OG Hot Tamale spot right here. If you want good homemade hood tamales this is the spot for you. If you can deal with the no parking lot situation its worth it. They are $2.50 a piece so expect to shell a few bucks to get them. I usually get 24 (12 hot 12 mild) and its worth the 60 bones you gone pay. Also they are not Corn wrapped and cash only. But 10/10 "Bussin" in my books. read more

Best tamales in town! Bring cash and an appetite. Been coming here for years and it never disapoints. Pops is a legend! read more

Pop's Hot Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Pop's has great Hot Tamales.... Not much else to be said about this place. It's a hole in the wall, well two, literally, there are two holes. One for you to put money in and another for you to get your tamales out. They do one thing and they do it really fucking well! I have been coming here for years for take out tamales and I try and stop every time I am in the area. I will hit Ball Hoggerz or Payne's for lunch, Pop's for take home tamales, and Makeda's sugar cookies for later. Times change but these damn tamales stand the test of time and keep on. A little story.... The first time I came here I think I dealt with "Pop" himself. I asked him "what is the best way to reheat these later"? He said "fire"... strait faced, no smile.... I was hooked right then! When you come, get them "hot" with some nickel packs of saltines and hot sauce on top. Hell. Yes. read more

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I saw them on the news and instantly had to go check them out! I went in and there was a crowd (which is regular for them since they are a staple in the Orange Mound community). They got everyone in and out pretty quickly. The menu is pretty simple. It's $2 per tamale and you can choose your spice level. As far the tamales, they are good, but not my preference. The meal/batter overpowers the meat, so I couldn't really grasp the flavor/taste. I may have to go and try again one day to see if there will be a difference. read more

Pop's Hot Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Food is great and the service was excellent and prompt and it's just enough room for 3-4 people at a time.

It's unfortunate that many people aren't familiar with what a true "hot tamale" is. Pop's tamales represent a rich tradition--authentic Delta tamales, a unique regional food. These are not the typical tamales you find in Mexican restaurants, so it's important to understand what you're buying before leaving an uninformed review. Pop's is one of the few remaining places where you can still find these rare tamales, and his are absolutely fantastic! Made with quality ingredients, they're authentic, earthy, and carry the flavor of history. Delta tamales are a nod to the past, crafted by working-class people of this region who created delicious recipes based on what they had available. You can find these distinctive tamales along the "Tamale Trail," which runs south along the Mississippi River. In those areas, you're not likely to encounter a typical Mexican tamale. If you're looking to experience an authentic, hand-crafted Delta tamale, don't miss Pop's. They're the best north of Clarksdale, MS, and Pop deserves recognition for keeping this culinary tradition alive. As Memphians, we're fortunate to still enjoy this taste of history. Be sure to try these unique and flavorful tamales--they're a rare find, made by ever fewer people who still know how. read more

Not my favorite, but the service was impeccable. It was fast and friendly. I shall try it again.

The last time I got these tamales I think I may have proposed marriage to Pop in my review. Once you eat these Tamales, you'll discover why. OMG!!! They are awesome! I went by today for the 1st time in a long while, and I loaded up on tamales. I have tried other tamales, from authentic Mexican hand rolled, to even places that advertise Memphis wet tamales, but NONE come even close to Pops! I knew a guy that used to work in the kitchen at Gertrude & Gonzoles in Midtown and his Grandmother was Ms. JONES of "Ms. JONES HOT TAMALES". He would sell them to me by the dozen and bring them up to G & G's for his select friends. This was the last time I had good tamales, UNTIL I discovered Pops. People, why is there not a LONG LINE all the way down the street to get these unbelievable tubes of deliciousness? These are the BEST tamales I have ever eaten In my life. My Mom & Dad used to tell us about buying tamales off of a push cart in his old neighborhood back in the 40s and 50s. I can only imagine that they tasted just like Pops. Pop should have a star on a street in Memphis with his name on it, because POP is a living LEGEND! I was greeted warmly by a beautiful lady behind the counter, and Pop came out to ask me how far I had to drive with the tamales, so that he could wrap them up for me good and tight. Then Pop HIMSELF walked me out to my van. You just can't get food and service anywhere in Memphis this warm & wonderful! Forget that the place is small and takes cash only. It is WELL WORTH IT! I walked out with 42 tamales , and they won't last long at my house. I got 12 hot ones for my brother, and 15 mild and 15 hot for my house. If you've never had Pops (wet Memphis hot Tamales) you haven't lived! Just remember if you go there PLEASE leave some for me,, because I will run out soon. This place is a Memphis Treasure and someone needs to do a TV or magazine segment on Pop and these magical Hot Tamales. Sure we have the best music and BBQ in Memphis, but folks you have GOT to try these Tamales! One very positive thing for Memphis to be PROUD of. Thank You Pop! read more

Not authentic like real Mexican tamales. Big disappointment! The beef was bitter. Not well seasoned, read more

Amazing best tamale I had . Great customer service I will be returning. Just make sure you have cash. Cash only spot

What a treat for this out-of-towner. I've had more than my share of Latin American tamales, and this is a very different animal. And Pop's offered us the opportunity to grab a quick snack and get the cultural experience in the most no-frills way imaginable. Am I sold on Delta hot tamales? Well, maybe. The worst things you can do to a traditional tamale are to have them be undercooked or dry. These are in no danger of suffering from either of those ailments. But my goodness -- the grease. Hey, if you're gonna let food kill you, let it be this and not Doritos. Vegetables? Save the idea for your next meal. I'm sure this won't be my last foray into hot tamales. But thanks for the baptism, Pop. read more

1st time trying and I can say . Hey this is some delicious tamales . Will be back for more read more

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A hole in the wall, Excellent tamales(especially the hot)! Service was very good too!!

They were quick and friendly You no it gonna be fire when it in the hood !! Tamale were fresh and flavorful I got hot and it was just the right about read more

Great service and the tamales are fire. I stop by there at least twice a week. My wife likes the mild and I like the hot tamales.

The tamales were good. The hot is HOT! I'll just get mild next time. As another reviewer pointed out it is literally two holes in the wall, but worth the trip to get their tamales! read more

Excellent homemade Delta style tamales. Order the HOT because they are the bomb! You can also buy a whole sleeve of saltines for a dollar. Well worth the trip to Orange Mound. read more

Tamales are fye...they taste buttery and delicious! Only thing that i wish they did was take card!

Delightful older gentleman who's been serving Memphis forever.. We laughed at his posted menu. One tamale costs $2.00. Two tamales cost $4. Three tamales cost six dollars. Four tamales cost eight dollars. He runs the list down to 30 and I guess he figures by that time you've gotten the idea that per tamales 2 dollars No discount for a dozen, etc. lol I got the hot tamales, my wife settled for mild amd we both thought they were great. Sides would've been nice but sides aren't available so come for the tamales, eat tamales and then go buy a salad somewhere. Thanks, Pops. read more

I ordered 4 but by the smell was so good I couldn't wait and decide to eat one! 10/10 on taste and seasoning I order the mild flavor highly recommended they guy was very nice and helpful I would say the only thing about this place is you have to bring cash so be prepared. read more

Pop's Hot Tamales - One of the tamales - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

BLACK OWNED ALERT! What y'all know about Memphis style Hot Tamales? Whether you're in south Memphis or the historic Orange Mound just know you will find some of the best hot tamales places south of the mason dixon line. Tamales was always a thing growing up so I was excited to try out this new to me,old to the community mom and pop junt Named Pops. I grew oup on Hattie's Hot Tamales. But let me tell you about "Pops". They did what they needed to do. Very flavorful, spicy and made to order. This little hole in the spot (literally) in the heart of orange mound is def the spot for some good tamales. So next time you're in Memphis def pull up on them! Stay safe! WASH YOUR HANDS! read more

Pop's Hot Tamales - Window - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Amazing hot tamales. Wonderful customer service. Pops is the best. Accommodating and Gracious.

I support black owned establishments all year round, but in February I double up. Orange Mound is currently having their community restaurant week. Sadly I had no idea Pops existed, but now that I know it's a must have. Omg! I could eat 20 of his tamales easily, so good. The meat to masa ratio is on point, everything is seasoned to perfection. Nice fluffy texture, I have no complaints! The prices are beyond reasonable even to the point of needing an update(he hasn't changed prices since 2014) You can order however many you want and add a pack of crackers for .10 The space is quite small and parking is limited but it's a nice neighborhood so you will Be fine parking elsewhere and walking up. This is not a dine in place,get the goods and roll out. Pop is a very nice man and I can see the love the community has for him. I'll definitely be back read more

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Pops has been a staple in the Orange Mound community since forever! I've never had a bad experience. The food is always fresh and hot. The customer service is always amazing. read more

Great tamales! I do prefer a mix of the hot and mild because the mild doesn't really have much spice, it would be perfect for the kiddos. The hot is a little more hot than I like so I take a bite of mild & hot at the same time and that's perfect. Thank you Pop for a great experience. You have to park on the side road or behind the building. read more

Although parking is scarce, I'm still giving 5 stars for excellent service and a great product. Mr Crumb's (Pop's) tamales were wonderfully flavored, hot, and fresh. It's the only thing sold there ,with 2 options, hot or mild..and for $1.35 each, it won't break the bank to satisfy your cravings. You can opt to get a couple packs of crackers for $.10 if you'd like! Mr Crumb was very nice, willing to answer any questions , and has a great sense of humor. read more

Pop's Hot Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Pop himself is one of the friendliest guys out there, I wasn't sure how many tamales to get for my family and he walked me through it, and talked sports while he was dishing them up. If you're a tourist coming through Memphis and you want to get off the beaten path, you want an only-in-Memphis experience that I guarantee no one else you know has had, 1) look up the story of delta tamales, and 2) go to Pop's. No sides, no frills, no seating, not much parking, just $2 for a flavorful, moist tamale, cash only, to eat in your car. read more

I drove through The Mound and thought I'd order up some Pop's tamales. Pop's makes it simple. Find out how many you want, then decide if you want Mild of Hot. I chose a boatload of Hots and they were delicious! As stated earlier, the ratio of masa to meat is prefect. It you like a little something to help soak up the grease and add a some texture, get crackers for 5 cents. Bring you own beverage. read more

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It's no wonder Pop's Hot Tamales has 5 stars. The storefront may not be much to look at, but Pop's hot tamales are off the chains. The perfect amount of spice, ground beef and breading. I ordered 8 tamales for a little over $10, a bargain at $1.35 per tamale. Crackers cost an additional 10 cents. A word of advice, there's no place to dine inside so you have to take them to go. Also, the Southern hospitality could not be better. Pop said if I couldn't eat all the tamales, they could be frozen. Apparently he ships! I told him I was visiting from Brooklyn, and he gave me a business card. I'll be back the next time I'm in town. read more

The service was just okay. The tamales were soggy and gross. The ambiance of the restaurant was okay. The lighting was very dim. I don't think we'll be coming back to this restaurant. read more

These are the best tamales in Memphis. Be aware they are cash only but so so good. It's a little out of the way but worth the drive

Pops has some of the best tamales in the city! You get mild or hot for a very good price. And he's duper friendly.

Old school, 2-item menu . Good prices. If you like delta tamalaes this is the place!

This little small business has huge favor. I love these tamales. Pop's makes me think of my childhood of going and getting tamales off the corner. They have a good amount of everything to make them tasty. read more

Absolutely the best! I always get the hot tamales always on the right side spicy. Only downside is it's cash only.

So, I needed tamales for our Cinco de Mayo celebration. I found Pop's by googling "best tamales in Memphis'. The reviews I read were all accurate! The tamales were on point. I'll definitely being going back! read more

This was a nice taste of home while visiting home. My only complaint is there must have been a mix-up with my order. The hot tamales were definitely mild. Other than that I'll definitely return. It's a small place so parking requires creativity. read more

I finally found some tamale they had back in the day. All is missing is the ice cream cart and the fire they use to smoke them. Best ever.

BEST hot tamales I've ever tasted! Great service. Fresh food. Can't beat it. Love it!

Finally, some REAL tamales like the ones sold on the corner, back in the day! I remember when my mama used to find the "Tamale Man" on the corner & we'd stop & grab a few. There is TRULY no other taste like them. The ones now are too bready or the nes in the can, YUCK! Well, I finally was told about this little secret "gem" of a place in the heart of Orange Mound. It is a small place that has food that packs a BIG PUNCH! He sells both hot or mild. I tried mild, as I am a chicken, but I will try at least one "hot" tamale the next time I go. My eyes were too big for my stomach & I ordered 10. They were MORE than enough for 3 people! He only accepts cash, and another poster put the price list in her review. I was so excited to try them, I didn't even THINK to stop & take pics before hand. (Maybe next time, sorry). Mr. Pop is a friendly gentleman & his tamales are remnants of days passed. I will DEFINITELY patronize him WHENEVER I can! Bottom Line, I love this little place & if you like REAL hot tamales, then give Pop's Hot Tamales a try. You may become addicted, like I did! LOL! read more