Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Illinois

Tamales and enchiladas

A meal of tamales and enchiladas that feels like a slow, authentic tradition rather than a hurried, assembly-line dinner.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Gualtemalteca Bakery image 1
Gualtemalteca Bakery image 2
Gualtemalteca Bakery image 3
View all

Small bakery offers authentic Guatemalan flavors with a wide variety of traditional dishes and baked goods. Atmosphere feels calm and pleasant, evoking a sense of being in Guatemala with a friendly and happy vibe. Prices tend to be high compared to typical local spots.

Homemade tamales showcase a style from Huehuetenango with a tasty introduction to bean tamales. The tamales are consistently delicious and stand out among other options in the area.

Enchiladas come out delicious and consistently well-prepared. They pair well with chilacallote water for a complete meal.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious, it reminds me of home."

"I thought the tamales here were amazing."

"I really liked the enchiladas; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available near the bakery.

2

The bakery offers a wide variety of authentic Guatemalan dishes and baked goods.

3

Prices for items can be higher than average, especially for coffee.

02
Tziri Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors and a clean, calming atmosphere with soft Spanish music playing in the background. The environment feels friendly and chill, suitable for family meals and casual dining.

Red tamales stand out with moist, flavorful fillings. Pork tamales also deliver a rich taste, never dry, making them a solid choice alongside the Lengua Taco.

Chicken enchiladas come with a delicious flavor that stands out. They pair well with other dishes like asada tacos and gorditas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always prepared fresh."

"I thought the tamales here had great flavor and weren't dry."

"The enchiladas here are absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and organized.

2

The kitchen staff wears hair nets and gloves for hygiene.

3

The pricing at Tziri Tacos is reasonable given the quality and quantity of food.

03
Taqueria Mexico 2000 Lombard image 1

Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen and well thought out decor offers a quiet atmosphere and friendly vibe. Unique menu items and authentic flavors distinguish it from other casual Mexican spots. Prices remain great value, especially during special promotions.

Fresh tamales come in red and green varieties with unique flavors. Some tamales could use more meat, but they offer a good mix including red pork tamale and other Mexican dishes.

Chicken enchiladas come out well made and not too salty. They stand out as very good overall, matching the quality of the tacos.

People are saying

"The steak tacos here are great and have excellent flavor."

"These enchiladas are very good in every way."

"These tamales could use more meat inside."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, they have $1.99 tacos.

2

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant is family-owned, adding a personal touch.

04
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.

Enchiladas come with rich mole pastor and pack a flavorful punch. They stand out as very tasty and pair well with other dishes like tamales.

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 thought the enchiladas here were the best I 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.

05
Santa Masa Tamaleria image 1

Small tamale shop with diner-style counter seating and authentic Mexican decor creates a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend's home. The space is lively and welcoming, energized by attentive owners and regulars focused on fresh, flavorful food preparation.

Soft, moist handmade masa forms the base of tamales with great flavor. Unique options include a strawberry dessert tamale and a pork tamale topped with sauce and pico, plus tasty vegan choices with poblano peppers and onions.

Handmade tortillas give the enchiladas a comfort food feel. The enchiladas suizas stand out as exceptionally good and truly amazing.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was off the charts delicious."

"You have to try the Italian beef tamales; they're Chicago on a plate."

"These enchiladas with handmade tortillas were the bomb!"

Good to know

1

Pozole is only available on weekends at Santa Masa Tamaleria.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Everything is made to order, so be prepared for a short wait.

06
Antigua Mexican Grill (Crystal Lake) image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with loud music and warm decorations inside, plus an outdoor dining area. Families enjoy weekend magic shows and casual fun with video games. Handcrafted margaritas stand out as a signature feature.

Homemade tamales stand out with options like Tamales Con Crema Y Salsa that taste rich and flavorful. Vegetarian tamales sometimes come with chicken, which can be a serious health concern.

Veggie enchiladas stand out with a perfect rating. The Tex-Mex style enchiladas deliver strong flavor. The verde enchiladas also rank among favorites.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the steak tacos, is delicious."

"The enchiladas were delicious and very filling."

"The tamales here are phenomenal and delicious."

Good to know

1

Monday Drink Special offers discounted drinks all day.

2

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

07
Molcajete Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with limited seating and a takeout-focused atmosphere. Offers authentic dishes like tacos and fajitas with juicy, well-cooked meat and a variety of vegetarian options. The space feels welcoming and warm despite its size.

Soft masa wraps the tamales without overpowering the fillings. Sauces offer a perfect balance that complements the delicious tamales well.

Cheese enchiladas come with authentic red sauce that stands out. Beef enchiladas in salsa verde offer a delicious flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and fresh."

"The tamales here are served by the sweetest, friendliest people."

"The enchiladas here are so delicious, especially with red sauce."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos, making it a popular event.

2

The restaurant has limited dine-in seating, so arrive early.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other Mexican restaurants.

08
La Biznaga image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with adorable decorations and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from loud to extra loud, creating a lively vibe. Large seating area suits families and casual meals, with excellent portion sizes and amazing tacos and salsa.

Chicken tamales arrive hot and packed with spice and fiery heat. A salad helps balance the strong flavors.

Chicken enchiladas come with light sauce and require asking for more. The kitchen serves them with either red or green sauce, not both. Options include chips and tacos alongside enchiladas.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; the al pastor and nopales are the best."

"These chicken tamales are packed with spice."

"I loved the chips and chicken enchiladas."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday evening.

2

La Biznaga is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your own drinks.

3

The restaurant has a 3% surcharge added to the bill for tax and tip.

09
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.

Chicken enchiladas come in salsa verde and mole styles, with the mole offering a balanced spice and sweetness. Vegetarian enchiladas also feature salsa verde and taste delicious.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic."

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

"I thought the enchiladas here were amazing."

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.

10
Tacos Los Primos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with authentic Mexican food and loud Mexican music sets a lively tone. Families and diverse diners gather, enjoying plentiful parking and an open patio. Shrimp and steak tacos stand out as local favorites.

Tamales come fresh and warm right off the pot with moist, meaty fillings like green salsa chicken and red pork. The chili pepper tamale stands out as extremely good and flavorful.

Chicken enchiladas come with mole sauce and are served in a tiny, taquito-like size. They pair well with Mexican corn and hibiscus drinks.

People are saying

"I loved their Mexican Food, especially the tacos."

"I found the tamales here to be moist, meaty, and flavorful."

"I had the best enchiladas Iโ€™ve had in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Tacos Los Primos.

2

Queso birria is the house specialty according to the menu.

3

All additional baskets of chips and salsa cost $3 each.

11
Speedy Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny space with a dive bar feel offers authentic Mexican food and very affordable prices. The atmosphere is casual and unpolished, with large portions and fresh salsa and guacamole standing out. Service can be inconsistent, but the food quality and value remain strong.

Homemade tamales stand out here with a pork filling that tastes rich and satisfying. They come alongside other Mexican dishes like tacos and chile relleno.

Enchiladas come out quickly but show signs of being microwaved rather than freshly made. They arrive alongside tacos in a speedy dinner format.

People are saying

"I found the best Mexican food nearby."

"I found the enchiladas here to be fantastic and tasty."

"I enjoyed the homemade tamales; the seasoning was excellent."

Good to know

1

The prices at Speedy Burrito are very affordable.

2

Portions are generous for the price at Speedy Burrito.

3

Expect a 15-20 minute wait in the drive-thru during peak hours.

12
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor and a mural telling cultural stories create an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a cozy yet open layout. Outdoor seating is abundant, and a bar with televisions adds a lively touch. Complimentary group photos and occasional live Mariachi music contribute to a festive vibe.

Tamale making classes include hands-on instruction with a friendly guide and cover making tamales, salsa, and tacos. Participants enjoy pork tamales and take home several boxes after a long cooking process.

Shrimp enchiladas stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Beef enchiladas come stuffed full of meat and offer a hearty taste.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"I found the enchiladas here to be very delicious and packed with flavor."

"I learned to make Tamales in a fun, structured class."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, valid only at the counter.

2

Couples special available on Valentine's Day.

3

A parking garage is on the same block, with SpotHero reservations.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...