Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Tamale Boy

    4.5 (197 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Tamale Boy Takeout or Delivery

    Tamale Boy Photos

    Business Info

    TAMALE BOY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Tamale Boy

    Recommended Reviews - Tamale Boy

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Kailani S.

    Food was ok. Food truck came, I had the pork tamale with rice and beans. The gentleman working the food truck was nice and friendly, the food truck itself was nice, clean, and organized.

    Nachos
    Jonathan Y.

    We were craving nachos, and after much research decided to try tamale boy. The online menu didn't show nachos but we called to verify and they had it on their menu. The area has a fair amount of street parking, which was nice didn't have to walk too far, and the inside had a very industrial field to it, but high ceilings, which made it feel very spacious. All the employees were very nice and there was a lot to choose from from their menu. We went with multiple tamales and a plate of nachos with Carne Asada. We had Molé, Amarillo, and cochinita pibil. The nacho chips are crispy, and the queso is very good, and the plate was fully loaded with toppings. Definitely our go to place for nachos going forward. The tamales were very moist, and the Masa held up well. Each tamale was very big and fair priced and had a lot of meat.

    Bruselas Toreadas
    Richard C.

    TBH, we've been here before and were recycling some computers and wanted the Brussels Sprouts here at Tamale Boy, so we made the trip and were not disappointed. So, the bruselas toreadas. Do NOT let the aioli drop into the accumulated juices. The caper aioli is one of the best things I've ever had. Period. The lime and worchestershire sauce in the prep combined with the corn and the aioli are simply transcendent. The-woman-who-lets-me-live-with-her (thanks Mike) came just for these. But you have to add the oaxaqueno tamales. For me, these beat the rest of the filed hands down. The twice cooked masa is so creamy and, honestly, silky that your mind is blow even before the filling explodes with flavor in your mouth. We had Cochinita Pibil, which is pork roasted in citrus, Mole Negro, which is self explanatory, and Amarillo, shredded beef. Each was excellent in flavor and while the mole was a bit tough, none of them disappointed. We haven't had occasion to be in the neighborhood for a while, but we're going to invent some reasons going forward!

    Absolutely fabulous tamales from Tamale Boy!
    Alden C.

    This was a wonderful experience trying out the tamales of Tamale Boy! They are right next door to Second Profession Brewing and you can take what you ordered at Tamale Boy and eat in the brewery. They may even bring the tamales to you in the brewery! A few of the tamales we got were the Oaxaqueao Molé Negro, a wonderful tamale in which the molé was just perfect! The Norteno Chile Verde was another tamale we had and the Chili Verde was just stellar for this tamale. Five stars all the way there! The tamales are just perfect in preparation as they are perfectly moist and not dried out at all. Sometimes that is a down fall with some tamale restaurants. The tamales are huge and having two will definitely fill you up so if you aren't extremely hungry then stick with one. There are other menu items to utilize besides tamales which is fairly considerable but we were set on tamales going off of the name and reputation!

    Guacamole y Chips Botana*
    Terrence M.

    Order: Pork and shredded beef tamales guac and chips Pros: well the portion is huge ha ha ha! These are some big ass tamales! The guac and chips was everything! Seasoned well and not overly salty. Everything blended well. Cons: the tamale were good I just felt these big things needed a sauce.

    Few customers I was stopped by decided to try it.
    Mahogani M.

    Tamale Boy is absolutely delicious I was at a doc appt at OHSU when I seen the food truck. I was planning on only getting 1 but, I decided to get 2 what a great decision. There are variety of tamales to choose from and I decided on the Chile Verde (marinated pork w/ green tomatillo sauce) it's so moist and flavorful. Not only is the meat seasoned to perfection the masa it's self was seasoned. I have never tasted a tamale so good and the pickled onions (yummm)! It cost me 10.50 for 2 and I tell you it was absolutely worth every penny. I have enclosed some pictures down below for your viewing pleasure. Btw the customer service was top tier and I plan to visit their actual location in the future. Enjoy!

    a woman behind the counter
    Kim G.

    There is a reason "Tamale" is part of their name. They are legit! Prepared in the traditional corn husk style or a Oaxacan banana leaf husk, the fluffy corn masa is topped with flavorful meats or veggies. One is enough for a meal! After driving by several times, decided to order a selection for dinner. We went with two traditional: one pork cooked in chile verde and one chicken. Both had the right balance of meat to masa and we're so moist and flavorful. We also tried two of the Oaxacan style which was new for us. We went with the pork cooked with citrus and anchiote pepper and the chicken in a deep, dark mole. Both were yummy! Served along with pickled onion and tomatillo sauce and a red sauce, we also added sour cream. Next time I want to try their brussel sprouts which are cooked in lime, olive oil, chiles and topped with corn and cojito cheese. According to the reviews, they are amazing and based on their unique preparation, I am sure they are! They are taking all Covid-9 precautions - masks required, sanitizing between customers, menu downloaded from scan on your phone, pay with credit card - to ensure customers are safe while serving delicious and satisfying food.

    Robyn B.

    My new favorite restaurant in Portland! Tamale Boy has been on my list for years, but their locations are all outside my normal areas and since I live an hour from Portland, I don't explore new areas that often. I'm so glad I made it today! We got our order from Tamale Boy and sat next door at Second Profession Brewing and it was so nice! The server delivered our food to us next door, we just bused our table before we left. The food was excellent. Tons of good vegetarian options for me, and tasty meat for hubby. We got the chips, salsa and guacamole combo - the chips were mediocre, but the salsa and guac were very good. I had also asked for sample of a couple of their specialty sauces to try on the side, and they were SO GOOD! The Sikil Pak sauce is nutty and savory and mild, while the salsa matcha (which I always love) was the best I've ever had, full of crunchy nuts and perfect heat. We each got a Norteno tamale, and they were among the best tamales we've had, as well as the biggest! Not going hungry here. My rajas tamale was so flavorful, and hubby really enjoyed his chile verde one. We also each got a taco so we could try more flavors, hubby loved his carnitas taco and I enjoyed my cauliflower one, though I thought the tamale was better. We will definitely be back soon, and will order ahead to bring food home too - they have an extensive catering and to-go menu. Really great food, highly recommend!!

    Tamale Frito

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paige E.
    218
    21
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Best tamales in the city. So delicious. Try the Oaxaqueno mole negro, you will not regret it.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kendra C.
    44
    51
    74

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Justin B.
    50
    49
    34

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 52
    Thanks 0
    Love this 51
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taj T.
    429
    459
    1478

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Tamale Boy

    You might also consider

    Plaza Coyoacan

    Plaza Coyoacan

    4.8
    (134 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    I had such a great experience at Plaza Coyoacán. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt…read morewelcoming, warm, and inviting. It is the kind of place you instantly feel comfortable settling into. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly kind, and the service was genuinely great throughout. We ordered the Quekas with vegan chorizo and black beans and they were SO good, honestly a standout. The chips and guac were also a hit, and I loved that the guac was actually cold. Such a small detail that makes a big difference. The Citrus Salad was super fresh, crisp, and delicious, which balanced everything out perfectly. I also tried the NA classic margarita and it was so refreshing. I loved the subtle touch of orange juice. Overall, such a lovely spot with amazing food, great vibes, and thoughtful details. I will definitely be back!

    1st Place Portland/Vancouver Chilaquiles Throwdown 2026…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/collection/d6dpaCPfixEzFsfs8s6Kpg/Portland-Vancouver-Chilaquiles-Throwdown-2026 Chilaquiles Scoring: Value 5/5: Chilaquiles with meat $17 burrito with birria $16 beer $6 Sauce 4/5: good salsa roja Chips 5/5: well sauced a little crunch Meat 5/5: pretty tender, well seasoned, decent amount Other 5/5+: guacamole, crema, 2 salsas (the habanero (orange) is excellent) Service 5+: The service is warm, happy and attentive Venue 4/5+ No parking but really nice indoor/outdoor venue which feels like Mexico Plating 4/5: slightly elevated traditional plating Total 37++

    Photos
    Awesome covered patio with fountain, fans, and heaters... as close to all-weather as you can get
    Awesome covered patio with fountain, fans, and heaters... as close to all-weather as you can get
    Enchiladas
    Enchiladas
    Horchata, both of my girls finished theirs! Delicious.

    See all

    Horchata, both of my girls finished theirs! Delicious.
    Republica

    Republica

    4.3
    (257 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Republica is now open for lunch (TH-Sun) serving its amazing mex cuisine inspired with the bounty…read moreof fresh and wholesome local NW ingredients. Today my wife and I enjoyed scrumptious Tacotes, one chicken and one Bok Choy with house made salsa. Also, the Tetela de Requeson, maiz, beans and sprouting broccoli with a house made requeson - kind of like ricotta cheese - very beautifully plated and so delicious. Extra side of yummy and creamy black bean frijoles with sour cream, butter, tortillas. Instead of desert, the Mezcal, chile and lime was refreshing. Right now open for lunch Thursday through Sunday 10-3pm. No fixed menu, changes with what's fresh - the way chef Angel loves to cook respecting what is in season. Service and ambiance is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and its origin - another reason I love dining here so I learn about what I'm eating and how it was inspired. Yes, the food plated looks so good, I am inspired to dig in. There's a reason it was recognized early in its start by Eater, Portland Monthly and the Oregonian as one of the best restaurants in the city because foodies seek out and love to go where the food experience is special - especially the chef tasting menus in the past. Now I'm watchful and ready to go back and see what the chef Angel is serving up. What else is so special is Republica was a James Beard award nominee too!

    Hands down this is our favorite place in Portland. We've been back 4 times in a month…read more Amazingly fresh food Amazing flavor ! Friendly staff . Check it out !

    Photos
    Just open for linch for a clean pic getting ready
    Just open for linch for a clean pic getting ready
    Meat with black mole
    Meat with black mole
    Our wonderful Chefs in the Kitchen during service.

    See all

    Our wonderful Chefs in the Kitchen during service.
    Taqueria Los Puñales

    Taqueria Los Puñales

    4.3
    (312 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Terrific menu, service, and experience. This was our second visit, and everything I recall from the…read morefirst was duplicated perfectly. The person at the counter taking our order was helpful, efficient, and their enthusiasm carried over into the dining portion of the visit. My rule of thumb is that if a place has Cochinita Pibil on the menu, then they can be counted on to do things right. My CP taco had just the right amount of spice to leave me with a pleasant, warm feeling inside, about a half hour after we left. The horchata was cool and soothing, even though it had a wonderful, over-the-top cinnamon flavor. Having tables with permanently assigned numbers, and having your table assigned at the time you place your order makes for a spectacularly efficient way of getting you settled, and getting your food to the table in short order. Their artwork adds to the joyous ambiance - photo tributes to entertainers makes it fun.

    The food here is incredible. The calabazitas are amazing (sautéed zucchini, onions, corn, tomatoes,…read morepoblanos) as is the carnitas. The beans are very well seasoned and delicious. Chips come out fresh and warm. I was very impressed. The place is busy and packed, and the inside is pretty warm. We were luckily able to sit outside which was cooler than inside, even on a warm day. My little gripes are that you can't order a side of any of the proteins on its own, and you can't add a different kind of protein to a bowl, even though they have an option to add protein. The cost adds up pretty quickly - it was about $50 for two of us, for two bowls, two drinks, a taco, and chips, and we didn't really have leftovers. I actually think they charged us incorrectly (I asked to add chips to my bowl and they put it in as a side of chips instead). Overall, the food is delicious and I'm looking forward to going again!

    Photos
    Charming decor, inside and out
    Charming decor, inside and out
    Carnitas taco and shrimp taco
    Carnitas taco and shrimp taco
    Strawberry Margarita

    See all

    Strawberry Margarita

    Tamale Boy - mexican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...