These tamales are always so good. Taste just like made from home not like frozen.stuffed with meat stuffed with cheese fruit tamales are so bomb this place reminds me eing at home read more

Amazing!!!! As soon as you walk in here you're greeted with the smell of handmade tortillas and lively Mexican music! I had ordered grandmas special #2 which comes with a tamal, a taco, and an enchilada paired with rice and beans with cheese and chips. The plate is customizable to your liking with what type of meat you'd like for your enchiladas, tamal and taco. The waitress hands you 2 sauces, one green and one red which were both delicious. I had also ordered the horchata but that wasn't the star of the show, it's your average horchata. Overall, if you love homemade Mexican meals this is the place for you. read more

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Place is great patio setting with air coolers .Spanish music playing great atmosphere.. place gets packed a the food is delicious highly recommend this place for a good bowl of menudo or birria you can't go wrong ! A the service is great . read more

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I remember seeing a comment saying this place had the best breakfast burrito in town, and a bunch of other people hyping their breakfast up, so I was pretty excited to finally try it this morning. I ordered a breakfast burrito with ham, bacon, eggs, potatoes, beans, and cheese and added grilled jalapeños. Total came out to $16.49. Honestly... I wasn't that impressed. The burrito was on the smaller side and it leaned way heavier on the potatoes than the eggs. The bacon and ham were decent though. The grilled jalapeños were really good -- nice and spicy (hard to mess that up ). The green salsa was tasty, but the red salsa had a little too much cumin for my taste. For that price, I'm used to paying something similar in L.A., but usually the size of the burrito reflects the price, and this one didn't really. Overall it wasn't like "OMG this is the best burrito ever." It was just okay for me. read more

Grandma's Tamales - Breakfast burrito - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Menudo and Chilaquiles from out of this world!! Ill be returning to bakersfield for this restaurant , 10/10! The service is amazing and the vibes feel like dining at grandmas casita en mexico! read more

Grandma's Tamales - Menudo and Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Best tamales for sure, especially the pork are so juicy and the masa is flavorful. The chicken and cheese are also on point.

The menudo was delicious and perfect. The service is good as well. The ambiance is ok. But make note that you will outside under what looks like a tent. When musicians show up it gets a bit loud. Would i come again? Absolutely read more

Best hidden gem in Bakersfield!!!! This place always hits the spot! Breakfast for lunch? I think YELL YES! When I tell you there chilaquiles and enchiladas dishes with rice and beans are fire with green or red sauce! They are both equally delicious ! I love coming here for lunch! Don't forget to order there mango margaritas with a shot a patron for happy hour 5/5 food is delicious! 4/5 location and ambience 5/5 on parking and yes they have bathrooms, they play music and they charge extra for sour cream 2/5 ! Customer service is 5/5 elite, very friendly and nice owners, Other than that this place gets 5 stars from me read more

Grandma's Tamales - Chilaquiles with Eggs Plate !! The breakfast of champions!!! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I love and adore dive eateries if the food kicks azz. Grandma's Tamales is an exemplary dive....nothing fancy, down to earth, no nonsense, rock bottom price, good bang for the bucks.  Grandma's ain't going to win a prize in Architectural Digest, but I feel as though I'm in a more traditional street market in México. Only draw back...why does Grandma's on East California Avenue  close so dang early?  Probably because Grandma's gettin' on and tuckers out easily. But Grandma is smart as a whip since the whole place on East California Avenue is like an outdoor patio from years ago before anyone even thought or heard of the Pandemic. Walk up to the counter. Look up at the menu board and order. Food comes out pretty fast especially for slow precooked foods like stewed Guisados, Frijoles, Arroz. All they have to do is scoop it out.  1)  Chile Verde Plate:  The Salsa de Chile Verde seems meaty, chicken broth based along with thickening purée of acidic, citrusy sour Tomatillo, that originally looks like a green tomato surrounded by a thin papery leaf, piquant Jalapeño, onion, garlic, maybe some black pepper & cilantro. Slow braised in the Chile Verde, the shredded pork has almost the same consistency as North Carolinian Pulled Pork BBQ. This shredding allows the pork to absorb all the rich, satisfying Chile Verde flavours.   1a) The Frijoles de Pinto is earthy tasting, dark reddish brown possibly due to addition of a bit of tomato sauce and thickened from cooking in its own juices.  Scattering of Totopos/fried Tortilla chips to scoop up some of the smooth, pasty Frijoles.  1b) Arroz is tinged with tomato sauce, friable, dry. Standard, nothing out of the ordinary.  1c) Tortillas Hechas por Mano: At the East California Avenue, two ladies are out in front. One forms a hand full of the Masa/corn dough into a ball, and places it in a wooden press to form a flat round Tortilla. The second lady puts the corn Tortilla on the grill to toast it.  These Tortillas are very thin & light colored so it's either made from very white corn or the corn is mixed with wheat flour for a stretchier texture which is my guess.  $10.29....How did Grandma figure that price?  Maybe she's into kicking back & smoking some major ganja.  2) Chile Relleno: Classic treatment using "sweet" Passilla chile stuffed with mildly stretchy, white cheese. It is dipped in egg beatened w/ flour that when fried creates an eggy, soft, puffy coating.  The Pasilla chile is still a bit tough so frying a little longer would have softened it more. Salsa de Chile Colorado has a mild chile heat as well as tomatoey Umami countered by a touch of bitterness from the Pasilla. The bland eggy coating absorbs this flavourful sauce.  Darn good, and it's accompanied by Frijoles de Pinto & Arroz.  3)  Tamales:  a) Tamal de Puerco con Salsa de Chile Colorado: Fragrant corn Masa, that may be enhanced with Umami filled chicken stock, is firm yet slightly cushy, smooth surfaced. Chew & it becomes creamy with a underlying richness from possibly lard fattiness.  The thickened Salsa de Chile Colorado has long lasting piquancy & red chile mini pieces. Garlicky, "smokey" from maybe oregano, thyme, Epazote. Tomato based gastrique. Carnitas-like, chunks of meaty, moist, pork loin.   This Tamal de Puerco is not for "hot", piquant chile wussies.  b) Tamal de Pollo con Salsa Verde: Same tasty Salsa Verde as the Puerco de Salsa Verde which infuses into the chopped, shredded, pleasantly mushy, white meat chicken. Not particularly piquant.   c. Tamal de Queso y Jalapeño: Standard, possibly white Oaxaca, Asadero-style cheese & slices of green Jalapeño chiles.  Excellent, almost home style Tamales. I imagine there would be a line during the winter holidays.  Cool place to eat Mexican food that doesn't seem to be "gringoized"   I prefer eating at the E. California Avenue branch sInce it feels as though I've been teleported to México.  4- stars read more

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1. First things first. I Absolutely LOVE the fact that EVERY employee said Hello and good morning when myself and my family walked inside. 2. Homemade EVERYTHING! You can actually tell that the food is fresh and made from scratch. 3. Even though the seating is outside it is kept nice and clean. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! read more

Great food as always. Recommend the cheese tamales. They were clean on the inside and packed my Togo order perfectly.

The menudo is delicious not skimpy on the meat. The tortillas are homemade on the spot and delicious. I love coming here when I'm craving menudo or tamales. It's kinda in a shady part of town but that doesn't stop me from coming here. The service is always great and the people are nice. I've had a few different things on the menu in the past and for the most part everything I've tried is really good. Best thing is the corn tortillas though, I just wanna take a dozen home and make quesadillas with them lol. read more

Grandma's Tamales - Tortillas being made fresh - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I've been here several times now and the tamales does not disappoint. They have chicken, pork, cheese, pineapple and strawberry tamales, but I've only had the chicken, pork and cheese tamales here. I've never had a fruit tamale before so I don't know if I would like it. I don't come here as often as I'd like because this spot is far away from my house. On my recent visit (yesterday), I dined in. That was the first time I have ever dined in before. The place was packed on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and the line was super long. Don't be intimidated by the line, because that line moves pretty quick. What I love about this place is the freshly made tortillas they are hand making in the back. If you pay attention to the people in the back you can see them in their assembly line making them. They have a variety of dishes they make here and the prices are pretty cheap. Price is good and to make it even better, the food is good too. They give good portions and the tamales are a good size. They don't skimp on the meat in their tamales. The tamales are moist and they have big chunks of pork meat in the pork tamales. If you like spicy then make sure to get the red salsa. That stuff is for only the brave haha or if you're like me, just use a little bit. Parking is always packed, but the more people I see come in and out of this place, then you know it's gonna be freshly made food. The restaurant is pretty clean and the staff is always friendly. I've never had a bad experience with staff here. If you haven't been here yet then you need to try their tamales out. read more

Food was really good, bought a dozen tamales to take home they were delicious. Good service ambiance was different but it works.

4.5 hour drive from me now and every time a family member passes through I always try and make sure I get me a dozen of tamales by far. The best I have ever had wish they can open one out here in Sacramento. $35 a dozen is a lot but so worth it . These tamales are the size of two tamales and had the perfect meat to masa ratio! I wouldn't change a thing! The best deal and the best tasting and super moist ! read more

Grandma's Tamales - Pork Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

stopped here on our way through Bakersfield and was not disappointed. Were very picky with Chile verde and this one wasn't too spicy, sauce was authentic and home-made, and the rice and beans were soooo good. The chips were so crunchy and flavorful, the eggs didn't have that nasty "wet egg" flavor, definitely sad this place is 3 hours from home and was only a one time stop. I loved it! Music blasting and patio seating felt like I was home with my mom. read more

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When I came out of surgery on 7/20/2023 family bought me some some tamales and cabeza tacos from this place. Tamales are the best in town even from those who sell on the streets. It is a great size tamale with a lot of meat and sauce, depending which one you get. The one I ate is a jalapeno and cheese, pork, and chicken. Best in town. Now the cabeza taco, the taste is great but what killed the taco is that it had very little meat on a very large homemade corn tortilla. So when you bite into the tortilla there is more tortilla taste vs the cabeza tase. The cabeza taste too good to have it masked by the tortilla. I wonder if I could ask for extra meat without being charged for extra meat. Next time. I read more

Grandma's Tamales - Jalapeno and cheese tamale. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Best breakfast burrito in town. They make the tortillas homemade right in the front of the restaurant. I'd give 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Will definitely be coming back. Delicious! read more

Grandma's Tamales - Breakfast Burrito, Machaca and Eggs Plate - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

First time eating here, it was hot as hell... but worth the 40min wait, next time i know to go when its not peek hours you place order at the window and they bring your food out to your table, dining is all out doors covered and with ceiling fans going full blast. Staff is friendly and very helpful, they have a station of two ladies making the best home made fresh corn tortillas I ordered Menudo, Cosido de res, two birria tacos dorados and one dozen tamales, 4 pork, 4 chicken, 4 jalapeno with cheese. The tamales were to go. Everything was delicious! Serving portions were reasonable, smaller than most places but the quality made up for it. If you're in Bakersfield I highly recommend you stop by and treat yourself to a real authentic Mexican meal, this will leave you wanting to come back over and over read more

Grandma's Tamales - Birria tacos, menudo hand made corn tortillas and cosido de res one dozen tamales to go - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Menudo was really great! No funky barnyard smell, tasted fresh and tripe was fresh and plump. Tortillas were made fresh by hand. Will go again if in the area. Encouraged family to go and try it out. read more

The best menudo I've eaten in the US, paired with a delightful chile-oil sauce and exceptional homemade corn tortillas, makes it a must-try. Delightful Beef Birria , I'll opt out of Chivo one. Generous portions, friendly staff, and a clean ambiance. If Anthony Bourdain had a hangover and were alive , this would be our go-to spot to remedy it. Highly recommended - already looking forward to another bowl this weekend. They have a second location now with more libations. read more

The service is good but, the food is great! This is a place where you can take anyone and have a good meal. The cheesecake is amazing!!!

After hearing a lot about this place . I decided to try them bought tamales however they were too salty and have too much dough n not enough meat . read more

OMG! This has to be the best Mexican restaurant in Bakersfield Ca Great food & service. And did I mention the homemade tortillas... Just like my grandmas: ) If you haven't tried this place you're missing out! The flavors in the food are so amazing. You will not be disappointed. Thank me later! read more

There were pretty good a few years back however I never reviewed. It seems like they grew the business some and lost the home touch. Im finding the food quality and taste is not as good as it used to be. They do serve a purpose as not many places have tamals all the time but, but for me I think I will look at other places and shop a bit read more

I'm gonna say you're gonna have to try red pork tamale. They get a little busy and it's outdoor covered area sitting.

Service was great, didn't have to wait too long for food. Very spacious area to sit, despite being super hot outside they made comfortable with large fans. read more

Grandma's Tamales - Menudo, birria & cheese tamales! All very delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This was an amazing experience at Grandmas Tamales restaurant, the food was outstandingly tasteful amazing authentic Mexican food with so much flavor in every dish we ordered in our family group outing. The augas frescas delicious and the amazing Corn and Flour tortillas that are being made and served to your table hot are delicious, if you like Menudo this is the cleanest un grease delicious Menudo I have ever eaten! Wonderful atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.And not to mention they have amazing customer service read more

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Service is amazing but parking lot is small I'm sorry I'm seeing all these reviews about the manudo if your Mexican thinking this is good I'm in shock !! Cause the Manudo tasted like the dirty dish water and no flavor !!! Even if you add onion there manudo use to taste good not any more and there tamales were soggy. Not cooked all the way Horchata was okay read more

BEST tamales! Food was still very warm upon delivery via uber eats. Surprised the cheese & jalapeño tamale had a whole jalapeño inside. It was pretty spicy but delicious read more

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The menudo is delicious!! The tortillas are so soft and warm. I would come back. The ladies are reallt nice too.

They have by far the best tasting menudo in town and I've done my fair share of trying almost every place that sells menudo. Will def eat here again. read more

I like that it gives the feel of a normal restaurant but you can order before hand and pay and not have to worry about waiting for the bill while you wait for your meal read more

Great menu and great service if you like authentic Mexican food. They serve menudo every day of the week, good sized portion. Also has a small bar. read more

Employees are nice but the food is overpriced, tastes old/frozen, and is really greasy. Wouldn't sit and eat at this location during the summer unless you want to get a heat stroke. They do make really good salsa tho. One of the only reasons to go. If you like small portions of fatty meat in your tacos, or all homeny Menudo, then this would be the place to go. read more

The food is AMAZING I could eat it every day. I live out of state so every time I go back to Bakersfield it's a must have.

If you know me, I like "hole on a wall" type of places. Grandma's Tamales has become our hole on wall place to go for Menudo. The line is mostly long when we get there but it goes by quick. It's definitely a good sign if theres a long line. They have freshly made tortillas which is pretty cool. All I can say is that their menudo is very flavorful, it doesn't smell and affordable price. Perfect trifecta! read more

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This place was recommend by several people I know as one of the BEST tamales they'd ever had, so I decided to give it a shot....Who doesn't love a great tamale? It's kinda in a beaten down area of town and there wasn't much special about the ambiance of the building. The staff was nice and helpful when asking about the different items they sell and taking their advice I decided to try several different items on the menu. I tried a few different items and the servings were huge. The food itself was just ok. Mostly typical Mexican fair for this area I live in. Nothing really said, "Come back!" That's always they let down with Mexican food here, it's all just one hat cuisine. Doesn't matter which one you eat at because it mostly tastes exactly the same! I definitely tried the tamales since it was recommended...They had several different versions and they sold them by the dozen as well. There are many places around here offering tamales, but most of them are basic, cheap, half filled piles of masa dough with little flavor. If those tamales were a 1 on the scale (1-10, 10 being best), these were a bit better at about a 5. I absolutely love hot spicy food and consider myself well acquainted with heat, but these were WAY too hot! The actual flavors were good and I must say I really wanted to like them, but in the end they were just ok and overly hot! I bought a dozen and let others at work give them a try and every single person said they were way too hot. That sampling also included two Hispanic spicy eating crazy people and both said the tamales were way too hot. Both had eaten there at this establishment before, but only once, and nothing was worth a return trip! Bakersfield has SO many Mexican restaurants and there is SO much opportunity to stand out of the crowd, but none of them will accept the challenge and make food that makes you want to return again and again. I've been to MANY Mexican restaurants and never found two items I thought made the business stand out amongst the crowd. Had high hope for the tamales, but again a let down! I've been to many places in Los Angeles that we're absolutely amazing, but no one here in Bakersfield, will find inspiration in well established iconic sites to better their businesses! It's just old hat Mexican food for Bakersfield I guess!!! Bottom line, if you like tamales, these might be the better of the choices in the area, but almost inedible, if that's saying anything.......WAY too hot to recommend!!! read more

Grandma's , skip the chili verde and go for all the tamales! The pork in red sauce are a bit on the medium and taste good. I had the Chile Verde, honestly it was nothing spectacular compared several other Bako restaurants that serve chunks instead of little shredded pieces of meat. The plates are on the small side, tiny amounts of cheap filler(beans and rice) while the fresh tortillas are excellent. Highly recommend you get four different tamales if you are hungry because the Chili Verde won't fill up a medium appetite. read more

The wait was worth it, the menudo and birria tacos were delicious, the handmade tortillas seemed to lack a bit of flavor. If I came back to Bakersfield I will go there again read more