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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tennessee

Tamales

Made for those who consider the tamale a culinary staple and refuse to accept anything less than an authentic preparation.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Champy's Nashville image 1
Champy's Nashville image 2
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Chicken restaurant

Chicken spot shines with old school Americana vibes and lively energy from football and live music. Tamales offer a soft texture and rich flavor, pairing perfectly with fried chicken. Large portions and reasonable prices keep the casual, friendly vibe strong.

Soft texture and flavorful taste stand out in the tamales here. They pair well with dishes like catfish and fried chicken, making them a popular choice for appetizers.

People are saying

"The food here is plentiful, delicious, and perfectly seasoned."

"The gumbo here is spicy and delicious."

"I thought the tamales were the best I've ever had, so flavorful and soft."

Good to know

1

Expect no wait during lunch hours on Fridays.

2

The menu offers unique items not found in other downtown restaurants.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly with a straightforward menu.

02
Chulitos panaderia y taqueria image 1

Large cases display authentic Mexican bread in a warm, quiet space with a painted mural. Raja tamales are a standout, delicious and perfect with corn atole. Tacos like birria and tongue offer genuine flavors that reflect Mexican traditions.

Raja tamales stand out as a favorite, with tamales generally described as delicious and paired well with corn atole. The tamales hold their own alongside other dishes like birria and tongue tacos.

People are saying

"The tacos here are packed with authentic flavor."

"The bakery here is amazing, with a huge variety of delicious pastries."

"I found the tamales here to be especially delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery opens at 7 AM for early risers.

2

Chulitos offers both eat-in and take-away options.

3

Expect large portions for all menu items.

03
Mi Pueblito Cafetería & Pupusaria image 1

Hole-in-the-wall spot serves authentic pupusas in a cozy, clean space with loud reggaeton and Mexican tunes. Soft tamales stuffed with stewed meat and potato shine, especially the flavorful chicken tamales. Corn tamales come with a kid-friendly tomato sauce dip.

Soft tamales come stuffed with stewed meat and potato or yuca. Chicken tamales stand out for their flavor. Corn tamales offer an optional dip and a tomato-based sauce that appeals even to kids.

People are saying

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

"This place is so Kid Friendly, my son requested it for his birthday."

"The tamales here are delicious and some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Soups are available on Fridays and weekends, offering a unique taste.

2

The restaurant accepts to-go orders for those who prefer dining at home.

3

Credit cards and cash are accepted; no personal checks.

04
Frida's Café image 1
Restaurant

Colorful decor with original murals and a bubbling water fixture create a cozy, authentic Mexican vibe. Homemade tamales offer consistent taste and are great for takeout. Quiet music adds to the warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals.

Tamales here stand out for their homemade quality and consistent taste. They serve as a reliable go-to, with options available for takeout that maintain their flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The breakfast chilaquiles rellenos were delicious and full of flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available and encouraged to minimize wait times.

2

Prices are reasonable and reflect the quality of the food.

3

The café offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican breakfast dishes.

05
Los Primos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy dining area inside a supermarket plays Latin music and shows soccer games for a lively vibe. Northern Mexican style birria tamales are thick and fresh, offering authentic flavors. Casual atmosphere draws fans of genuine Mexican food and fresh baked goods.

Tamales come in a Northern Mexican style, thick and never dry. They stay fresh and flavorful, especially the birria tamales which stand out as top notch.

People are saying

"The street tacos here have great flavor and generous portions."

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

"The tamales here are fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy at lunchtime, so expect wait times.

2

Los Primos offers 100% authentic Mexican food with generous portions.

3

It's best for takeout during peak hours due to limited seating.

06
Emanuel Restaurante Latino image 1

Rustic space with authentic Central American decor offers a quiet, welcoming vibe. Guatemalan and potato Pache tamales deliver rich flavors and are well cooked. Focus on fresh, handmade dishes and no alcohol makes it a unique spot for genuine Latin tastes.

Guatemalan tamales and potato Pache tamales stand out for their rich flavors. Chicken tamales come well cooked and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic and delicious, it feels like home."

"The thick, homemade corn tortillas were awesome."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have an alcohol license, so no cold beers are available.

2

Emanuel Restaurante Latino offers authentic Guatemalan and El Salvadorian dishes.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

07
Limo Peruvian Eatery image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small dining area with modern bright design offers a casual vibe. Tamales feature moist crumbly masa with rich beef or pork and house-made sauces. Guests enjoy authentic Peruvian dishes and refreshing Pisco sours in a welcoming setting.

Moist and crumbly masa fills the tamales, seasoned with beef renderings or tender pork. Each tamale comes with fantastic house-made sauces that enhance the rich flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food to be the most delicious I had ever tasted."

"The authentic Peruvian food here is fresh and full of flavor."

"The tamales here are so moist and flavorful, especially the beef."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours on weekends.

3

The restaurant features a diverse menu with authentic Peruvian dishes.

08
Talpa Supermercados - Nashville image 1

Supermarket shines with authentic Latin foods and bilingual labels. Fresh tamale station offers delicious, homemade tamales with great masa. Loud, energetic music fuels a lively vibe while food pods provide quick, tasty meals.

Fresh homemade tamales come from a little tamale station that offers great convenience. The masa is notably good, making the tamales delicious and satisfying alongside other prepared foods.

People are saying

"This grocery store is an excellent option with a large selection."

"I thought the prepared food here was authentic and delicious."

"I loved the little tamale station; the masa was the best."

Good to know

1

Meat prices at Talpa Supermercados are half of what Publix charges.

2

The food is labeled in both Spanish and English, aiding non-bilingual shoppers.

3

The store is well-stocked with a variety of Latin American products.

09
The Taco Shop image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant inside a gas station offers a clean, upbeat environment with authentic Mexican vibes. Chicken tamales shine with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Known for exceptional birria tacos, it draws families and travelers with lively music and a chill atmosphere.

Chicken tamales stand out with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. They come alongside other favorites like quesabirria and fresh-fried chips with queso.

People are saying

"The birria pizza here is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor."

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

"I found the tamales spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.50 each from 2-5pm.

2

The restaurant is located inside a gas station, which may be easy to miss.

3

Each serving is large enough to feed multiple people.

10
Chicha's Latin Food image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cuban restaurant offers authentic flavors in a peaceful atmosphere with few diners. Tamales are exceptionally good and traditional. Cuban pizza also stands out as a local favorite.

Tamales feature an authentic, traditional flavor and stand out as exquisite and exceptionally good. They consistently surpass expectations with their quality.

People are saying

"These tamales are divine and have an authentic, traditional flavor."

"I thought the Cuban food here was the best."

"You have to try the mamey smoothie; it's super delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during busy times.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

11
The Three Mothers Cuisine & Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers homemade tamales with rich flavor, perfect for breakfast. Cozy space with ornate floral decor creates a warm, family-friendly vibe. Enjoy fresh baked goods in a quiet, intimate setting ideal for relaxing meals.

Homemade tamales stand out with their delicious flavor and are often paired with hot chocolate. Breakfast featuring these tamales is consistently great.

People are saying

"The Lunch Spot's bakery items smelled fantastic and were filled with delicious treats."

"I will definitely be back for their breakfast."

"I thought their tamales were great and delicious."

Good to know

1

Get there before 6 pm to avoid waiting until the next day for sweets.

2

Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches costing around $16.99.

3

Biscuits and gravy are available for $7.50.

12
Champy's Murfreesboro image 1
Chicken restaurant

Rustic spot shines with loud live country music and Southwestern decor. Tamales feature great chicken flavor and stay hot. Fried chicken and seafood pair well with distinctive cocktails for a lively, fun meal.

Tamales stand out for their great chicken and consistently very good flavor. They pair well with fried chicken livers and maintain a hot, satisfying quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food was really good, especially the shrimp and grits."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I've had."

"I found the tamales here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The bar closes at 8:30 PM, so plan your drinks accordingly.

3

There is ample parking available near the restaurant.

13
Restaurante Honduras image 1
Honduran restaurant

Honduran restaurant serves authentic tamales with rich chicken filling and pairs them with pupusas. Quiet, comfortable atmosphere features bilingual menus and friendly Spanish-speaking staff. Clean space with some worn walls feels inviting.

Honduran tamales stand out with rich, stewed chicken filling. They pair well with pupusas and offer a satisfying, authentic taste.

People are saying

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

"I had a fantastic Honduran tamale."

Good to know

1

Menus are available in both English and Spanish.

2

Arrive before the after-church crowd on Sundays to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant offers breakfast, coffee, and traditional Honduran dishes.

14
Alex's Tacos And Wings #3 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy corner tables create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing meals. Tamales cook low and slow, topped with rich sauces and paired with fresh tortillas. Wings and street tacos offer flavorful bites that stand out in this clean, updated setting.

Tamales cook low and slow, delivering a rich flavor with a mix of red and green sauce on top. They taste fresh and authentic, matching well with homemade tortillas.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, especially the tamales."

"These tamales taste so fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The buffet is first come, first serve, so arrive early for the best selection.

2

Prices are very affordable, with meals costing around $40 for a family of five.

3

The restaurant offers a wide variety of food options, including a Mexican buffet on weekdays.

15
Marias Market image 1
Grocery store

Small Hispanic grocery store offers unique Hispanic items and a meat market with high-quality meats and seafood. Freshly cooked tamales like Tamale de Pollo and barbacoa provide a super yummy taste. A clean space includes a hot food section and small seating area for dining.

Freshly cooked tamales sit ready for takeout or eating at a small seating area. The tamales, including Tamale de Pollo, come with fantastic barbacoa and offer a super yummy taste experience.

People are saying

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

"The grocery store has really fresh meats and produce."

"I had the most delicious tamales, they were super yummy."

Good to know

1

Marias Market carries unique Hispanic items not found in regular stores.

2

They have a meat market in the back with high-quality meats and seafood.

3

The hot food section offers freshly cooked food and pre-cooked items like tamales.

16
Garden Fresh Food Market image 1

Grocery store offers wide variety of Latin and Asian products with fresh produce and a fun atmosphere. Tamales shine on Thursdays at just $2, earning a mic drop for flavor. Prices stay affordable while cleanliness and stock remain top notch.

Huge tamales come at a $2 price on Thursdays. They stand out as the tastiest in Madison with a flavor that earns a mic drop reaction.

People are saying

"The tacos al pastor were cooked on a trompo and totally delicious."

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

"I considered the tamales to be the tastiest in Madison."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays, they offer huge tamales for only $2.

2

The market has a great selection of Latin products.

3

Expect a clean and well-stocked store during your visit.

17
Champy's Smyrna image 1
Chicken restaurant

Huge building with large dining rooms and garage doors opens to an airy space. Tamales are rich and satisfying, paired well with baked beans and cole slaw. Outdoor patio with fire pit and games invites socializing and fun, while live music and sports screens add energy.

Tamales here stand out as indescribably amazing with a rich, satisfying flavor. They pair well with sides like baked beans and cole slaw for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the fried jalapeños; they're amazing and not greasy."

"I found the gumbo to be a must-try and surprisingly amazing."

"I found the tamales here to be indescribably amazing."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Friday night featuring a one-man performer doing covers.

2

Happy hour offers well-priced drinks most days, with 2 for 1 beers on Tuesdays.

3

All food is fried in the same oil, which is not suitable for those with fish allergies.

18
Pupuseria La Esquina image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small, cozy spot serves authentic Salvadoran cuisine with a casual vibe. Corn tamales are a flavorful highlight alongside popular pupusas. Spanish is often spoken, adding to the intimate, unassuming atmosphere.

Corn tamales stand out with their delicious flavor and are part of a menu that includes pupusas and other dishes from various countries.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I loved the authentic pupusas and tacos; they were so fresh."

"I found the tamales and pupusas delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer a variety of dishes including tamales, pupusas, and hamburgers.

2

A bit of spoken Spanish is helpful for better communication.

3

The eatery is small and unassuming, providing an authentic experience.

19
Sabor Latino Restaurante y Pupuseria image 1

Colorful interior and vibrant paintings create a lively yet clean space. Chicken tamales can be hit or miss, but tamales de elote frito offer a unique flavor. Loud Christian music plays, adding a distinct atmosphere to the family-like setting.

Chicken tamales vary, with some lacking flavor and meat, even containing a whole chicken wing. Tamales de elote frito stand out as a distinctive option alongside pupusas and horchata.

People are saying

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

"I thought the breakfasts here were delicious and amazing."

"I found the tamales here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 55 minutes for food during busy periods.

2

The restaurant offers a unique menu featuring Salvadoran and other Central American dishes.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

20
Fiesta Market Smyrna image 1

Small store blends fresh bakery and Michoacána ice cream with a full restaurant. Wide Latin American products and a quality meat counter attract shoppers. Tamales cost around $5 each, sometimes pricey but authentic.

Two tamales cost $5 according to the bilingual sign, but sometimes one tamale is charged at $5. Prices can feel expensive, with some purchases reaching $10 or more for tamales and drinks.

People are saying

"This grocery store has the freshest tortillas and amazing Latin items."

"The hot food bar here is fresh and fantastic."

"I got two tamales for $5 and they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide variety of Latin grocery items, including fresh produce and meats.

2

Tacos are priced at $3.25, and plantains cost $0.75 each.

3

The butcher counter provides a solid selection of meats at competitive prices.

21
Taqueria El Maguey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot by a gas station offers fast service and affordable prices. Outdoor shaded seating invites casual diners despite a cigarette smell. Tamales are soft textured with mild flavor, fitting the simple, authentic vibe.

Tamales come with a smooth, soft texture and sometimes lack a filling inside. They have a simple presentation and a mild flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and burritos, is so tasty."

"The food here is delicious and plentiful for Date Spots."

"The tamales here were perfection."

Good to know

1

The prices at Taqueria El Maguey are very affordable.

2

Expect wait times during peak hours; arrive early or late.

3

The restaurant is a small hole-in-the-wall attached to a gas station.

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