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Tamales and sandwiches in Illinois

A quick tamale lunch that holds its own against a serious sandwich without sacrificing the integrity of either.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 1
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 2
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 3
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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.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with chicken and avocado as key ingredients. The elite breakfast sandwich offers a rich, satisfying option paired well with coffee.

People are saying

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

"I loved their breakfast sandwiches on soft brioche bread."

"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
AMMAN KABAB MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small restaurant inside a bustling international market offers a loud, friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. The space feels compact yet lively, surrounded by grocery store activity. Known for affordable, fresh halal Mediterranean dishes, it stands out for excellent chicken shawarma and falafel.

Soft chicken tamales stand out with their simple, delicious flavor. They pair well with other tasty dishes like soup and falafel.

Falafel sandwiches stand out with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The menu includes falafel wraps, shawarma sandwiches, and falafel tacos, offering variety for sandwich lovers.

People are saying

"I found the chicken shawarma wrap to be heavenly with lots of meat and garlic sauce."

"I found the falafel sandwich to be the best."

"I tried the tamales and they were so delicious."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, the restaurant offers a buy 2 get 1 free deal.

2

One chicken shawarma wrap costs $7.99 and is filling.

3

Everything is halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

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.

Juicy pork stands out with pickled onion and sweet potatoes adding a punch. The chicharrรณn sandwich and meat empanadas deliver rich, bold flavors.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is authentic and delicious."

"You have to try the beef empanadas; they're delicious with the yellow sauce."

"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.

04
Tasa Coffee Roasters image 1

Spacious coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, airy atmosphere creates a warm and welcoming vibe. Comfortable seating and plentiful outlets support relaxed work or socializing. A small glass room showcases on-site coffee bean roasting, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Soft, flavorful tamales stand out here with a solid reputation. Nearby, larger tamales offer more size and flavor at the same price.

Toasted bread with the right crispy texture and moist pork make the Cuban sandwich stand out. The egg ham and cheese sandwich comes with mayo and offers a solid breakfast option.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great and delicious."

"I found the Cuban sandwich unbelievably good."

"I thought the tamales were very good."

Good to know

1

They serve tamales on weekends.

2

They roast their own coffee beans right in house.

3

Tasa sources coffee beans from women-owned farms.

05
Salsaโ€™s Family Market image 1

Small grocery store with fresh salsas, homemade tamales, and a wide selection of spices and nondairy options. Atmosphere feels friendly and vibrant, reflecting a family-owned, neighborhood bodega vibe. Offers kitchen staples, sandwiches, and fresh coffee, making it a convenient spot for everyday needs.

Weekend tamales come fresh and house-made with options like sweet corn tamale. They pair well with salsa verde cruda and drinks like horchata latte or lemonade.

Fresh sandwiches come with homemade bread and house-made salsas. Options include a notable tuna fish sandwich alongside fresh coffee and weekend tamales.

People are saying

"I found the homemade salsas here to be outstanding."

"These weekend tamales are so good, I teared up eating them."

"Their sandwiches are so fresh, I'll try them next week."

Good to know

1

Salsaโ€™s Family Market offers a great selection of homemade salsas and staples.

2

They have house-made salsas, horchata, coffees, and sandwiches available.

3

Expect a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff at Salsaโ€™s Family Market.

06
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.

Juicy Italian beef sandwiches stand out here, often paired with spicy giardiniera. The combo of beef and sausage sandwiches offers a flavorful, satisfying meal.

People are saying

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

"The sausage combo had bold flavor and just the right amount of heat."

"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.

07
The Great American Bagel image 1

Bagel shop offers fresh bagels with a variety of flavors and diverse food options beyond bagels. Atmosphere feels lively and inviting, making it suitable for breakfast and coffee. Pricing tends to be on the higher side compared to similar places.

Weekend offerings include homemade tamales that stand out. The pork tamales with green sauce draw family favorites consistently.

Sandwiches feature carefully pulled turkey and a variety of bagel options including signature Asiago and Lox. The shop offers everyday sandwiches like chicken caprese, though orders may sometimes miss ingredients.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were great."

"I had to check if my sandwich was made correctly."

"I loved their pork tamales with green sauce."

Good to know

1

Ordering a bagel costs $3, with cream cheese adding $2.25.

2

Butter on the side costs an additional $1.25.

3

The shop offers a variety of food options beyond bagels.

08
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.

Fresh sandwiches feature panela cheese and options like ham and turkey with substitutions available. The Mexican bread adds a tasty base, and the staff preparing sandwiches are kind and welcoming.

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."

"I found the sandwiches here to be really delicious."

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.

09
Odge's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small burger joint with nostalgic decor and an old school vibe feels like stepping into a community spot or mini museum. Crowded but cozy space hosts a steady flow of locals enjoying classic burgers and fries. Prices stay fair, matching the vintage atmosphere and quality food.

Tamales here come with a mix of opinions. The regular tamales stand out as solid, but the chili tamales tend to miss the mark.

Italian beef sandwich comes with French fries. Steak sandwich served in a tortilla with tomato pieces.

People are saying

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

"I loved the cheeseburger and Italian beef sandwiches."

"The tamales here are so delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Odge's is cash-only, so bring cash for your meal.

2

The restaurant closes between 3 PM and 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Odge's has a buy 4 get one free special on certain items.

10
Bob-O's Hot Dogs image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small diner with stools inside and picnic tables outside offers a classic Chicago hot dog and beef joint vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and unpretentious, reflecting a long-standing neighborhood institution. Cash-only policy and focus on Chicago flavors shape the experience distinctly.

Tamales come with chili or as a side to hot dogs and fries. They offer a good value and have a very good flavor.

Italian beef sandwich stands out with rich, layered flavors combining favorites from various places. Sandwiches come in a good size and pair well with fries and other grilled foods.

People are saying

"The Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef are the best."

"The beef sandwich here is outstanding, tender, and moist."

"I thought the tamales here were awesome."

Good to know

1

Bob-O's Hot Dogs only accepts cash payments; there's an ATM inside.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially after winning the best beef award.

3

There are no bathrooms available for customers at Bob-O's Hot Dogs.

11
A Cup Of Joe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy cafe with local artwork and a Hispanic cultural vibe fills the space with sunlight and a lively playlist. Seating offers comfortable spots to relax amid creative decor. Atmosphere feels welcoming and reflects pride in origins.

Tamales offer a mix of experiences with some being very tasty and a weekend favorite. The pork (red) tamales have dry masa and little pork, lacking flavor for pork tamale lovers.

Breakfast sandwiches feature fresh ingredients and solid presentation. Options include sausage egg and cheese, turkey avocado on whole grain, and bacon varieties, often served with a hot sauce packet.

People are saying

"I loved this coffee shop; it felt like a safe space."

"I really wanted to try the birria grilled cheese sandwich."

"Julian was a good person and made my experience better."

Good to know

1

There is no public restroom available for customers at A Cup Of Joe.

2

Parking is a challenge if spaces are full on Archer.

3

It is best to park on a side street.

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