This is a fantastic option for Tamales. I love tamales, they're almost always delicious but there are some that are a step above, like those that my mother in law and a couple of other close family members are capable of making. And that's what these tamales taste like to me. The masa is more flavorful than a typical tamale in my experience, and all the ingredients are fresh, just wonderful food. You will usually want to get there early to have a good choice of what you get and they don't always come out right away, so you might find yourself waiting. That's o.k. Patience is a virtue in this life and you might find yourself getting some of the best home made style tamales if you have some. :-) Also, this is a food stand, I don't believe they have any place to eat here so ambiance isn't a thing, the parking can be a little tough but not usually a big deal. read more

The tamales were delicious. A last minute order and she was so accommodating. And with a smile. Thank you. I'm

There are only two holidays that I crave all year long and they are Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are the typical time of the year where homemade tamales are in full season. When I found out about Brenda's tamales special, it was a must try location during my trip to SoCal. Stumbling upon her restaurant is equivalent to finding a needle in a haystack behind a hole in the wall. Long shot, but worth every bit of satisfactory feeling. This is exactly what her food will do for you. Her menu was about 15 items total. For a homecooked list of item served to the public, this was good enough to keep her specialty strong and fast moving enough to satisfy one's hunger. Of course I chose the Pork and Beef tamales to gauge the taste. The beef tamales was great. The style of prepping the beef was close to being barbacoa. The meat sliced away with the masa perfectly with a spoonful of balanced flavor proportion. The pork tamales caught me by surprised. The presentation is closer to Chicken Verde, and similar to the beef, it pulls away perfectly with the spoon. Neither too salty or bland, and melts away on your palates full of flavors. The preparation of the masa was the icing to this non-dessert dish. The corn mixed dough was perfectly mashed, leaving a smooth and soft texture to every bite. The masa alone was enough to satisfy my crave. I experienced the look on my friend's face as they take their bite of the Elote. The presentation alone gives a vibe of great taste, and the facial expression confirms the quality. Can't deny that I did not regret trying one. The level of service that Brenda offers with every plate is beyond exceptional. Her gestures are as warm as her meals. It is obvious to see that each dish is made with love which offers the comfort feeling of a homecooked meal. Definitely a spot to must try regardless of your timeframe availability!! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is amazing! You can tell it's family run and the food is all delicious and home-cooked. The cook, who I assume may be Brenda, is SO NICE and sweet and repeatedly expressed her gratitude for us ordering food from here. We kept telling her we were excited to try it for the first time since we found it on Yelp. The hot cheeto elote was completely delicious and I wish I had gotten a second one since I loved it that much. I didn't try the tamales, but my husband looooved them. He especially liked the green tamales. There's a good variety of food here like burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, etc. It may be easy to miss at first, so keep an eye out if you're visiting for the first time. It's all street parking, too Also, they now accept Venmo as a form of payment!! So you can pay with cash or Venmo here. read more

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Amazing tamales! I placed a big order for a holiday party and Brenda was the best. The tamales were absolutely delicious. The same goes for the rice and beans and homemade salsa. Highly recommend! read more

Always stellar. Bought several dozen for a party; regularly buy a handful for dinner. Brenda's forever.

Handmade Delicious and Homemade with love! Definitely a local eatery with complete devotion to Mexican Staples Like Seasonal Tamales and Champurrado served All Day! Very friendly, attentive and kind service! Rooted deep in the local scene, you can pull up the side and grab a bite! read more

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¡Tamales ricas! Puerco, jalapeño/queso y pollo. Gracias Brenda. 10/10. Best tamales in town. Thank you Brenda.

We love this spot! Delicious burgers and tamales. Super friendly family owned and operated. Make sure to get the grilled jalapeños and onions on your burger. Jalapeños don't pack too much heat just compliments the burger beautifully! No real area to sit and eat so we always pack it up and head to the local park where you will most likely catch fireworks from petco park and an amazing view of the Coronado bridge read more

Brenda is a very kind person and she makes great food! I look forward to visiting her and enjoying her hot dogs and tamales.

Brenda was such a sweetheart! She made us feel so special and welcomed. She is making everything by hand and lots of love. We tried the corn on cob and the tamales and OMG it was so good! The tamales tasted so homey and delicious. Brenda told us she makes the masa with her hands and that's what gives it the amazing soft texture. Must try! It was so good! Her cute little spot is attached to her house but the ambiance just feels cozy and welcoming. Please go and try out Brenda's Tamales, the prices are very affordable and she will be so happy to see you there trying her amazing food! Can't wait to go back to SD for Brenda's food! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Corn on a cob! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

We ended up here because of good yelp reviews and.... We were not disappointed Tamales were delicious esquites were also delicious and chapurrado hit the spot on this rainy night. Señora Brenda and her son are very welcoming and make you feel as if you're just stopping by to your Tia's house to have some food. Prices are very reasonable. La comida está deliciosa gracias Sra. Brenda read more

I drove 8 hours just to see Brenda and her tamales!! Made with love and care. Brenda thank you so much !! I missed you after 4 years.

This is really a great little hidden treasure! The atmosphere is incredible and the staff is so friendly. I tried the hamburger and it was so delicious and you can literally tell how fresh it was. Plus these tamales here are by far the best I've had since I moved to San Diego. read more

Oh yeah Breneda's place is bomb. I came here randomly around 10pm on a Friday and there were people streaming in and out of this place. The hot cheetos elote was sooo good and it was budget-friendly. Everyone was super friendly and kind, including the other customers. 7/7 would come again. read more

Tamales Brenda's - The Hot Cheeto elote - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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These people are amazing - support your small businesses Best part!? The food is amazing, we literally ordered 1 of everything and man this is some straight of amazing home made food! They are literally a stand in front of their house, there is no hype here - these people are amazing. I recommend literally everything from here. read more

The BEST tamales in San Diego!! Family owned business. They are the most pleasant people and serve amazing food. There is a full menu, not just tamales. And it's all absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back! read more

Amazing little tamale cart in golden hill! I always go for the $2 tamales. Today I ordered 3 chicken, 3 beef and 3 pork. The meat is well seasoned and the masa is yummy! The cart is out there long hours on the weekends! Great cheap eat open late! read more

Amazing!! Went here for the first time and it was amazing!! It's literally a little mom and pop place on a street the mom and son were working and they were the sweetest people ever and have my favorite corn in a cup with hot Cheetos!!! Took the food Togo since it's literally on a side walk and the food was just as amazing as it looked when I finally ate it at home! I would totally recommend this spot for a late night snack on the weekend! read more

Great food, fast and friendly service! Wonderful family owned storefront. Travelled on a scooter from downtown to get here and it didn't disappoint! We will make it a point to come stop by here every time we are in SD for any occasion! read more

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I've been here once and I still think about it. Feels like an exclusive thing to get here in San Diego. I'm unsure if this stand is still open during covid but if it is I would definitely pay a visit. Make sure you look up the hours. The corn in the cup is yum, and champurrado was perfection. read more

I'll keep this short and sweet The food is delicious and authentic. So yummy And the family is so sweet. I'm happy to support their business & way authentic Mexican food. The elote and tamales omgggggg even the hot dogs. This place is worth the wait read more

One of my favorite late night stops! Brenda is so cute and sweet and makes all the food in her driveway! Perfect spot for a little home cooking late at night :) read more

Tamales Brenda's - Elote - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

I like that if you call ahead, they will let you know the exact type of tamales that will be served for the day. I tried the chicken in red sauce & beef in red sauce which were both great. My mom had the strawberry flavored tamale but didn't love it. I like the consistency of their champurado, wish it was just a tad bit sweeter. I can see parking being an issue but I've had luck during my 2 visits. Definitely plan on returning. The people are very nice. Nothing like home made street food read more

Mexican style corn in a cup with hot cheeto mix Just as expected. Deliciousness in a cup. read more

Tamales Brenda's - Deliciousness in a cup, that's what this is. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

One of the hidden gems in San Diego. Best hot cheetos elote. Solid tamales - favorites are the beef and then (suprisingly) the strawberry. Super friendly. Yah, its outdoors on the street, but that's how I want to have my tamales. Make a night of tamales and come to Brenda's then go down the street to Lupita's to finish it off. read more

Found this place randomly and it quickly became my favorite. Everything we tried was delicious! I was excited to try the tamales but she was out of them by the time I went. There was a lady next to me who told me they were the best she tried so I'm excited to come back earlier for them! Brenda was the nicest to her new clients and the others who seemed to be regulars, as she knew them by name. Definitely a comfortable environment, and I'll definitely bring back anyone I can just to return here. read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

I found this gem on Yelp, we stopped in right after our flight into San Diego. The tamales and champurrado were on point. My son and I arrived fairly late and we were a little disappointed they had ran out of elotes, we went back the following night, the hot Cheeto elote did not disappoint. read more

Tamales Brenda's - Hot Cheeto Elote - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

When going to TJ for a street dog seems like a mission, this is the place to go. Tasty hot dogs, reasonable prices, and good dessert. Parking may be tricky, so bring a small car. read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Soo delicious, such friendly workers & great prices. The elote was poppinnn. Would definitely come again just make sure to bring cash. read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Was in my cravings last night but was in no mood for a restaurant. Yelped and Tamales Brenda's came up...hands down love supporting my local business here in Barrio. Brenda's was hotdog was on point and all the munchies taken back home hit the spot. Churros, corn in a cup hot Cheeto style, and of course her champurrado go check out Brenda's you won't regret it!! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

This place has the best elotes hands down!! The corn is fully covered with cheese ans hot cheetos and always made upon order. Everything is fresh and made in house. The location is a bit iffy, but the food makes it up. The location also gives off a good vibe. Tamales are also made upon order as well. The churros are fried to perfection. Brian has great service and know how to please customers. Gave a very warm welcome and made sure we enjoyed the food. Will he coming back A LOT!! read more

Sweet sweet lady who cooks here!! I only went for the elote cause I was going to dinner after. I searched the whole web for a hot Cheeto elote and she had it so I drove there! She's only open fri-sun and she has a wide variety of quick Mexican foods! I'll be coming back. Gracias!! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Omg they have this sweet kitty that comes out - I pet her the whole time. The food is bomb and cheap. It gives me the feeling I'm back in Mexico with my grandma. Definitely get a churro. read more

My favorite elotes in California not even in LA you can find something like this please try the "hot cheetos elotes" I'm Mexican and I've never had them before if you come to San Diego you gotta come here. Quality read more

Tamales Brenda's - The heaven "hot cheetos elotes " - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Found this place while looking for places to get elote on yelp, and decided to go on a whim one night! We tried the hot cheeto elote, burger, hot dog, 2 tamales, and champurrado, all for almost $20. Everything tasted so good and how affordable the prices are makes it that much better. We loved their hot cheeto elote so much that we literally came back two days later for more. Besides the food, the service was also amazing. You can def tell this is a family owned business and everyone does their part so well. The workers are all extremely friendly. I almost wanted to keep this place a secret because I enjoyed it that much, but Brenda's deserves to be known. I highly recommend you check this place out! read more

I've found this little sweet spot on Yelp and I'm always craving corn on a cup, had to give this place a try. My boyfriend and I were happy we found Brenda's. We had hot dogs and churros...they hit the spot for our cravings! Tasted so authentic and she was really sweet too! Definitely coming back to try more things! So happy we found this:) read more

This place is the best! Great food and great customer service! The hot cheetos elote is really good! And the bacon wrapped hot dogs are delisious! Highly recommend this place! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Hot Cheetos Elote!! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Came across this spot last night as we were walking to the restaurant across the street. I love little carts like this and I like to support small businesses. Was pleasantly surprised to see there menu and I had to try their hot cheetoh corn on the cob!! Our was delicious!!! My mouth watered for their hot dogs and hamburgers but I recently turned pescatarian 6 months ago. But they even serve cheese cake and of course Mexican bottled sodas! read more

Tamales Brenda's - Hot cheetohs corn on the cob - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is definitely and almost literally a whole in the wall. They have they're whole set up outside their house and everything is kept very clean and tidy at all times. Some of the most comforting food that reminds me of spending my vacation in Mexico during summer breaks. A must go to check out all the home-made Mexican food. read more