Was in the area and started craving tamales. Drove to this shop and I left with not only two delicious pork tamales (they were sold out of everything else which is a good sign!), but the most delicious queso torta I think I've ever had. And I don't say that lightly. I was not expecting to take a bite out of this hot cheesy goodness while driving, but I did because I was starving and OMG. The flavor profile sent me into orbit. I would've pulled over to devour the rest of the torta if I hadn't already got on the freeway. So as soon as I hit my exit, I pulled over and ate the whole freakin thing on the side of the road. It did not make it home. So how did I order this exact torta? Well to start, I wasn't craving any meat in my torta. So I let them know that. They seem confused at first because usually you order some kind of meat inside. But I only wanted cheese in the toasty bread. So the sweetest chef from the back came out and asked me do I want ALL the cheeses. I was like, oh that's an option? Then heck yes please. He then came back out: you want any fixings to go with that? And he started listing off all these extra toppings, and I was like, oh wow ok, yes all of those too. Turns out that means picked jalapeños, onions, avocado, pineapple bits, tomato, etc. and he toasted that baby up as if it were my last meal on earth. It was so fresh and buttery, and the flavors worked so well together. It was a healing, melty delight. And they had a 1970's Mexican Bollywood-type dance movie on that was such a bop while I was waiting. It was so wholesome. Please do yourself a favor and don't just get their tamales. You must try their tortas. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area, mi gente! read more

See all

Tamales Escondido has authentic, fresh tamales and consistent service. They sell out quickly, so arrive early if you want the best selection. They offer a variety of traditional tamales including shredded beef, chicken, pork, cheese, vegan options, and even dessert/sweet ones like strawberry, pineapple, and pumpkin. The sweet ones are fun to try and share, but the traditional ones are always my favorite. The street parking can be a bit tight on the busy street, so I recommend using the small lots behind the shop and walking through the walkway to the storefront, it makes things much easier. I discovered this on my second visit. Also, during the holiday season their hours and available tamale flavors can change, call or check online first instead of relying on Yelp hours, which weren't up to date. It happens. There's not much to the shop, but you can sit and enjoy a tamale. They are pipping hot at purchase. There are a few tables and chairs. Also, there are other options, but I've only tried the tamales. read more

Tamales Escondido - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

To be completely honest, I expected these tamales to knock my socks off. The meat was dry in all of them so I don't think they were entirely fresh. read more

We came here for the Tamales, and they didn't disappoint! We tried the cheese, pork, beef, and chicken. The winner was the Chicken, it had great flavor and adding a little bit of their homemade salsa gave it the kick if you're into that. I'm really interested in their other items, when i arrived the employees were having lunch and eating what looked like some sort of a mole dish. They do have a few tables to eat inside, i'll be back to try other items! read more

Best tamales in San Diego. I'm definitely getting my Tamales here during the holidays.

Delicious and the winner for a reason!! My new go to place for tamales. I tried the chicken and pork but will be coming back for the beef and other options read more

This is a local business and their tamales are great! It has the home cooking taste and texture that I personally enjoy the most! There are other items in their menu as tortas which I havent tried but their beef tamales are seasoned really good. The service is fast and their salsas are not just tasty but spicy. I love their red salsa and the lady at the register mentioned the green one is the best one. The ambience is a small shop with a few tables and chairs. read more

Best tamales of my life!! Maria was very sweet and is up early most mornings to make the tamales fresh!! Thank you!!!

Came here after trying other tamales in the area (it was like a tamales tour Saturday for us.) These were the best that we had all day. Taste was very homemade and the size was rather decent. They pack their tamales with a good amount of protein so that masa to meat ratio is good. The lady running the register was very sweet. Only thing, is they are technically to go only, but did have a table with 4 chairs inside. Definitely coming back here. FOUR STARS. read more

Tamales Escondido - Tamal de Puerco - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

Small business, must!! Best local Tamales!! They open at 5:30am, and the locals love it! read more

Was on the hunt for tamales for Christmas & I'm new to the tamale game had no idea I had to order them so far in advance so I resorted to Everything Escondido on Facebook to ask where I could get tamales the week of Christmas got lots of good replies & Tamales de Escondido was one of them decided to head over here this morning to try a few of their tamales and they did not disappoint so I ordered six cheese, six chicken, and eight beef for Christmas Eve and they were so hot and fresh. There is only two ladies working here and they are so sweet and friendly, I felt immediately welcomed as soon as I walked in. I will definitely be here again in the future to buy more tamales as well as try some of their other menu items. read more

It's so hard to find a good tamales place in escondido. Was craving tamales & found this hidden gem behind a sketchy alley. But don't be fooled, the tamales were so good & affordable. I believe about $2.80 per tamale. They have shredded beef, chicken, pork, & vegan tamales. Also strawberry & pineapple tamales ??? Wow! The amount of meat inside was plentiful! The younger gentleman with glasses was our cashier & he was super nice & patient with us ordering. I will be back to order more soon!! read more

Tamales Escondido - (Beef tamale) I got too excited to take a picture before i ate haha - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Good food but sometimes they don't put the correct amount the last time I bought some my tamales were all raw and under cooked

Great service! I walked in on a Monday morning to purchase tamales to take to the office. They gave me a generous amount of salsas to go with the warm tamales. The tamales are a good size and they are very generous with the fillings as well, so coworkers loved them. read more

Let me start off by saying, Delicious I'm never disappointed. I have been buying their tamales for years when they sold them at the church. They are definitely not skimpy on the meat portion. I will definitely return real soon read more

Tamales Escondido - Chicken tamale. - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

Deeeelicious!! Excellent service and price! Very helpful, tamales are perfect for a special occasion!

Not sure if this is still in business but I stopped by on Saturday , Dec. 11th at 630ish pm and it was closed. Hours on display said it closes at 8pm. I was sad. read more

I was really hoping to find good tamales nearby but unfortunately this was not it. It was 11am on a weekday and they were out of beef, strawberry and pineapple. I ended up getting 3 jalapeño cheese and 2 chicken. Got home and my order was wrong, they gave me 4 chicken and 1 cheese? The masa was so thick and not in proportion to the filling, won't be going back. read more

Best tamales ever !!! Always fresh and hot I buy Some for my clients every other week !! Love the ladies that are always there remind me of my mother always taking care of us great customer service ... I love the ones chicken read more

A few weeks ago I happened upon some tamale samples at Oktoberfest in Encinitas. I barely made it to the beer garden before I realized I needed me some more of those. The pork tamales are INSANE. Spicy, tender and just insane. I find myself craving them every day. Before we left we got a few more to take home. In addition to the pork we got chicken and some cheese tamales. Chicken was good but it was my least favorite. The cheese were great but it's the pork for the win. Their tamales come in the following flavors: Pineapple Strawberry Date Chicken Pork Cheese Spinach If I can manage to tear myself away from the pork tamales I just may try the spinach ones. read more

I ordered a dozen tamales and when I went to pick them up they didn't have them and acted like I never ordered them, so this place doesn't care about being professional and respecting other peoples time read more

Tamales here are some of the best i've tried in town. The pork tamales are the best in my opinion, but you cant go wrong with any of their choices. Beef, Chicken and the pineapple are really good. They open early of you want to pick some up before work which is what i do. read more

Tamales Escondido - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

See all

Deliciosos tamalitos and champurrado!! The red salsa is very spicy and good as well! Yummy!!

Always great to find excellent tamales! I would call first and place and order... it can get busy at lunchtime et.

The Tamales were dry the meat was stringy and hard to chew I still have not found a good tamale in Escondido .

Best tamales in town 100% third time coming back to it and champurrado is the best I've tried here in Cali

Hours are wrong. I called today at 12:55 pm and I wanted to place an order to pick up and the guy on the phone said that they closed at 1 pm !!! ‍ read more

Love this place! Red beef, red pork and rajas con queso are our favorites, but everything is great. Don't get lost - this place is listed on Yelp and Google as Tamales de Escondido, but the sign on the window says Vina de Oro. read more

Chicken tamales are fantastic. I didn't even know I liked chicken. Strawberry is less preferred than pineapple, but it was still a delightful new experience. They were out of pork tamales the first time I came. They make the tamales all day long, I'm chill with it. Especially because I discovered the chicken tamale. LONG LIVE THE CHICKEN TAMALE! PS. Park in the back of the restaurant. There is a small lot with a passageway which delivers you to the front door. read more

I'm really confused. The only picture for this place is Vina de oro on South Escondido just North of 9th. Since Vina de Oro doesn't show on Yelp, I'm guessing that's what the other reviewers are for. Family was looking for a place to order tamales for Christmas so we got a dozen from here and a dozen from the other tamale place in Escondido. Both were good, but this place was the clear and unanimous winner across the board. read more

Great food and great prices! The pork Tamales are to die for!

I stopped into this business for small business Saturday. I had just had a great lunch with friends, and I intended to have these for dinner. Curiosity got the best of me though and I had to have some. I started with a taste of beef and then chicken. I also got pork but haven't tried them yet. I love these. They are seasoned well and the masa is light and airy. They are not snack size but good size tamales with a hefty portion of the meats I chose inside. The green chile sauce is a delicious compliment. I will definately recommend this establishment to others while continuing to visit myself. read more