Great place for tamales. I'd recommend swinging by for lunch on a weekend, grabbing some hot tamales (since to-go is the only option), and find yourself a nice picnic table at Greenlake nearby. We ordered the salsa verde chicken and the Roja pork, which both were delicious and hearty. The cooked corn dough had a nice texture without being too grainy and the meat filling wasn't dry. Hot sauce is a must though and would definitely come back when I have a hankering for some good tamales. read more

Frelard Tamales - Salsa Verde Chicken Tamale, Salsa Verde Chicken Tamale, Jalapeno and Cheese Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Just got their from-scratch pozole for the Fremont Soupocalypse--utterly delicious and generous portion too!

Was headed to a near by business when a sexy sign caught my eye. A blazing neon beacon declared "Fresh Hot Tamales" and I knew fate had brought me to this place. There were multiple options: vegan, vegetarian, and meat as well as dessert tamales and a delicious tres leches cake. We ordered the salsa verde chicken tamal, the salsa roja pork tamal, the sweet corn tamal and jalapeño and cheese tamal. We tried the salsa verde chicken tamal as soon as we got home and were very impressed with the delicately flavored masa enveloping the extremely flavorful chicken mixture. The first bite made me smile and was one of the best tasting things I've had in a while. I forsee many more visits to this spot. read more

Good tamales, poor customer service. We placed a catering order for a party, and communicated directly (via phone and email) with the co-owner/catering director about the order, confirming the tamale flavors. When my husband arrived to pick up the order, the staff had no knowledge of it (apparently the printer was not working). After 20 minutes of confusion, they hurriedly put together an order (another 20-30 minutes), however, 50% of the tamales we had ordered were not available, so they substituted another flavor. The staff told my husband that an owner would follow up to give a discount to make up for the mistake. My husband was late to my party with the food, I was stressed and annoyed, and while the tamales were delicious, some were not fully warmed/cooked through. We did not hear from anyone for 10 days. I emailed, submitted their web form, and called. Then my husband emailed again, and finally received a response via email. Our catering order totaled $717 and they offered a $100 refund (and a $50 store credit, which we declined) - completely insufficient in my book, since our order was 50% incorrect, late, lukewarm, and the customer service was terrible. Enjoy their tamales, but don't expect great customer service. read more

First timer. Tamales are amazing! Customer service was lacking. There were only a handful of customers. Staffer who took our order was short with us and unwelcoming. Instead of greeting us, she rudely told me to move my children away from the bar when there are no barriers separating the bar from the restaurant. Didn't explain that we could get sauces to go until I asked how we could get condiments. Customer service needs help. Tamales made me almost forget. read more

Used to be my favorite place to get tamales until they moved to Fremont. Girl at window was rude and my order was wrong. When I asked for what I ordered I had to wait 15 minutes for a single jalapeño and cheese tamale. read more

I went twice this week because the tamales were so good! The place is super clean (although I don't love the strong smell of their cleaning solution) and the service was super friendly. The sweet potato mole tamale was probably one of my favorites, but everything I tried was great. The portion size is generous and I purposely ordered a 2 tamale plate so I could take home leftovers. I love that they have good cocktails and beer, and I hope they add some better wine selections. There's a walk up to-go window, and about a few dozen seats inside. The employees were all super nice but their attention is divided between seated customers, walk up orders and to-go orders so you might have to wait during busier times. I will definitely be back to try their rotating selection of specials. read more

Frelard Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here for a quick bite and it did not disappoint. The person who took our order is extremely nice. It's a walk up stand so you just place your order, wait for your food to come out and pick it up. They have a lunch combo deal that is really great! A tamale + rice and beans =$9! Too bad it only happens on Mon-Fri from 11-2. I tried the salsa Verde pork tamale with mild salsa. The tamale itself was a good a size. I like that it's soft and smooth and not dry/grainy like other tamale. The pork was a little on the saltier side for me but my hubby likes it. I definitely like the salsa cause it helps counter balance the saltiness. Overall, a nice stop if you're in the area :) read more

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The best tamales at absolutely reasonable prices!! I came by with a friend during my final week in Seattle. As I'm from Texas, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the tamales, but I decided to give the Salsa Verde Chicken plate a try anyway. First off, these tamales are HUGE. I didn't realize it was going to be that much food, and I ended up getting 3 meals out of it. The tamale itself was hot and fresh, and the chicken was juicy, tender, and flavorful. The sauce had just the right kick of spice while mostly staying mild. Plus, the beans and rice it came with on the side was portioned generously and was incredibly filling on its own. Unlike other similar places in Seattle, Frelard actually does a decent job of adding flavor to the food. Take it from a Texan - I was impressed! I really enjoyed my meal and definitely recommend it!! read more

I love the tamales here! They have great vegetarian and vegan options. Service can sometimes be a little slow but it's worth the wait!

Got the lunch special which is a great deal and lots of food. Five stars for the tamales! I've tried the pork and the chicken one and both are equally delicious. The rice and beans could have been more flavorful in my opinion however I may just be partial to non vegan rice and beans. However, they have many vegetarian and vegan options if that's what you like! All around it is a great local family owned business serving up delicious tamales! read more

Frelard Tamales - Lunch special - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The very last food stop before airport! We ordered for pickup. The vendor was funny and down to earth, taking it in stride as I, in a rush, accidentally stepped into the shop instead of just ordering at the counter. He redirected me to order at the right place (sorry!) and held up his hands and said, "I don't have money." The sweet potato mole was on the mild side (per my friend) but I enjoyed the savory taste of the bean and veg fajita tamales. I never thought of tamales as .5 lb portions but that it was ! I had a pound of tamales at the airport before my flight.. kept me quite satiated. If I were a local, I would try out the mushroom flavor and other sweet flavors as well.. we just simply didn't have the time/luggage space to hoard that many. It is a bit messy to eat on the go but I would say it's still worth it at $7 each. They also have lunch deals past 11 am. read more

Unbelievable tamales and drinks. Top notch service and we always leave full and smiling. Salsa verde tamale and the chips, salsa, and guacamole were too good! read more

I am admittedly not the biggest fan of tamales to start with but i am a sucker for walk up food venues so had to give them a try. These tamales are exceptional and easily the best i have had in Seattle! I usually find corn masa a bit stodgy and tasteless but the corn masa in their tamales is so well seasoned and a bit lighter than most! Stuff tried: Jalapeno and cheese: i think this was actually my favorite of the ones i tried this visit! Perfectly seasoned, blends well with the masa. I ate half of it before i knew it Refried beans and cheese: probably the heaviest feeling of the three, this is stick to your ribs stuff! Maybe take home and eat with some fried eggs? Spinach and cheese: this also had sweet corn mixed in which was a pleasant suprise! Lighter than the other two i tried. Get the pickled carrots as they add a nice sour punch to cut through the rich tamale. Weekdays they have rice and beans which i still need to try! They also sell frozen ones so you can stockpile these babies in the event of perpetual lockdown. Go there now! read more

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My mother-in-law is Mexican American and every Christmas Eve, we'd all make tamales together and serve them at her holiday party. In the past 12 years, I've never had a tamale from a restaurant or food truck that tasted as good as hers...until I ate at Frelard Tamales. That fateful day was a sunny one in March 2019 and Frelard Tamales had set up their food truck in the outdoor patio area of Populuxe Brewery in Ballard (sadly, as I write this, Populuxe has since closed down). My hubs and I stopped by to check out the indie crafts fair the brewery was hosting and since it was around lunchtime, we bought a pork tamale and a chicken tamale from Frelard to share. They were so incredibly delicious, we got right back in line to order another one! The masa is beautifully well seasoned and just the right softness, and the pork is out-of-this-world delectable. On our second time round, we also got a chance to chat with the friendly co-owners Osbaldo and Denny. Now, whenever we have a hankering for tamales, we either head to my mother-in-law's place or to Frelard Tamales. If you haven't had a superb tamale yet, you have to try them! read more

Frelard Tamales - This photo doesn't do the pork tamale justice. Just believe me when I say it is MUY DELICIOSO! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

It's a walk up establishment. The tamales are $7 each and they are worth it. The beans and rice are amazing! I'm very picky w my retired beans, but this was fresh and perfectly seasoned. The tamales was worth the drive and ferry ride. The service was quick and the guy was very friendly. There's a park nearby to park and enjoy this deliciousness. Stop what you're doing and head on over!! read more

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I have ordered from Freelard Tamales twice during covid you have to get a dozen for delivery which is easy and well worth it. First time I had a taste of them was during a Greenlake food walk and even then I was late go the game people had been talking about them for awhile. Last year I had a chance to try more than just a taste at a collaboration with Intentionalist and Tres Lecheria. You can't go wrong with any of the selections but my favorites are the vegetarian and I'm not vegetarian. Especially like the fajita and the new spinach and corn. I like the texture the corn adds. you can get them cooked or uncooked to steam on your own. I usually get them cooked and toss them in the freezer to pull out on those days when I want something quick and easy for dinner. I love both of their salsas and especially the pickled veggies added an extra container on my last order. The last delivery I got to see the person who made my delivery she was almost out of site when I opened my door so friendly we thanked each other with big smiles behind our masks. read more

Frelard Tamales - Jalapeno and Cheese Tamale with their yummy pickled veggies - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I thought the tamales were way overpriced and it seemed like a gentrified take on Mexican food ( as a Mexican who grew up in a city that was predominantly Latino). The tamales were good, didn't love the salsa being smothered on top. The price was also kinda crazy knowing that you can get a dozen for about $12 back home. read more

Delicious!!! We ordered online 2 orders of the 2 tamales meal combo that comes with rice and beans - my favourites were the mushroom tamales and the fajita tamales - the sweet potato mole and the beans and cheese were good too!!! We had the tres leches cake for dessert and it's a must try/buy!!! We would definitely go back to try other flavours in their menu! Order online - quicker that way. (they only have a window counter) read more

Frelard Tamales - a menu in a window - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I ordered chorizo & cheese, salsa verde chicken, jalapeno & cheese, and spinach & cheese. The tamales were huge and definitely has a good portion of the fillings, instead of majority corn flour. I really like the jalapeno & cheese as it is flavorful and the cheese was well integrated inside the tamales. I think I am used to heavier flavors from the south so wish the chicken and chorizo ones were more seasoned. I am not sure if the spinach and cheese was a good combination for the tamales. Not many places specializes in tamales so wouldn't mind coming back to try the other ones when I'm craving for tamales. read more

Frelard Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I grew up eating homemade tamales at my buddy's house and these really reminded me of them...fresh, tasty and filling. After eating a couple fresh, I pan fried one of the salsa pork ones the next morning with some eggs over easy and the flavors were all reminiscent of growing up in the Mission District of San Fran. Remember to tip these good people, they feed the area's out of luck, no questions asked. No better community minded businesses than Frelard Tamales. read more

Frelard Tamales - Pan fried salsa pork tamale the next morning to go with eggs and chips! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I don't know how much more I can say than Yum! They have one window that you walk up to and order your tamales from. The person at the window was super nice and happy to explain all the tamales to us. We ordered some hot and one cold. I don't think we even made it home before eating a few they smelled so good. I just wish I could try them all fresh and hot from the store. Steaming them at home I dont think they turn out the same. read more

For someone like me who has only heard about this as a family Christmas tradition, haven't traveled to Mexico yet, or ventured to the James Beard famed Los Hernandez Tamales in Eastern Washington, this is the closest I get to authentic tamales in Seattle. I crack up though it being called Frelard Tamales since it is closer to Green Lake and Roosevelt neighborhoods than either Fremont or Ballard. Anyways, my review is long overdue, After three visits to this incredible culinary gem located around the corner from 65th/Latona, I too join the other Yelpers who sing their praises. I have visited on 1/5/19, 4/23/20, and 5/11/20. I'm partial to tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and posole - not in any particular order. Rarely I venture to tamales. However, my introduction to Frelard Tamales has set the culinary standard very high. They are located in a modest location that had been home to many previous food establishments in this culinary concentration on Latona. You can see literally at least a dozen or so hard working individuals crafting these tamales by hand to the left of the walk-up ordering window. These are also very generously prepared with quality ingredients. Loaded, chock full - not just a mound of masa wrapped in a corn husk. My first visit, I didn't know what to make of my purchase. Just knew that they traveled pretty well as takeout. Still remained on my radar screen. My second visit, I really had an out of sorts day. The kind of day that any source of comfort would be gladly taken. I waited in the social distancing appointed line, ordered one each of the Salsa Verde Chicken and the Salsa Roja Pork. I was also provided some house salsa and crema. Thankfully, I'm one of those types that always has plastic ware and napkins in my car. I took my takeout and sat down on the bench outside Cafe Lulu (they were closed at the time). Opened the takeout box, carefully unwrapped each corn husk and dug in. Literally felt all the stress and anxiety of that day just vanish with each subsequent bite. Yes, an abundant amount of love and care went into each tamale. This was a definitive moment for me because it made me feel a whole lot better like receiving much needed virtual hug. My third visit on 5/11/20 again was takeout since I was in the vicinity stopping at other places in the Ravenna and Roosevelt neighborhoods. When one is a northender during the pandemic, one has to plan accordingly on indie places in Seattle to consistently support. Yes, these remained in the fridge but were eaten later. The quality remained whether eaten immediately, driven home, or driven home, refrigerated for a few days, and reheated. What is notable is that they are also one of those businesses that are so incredibly generous contributing to first responders during the pandemic. And they also feed folks that do not have something to eat. No questions asked, just something to nourish another human being. Amazing folks at Frelard Tamales, incredible menu, and a reminder to support their ongoing culinary vision. I sincerely thank them for brightening up my day back on that particular day in April. Highly recommended! read more

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My office is a block down from the newest location on Fremont Ave. Our whole team has become regulars, testing all the different tamale options. So far, the fan favorite has been chorizo! Highly recommend to anyone who's a fan of tamales!! read more

The best tamales I've ever had in Washington state. The chicken Verde tamale is to die for. The chicken is moist, not dry at all and super flavorful. read more

Frelard tamales is amazing!! Their tamales are hefty at 1/2 each, and they have such a good lunch special - a tamale and rice and beans for only $9! We got the pork and chicken tamales, and they were delicious. The masa was so good and the meat was so flavorful and tender. Also, the rice and beans were surprisingly good! I mean I'm always a fan of rice and beans but find them all to be generally similar in taste, but they are particularly good here! There's some seasoning in the rice that is delicious. Also, I love that they have a sign on their window saying that they'll provide food to anyone in need. I would support them solely for that sign but the food is totally worth it too. read more

We ordered a variety of tamales to go, super excited to try vegetarian tamales because they are often made with lard or risk contamination. However when we brought the tamales home, they were extremely dry, had almost no filling, and on the bland side. Really disappointed as there were so many great reviews here. read more

This has been in my to try list for so long but I'm not usually in this area. Well I happened to have an doctor's appointment nearby this past week and knew I HAD to get some tamales. I'm not a tamale expert but these are probably one of best tamales I've had. The $9 lunch special is A GREAT DEAL!!! We got the pork, chorizo, and sweet corn tamale. Also got some horchata, chips and guacamole, and a tres leches cake. If you order a single tamale definitely get the cream sauce on the side- so good and really balanced the saltiness of the tamale!!! My only gripe is I ordered pickled carrots and it was missing in my order so I couldn't try it (it was only $1) . Definitely a must try if you're in the neighborhood- especially for lunch! read more

Frelard Tamales - Salsa Roja Pork Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I'm not much of a fan of tamales, but these are pretty good! Super friendly and quick service, and it's super popular! It's a bit of a hole in the wall, but you know what they say about these off the beaten path places, they're great! Very tasty! Highly recommended! read more

The food is amazing, so I'd recommend getting takeout. But the service is absolutely terrible! Super slow and doesn't seem to have a sense of urgency. Sadly, we won't be going back again. read more

I loved the walk up window and the new sit down restaurant is even better. El Suenito's Alebrijes lager is very tasty and pairs well with everything. The lighting is a little intense, but they have yummy vegetarian options. I recommend the vegetarian al pastor tacos. The tamales are always great. And friendly service too! read more

I had read about this place, and happened to be in the area STARVING after a long hair session, so stopped by and got a chile verde chicken tamale. Don't think you can eat one of these in the car! It's properly made in corn husks, and tied at both ends, and HOT! I had to find something else to tide me over, but reheated it today and it was so good! Moist and flavorful, and huge! I'd get extra salsa next time, and there will be a next time! I"ve made tamales, and they're labor intensive. Can't wait to try all the kinds! The fact that they give food to hungry people is a bonus. read more

There's a reason this place constantly has a line out the door- so good! Wish I had taken a better picture of the inside of the tamale because it was no joke. Super simple but absolutely delicious. No complaints! read more

Order from a window, be prepared for a bit of a line. But it's so worth it, these tamales are incredible.

Ok, this is the BEST Tamales I've ever had. We got a bunch for take out and even though we had to heat up the tamales at home, the flavors and deliciousness stayed strong. What makes these tamales special is the moistness of the masa and the flavors of the filling. Usually the masa is dry and hard but these are so so soft and yummy. They were flavorful and moist. Out of the ones we got, my favorite was the Beans and Cheese. But I liked all of them really..... but the beans and cheese just stood out. I definitely plan on going back and grabbing more and I bet they are even better fresh. I usually don't like Tamales but these won me over so I claim they are the BEST! :) read more

The best tamales. The best service. The best beer. 10/10 stars. I said what I said. Go and thank me later.

These are my favorite tamales in Seattle! I grew up in Southern California and have had a lot of tamales in my life, and these are top tier. I am a vegetarian so I get the jalapeño and cheese tamales with the pickled veggies on the side and it is so delicious! Love coming here when I can. read more

I personally had a wonderful experience. I heard about their lunch special - a tamale, with rice, and refried beans, with pickled carrots and salsa, all for under $10. It's a great deal, and the tamale was very authentic. I've had not so good tamales in Los Angeles, but it was a pleasant experience. I got the chicken tamale and while the filling wasn't particularly juicy, it wasn't dry either. Ther service was fast as they had tamales already steaming, so I got my order within the minute. There wasn't much of a line - as I went around 12:30. If you're looking for a place to sit down and eat, this is not the place to be - It runs more like a takeout. I didn't see any places to it - it was more like a stall that came out from the wall. read more

I reviewed Frelard in 2019 and thought they were wonderful. I'm updating and giving a Thursday shout out of love to this beacon of community. Two years later the food is still awesome. You dunt have to worry about that. This business has been a pillar of support during the pandemic. They've partnered with small businesses to create full meal and special occasion kits. They've given out free food. They still pop up at breweries, and they managed to add more to their menu. This business has heart and soul. Support them because they support us, and of course it's good food! read more

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Average tamales with a side of bad attitude and staff just sitting around shooting the breeze while you want for your food that's ready. Luckily I live in LA where the tamales are so good. And the people are on it, super friendly and generally just awesome. read more