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Tamales in New Jersey

Tamales that taste like they were made with patience, rather than the mass-produced versions found in every quick-service shop.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Los Hermanos Mexican Grill image 1
Los Hermanos Mexican Grill image 2
Los Hermanos Mexican Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run spot serves authentic tamales with excellent flavor in a cozy atmosphere. Locals love the freshly made dishes like Bistec a la Mexicana. Seating and takeout options make it easy to enjoy traditional Mexican food.

Traditional Mexican tamales stand out with excellent flavor. Cheese tamales offer a notable taste alongside other dishes like Bistec a la Mexicana.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the tamales; they were excellent."

"The staff here greets you with a smile."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers takeout, but not the entire menu is available for pickup.

2

Meals are inexpensive, typically costing under $15 including a drink.

3

The restaurant is family-run, providing a homey atmosphere.

02
Mi Lindo San Miguel Pupuseria and Restaurant image 1

Cozy space with colorful walls and classic Salvadoran music sets a warm mood. Authentic dishes shine, especially fresh pupusas and rich chicken soup. Chicken tamales offer rich flavor, while fried corn tamales add a crispy texture that delights.

Chicken tamales stand out with their rich flavor. Fried corn tamales add a crispy texture that complements the soft filling.

People are saying

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

"I found the chicken sandwich to be the best I had."

"These tamales are large, tasty, and freshly made."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions at affordable prices.

2

Curtido with mayonnaise is a unique offering for those from eastern El Salvador.

3

The space is clean and well-maintained.

03
La Flor De Morelos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic tamales with smooth masa and tasty fillings like chicken and raja. Cozy, clean dining space features Mexican-inspired accents for a casual meal. Corn tortilla quesadillas add to the homestyle dishes that make this spot stand out.

Smooth, delicious masa defines the tamales here, with options like chicken, raja, and green tamales standing out. The women who make them offer to teach the process, highlighting the care behind these amazing tamales.

People are saying

"You have to try the tamales; they're the best I've had in a long time."

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

"I found the tamales here to be out of this world delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions at fair prices.

2

A fee applies when using a credit card for payment.

3

Takeout is available if seating is limited.

04
Colombian Coffee Shop image 1

Small, cozy spot buzzes with Colombian music and rich aromas, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Bar-style seating fills with lively crowds. Tolima-style tamales shine with fresh, authentic flavors, making it a true 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.

People are saying

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

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

"The rib broth here is the best I ever had."

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.

05
La Casita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot offers authentic tamales with tasty vegetarian options. Small space feels warm with fresh flowers and a Chinese banyan tree adding charm. Soft jazz and bolero music create a soothing atmosphere perfect for relaxed dining.

Tamales come warm and authentic, with a simple yet soothing flavor. Vegetarian options include a delicious tamale that stands out among the entrées.

People are saying

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

"The breakfast here is delicious with generous, fresh servings."

"These tamales are warm, authentic, and tasty."

Good to know

1

They offer specials like Taco Tuesday and free drinks with lunch purchases.

2

They charge an extra 3% for credit card payments.

3

The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.

06
La Tamaleria Colombiana NJ Elizabeth image 1

Spacious venue with Colombian decor and traditional games like bowling and rana offers a cozy, lively vibe. Tamales, especially the Tolima tamale with chocolate, deliver rich, authentic flavor. Pairing with traditional hot chocolate creates a memorable taste experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food here has such an authentic Colombian flavor."

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

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.

07
Restaurante Latino Tres Princesas image 1
Latin American restaurant

Small family-run spot serves authentic pupusas in a cozy setting with generous portions. Huge tamales are soft and filling, perfect with a giant tamarind drink. Affordable prices and friendly service make it a welcoming place to enjoy Latin American flavors.

Huge tamales stand out here, often large enough to be a meal on their own. They are soft and tender, offering a satisfying texture that pairs well with a giant tamarind drink.

People are saying

"The tamales here are huge, soft, and tender."

"The food, especially the pupusas, tasted like amazing homemade cooking."

"The tacos here are authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited with only 3-4 tables.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at a very good price, around $24 for two.

3

Cash payments are cheaper than credit card transactions.

08
PURO PERU image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Cozy spot with high hygiene and authentic Peruvian dishes offers generous portions perfect for families. Tamales are a standout, rated 11/10 for flavor. Limited seating and open doors may bring in cold air, affecting comfort.

Tamales here reach an 11/10 rating with a flavor that stands out. They deliver an exceptional taste that feels like they're on another level.

People are saying

"I found the fish ceviche to be delicious."

"I loved the authentic Peruvian food, it was delicious and well prepared."

"These tamales were on another level, seriously 11/10."

Good to know

1

The restaurant maintains very high hygiene standards.

2

Double parking outside in the street is inconvenient for pickups.

3

The inside space is very small, making it hard for large parties to find seating.

09
Quesadillas Doña Meche image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy, family-run spot offers authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh-made tamales that have a spicy jalapeño kick. Warm, colorful space feels like home and serves homemade corn tortillas alongside standout birria tacos. Friendly vibe welcomes 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.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

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

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.

10
El Shaday image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small space offers a homey atmosphere with friendly bilingual service. Authentic Salvadoran dishes shine with generous portions and reasonable prices. Corn tamales stand out as the best part of the meal, though chicken tamales could improve with smaller meat pieces.

Chicken tamales use a drumstick piece, which limits the amount of masa around the meat. Corn tamales stand out as the best part of the meal. Smaller meat pieces could improve the tamales' texture.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made to order."

"I thought the chicken tamales were the best."

Good to know

1

They charge $7 for delivery.

2

The price of $2 per pupusa in 2023 is decent.

3

The staff speaks both Spanish and English.

11
Taqueria Nacho Libre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy spot with luchador decor sets a festive mood. Green tamales and tamales de rajas shine with perfect shape and flavor. Spanish music adds to the family-owned vibe, making it a warm, inviting place to enjoy authentic Mexican food.

Perfect shape and presentation highlight the tamales here. The green tamales and tamales de rajas stand out as especially delicious and memorable.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tamales here to be delicious and steaming."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB friendly, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

Expect sizable portions for a good price, making it a filling meal.

3

They add a 4% credit card fee on top of their prices.

12
Tierra Azteca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers bright festive decor and authentic flavors with rich Oxacan tamales and generous portions. Noise from a gym above can be loud, affecting the lively atmosphere. Tacos and tamales are highly recommended for a true taste experience.

Oxacan tamales stand out with their rich flavor. The tamales are consistently delicious and highly recommended.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the delicious tamales."

"I found the Oxacan tamales delicious."

Good to know

1

Tips go to the owner if paid by credit card.

2

Confirm your order to avoid being overcharged.

3

Expect to pay extra for toppings on tacos.

13
Luna Azul Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Mexican flavors and large portions. Fresh tamales like tamal de raja shine, paired with tasty rice pudding. Perfect for quick dine-in or takeout with well-packed, clearly labeled meals.

Freshly made tamales stand out, especially the tamal de raja and carne enchilada varieties. They come with a tasty rice pudding that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"I loved the tamales, especially the tamal de raja and carne enchilada."

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

"The tamales here are delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a new menu starting Monday.

2

They charge an extra surcharge for using credit cards.

3

Expect large portions with each food item nicely packed.

14
El Rey Del Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean spot offers a casual atmosphere with authentic Mexican vibes. Fresh, spicy tamales pack a kick and pair well with coffee. Quiet, kid-friendly seating makes it great for families, with large portions ideal for takeout or dine-in.

Tamales come fresh and spicy with a notable kick. The vegetable tamales stand out as really good and pair well with coffee and tacos.

People are saying

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

"I found the tamales really good and fresh."

"The mango salsa here is terrific and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both pick-up and delivery options.

2

Portions are large, often enough for multiple people.

3

The menu is primarily in Spanish; a translation app may help.

15
Lechonería Don Libo image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy Colombian spot shines with exquisite lechona and rich tamales. Soft music sets a relaxed vibe perfect for family and pets. Unique seasoning and crispy skin make meals memorable.

Tamales here have high quality and rich flavor. They come alongside dishes like lechona and blood sausage, making for a spectacular meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I tried the tamales; they were exquisite and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lechonería Don Libo allows customers to bring their furry friends along, as long as they follow the rules.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

16
Junior's Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a clean, beautifully decorated space inspired by NYC. Pork and chicken tamales deliver rich flavors that impress every visit. Quiet environment suits dates or working, enhanced by pleasant background music.

Pork and chicken tamales stand out with rich flavors. The elote tamales offer a perfect balance, and the tamales consistently impress across visits.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out quickly."

"It's a cozy gem with a welcoming, intimate vibe."

"I found the tamales here to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait time around 12:00 p.m. during peak hours.

2

The cafe offers a varied menu with a focus on Guatemalan cuisine.

3

Prices are reasonable and affordable for the portion sizes.

17
La Hacienda Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large, colorful space with authentic Mexican decor offers a cozy vibe like visiting family. Homemade tamales are a standout, delivering genuine Oaxacan flavors. Mostly takeout, it remains a hidden gem loved for its warm, homey atmosphere.

Homemade tamales stand out here. They are exceptionally good and a big hit on the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and atmosphere here."

"I vouched for the homemade tamales; they're the biggest hit."

Good to know

1

They have a parking lot next door for their customers.

2

The prices at La Hacienda Restaurant are decent.

3

Most of the traffic at La Hacienda is takeout.

18
Anthony's Bakery image 1

Old brick oven creates a historic charm in a quiet bakery. Ecuadorian and Mexican flavors shine in authentic pastries and tamales de pollo with great taste. Soft cakes and humitas offer affordable quality in a relaxing spot.

Tamales de pollo stand out with a very good taste. Hot chocolate and Horchata often accompany the tamales for a classic pairing.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious Ecuadorian bread here."

"The birthday cakes here are delicious and designed exactly like you envision."

"I really liked their humitas; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

The bakery opens at 6 AM on some days and at 7 AM on others.

2

They have a variety of baked goods.

3

The prices are reasonable and affordable.

19
Los 3 Carnales Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small space bursts with vibrant colors and traditional Mexican music for a homey vibe. Tamales feature a special Poblano touch with tasty verdes that keep guests coming back. Beware of a strong odor that makes the atmosphere loud and unpleasant.

Tamales come with a special Poblano touch and include tamales verdes that draw regular visits. They range from okay to delicious in flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was excellent."

"I found the tamales to be delicious with that special Poblano touch."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building on the side street.

2

The restaurant offers halal-friendly options on the menu.

3

The menu features a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes.

20
Las Delicias de Mi Region image 1

Small, cozy bakery offers traditional Colombian food with a homey atmosphere perfect for family and friends. Empanadas and pan de bono are standout treats. Tamales are tasty but quality can vary, so choose carefully.

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

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be spectacular and affordable."

"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.

21
El Mexico Lindo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with only four tables offers a relaxing vibe and authentic Mexican flavors. Tamales shine with fresh, home-cooked taste despite occasional dryness. Outdoor seating adds a pleasant option on warm days.

Tamales come with a fresh, authentic taste that feels like home cooking. Some batches can be a bit dry, but overall they show top quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and truly authentic."

"The tacos here are beyond delicious; they turned hunger into a feast."

"These tamales are so authentic and top quality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a limited indoor seating capacity of only 4 tables.

2

They do mostly takeout.

3

There was parking available out front.

22
La Fonda Restaurant image 1
Honduran restaurant

Cozy spot with loud music and a warm Spanish vibe serves elite pupusas and tasty beef stew. Corn tamales are good quality but pricing can be unclear. Spanish skills help navigate the lively, intimate atmosphere.

Corn tamales come in a good quality and are priced around 4 dollars each. Staff communication about pricing can vary, with some charging 9 dollars at the register.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the tamales here were good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant primarily speaks Spanish; English may not be understood.

3

Expect higher prices for some dishes on the menu.

23
Sabor Latino Guatemalan image 1
Latin American restaurant

Cozy Latin American spot offers big pork tamales loved by kids. Seating is comfortable but space feels cramped and bright. Quiet vibe suits groups with a private room upstairs.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is reliably good and tasty."

"I found the Hispanic food here to be really authentic and fresh."

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

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.

24
Mike's Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy generous portions of traditional Mexican dishes like tamales and enchiladas in a quiet atmosphere. Breakfast specials highlight tamales with eggs and avocado, perfect for a hearty start. Family-run vibe ensures affordable prices and caring service.

Breakfast specials include two tamales with eggs and avocado. Tamales come in raw or black varieties and pair well with tostadas. Specials often feature tamales alongside dishes like enfrijoladas.

People are saying

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

"I found the tamales here to be good and affordable."

"The fajitas had way more vegetables than chicken."

Good to know

1

The menu features daily specials including tamales and enfrijoladas.

2

Prices for menu items are displayed on the restaurant's exterior.

3

Portion sizes may not be sufficient for larger appetites.

25
El Canton Restaurant image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small spot with a family-friendly atmosphere and loud music. Salvadoran pupusas are generous and delicious. Tamales include sweet and strong-flavored corn types. Prices stay reasonable in this relaxed space.

Tamales include sweet tamales fritos and corn tamales. The corn tamales have a strong flavor that some find hard to enjoy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I grabbed some tamales de pollo."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The bathroom is clean but could use some maintenance.

26
TacoNazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot shines with bright decor and fresh, flavorful tacos. Tamales wrapped in banana leaves are huge and bone-free, adding authentic taste. Indoor counter and outdoor seating create a lively, inviting vibe.

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.

People are saying

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

"These tortillas are simply amazing and totally worth the visit."

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

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.

27
La Jarochita Bakery image 1

Authentic Mexican bakery offers fresh pan dulce and rosca de reyes with rich flavors. Weekends bring red and fruit tamales that are especially tasty. Casual, self-service setup creates a homey atmosphere with affordable prices.

Weekends feature Mexican tamales with options like red and fruit tamales that stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican bread here to be awesome and delicious."

"I thought the Mexican bread here was the best."

"I thought the tamales here were the best in town."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they offer Mexican tamales.

2

They have hot King Cakes available until 10 PM.

3

You can grab a tray and serve yourself the bread you want.

28
Conchita's y Romeo's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic dishes like goat barbecue and light masa tamales. Family-owned with English-speaking staff ensures easy ordering. Peaceful vibe sometimes gets crowded but prices stay reasonable.

Tamales come with a light masa texture that looks almost like X-rays. Pairing them with a cup of coffee works well and makes for a solid meal.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious, authentic Mexican food here."

"The Mexican food here has amazing, friendly service."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments.

2

They recommend calling ahead for pick-up.

3

They recently hired English speaking young workers to accommodate those who don’t speak Spanish.

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