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Lunch spots with tamales in Seattle

Made for those who prefer a midday meal that is as substantial as it is portable.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafetal Quilombo Cafe image 1
Cafetal Quilombo Cafe image 2
Cafetal Quilombo Cafe image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small space with folkloric decor, art and plants creates a cozy, lowkey atmosphere. The vibe feels friendly and local, welcoming with a homey touch. It stands out for celebrating South American heritage alongside Mexican cuisine.

Tamales come in various flavors and stand out for their authentic taste that evokes traditional recipes. They pair well with drinks like horchata latte and are popular enough to be chosen for catering events.

Chicken tamales and beans stand out as very good lunch options. The spot attracts a diverse crowd, including outdoor workers and high school students during early lunch hours.

People are saying

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

"I loved the enchilada plate with green sauce; it blew my mind."

"The chicken tamales and beans make for a very good lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Cafetal Quilombo Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Prices for meals are generally under $20, with some options under $10.

3

Unique items like mangoladas and fresh salsas are available for purchase.

02
TacOrtiz image 1
Restaurant

Food truck with a small covered seating area offers authentic Mexican tacos and burritos known for best al pastor and tamales. Atmosphere is clean and inviting despite a modest neighborhood setting. Popular spot with steady orders early in the day and reasonable prices.

Tamales come with beans and rice and pair well with al pastor tacos or birria tacos.

Great location makes it easy to walk to for lunch. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable lunch break spot in the area.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are flavorful and spicy."

"I thought the tamales were the absolute best."

Good to know

1

They advertise a deal for 15 Al Pastor tacos for $30 at specific times.

2

Catering services are available for events like small weddings.

3

The taco plate costs $9 and is filling.

03
El Camion image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with funky outdoor seating creates a chill vibe enhanced by ambient lighting and great music. Casual dining happens among trees in a well-kept patio that feels like an oasis in a parking lot. Social pickup area adds to the authentic atmosphere.

Massive tamales come with light, fluffy masa dough packed with flavor. Varieties like pollo Verde and chorizo con papa cost around $4.88 each and pair well with chipotle and avocado salsas.

Burritos offer great value for lunch or a quick snack. Many with limited budgets find it a solid choice for a filling meal during the workday.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've tried."

"These tamales are massive and incredibly tasty."

"The street tacos here are so good, with lots of meat."

Good to know

1

El Camion offers a variety of delicious salsas that are all free.

2

Their prices are cheap, making it a great value.

3

The portions at El Camion are huge, satisfying even the biggest appetite.

04
Maiz Molino image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious setting with authentic Mexican tiles and festive decor creates a humble, artful atmosphere. Music adds a pleasant vibe without overwhelming the space. Known for amazing cocktails like the Whitexican and flavorful traditional dishes.

Tamales have a perfect dough consistency with a good balance of dough and filling. The chicken tamales are packed with flavor and serve as a satisfying meal on their own.

Six people enjoy an excellent lunch with a variety of items to try. Lunch lacks a dessert option, which leaves a craving for something sweet after the meal.

People are saying

"The dinner entrees are well-crafted and delicious."

"The tacos here are delicious and filling."

"I thought the tamales here were some of the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has counter service for dine-in or take-out.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical Mexican restaurants.

3

All ingredients are locally sourced from small farmers.

05
Leon Coffee House - U District image 1

Coffee shop blends Latin music, modern Mexican decor, and artistic design with hanging umbrellas and a crystal chandelier. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy, attracting college students and those seeking a calm spot to study or meet. Upstairs offers a dedicated computer camping area with plenty of seating and Wi-Fi for extended stays.

Fresh made tamales stand out with chorizo and cheese options that are both delicious and affordable. They come alongside other Mexican specialties like chilaquiles and Mexican mocha.

Offers light lunch options like sandwiches paired with coffee. Serves as a good spot for studying or meeting friends during lunch.

People are saying

"The coffee's latte art is so adorable and impressive."

"I found the tamales to be delicious and fresh."

"I loved their colorful latte options and light lunch."

Good to know

1

The kitchen at Leon Coffee House closes at 2.

2

They stop selling their waffles at 2:30, so arrive early.

3

The shop limits seating time to 90 minutes.

06
Fogรณn Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with fresh tortilla making visible at the entrance creates an authentic vibe. Atmosphere is lively and fun with loud music and close tables, making it energetic but noisy. Decor includes Day of the Dead altar and papel picado, enhancing cultural feel.

Tofu tamales stand out with a rich flavor. Veggie tamales offer a surprisingly good taste. Overall, the tamales are solid and well made.

Cozy atmosphere suits a busy convention day. Lunch specials include tortilla soup and offer great value for the portion size.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and the portions are large."

"This Lunch Spot has the best homemade corn tortillas I've ever had."

"I found the tofu tamales to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult to find near the restaurant.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 PM with $8 bites and drink specials.

3

Expect a 30-40 minute wait during weekend dinner hours.

07
El Farol Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy, bright interior creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with unlimited salsa and good margaritas enhancing the casual dining experience. The menu offers comfort food favorites like white queso and chicken rice soup alongside unique fresh pico salsa. Prices lean toward the higher side, but specials provide better value.

Tamales vary here, with some juicy and flavorful versions and others lacking seasoning and flavor in the sauce. Combination plates often include tamales alongside other items like enchiladas and chili rellenos.

Warm and welcoming atmosphere suits casual or special lunch occasions. Lunch specials include enchiladas priced around $13.

People are saying

"I had some of the best Mexican food I've experienced in Seattle."

"The service at this lunch spot is friendly and efficient."

"These tamales are the best I've had since I was a kid."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers daily specials that change frequently.

3

Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.

08
La llorona Taqueria Mexicana image 1

Restaurant offers colorfully gothic decor with a warm, vibrant atmosphere and a family-friendly vibe. Music ranges from karaoke to classic Mexican tunes, creating a lively yet chill environment. Drinks include smoky mezcal cocktails that pair well with authentic Mexican dishes.

Pork tamales come with tostadas de tinga and have a solid flavor. Some tamales can be tasteless, so quality varies.

Offers a sit-down lunch experience with a focus on Mexican dishes. Serves both lunch and dinner with a casual vibe.

People are saying

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

"The owner's vibe made our Lunch Spot visit amazing and hilarious."

"I thought the tamales were great."

Good to know

1

Street parking is tough; be prepared to walk or pay for a lot.

2

A small bowl of green sauce costs $2.00.

3

Expect to pay around $12.50 for a small portion of beans.

09
El Gran Taco Central District image 1

Food truck offers authentic Mexican tacos with excellent burritos and a notable green spicy salsa. Outdoor seating includes covered picnic tables and ample parking for eating nearby. The vibe is casual with a focus on quick service and catering events.

Flavorful masa stands out in the tamales, which come pre-made and frozen from a Mexican grocery store. Options include pork tamales with a mild kick and queso/jalapeรฑo tamales.

Lunch prices stay in the $13 to $16 range, with a $13.95 lunch special offering a burrito and soda. Most lunches cost about the same as a sit-down restaurant without a drink.

People are saying

"I forever loved the veggie burrito from this Mexican food spot."

"I found the tamales delicious and flavorful."

"The staff here are amazing and fixed my order on a holiday."

Good to know

1

Catering services are well-organized, handling events for up to 500 people.

2

Expect a wait time of only 5-10 minutes for food during events.

3

Prices for lunch items range from $13-16, similar to sit-down restaurants.

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