9 Restaurants With Super Tasty Tamales in Phoenix
People love this town in the middle of the desert. One of the best things for many people about living here is the fact that the city has so many wonderful things to eat. If you are looking for tamales, you’ll find lots of places to enjoy them. It’s easier than ever to find a warm tamale in Phoenix that is made from scratch. These restaurants offer tamales you can have by yourself or bring with you for any occasion you like. Pick one today and you’ll have a terrific meal.
The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food
2126 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 275-8231
Carolina’s has been a Phoenix staple for over five decades! Years of cooking experience translates into a restaurant that knows exactly how to please their many happy fans. As soon as you walk in, you can tell it’s a well-oiled machine with no frills (there’s not even art on the walls!) but plenty of delicious food. Order a red tamale at the counter and, what it lacks in looks, it makes up for with unbelievable flavor. The masa is enjoyable enough on its own, but the filling just makes it a 10/10.
Photo credit: azcentral.com
The Tamale Store
15842 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 435-2604
Those who know Phoenix know The Tamale Store is all about family. That’s because it is family owned and run. If you love all that tamales have to offer, you’ll want to stop by a place that adores them as much as you do. Their tamales are twelve for thirty-five bucks. That’s a huge bargain. You can also buy lots of types of individual tamales. Try the chicken with lots of spicy chipotles. It’s brimming with the kind of flavors that say this is something to enjoy. You’ll also find lots of other types of tamales that are equally delicious. Many locals swear by the pork with a large helping of green chiles. That’s ideal for those who want to pile on the spices and appreciate the slow cooked protein that pairs so nicely with it. It’s a great thing to bring home when you want to have a dinner that you can put on the table quickly.
Photo credit: azcentral.com
TeePee Mexican Food
4144 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 956-0178
Located in the laid back Arcadia neighborhood, TeePee Mexican food has long been serving up lots of hearty favorites for locals and visitors alike. They offer a large menu that makes it possible to find tamales of all kinds as well as other kinds of foods that you can eat along with them. The tamales come with a choice of red sauce that has lots of levels of flavor or green sauce for those who like it with chilies. You can also order them with lots of dollops of hot sauce if that’s what you’re looking for in a tamale sauce. The sauces are available on their own so you can use them in other things you’re going to serve with the tamales. The rest of the menu has many items that people love to take home or eat in. Try one of many different kinds of tacos. You can find the soft shell or the crunchier kind. You’ll also find other items for a fabulous Mexican themed feast. The enchiladas are just as good as their homemade tacos and tamales.
Photo credit: showmoonmag.com
Taco Chelo
501 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ
(602) 368-5316
Taco Chelo is one regional restaurant that has done a lot to make downtown Phoenix their own. This is a fabulous space that offers a large menu based on many Mexican favorites they bring to perfection. Start with big of bag of chips with salsa and guacamole. You can find lots of different kinds of items on the menu aside from the tamales. Have a fish taco or one that’s filled with lots of vegetables. The tamales are some of the best in the entire area. Opt for their special rajas con queso. It has lots of marvelous cheese. For those who love pork, the pork green chile verde is another way to have a blissful lunch or dinner. Many fans really appreciate the beef tamale. That is because this one is made with a guajillo kick to it as well as rich pasilla red sauce. The chicken version comes is made a mild but pleasing green tomatillo sauce.
Photo credit: elguapomd.com
Los Sombreros
2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ
(480) 994-1799
Los Sombreros is all about having lots of fun. This is an excellent restaurant if you’re looking to have a meal with lots of your friends. They know that you want to have a good time and they do their best to make it all happen for you right now. They have a lively brunch menu with lots of easy options like the crepas de carnitas and the huevos rancheros. The lunch menu is served each weekday. You’ll find lots of convenient options including plates that come with your choice of rice and beans or vegetables. The smoked chicken enchilada is a huge favorite. Their tamales are particularly admired. That’s in part because they offer a dozen different kinds. There’s red chile and beef that makes a great main course or part of a much larger meal. You’ll also find chorizo and with lots of black bean in a sauce. If you are looking for something sweet, go for the pineapple raisin or the tamales made with helping of cinnamon and chocolate.
Photo credit: azcentral.com
Los Gringos Locos
280 S. Phelps Drive, Apache Junction AZ
(480) 288-5626
Many varied types of tamales are just one of the reasons why so many people really want to stop by this place. Their tamales are available both fresh and frozen. You can a few of your own to have on hand once you’re done dining here. If you want to eat in, they have a menu that satisfies your needs in every single way. The tamales on hand have options such as green chili and red chile pork. They also come in a vegetarian version with plenty of green corn. The rest of the menu is one that you’ll want to take the time to enjoy in every way. Start off with bean dip or baja shrimp cocktail. Go for the chimichangas or the fajitas that come to your table with lots of spice.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Tamales Guadalajara
9356 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson, AZ
(623) 907-0116
Come this marvelous restaurant and stock up tamales. They are twelve for twenty bucks so it’s easy to get as many as you like. They have many types of tamales that you can eat when you’re truly craving something that’s homemade and utterly delicious. This is a place that prides itself on bringing some of the best of Latino flavor to their many fans in the Phoenix area. Start off your meal here with a rich soup that has lots of meat and vegetables like the albondigas. Chomp down on one of their many taquitos that go so well with the tamales. Make a full meal. The tamales are savory and filled with the kind of items that everyone loves so much.
El Norteño
1002 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 254-4629
El Norteño feels distinctly like a neighborhood staple, yet still retains a hole-in-the-wall feel that you’re looking for at an authentic Mexican joint. Their tamales are compact and not too soggy nor too dry…they’re just right, like the Goldilocks of tamales. You can tell the masa recipe has been passed down for generations, with a pleasant bite and a lingering taste of corn and love (but mostly corn).
Rosita’s Place
2310 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 244-9779
This high-energy cantina is a bustling hangout spot for the whole family, but that doesn’t mean they cut any corners with their food. Their tamales are unique for two main reasons. First, they do not arrive in the husk for you to unwrap and discard. Second, they’re drowning in a mild and creamy red sauce. Luckily, the sauce is abundant but not overpowering, so you can still clearly taste the masa, the filling, and the sauce. Don’t fill up on chips and salsa because you’re going to want to eat these bad boys nice and fresh.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 28, 2021 and last updated on September 20, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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