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Best of Indianapolis

Tamales and taco spots

Made for those who want the variety of a full taco menu but consider the tamale the true test of a kitchen.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Mota Tacos image 1
Mota Tacos image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint taco joint with a clean, classic interior and limited seating. Atmosphere feels like a friendly, authentic Mexican spot with lively music and a casual vibe. Space is tight and can get warm without air conditioning, adding to the intimate, hole-in-the-wall feel.

Tamales passed down from generations offer a moist, flavorful experience with a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. The green tamale stands out for its rich taste and freshness.

Steak tacos stand out with bold, flavorful spices and a spicy kick. Quick service delivers tacos like Chorizo, Campechano, and Tinga de Pollo in about 10 minutes.

People are saying

"I thought Mota Tacos served the best tacos I had ever eaten."

"I found the tamales here to be the best in town."

"The queso and chips were fantastic and always fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, so takeout is recommended.

2

Tacos are priced affordably, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

02
Macizo Restaurant image 1

Cozy, minimalist space offers a homey, warm atmosphere with friendly, personable energy from owners. Casual, lived-in vibe contrasts with more upscale local spots. Bright, fruity cocktails and sangria complement exceptional Mexican dishes like tiradito and chorizo tacos.

Tamales use nixtamalized corn ground in-house, showing a careful, traditional process. The chicken tamales come with a rich mole sauce, adding deep flavor to the dish.

Tacos come with real care and attention to detail, featuring options like chorizo and a special big taco with pork and potatoes. Varieties include tacos de campechana and birria, all tasting wonderful.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and some of the best."

"The owners' passion for their tamales made the whole experience feel special."

"The taco norteno is top-tier comfort food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a unique blend of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine.

3

Tamales are made in-house, showcasing a commitment to quality.

03
Gil Tacos 2 image 1
Restaurant

Old Bob Evans building hosts a clean, spacious restaurant with comfy seating and colorful blankets over windows. Atmosphere stays quiet and cozy with banger music playing, creating a typical Mexican restaurant vibe without festive decor. Staff play good tunes that enhance the dining experience.

Homemade from scratch tamales stand out with traditional flavors like pork, chicken, and steak. They pair well with rice and beans and match the quality of the tacos and burritos served.

Tacos here feature traditional varieties like asada, al pastor, shrimp, lengua, and tripas with spicy chorizo standing out. Prices stay lower than other spots while maintaining consistent quality across locations.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and tamales were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever had."

"I found the tamales and tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they always have birria as a special.

2

Gil Tacos 2 only serves birria on Friday and Saturday.

3

The taco special is $2 per taco.

04
La Catrina Mรฉxican Tacos image 1

Cozy taco restaurant with a clean, well-branded interior and a mix of comfortable booths and tables. Warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and pleasant music. Known for authentic Mexican flavors, especially fresh, flavorful tacos and homemade salsas.

Fresh tamales come with great flavor and no spiciness. The chicken tamale with green sauce stands out as perfect, made fresh alongside tacos and salsas on weekends.

Tacos here feature fantastic flavors and a family commitment to quality. The quesabirria tacos and Tacos de alambre al pastor stand out for their rich taste and authenticity.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"These tacos are so delicious and flavorful."

"I considered the tamale the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.

2

They offer a selection of fresh aguas frescas and tamales.

3

For $11, you can add three steak tacos with rice and beans for an extra $4.

05
Restaurante Oaxaca image 1

Food trucks serve large burritos and consistently good tacos with verde salsa and chorizo specialties. Late nights bring a packed, lively atmosphere with many choosing cash to avoid a card fee. Prices are higher than nearby options but the flavor variety keeps the crowd coming.

Pork tamales stand out with their rich flavor and delicious texture. The tamales pair well with other items like the torta, making for a satisfying meal.

Tacos here stand out for their consistent quality and reliable flavor. Barbacoa and chorizo tacos offer distinctive, rich tastes that many find especially satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be superb and delicious."

"I loved the burritos here, especially the chorizo."

"I found the tamales very delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $15-20 for six tacos and one torta.

2

They charge an extra $3 fee for card payments.

3

Cash is accepted, but it's best to bring cash to avoid fees.

06
Gil Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos and homemade salsa bar in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Space feels busy and lively during peak times with a dive bar-like vibe. Self-serve pickled toppings add to the casual, sociable experience.

Tamales here taste almost like homemade with a very good flavor. Prices stay low, around $3.50 each, making them a solid choice alongside tacos and beans.

Tacos stand out for their authentic Mexican flavors and fast service. Varieties like tacos al pastor and carnitas deliver rich, satisfying tastes that disappear quickly.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the red salsa here was to die for."

"I thought the tamales here were excellent, almost like homemade."

Good to know

1

The place operates on a counter-order system where customers pick up their food.

2

The parking lot is small, so visitors should be flexible with parking.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially for lunch.

07
El Gigante Taqueria y Tamaleria image 1

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with delicious tamales and well-cooked meats like carne asada and carnitas. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, with a positive energy and friendly staff. Limited tamale selection encourages early arrival or advance calls.

Mole tamales stand out with rich flavor and are considered very good overall. Limited daily batches mean it's best to arrive early or call ahead for a wider selection.

Tacos come with sautรฉed bell peppers and offer a variety of flavors, especially the al pastor which is rich and complex without pineapple. The carne asada and tripa dorada tacos stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

"I found the Mexican food here to be pretty good and authentic."

"I loved the al pastor tacos; they were so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for a wider selection of tamales.

2

Only a limited number of tamales are made each day.

3

Expect to pay a small fee for water cups.

08
Taqueria Los Patrones image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with a friendly, peaceful vibe and an unusual seating area that invites self-seating. Large portions and varied salsas stand out, along with refreshing margaritas and a menu featuring tender, flavorful tacos and homemade dishes.

Tamales stand out with their excellent flavor and are often described as amazing. They pair well with other items like the tripe torta and tacos.

Tacos come with an assortment of toppings and a wide variety of meats. The pastor tacos stand out for their tender meat and rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and fresh."

"I ordered the quesabirria, and it was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the tamales here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions, often enough for three meals from one entree.

2

Soft drinks are only available in bottles; no fountain drinks are served.

3

The menu is limited, lacking items like taco salad.

09
Carnitas Y Taqueria La Frontera image 1

Small, airy Mexican restaurant with an authentic atmosphere that feels like stepping into a shop in Mexico. The vibe is welcoming and relaxed, with a bit of noise that adds to the lively energy. Known for best tacos and fantastic micheladas, it draws a steady crowd despite limited seating.

Tamales sell out early here, showing how popular they are. People drive long distances just for the tamales and carnitas, which are known to be very good.

Tacos feature authentic Mexican flavors with a great balance of meat and fat, making them easy to bite and chew. Varieties like quesabirria and carnitas stand out for their rich taste and are served with tasty consome.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful, like being back in Mexico."

"I had the best tacos I've ever had."

"These tamales are on another level and very good."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

2

They charge an extra fee for credit card payments, so bring cash for discounts.

3

The tamales sell out quickly, so arrive early if you want to try them.

10
El Sabor Mexican & Chinese Food image 1

Mexican and Chinese dishes share the menu in a colorful, quiet space with family atmosphere and friendly service. The spot offers free drink samples and stands out for high-quality, flavorful tacos and tamales. Prices lean toward the higher side in a clean, welcoming setting.

Tamales come in verde and roja varieties on weekends only. The red tamales have a good flavor, while the green ones can be unpleasant for some.

Steak tacos come with onions and cilantro and feature tender meat that melts in your mouth. Tortas and tacos offer very flavorful options with fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so delicious and authentic."

"I found the tamales to be amazing and full of great flavor."

"The chicken taco has a perfect balance of flavor and tingling sensation."

Good to know

1

The tamales are only available on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers free samples of drinks.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

11
La Parada image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with bright colorful decor and big spacious booths creates a festive, classic Mexican dining vibe. Atmosphere is loud and lively yet relaxed enough to hang out. Outdoor seating and live weekend music add to the fun energy.

Tamales come out amazingly fresh and remind of traditional family recipes. They serve as comfort food with a taste that feels exquisite and well-crafted.

Tacos come packed with tender, flavorful meat and a good kick of spice. Options include tongue, birria, spicy pork, shrimp, and chicken, all served traditionally with sides like corn in a cup and horchata.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and sizzling hot."

"These tacos are packed with tender, flavorful meat."

"The tamales here are amazingly fresh and comforting."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates dietary requests, including no dairy options.

2

There is easy parking available near the restaurant.

3

The establishment has handicap seating inside and outside.

12
Somos Familia Mexican Restaurant image 1

Upscale Mexican restaurant with bright, welcoming decor and family-oriented atmosphere creates a vibrant, friendly vibe. Perfect music and fun photo areas add to the lively energy. Strong, fresh margaritas and authentic dishes complement the top-notch ambiance.

Tamales come with options like no red sauce and pair well with queso dip and chips with salsa. They appear in combos including rice and beans or alongside dishes like chalupa, taco, and enchilada.

Carne asada and birria tacos stand out with rich flavors. The al pastor tacos also deliver a strong, authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and really good."

"The steak tacos here are amazing and delicious."

"I had the best tamale for lunch today."

Good to know

1

The happy hour from 2PM to 6PM on weekdays offers great deals with drink specials and cheap appetizers.

2

Expect reasonable prices compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

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Indianapolis, Indiana

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