Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Illinois

Tamales with outdoor space

Made for those who need a wide-open environment to enjoy their tamales away from the confines of a dining room.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated June 2026
01
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 1
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 2
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 3
View all

Small interior space with cozy indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio creates a calm, welcoming vibe. Quiet atmosphere suits one-on-one conversations and relaxed visits. Regulars enjoy the unique flavors and careful preparation that enhance the experience.

Tamales come with the right amount of heat and have excellent flavor and texture. Breakfast tamales pair well with drinks like dulce de leche lattes and cortados.

A cute outdoor patio offers plenty of space, even for large groups. The seating is dog friendly and perfect for enjoying a sunny, breezy day.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great, and the food is delicious."

"The outdoor seating here is really nice and cozy."

"The tamales here are excellent and the staff is very friendly."

Good to know

1

The outdoor seating is dog friendly and offers a pup cup for pets.

2

There is free parking available around the neighborhood.

3

They accommodate various dietary needs for customers.

02
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.

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 enjoyed the outdoor seating area, especially on a nice day."

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.

03
Mix Mex Cue image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with a friendly, laid-back vibe and a cute back patio. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming for families, creating a comfortable and inviting space. The setting is small but visually appealing, encouraging guests to linger.

Green chicken tamale and steak torta stand out as tasty options. Tamales come with a sour taste that might seem unusual. They are popular enough to be worth taking home.

A cute back patio offers a nice spot for outdoor dining. Both indoor and outdoor options exist, with the patio standing out as a pleasant place to sit during lunch.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food; the homemade tortillas are amazing."

"The salsa here is fresh and has the perfect spice level."

"I found the green chicken tamale delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is located behind the building.

2

They accept card and have a Zelle barcode.

3

They offer a discount if paid in cash.

04
Don Javi Taco Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers modern, clean decor with both indoor and outdoor seating that suits warm days. Atmosphere stays quiet and trendy, attracting a steady flow of customers. Food features in-house made chips and tortillas, with a focus on authentic tacos and salsas.

Tamales come with a very good sauce and pair well with tacos and burrito bowls. The tamales have a solid reputation alongside the steak tacos.

Outdoor seating includes a small patio and a dining area that works well even on hot days. The space feels comfortable and adds a nice touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was really good."

"The outdoor space here is great, even on a hot day."

"I thought the tamales here were great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves carnitas and menudo on weekends.

2

The grand opening is scheduled for this Saturday.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for a meal.

05
Rand Red Hots image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Old-school hot dog stand with 1950s vibe and retro decor including car plates and classic cars. Atmosphere is chill and fun, featuring 50s music and outdoor picnic tables. Drive-thru offers cash and card payments, with dog treats handed out, creating a classic American experience.

Perfectly steamed tamales offer a gluten-free option with a flavor similar to market day boxes. They pair well with hot dogs and Polish sausage for a satisfying meal.

Patio outside offers a phenomenal spot to relax. The outdoor area works well for Instagram pictures.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs and fries were amazing."

"The fries here are amazing, made with fresh-cut potatoes."

"I thought the tamales were spectacular and perfectly steamed."

Good to know

1

Rand Red Hots hosts a classic car show every Tuesday night during the summer.

2

Cash payments are required inside Rand Red Hots; credit cards accepted at the drive-thru.

3

Hot dogs and fries cost just over $5, making it an affordable option.

06
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.

Outdoor dining offers a beautiful ambience that shines after sunset. Eating outside adds to the vibe and enhances the experience.

People are saying

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

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

"Eating outside adds to the vibe, especially at night."

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'.

07
Taco Lulรบ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with rustic decor and vibrant colors creates a fun, cozy atmosphere despite often feeling hot inside. It operates as an order-at-the-counter spot with indoor and outdoor seating, including a bar area. Music tends to be loud rap and hip hop, adding to a lively but sometimes intense vibe.

Green tamales stand out as a preferred choice over red, offering a tasty option. The tamales come with delicious guacamole and include chicken varieties that complement the menu well.

Outdoor seating includes a patio area that offers a relaxed spot to dine. A separate room provides indoor seating, but the outdoor space stands out for casual meals.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is so flavorful."

"I enjoyed the chicken tacos and tamales here."

"The outdoor space is really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm daily, Monday to Friday.

2

The restaurant has kiosks for ordering to avoid waiting in line.

3

Expect to pay around $22 for three tacos and a drink.

08
Superdawg Drive-In image 1
Fast food restaurant

Drive-in setup with carhop service and neon lights creates a nostalgic atmosphere that blends retro and modern styles. Outdoor seating includes grassy picnic areas and benches, offering options beyond eating in vehicles. The vibe is lively yet safe, appealing to families and fans of classic American drive-ins.

Tamales come as a solid choice here, often paired with hot sauce to boost flavor. The menu includes a hot tamale option, and tamales are commonly ordered alongside hotdogs and sodas in combo deals.

Outdoor seating includes benches that are dog-friendly and allow eating outside on nice days. Options to eat in your car, inside, or at the outdoor tables provide flexibility in all types of weather.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and has always been great."

"The food here is so yummy and delicious."

"I really enjoyed their hot tamale."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $30 for a meal for two, including drinks.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to your bill when paying by card.

3

Parking can be challenging during peak hours, especially on event nights.

09
Johnnie's Beef image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with no-frills, cash-only setup and a busy, efficient kitchen creates an old-school vibe. Seating is primarily outdoor picnic tables packed closely together, leading to a crowded atmosphere. Lines form early, reflecting steady demand and a strict ordering process at a single cashier.

Tamales stand out with a unique taste that differs from others. They come with beef store style and giardiniera, offering a solid and affordable option.

Outdoor seating includes picnic tables with free parking nearby. Service moves quickly, so waiting outside stays brief.

People are saying

"This beef sandwich is the best I ever had."

"There are some outdoor tables available if the weather is nice."

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

Good to know

1

Johnnie's Beef is cash only; no credit cards accepted.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating only.

3

They open at 11am and often have long lines.

Discover more

Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...