right amount of sweetness, with flavors like Oreo Tres Leches, Red Velvet, and Cookie Butter.

People are saying

"These tamales are delicious and packed with amazing flavors."

"The tres leches and peach cobbler cheesecakes are amazing."

"I had the Oreo Tres Leches cake and it was so freakin good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak lunch hours from 12pm to 2pm.

3

Pricing for main dishes ranges from $10 to $25.

02
La Fina Bakery LLC image 1

Small bakery offers delicious cakes, tamales, and cheese-filled bread with a clean and inviting atmosphere. Prices tend to be on the higher side but reflect the quality of the products. Customers appreciate the excellent bakery work and variety including bagels and unique items like Atomic Cake.

Tamales here have a rich flavor and come with fresh masa that stands out. Some find them delicious and well-priced, while others think they are overpriced.

Cakes come in various sizes and themes, like three-tier and dinosaur designs. They taste fresh and delicious, with flavors that please guests and feature details like chocolate covered strawberries.

People are saying

"I found the cake here to be delicious and beautiful."

"I loved the tamales; they were so delicious."

"The dinosaur cake was delicious and everyone loved it."

Good to know

1

The Easter Day Fun event features free cupcakes, strawberries, and pictures with the Bunny.

2

Raffle and tacos are included in the Easter Day Fun event.

3

Prices are considered high by some, but many find them fair for the quality.

03
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with quirky warm decor and intimate indoor seating plus a noisy street-side patio. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, with staff engaging in celebrations and live entertainment. Guests often bring their own tequila to complement the homemade margarita mix.

Tamales come big and meaty, with pork and chicken options. The chicken tamale with green sauce stands out as especially flavorful.

Tres leches cake stands out as immaculate. A complimentary dessert includes a chocolate cake and flan combo that tastes fantastic.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are the biggest and most flavorful I've ever had."

"I found the cake here to be delicious and spectacular."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

You can bring your own beer, making it a BYOB spot.

3

Expect large portion sizes for the price you pay.

04
Alpacake Artisan Bakery/peruvian sandwiches image 1

Bright, fun decor combines with good music to create a friendly atmosphere. The place draws people seeking authentic Peruvian food with standout items like fresh empanadas and ceviche made with Mahi mahi. It often sells out of popular dishes, so calling ahead is common.

Tamales come wrapped in banana leaves and follow a Peruvian style. They appear on weekends and pair well with empanadas and chocolate chip cookies.

Cakes come beautifully handmade with careful decoration and rich flavors. Options include birthday cakes, Oreo cake, and Peruvian-style varieties that stand out for taste and presentation.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The cakes here are beautifully handmade and delicious."

"I found the tamales in banana leaves to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order if you're in a hurry, as food can take about 20 minutes.

2

Most menu items are nut-free, which is great for those with allergies.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when they get busy.

05
El Chicanito Bakery image 1

Bakery offers authentic tamales and fresh Mexican pastries with a wonderful selection of cakes and breads. Atmosphere is casual and clean, with English spoken for convenience. Prices are affordable, making it a popular spot for quality baked goods.

Tamales come moist and full of distinct flavor with options like cheese and pepper, pork in red sauce, and spicy chicken in tomatillo sauce. They taste fresh and authentic, consistently delicious across types.

Tres leches cake stands out for being fresh and light with a delicate texture. Cakes often feature small peach pieces in the filling, though some batches can be porous and lack flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tamales, was delicious and moist."

"I found the bread here to be soft and tasty."

"I thought the tamales were delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Authentic tamales are available at the bakery.

2

The bakery has a wonderful selection of freshly baked items.

3

Prices for baked goods are generally affordable, with five bread rolls costing $9.

06
La Luz Bakery image 1

Bakery offers Mexican pastries, large tamales, and tres leches cake with reasonable prices. Displays are clean and inviting, creating a kind atmosphere. Variety includes tamales, cakes, cookies, and bread with a focus on authentic flavors.

Tamales come fresh and warm with options like pork and chicken. They offer both mild and hot varieties, with large size and good flavor, though some find them a bit dry with less meat.

Tres leches cake stands out with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and consistent deliciousness. Cakes come with amazing designs and slices offer good value around 20 dollars.

People are saying

"This bakery has excellent baked goods."

"Their Mexican food tamales are delicious and almost homemade."

"I found the tamales here to be large and delicious."

Good to know

1

Most items are labeled with prices, making it easy to choose.

2

Expect to pay $20 for a cake, which is reasonable.

3

They charge higher fees for credit card payments.

07
Mi Tierrita Colombia image 1

Small bakery with Colombian decor and no seating, focused on takeout. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, evoking a strong sense of Colombia. Known for authentic empanadas and pastries with distinctive flavors not common in the area.

Moist tamales filled with plenty of tender meat stand out here. They taste sabrosos and come alongside other delicious baked goods like empanadas and pandebonos.

Cakes come in various styles for different occasions with perfect decoration and fantastic taste. The cookies and cream cake roll stands out as delicious, but freshness matters since cakes are best shortly after purchase.

People are saying

"This bakery feels like a true slice of Colombia."

"The cake was decorated perfectly and tasted fantastic."

"I loved the tamales; they were moist and filled with tender meat."

Good to know

1

Mi Tierrita Colombia is the first authentic Colombian bakery in the Chicago area.

2

The bakery specializes in Colombian bread, coffee, and desserts.

3

The space for eating inside is limited with few tables available.

08
Los Morales Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers authentic Hispanic pastries and a great selection of Mexican sweet bread. Cozy atmosphere invites visitors to grab a tray and choose from fresh, affordable baked goods. Family-owned spot features weekly new pastries and morning-only tamales, creating a unique, lively experience.

Tamales come fresh only in the morning and feature a simple masa-only filling. They cost about thirty dollars per dozen and stand out as a morning specialty alongside tacos and baked goods.

Tres leches cake stands out as a delicious and excellent choice here. Birthday cakes consistently come out tasty and satisfying.

People are saying

"This Mexican bakery has such fresh, authentic pastries."

"The bread here is so fresh and delicious."

"The tres leches cake here is excellent."

Good to know

1

They sell tamales on weekends, but only in the morning.

2

Tortas and cemitas are available every day.

3

Expect a great selection of affordable pastries.

09
Lupita's Joliet Bakery, Inc image 1

Sweet aroma of pan dulce fills the air, signaling authentic Mexican pastries and bread. Shelves often run low due to high demand, encouraging early visits. Known for fresh bread and traditional cakes, the bakery offers a focused selection that reflects its specialty.

Tamales cost about $3.00 and are claimed to be fresh and made daily. Some tamales are dry and tasteless, with masa that is not cooked properly.

Tres Leches cake stands out with its rich, moist texture and is often customized with edible pictures for birthdays. Cakes and cheesecakes here consistently deliver delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.

People are saying

"The bread here is always so soft and fresh."

"The bakery's bread and pastries are so fresh, they take you back to childhood."

"I thought the tamales here were great."

Good to know

1

The bakery specializes in authentic Mexican pastries and bread.

2

Arrive early to ensure a good selection, as items run out fast.

3

Tamales are available for about $3.00 each.

10
Rubรญ's Bakery image 1

Bakery offers a wide selection of Mexican breads and pastries with fresh cakes and desserts prominently displayed. Atmosphere stays clean and orderly with a welcoming vibe and reasonable prices. Bread and tamales vary in quality, but cakes often stand out for their delicate design and taste.

Tamales here vary in quality, with some being spicy and very good, while others fall short and are considered the worst by some.

Strawberry tres leches cakes come moist and fresh with a delicate, personalized design that takes just minutes to add. Prices stay reasonable, with cakes feeding about 10-15 people and showing clear care in both taste and appearance.

People are saying

"The strawberry tres leches cake was moist, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

"The cakes from this bakery are beautifully crafted and perfect for any celebration."

"These tamales were very good and spicy."

Good to know

1

Rubรญ's Bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked goods, including cakes and pastries.

2

Prices are reasonable, with cakes costing around $26 to $28.

3

There is ample free parking available on the street and beside the building.

11
The SoulFood Lounge 2 image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with an all-black aesthetic and live music featuring jazz and saxophone. The vibe stays laid back and refreshing, suited for quiet dinners or date nights. Space is limited, creating a cozy but sometimes cramped setting.

Shrimp Tamales offer bold, awakening flavors and work well for sharing. Other tamale dishes tend to be overly doughy with too much flour, lacking the right balance of cornmeal.

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake comes with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Turtle Pound Cake serves as a sweet finish to meals.

People are saying

"The American Food here, like the turkey leg, is off the bone and delicious."

"The grilled pound cake was heavenly and delicious."

"I loved the fabulous Shrimp Tamales with coconut sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a spot inside the restaurant.

2

Parking can be difficult, often requiring a walk from 1-3 blocks away.

3

The restaurant has a 'No Share Policy' for events like 'The Grand Tasting'.

12
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Duck tamale comes with mole sauce and is served alongside rice and beans. Mole flavor is rich but can overpower the tamale itself.

Chocolate lava cake offers a sweet and salty mix with a distinct mole flavor. Flan also stands out as a top notch dessert option.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The ceviche was a perfectly balanced mix of shrimp and snapper."

"The duck tamale in mole was rich in flavor."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

13
Aracely's Bakery image 1

Bakery offers authentic Mexican pastries with early opening hours starting at 4:30 AM. Atmosphere feels welcoming and comforting with staff interactions. Known for delicious tamales and conchas, it attracts those seeking traditional flavors.

Pork in red sauce tamales stand out for their rich flavor. The red chicken tamales earn high marks for taste. Tamales here are consistently fresh and delicious.

Tres Leches cake stands out with its moist but not wet texture and perfect decoration. Cakes like conchas and rosca come fresh and tasty, offering a sweet and tantalizing experience for celebrations.

People are saying

"These tamales taste like my grandma used to make them."

"These donuts are so fresh and delicious, way better than chain places."

"The Tres Leches cake is fantastic and perfectly decorated."

Good to know

1

The bakery opens at 4:30 AM, perfect for early morning shifts.

2

A torta costs $10 plus tax.

3

Cakes are priced around $35 for a 12-inch diameter.

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