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Tamales and empanadas

You are looking for a place that treats tamales and empanadas with the same level of care and authenticity.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Colombian Coffee Shop image 1
Colombian Coffee Shop image 2
Colombian Coffee Shop image 3
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Small, cozy space fills with Colombian music and aromas, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Crowds gather around bar-style seating, making the place lively despite its size. Known for authentic Colombian tamales and lechona, it offers a genuine taste of Colombia.

Colombian tamales here stand out for their freshness and rich flavor. The tamales consistently come across as very delicious and authentic, especially the Tolima-style ones.

Crispy empanadas deliver authentic Colombian flavor and come packed with full flavor. They pair well with other traditional items like tamales and buñuelos.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I'd ever tasted."

"It's a small, cozy place with good food."

"These empanadas have such authentic Colombian flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be challenging due to street congestion.

2

Credit card payments incur an additional $9 fee, so cash is recommended.

3

The shop is small, making takeout a better option for larger groups.

02
La Tamaleria Colombiana NJ Elizabeth image 1

Spacious venue with Colombian decor and traditional games like bowling and rana creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Music adds to the lively yet comfortable vibe. The place offers a full Colombian experience that feels like a corner of the country.

Colombian tamales here have rich, authentic flavor that stands out. The Tolima tamale with chocolate pairs well with a traditional hot chocolate, creating a memorable taste experience.

Empanadas feature a homemade touch and fresh ingredients. The lechona and suckling pig varieties stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and plentiful."

"I found the tamales here to be 100% delicious."

"I thought the empanadas were excellent, especially the lechona ones."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 7:15 pm, so arrive early for dinner.

2

Expect live Colombian folklore performances during special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups celebrating special occasions.

03
Quesadillas Doña Meche image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful space with a cozy, welcoming vibe feels like a family home. Friendly, family-run spot offers authentic Mexican cuisine with homemade corn tortillas and birria tacos that stand out. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, making it a comfortable place for all ages.

Fresh-made tamales stand out with homemade quality and a jalapeño variety that adds a spicy kick. These tamales consistently impress with their amazing flavor.

Beef empanadas come with a rich filling and pair well with other items like chicken and steak tacos. They offer a satisfying flavor that stands out among the menu options.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I've had a few, and these jalapeño and cheese tamales are some of the best."

"I found the authentic and fresh empanadas I was searching for."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, providing unique options each day.

2

Quesadillas Doña Meche offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes.

3

Dine-in and take-out options are both available.

04
Las Delicias de Mi Region image 1

Small, cozy bakery with a homey atmosphere that feels like being in Colombia. Offers traditional Colombian food with standout items like empanadas and pan de bono. Welcoming environment suits spending time with family and friends.

Colombian tamales stand out as delicious and well-made. However, quality can vary, with some tamales containing rancid, slimy meat.

Meat empanadas stand out with their rich and delicious filling. They pair well with pandebonos and bunuelos for a satisfying snack.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the empanadas here to be amazing."

"I thought the tamale was delicious."

Good to know

1

Ask for the menu to see prices in writing and avoid inflated charges.

2

The specials include cheap lunches with various combinations.

3

Prices are affordable compared to other Colombian restaurants in the area.

05
Sabor Latino Guatemalan image 1
Latin American restaurant

Cozy Latin American restaurant with comfortable seating and a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Interior feels clean and renovated, though a bit bright and cramped. Offers a welcoming environment with a private room upstairs for groups.

Tamales come with big pieces of pork or are loaded with chicken. They appear on both appetizer and main menus and are popular with kids.

Potato and beef empanadas come packed with full flavor and a satisfying texture. They pair well with other dishes like beef burritos and chicken quesadillas.

People are saying

"The food here is reliably good and tasty."

"The tamales here are big and loaded with pork or chicken."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant recently obtained a liquor license.

2

There is plenty of parking and handicap access on the side of the building.

3

The basic breakfast now costs close to $18.

06
Charry’s image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant offers authentic Pollo Asado with crispy chicken skin and traditional dishes like tamales and empanadas. Warm, cozy atmosphere feels welcoming and clean. Food features bold Colombian seasoning and affordable prices for sharing.

Tamales come in an authentic Tolima-style with a price around $15. Some find them delicious and well-prepared, while others note they can be dry with old-tasting meat and small portions.

Freshness stands out with fresh and delicious empanadas. They come alongside other traditional treats like Pandebonos and Tamales.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and bursting with authentic Colombian flavor."

"I found the authentic Tolima-style tamale absolutely delicious."

"I thought the empanadas were the most delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so consider arriving early.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

07
TacoNazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with bright, vibrant decor and authentic flavors. Atmosphere feels inviting and lively, with both indoor counter seating and outdoor tables. Known for fresh, flavorful tacos and a clean, well-lit space.

Tamales come wrapped in banana leaves, adding an authentic touch. They are huge and fresh, with no tiny bones inside, which is unusual since some tamales traditionally include bone.

Chicken empanadas stand out as very tasty and among the best encountered. Some empanadas tend to dry out under heat lamps, affecting their quality.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are huge and wrapped in banana leaves for amazing flavor."

"The chicken empanada was very tasty."

Good to know

1

TacoNazo accepts only cash payments; an ATM is available on-site.

2

Two dishes and two sodas cost $39, which some find pricey.

3

There is limited seating space, but counter seating is available.

08
Cuban Eddie's Dumont image 1
Cuban restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Cuban spot with small seating and many boxes, favoring takeout over dine-in. Atmosphere is busy and noisy, often with a line and a crowd of young people. Known for affordable prices and authentic Cuban sandwiches, it serves as a community staple despite a rough vibe.

Tamales here have a strong following with some finding them very good and nostalgic. However, opinions vary as others advise avoiding them along with the Cuban sandwich.

Empanadas come with lightly salted dough that stays thin and fresh. Options include beef and cheese varieties, plus a sweet Oreo & Cream version, all delivering satisfying, flavorful bites.

People are saying

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

"This burrito is huge, enough for two meals."

"These empanadas are always fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Takeout is the primary option; seating is limited.

2

Expect to pay around $15 for two meals and dessert.

3

Parking is easily available in front of the store.

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