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Tamales and desserts

Ending a meal of tamales with a proper dessert is a non-negotiable part of the experience.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 1
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 2
Sabroso! Mexican Grill image 3
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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.

Desserts are made on-site and include a smooth, creamy flan topped with caramel sauce. Complimentary treats like a fried donut with chocolate sauce and creme anglaise and warm birthday desserts appear without asking.

People are saying

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

"You have to save room for their incredible desserts."

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

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.

02
Peru Criollo image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with colorful textiles and traditional art creates an authentic setting. Atmosphere stays lively yet intimate, with salsa music at a comfortable volume. Small, cozy space features custom-made lights and welcomes BYOB with a corkage fee.

Pork tamales come fresh and flavorful with perfect preparation. They serve well as an appetizer alongside ceviche and pair nicely with Maracuya fresh water.

Flan stands out as a recommended dessert. Desserts complement the tasty appetizers and entrees well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like Peru."

"The pork tamales here are so fresh and flavorful."

"I found the desserts here to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Heads up: Peru Criollo is BYOB, but they charge a small corkage fee.

2

Reservations are recommended for weekend dining to avoid long waits.

3

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

03
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.

Offers a variety of delicious cakes and desserts that stand out for their taste. The dessert selection pairs well with drinks and complements the overall food experience.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic and delicious."

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

"I enjoyed the delicious cakes and desserts here."

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.

04
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.

Offers a variety of Colombian desserts and bakery items with friendly staff explaining the options. Some desserts can be bland or dry, but the selection includes traditional snacks and sweets.

People are saying

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

"I found their Colombian desserts and bakery items to be delicious and fresh."

"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.

05
La Josie image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rooftop seating offers scenic views and a laid-back vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate yet accommodating for groups, blending elegance with casual comfort. Cocktails feature creative presentations and strong flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

Tamales de Mama Josie stand out with rich flavor and creativity. The Al pastor sope and Rojas con queso tamale offer bold, tasty appetizers.

Tres Leches with Coconut Helado stands out as a dessert. Churros offer a perfect finish. All dips and desserts come especially good here.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

"The tamales here are amazing and bursting with flavor."

"You have to try the churros for dessert; they were a perfect finish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are available until 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

Pricing is premium, with tacos costing $9 each and entrees starting at $35.

06
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.

Leche Frita stands out as a rich dessert option. The guava donut and flan with lime pie also offer distinct sweet flavors.

People are saying

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

"The tuna tostada is a standout Mexican Food dish."

"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.

07
Mari's restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cozy, mom-and-pop vibe and authentic Mexican decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The place feels family-run and wholesome, offering table, counter, and takeout service. Seating is tight but the environment stays quiet and comfortable.

Tamales here have a homemade style with quick service and tasty flavors. Some versions use poor quality, fatty meat, while others pair well with Champurrado for a solid combo.

Sopapillas serve as a sweet ending to meals. Staff often offer complementary desserts that pair well with drinks and dishes.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has such attentive and nice service."

"It's a cozy and welcoming place."

"I found the tamales and champurrado to be 10/10."

Good to know

1

Mari's restaurant offers table service, counter service, and takeout options.

2

The food is affordable with generous portions for the price.

3

They cater for events, making it a good option for parties.

08
Pan y Pizza Pa' Ya- Irving Park image 1

Bakery offers authentic Colombian cuisine with heavenly baked goods like pandebono and almojรกbanas. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with pleasant music enhancing comfort. Regulars enjoy traditional flavors and a cozy environment that feels like home.

Tamales feature a mix of rice and corn dough with meat inside. Some versions are very salty and lack traditional elements like bacon, differing from Colombian styles.

Passionfruit mousse stands out among a good selection of desserts. Desserts, pastries, and baked goods all taste delicious and well made.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found the desserts to be delicious and there was a good selection."

"The tamales here have delicious flavor and good meat."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Pizza slices are available after 11AM.

3

All menu items are reasonably priced.

09
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.

Desserts come with the Grand Tasting, which includes three entree samples and a choice of wine or lemonade. The dessert options are part of a generous meal that often exceeds expectations and are described as fresh-made and amazing.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the grilled pound cake for dessert; it's perfect."

"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'.

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