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    Tamale Boy

    3.8 (43 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:30 pm

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    Queso Fundido (GF)
    Kait L.

    I've tried the Queso Fundido, Tacos, Refried Beans, and Burrito Bowls. They have all been very tasty and are decently portioned. The staff have always been friendly and accommodating of requests. This restaurant is located inside of the Valley Public House behind the bar portion of the premises. Minors are only allowed in this portion of the Valley Public House upstairs. Great spot to get some Tamale Boy & beers.

    4 lbs of tamale goodness
    Patrick D.

    My brother took me here for my first experience. I've been wanting to come here for a while and I was not disappointed. The tamales a huge and they tasted so good. Minus half a star (rounded down) because I think the masa is part of the wholenexperience and it was a very thin layer that didn't add to the flavor at all. I return with my wife. She loved the ones I brought home and she's not as particular as me in this case. The food court was very clean and the ambiance was mellow. The staff was very friendly.

    This is what a 16 dollar burrito looks like with no salsa
    William D.

    16 dollars for a burrito with very little meat. Didn't come with any salsa at all. But a 1/4 filled cup of red onion? I love salsa. The fact that this came with ZERO?! Come on! Im using some stale cold Cholula from my fridge. Do better

    Chimichanga
    Tia J.

    We stopped in this location because we could see the large signage for the "public house". I had in mind that it would be bar food type offerings, fried foods, sandwiches, possibly burgers... that's not what this place is. As we strolled around we found food pods, a lot like what you'd find in a mall food court. Tamale Boy was one of these as well as a pizza place and one other. Since we were starving we decided on Tamale Boy for our meal. The service here was great! Super friendly people and great customer service. The food was just ok though. We chose a salad and a chimichanga with an order of chips and guac. The chips and guac were the best part. The guac had great flavor. The salad and chimichanga weren't great. The rice served as a side wasn't good at all. Since tamale is in their name we might stop back in to try a variety of those and I'll update my review at that time.

    Platanos Fritos $6, too little and burned!
    Nikky B.

    Came for late lunch looking for fresh tamale since I have been craving it since this summer and still haven't found a decent place in or around PDX. One key factor, in the last year or so most of the conferences and meetings I attended, the Tamale Boy was catering them. So I was hoping fresh tamale would be better. This Happy Valley location is located inside the Valley Public House in Happy Valley sharing space with Whiskey Barrel Lounge and Ranch Pizza. The Valley Public House turns 3 on October 28th, 2023. I don't know if Tamale Boy joined this shared space from the beginning. The portion of tamale is very generous, more than enough for two servings or to share with another person. For a non-Hispanic food lover like me, what I love and crave about tamale is the masa; this is the primary make-it-or-break-it for me! Unfortunately, both of the tamales I ordered the masa were bland and too little compared to the meat portion. The green sauce was what saved it for me to finish 1/3 of each tamale. If you prefer meat a lot more than masa in your tamale, then this is your place. Oaxaquenos Tamale-Cochinita Pibil, steamed in a banana leaf ($6): slow-roasted pork in citrus juices, achiote, and a variety of spices specialty of the state of Yucatan. The pork was too salty for my taste even with the citrus juice. Norteno Tamale-Tinga de Pollo, steamed in corn hush ($5.25): the chicken in this one had a bit more flavor and was much more enjoyable than the slow-roasted pork in the Cochinita Pibil. Again, as I mentioned above for both tamales, the masa had a very disappointing lack of flavor and portion. Tostadas De Ceviche GF-Seasonal Specials ($16): this was surprisingly a hit and saved it for me during my first visit here! I would definitely come back for this! Though it listed both tilapia and shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice, which is what I prefer over a tomato base, there was noticeably more shrimp than tilapia in all three crispy tostadas. I could taste the marinated shrimp but couldn't say the same for the tilapia. Everything that came with this was well-seasoned and balanced in textures. Well Done, Tamale Boy! If you like lime-based ceviche, this is a must-get item! Platanos Fritos ($6): only 2.5 slides, too little for this price, and was over-fried for sure. The flavor was still good since the plantains were ripe with sweetness. It was not worth the money nor satisfied my dessert craving. Cafe Luna ($5): it was too sweet and too weak coffee for me, forgettable. Overall, prompt and friendly service! It is a much-needed addition to Happy Valley's growing eateries. Opens 7 days a week until 9:30 PM, except Sunday until 8:30 PM per Yelp's hours updated 3 months ago. P.Y. (Post Yelp): My own spin on giving a shout-out to place with Toilet Seat Covers! The shared restroom space is cleaned and well-stocked with toilet seat covers!

    Chili Tamale Frito Chile Verde (GF) Frijoles Bruselas Fritas (Vegan) (GF) Enchiladas Rojas (GF)
    Billy F.

    Tamale Boy is a local chain that makes some very good Mexican food. This location is way out in the suburbs of Happy Valley and part of a food hall where it shares a space with a few other restaurants (Ranch Pizza, Detroit style, is right next to it). You order at a counter, picks a table, plop down your number sign and food finds your way to you in a little bit. This location's food is about the same as any other location, really good. The tamales have a lot of masa, but are still wonderful and around $6-$7 each. The namesake is a good choice, but we like to balance it out with some other dishes. The rojas sauce is delightful and we also tried the fried brussels that were a little under-fried, but we'll seasoned with a bit of heat and bit of sweetness (mango). I like Ranch pizza, I like Tamale Boy. You can get some nice mixed drinks downstairs at the Whiskey Lounge. Beer is $7 from the beer place (whose name I never remember). Love the overall establishment, as long as it isn't too busy. Tamale boy is a great choice for quality Mexican food (the other is Yolotl, but it has fewer tables) at the end of suburbia in Happy Valley. Would recommend and come back somewhat regularly for date nights.

    Burrito Del Mar
    Ming H.

    Everytime I go to Tamale Boy, I usually get the Burrito Del Mar, packed with fresh seafood, seasoned rice, and vibrant veggies. The flavors are well-balanced, and the portion size is generous. I love the white wine cream sauce underneath the burrito, the sauce is delicious. However, this time I also ordered chips and guacamole, and unfortunately the chips were a little stale, which was disappointing. But this casual relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a nice spot for a casual meal. Despite the issue with the chips, the main dishes, especially the Burrito Del Mar, are worth trying.

    mushroom taco and califlower taco
    Connor B.

    Loved Tamale Boy and Valley Public House in Happy Valley! I got the vegetarian tamale, guacamole, and 2 tacos: cauliflower & a mushroom one. I was a big fan of the guacamole and will be getting it whenever I visit Valley public house again. The mushroom taco was good but I wish they put more filling. Cauliflower one was good too but I thought the mushroom one was tastier. The veggie tamale was very good and surprisingly juicy (no pics because I made a mess opening it). The employee who served us was also very cool and nice! Highly recommend.

    Gordita de Queso Oaxaca al Pastor (GF)
    Meagan N.

    Let me preface this by saying it's more of a 3.5. I would recommend the tamale. It had great flavor and the ingredients tasted like quality. If I had just tried the tamale, I would've rated this place a 4. The sauce for the tamale was excellent too and the pickled onions were a great touch. Now for the Gordita, I wasn't a fan. It just felt like a pile of food that had no thought or flavor to it. I will definitely be returning for the tamales!

    Inside Valley Public House

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    3 years ago

    Service is always great and food is exceptional! Even when it's busy, the food is always quick to get to us.

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    3 years ago

    Expensive mediocre carne asada burrito. Took about 40 min to be ready but it was 6pm.

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    4 years ago

    Delicious. Get the guacamole! Also love their xl sized tamales. We usually get the vegi tamales.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Tamale Boy

    Bella’s Italian Bakery And Market - Crispy and hot pepperoni pizza.  I love the crust!

    Bella’s Italian Bakery And Market

    4.7(196 reviews)
    5.0 miLents, Southeast Portland
    $$

    It blows my mind how slept on some of the best PDX spots are…read more Mole Mole runs burritos here and Bella's is the Queen reigning victorious when it comes to quality tasting Italian sandwiches that are sizable enough to satisfy me, the ultimate foodie beast. Every bite of this thing was sensory overload and flat out perfection. The meat quality was pristine and savory with the right amount of each ingredient. The vibe is so relaxing inside and it was such a treat to enjoy this sandwich for lunch which brought back the mouth feel of a Italian Godfather sandwich that I used to enjoy as a child in the Bay Area. Polite and mellow staff. Please support the GOATS of PDX sandwich bliss. Will be here monthly. Straight fire.

    Bella's Italian Bakery is by far my favorite bakery in Portland. The food always tastes so so…read moreamazing and makes me so happy. I noticed standing in line today with my son just how happy I already was just being there. I don't make it here enough but that seriously needs to change. The staff is always friendly. It seems like everything is made with the best quality ingredients and also made with love. Seeing the owners posts through the years shows she truly cares about the community, which I think is an important quality for a baker and their success. The place was busy this morning and I can only assume everyone else feels the same. Written with love and a happy soul after eating your baked good. Thanks Bella's!

    Photos
    Bella’s Italian Bakery And Market - Cold brew and shakerado

    Cold brew and shakerado

    Bella’s Italian Bakery And Market - Espresso con Pana + Apple Cake

    Espresso con Pana + Apple Cake

    Bella’s Italian Bakery And Market - Cannolis

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    Cannolis

    Pieper Cafe

    Pieper Cafe

    4.4(133 reviews)
    6.4 miMt. Scott - Arleta, Southeast Portland
    $

    Another quick stop into a local coffee shop, so many around me I have a new choice each time. This…read morewas a stop recently, today, and it was also a simple drop by for my go to drink an oatmilk cappuccino. Music was enjoyable so we had a little boogie. Vegan options for pastries and drinks, inside seating only but plenty, lots of space and a classic small neighborhood vibe. The drink, space and service were all good.

    My main reason of coming here was to find a decent place to grab a cup of coffee and study…read more When trying a new coffee place, I always like to ask what they recommend or what to try. I was expecting try X coffee with this pastry or sandwich. But the response I got was "everything is good." The way they said it felt like they were unsure and didn't know how to recommend something. Regardless, I tried a medium roast and dark roast drip coffee which were okay but not phenomenal. Their sandwiches looks sus so I didn't try it. Pastries were there but not a large option. The place is cozy, ran by nice and friendly staff. Seating included 3 booths, some chairs facing the window and a few tables. My only gripe is WiFi is god awful slow. Coffee is about average, nothing crazy but not ideal to study or get work done that requires to be online. I personally wouldn't go back for this reason because it doesn't meet my needs for getting work done. However if I need a quick cup of coffee, I wouldn't mind stopping here

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    Pieper Cafe
    Pieper Cafe - Mt Hood w turkey

    Mt Hood w turkey

    Pieper Cafe

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    Jenni's Sacred Grounds - Berry Scone & Medium Caramel Latte

    Jenni's Sacred Grounds

    4.7(73 reviews)
    5.4 miPowellhurst - Gilbert
    $

    It was an EARLY morning drive from Salem to deliver my teen for a 6 am flight at PDX. We left the…read morehouse at 3:30 and I waited until she got through her TSA check and boarded at 5:30 before leaving. As I began my trip home, I realized I needed a jolt of java to keep me going and referred to Yelp for recommendations. Jenni's was open and a quick trip off the interstate. It's a cozy little spot with a small dining room, outdoor space and local offerings. The owner greeted me, and explained that she was baking more pastries after being nearly depleted, but there were several breads and scones available in addition to her breakfast menu. She also has an extensive selection of flavored Torani syrups to make the perfect cup. She'd explained that most of small coffee spots closed over Covid, but that she made a point to keep her hours for shift workers, and was one of the few remaining in Portland. A full meal would've put me to sleep, so I chose the berry scone and a caramel latte. She warmed my pastry and made sure I was pleased with my drink as a regular customer walked in and ordered his usual. The coffee did the trick keeping me alert and the berries burst of flavor with each bite of scone I took. As I pulled into my driveway, I smiled at the human connection and experience I had supporting another small business and was grateful for Yelp's resource guiding me there. Please show her some love and stop by for breakfast or brunch to enjoy a cup o' joe, some delicious homemade treats, or a full service meal.

    They have matcha now!!! I am very glad to have stumbled upon this place and the owner is fabulousread more

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    Jenni's Sacred Grounds
    Jenni's Sacred Grounds - Delicious biscuits and gravy and this is the half portion... come hungry. Goes great with peanut brittle latte.

    Delicious biscuits and gravy and this is the half portion... come hungry. Goes great with peanut brittle latte.

    Jenni's Sacred Grounds - Great cup of coffee

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    Great cup of coffee

    Tamale Boy - mexican - Updated June 2026

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