I love Emma's and didn't realize they had an Old Sac location! I really appreciate that they don't use preservatives or artificial ingredients. The tamales and the salsa are my favorite things from here. Chips are also very thick and crispy as well. At this location I've had the Combo #7 (Two Red Chili Chicken Tamales w/chips & salsa), Combo #8 (Pork Tamale with rice, beans & salsa), and the Organic Bean & Cheese Burrito. There are a handful of tables outside the business to eat; there isn't any inside space. Service is super friendly, and it's been the same person working here when I've visited. Definitely my go to place for food in Old Sac. read more

See all

The tamales here are amazing! All of their products are made with organic and natural ingredients. The prices at this location are more than their South Sacramento location, however the tamales are same. I ordered the bean and cheese burrito and #7 Two Red Chili Chicken Tamales w/homemade chips, salsa and drink. The bean and cheese burrito was average and was a simple burrito that was not special. I probably wouldn't order it again. The red chili chicken tamales were delicious! The masa was soft, moist, and flavorful which complimented the chili chicken perfectly. The serving size of the chips was tiny but they were fresh and the chips were thick and crispy. The salsa paired well with the chips and tamales. The service was excellent as the employee was very friendly. He even greeted my son with a toy chicken and offered him to ring the bell on display. Ordering is at the counter and seating is outside in the covered patio. read more

Emma's Tamales - Red Chili Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

Visited October 8th..see my receipt. This place is at the waterfront in Sacramento. It's next to Railroad Fish and Chips. Last time I was here a got a couple tamales and they were so good I made sure I bought four more today! I like the red chili chicken tamales and of course they are only 2.50 each! It's a small place ( outside you can sit on the picnic tables). They also offer combo meals if you are really hungry! This place has great tamales and next time I am getting a dozen! Nice friendly employee! Ps. The free sample they give out was refreshing..Horchata! read more

See all

Excellent!! Delicious , made from scratch, Moist, consistent , made in a clean state certified kitchen read more

The service was wonderful, the tamales were perfect and I got my food very quickly. It is the best deal in Old Sacramento! read more

See all

While in Old Sac last Friday, my husband and I decided to pick up some tamales to bring home. I'm happy to report that we have been eating them for lunch all week! We ordered a pack of the Jalapeno and Cheese and a pack of the Chicken - both were very tasty and packed with flavor. If you like spicy, you would definitely like the Jalapeno and Cheese option. Emma's is a little hole in the wall, with no seats inside, but the outside has tables that are perfect for people watching and just enjoying the sights and sounds of Old Sac. There was only 1 employee working when we stopped in and she was hustling while making another customer's order, but she acknowledged us multiple times and thanked us for being patient - which to me, goes a long way. Check them out if you're in the area and craving some tamales - I also saw hot dogs and some other yummy items on their menu. We'll definitely be back! read more

Emma's Tamales - To go tamales and warm up at home - Jalapeño and Pork - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

This is an excellent choice for a quick bite if you're visiting old town. We tried the red pork, green chicken, jalapeño with jack cheese and the tofu chipotle. The jalapeño with jack cheese was my favorite! You can also buy refrigerated take home packs too. This place has sooo much variety. Also no lard used in the tamales. Don't get me wrong, I love a traditional tamal made with manteca but it's nice to have a lighter option, plus it's better for heart health if that's what you're into. The man at the counter was lovely! The vibes are super chill. It left me wanting to come back for more! read more

We tried a bunch of tamales * Red Chili Chicken * Green Chili Chicken * Seafood * Blackhead * Jalapeño Cheese Tamales were served with fork, butter knife, napkins & hot or mild salsa. My spouse & I shared them all. My favorites were the Jalapeño Cheese & Seafood. My spouses favorite was the Red Chili Chicken & Seafood. He said the Jalapeño Cheese had to much kick so not for those who don't like heat. They have bottled beverages or 2 inhouse drinks. The lady working was very friendly & helpful when making selections. The resturant itself is small but there's tables & benches outside to sit; first come first serve style.. They sell prepackaged tamales to go & they're good for about 3 hrs before they have to be refrigerated. Give them a try!! read more

See all

Emma's tamales are very good my favorite was the jalapeno and cheese tamale spicy and a perfect flavor, Kalam is an amazing worker very kind knowledgeable and a great personality I would come back based on this employees very helpful nature if you're in old sac stop by and give Emma's Tamales a try they do not disappoint they have meat seafood cheese jalapeno vegan options and gluten free as well. read more

See all

In the heart of old Sacramento. They have Emma's Tamales. I ordered the seafood tamale. Service was quick, nice attendee at the register. I couldn't taste the crab but only the shrimp. Overall it's decent for this small establishment. Very small but clean shop. read more

This one-man operation of paper plates and a microwave oven just don't pass my idea of an eatery. Yes, it's unique in the way he gives you your small portion 1 tamale and refried beans and rice 1/2 and 1/2 in a plastic bowl. And boy does he skimp on the salsa!! Sorry, there was a party of 8 of us and we would have much rather spend our money elsewhere. Sorry I have to give this review, but this place has a lot of room for improvement. read more

Great service and yummy tamales/enchiladas!! Definitely recommend if you are in the area

Not only are the tamales absolutely amazing but the guy worked in the counter. What's fantastic I was having a terrible hot flash almost blacking out and he had nothing but empathy and turned the fan on so I could stay cool great customer service. read more

Cute little spit near the waterfront. My friends recommended this place, so I was excited to try it out. When I entered, the staff warmly greeted me and asked me to wait. Then they took my order, microwaved the pork tamale, and within minutes, they served them to me. The tamale was a good portion, and the flavor was ok. Sauce was mild. read more

Such an amazing service whenever we come to old town sac we never miss coming here! Joe is amazing always so kind goes above and beyond in customer service! Not to mention there's no Lard in the tamales! read more

We were in Old Sacramento several times & passed by. This day I decided to stop by & try the tamales . My favorite is Jalapeño & green chile. I was excited until I noticed they were frozen. The girl helping me warmed it up in the microwave. The flavor was good but the contents were chopped up in little pieces. They have lots of vegetarian options. Not sure I'd go back. I do hope they stay open. They have been struggling since Covid. I'm sorry I ate mine so fast I forgot to take a photo. read more

We visited old Sac and stopped by this dump and it was like a sauna inside, I felt bad for the nice guy working. It was so hot inside we didn't bother ordering!!! If ownership won't invest in AC in hot ass Sac town, the food is definitely suspect too, yuk! No thanks not interested in montazumas revenge!!! lmao ...Owner needs to do better!!!! read more

Great quality good variety with vegan options Great customer service. Love the pineapple raisin tamale. read more

I love sweet tamales so I figured I would give it a try. There was wayyyy too many raisins in it and they also add coconut. It would be better if it was just pineapple without the other two things. Pricing wasn't too bad. A pack of 4 was $10 read more

Emma's Tamales - Sweet tamale, not so great - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

I am from SoCal so good Mexican food is plentiful. The tamales were good, but not best I've ever had. I didn't like paying $1 for a tiny tbsp of sour cream. I thought that was ridiculous. The woman working there was super nice and very friendly. I also ordered their green tea. It was good but needed a touch more stevia. The salsa was not flavorful. Again it was a TINY amount of pico de gallo. I sat outside which was nice. It was my first time to old Sac. read more

Emma's Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

I grabbed these to go and they were so good! There was space to eat there but these were great for a quick grab Lots of vegetarian/ vegan options too. read more

Emma's Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Joe always takes care of me and my family everytime we come here. Has quickly become one of our favorite spots because of the atmosphere he creates. Above and beyond service, not to mention the tamales are great. The horchata is phenomenal as well. I strongly suggest anyone in the area pays Joe a visit and he will take care of you! read more

I am concerned that the gloves are not being replaced every order as I've witnessed her ring up an order and continue using the same gloves to handle the food. She's protecting her hand and not a potential food poisoning or stomach issues. read more

I tried the tamales and the enchiladas (green sauce). Such amazing food! It was a hit with the whole family! The woman that helped me was positively amazing. Absolutely getting food from there again! read more

I was honestly shocked but these tamales were legit good and I'm only giving it 4 stars because they were pricey. $4 a pop! I expect higher prices for anything at a tourist spot but dang! We tried a pork and a jalapeño cheese which was spicy! I don't know if it's because we were hangry but these definitely hit the spot for a quick and different snack to tide us over until dinner. It's a walk up and order type place with some outdoor seating next door to the fish and chips place. I would definitely hit them up again if I was in the area. Sorry there are no pics. Again, we were hangry. LOL read more

I waited a few minutes on a Saturday for the lady to come back from her break and reopen. I ordered a #1 special (hot dog and chips) and waited. She gave me my hot dog, I asked "where are the chips?" She said "you ordered a hot dog, you didn't order the special!" I guess she misheard me or I ordered wrong but I thought you're really not going to give me a small bag of chips? What would that put you out? Judging from other reviews here lousy customer service is the daily special at Emma's. Nice job. Keep up the one star service. read more

Bland tamales that taste worse than the ones that you buy at Costco, everything is microwaved and lukewarm. I wouldn't give this food to the homeless. read more

Flavorless dry masa tamales. I suppose having veggie options is what makes up for it. Green enchiladas were flavorful but the chicken was mush and I assume the sauce was canned. read more

Very fresh ingredients. Tamales aren't even my thing and they were delicious. Liked the special with rice, beans and horchata.

Very rude closed the door in our face before closing time. DO NOT RECOMMEND. The guy working there was very rude!

This place had friendly service, they were super quick, and had tasty tamales & hot dogs! Easy outdoor seating.

Unfortunately food wasn't up to expectations. They gave me wrong order missing 1 pork tamale which is supposed to be the star. The green chicken tamales didn't have enough sauce. The meat was fine but not enough green sauce. The sweet pineapple tamales we had were on the dry side and lacking some sweetness. If I could do a two and a half it would of been that but can't do half a star. read more

Really delicious tamales!! They have lots of vegan options and also ones with meats. I also highly recommend the fresh salsa to go with it! Took everything home and stemed them on the stove for a quick and easy meal. Can't wait to try more items from this delightful restaurant! read more

Came to the location on a Thursday, and they were closed. Their hours on the door says they're open on Thursdays.. but why are they closed? read more

Emma's Tamales - It is Thursday, Dec 1st and within the store hours. They were closed. But why? - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

mid tamales that are refrigerated and microwaved for $14, salsa wasn't spicy at all and barely gave any. expensive for what it is, i felt sad after eating this. if that was my last meal i would just shoot myself on the spot. read more

Omg yes!! I wax looking for a burrito! Tamale killed it! This place hit the spot as being from San Diego memories came flooding! Love love love read more

Dry tamales that don't make up for much flavor wise. Rice and beans seemed microwave. I liked my tamales but my codiners did not really enjoy theirs, and after I tasted I could understand why. I'm sure there are better tamales in the area. read more

I love that they have frozen tamales and for a pretty decent price! I'd love to try the tamales but the times that I've been, they didn't have them. Great service! read more

Those who've helped me were super polite and friendly. The Organic Bean Burrito was delicious, I had to double check that I ordered a vegan burrito because I couldn't tell that there was no cheese in it. It was so creamy and flavorful. read more

Horchata is way too sweet. They don't have ice. New employee that wasn't very well trained. Wife liked the green iced tea.