Stopped in this place on a whim. The tamales are great decently priced and flavorful not too much Masa and full of protein and meat.

Tamale Express has been my go-to spot for years, and honestly, it never disappoints. I started coming here a few years back, and it quickly became part of my morning routine. My all-time favorite used to be the red beef tamale it had the perfect amount of spice and flavor but sadly, they don't make it anymore. These days, I switch between the cheese and jalapeño or the chicharrón tamales, and both are packed with flavor and that soft, fresh masa that just melts in your mouth. I usually stop by around 8:30 in the morning, when everything's fresh out of the steamer, and I grab a big cup of champurrado to go with it. That thick, chocolatey drink is pure comfort, especially on a chilly morning, and it pairs perfectly with the tamales. The staff is always kind and welcoming you can tell they take pride in what they do. It's normally the same cashier when I go in the mornings, and she already knows my order by heart. Even when there's a line, it moves quickly because everyone works efficiently while still greeting you with a smile. There's just something about the friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like family. And if you can't make it to their main location, you can also catch Tamale Express at the Santa Clarita Farmers Market every Wednesday in the parking lot of the Canyon Country Community Center. That's where they switch things up a bit offering refreshing agua frescas in all kinds of fruity flavors and fancy churros topped with chocolate and whipped cream. It's the perfect midweek treat and a fun way to enjoy their delicious food outdoors. Tamale Express truly has that homey, authentic feel that keeps you coming back. Even without my beloved red beef tamale, I still walk away full, happy, and already looking forward to my next visit. read more

A satellite location of the Tamale Express in pacoima. Tamales are good. Service was good. You can pay with card or cash.

The quality has deteriorated, the first couple years in business their tamales were perfect, I'm guessing they changed the cook because the are just awful now. They are all masa, the flavor is gone and, we got some raja tamales and the cheese was hard, looked like a piece of taffy. There service has always been good and the place is nice and clean but, the tamales are just not good anymore read more

I've been looking for an authentic tamale restaurant to bring my taste buds back in the day. Unfortunately, was disappointed again. These places now a days are making large size tamale filled with lots of masa and very lil I mean lil protein with large price. Bought half if dozen $17, I get inflation but willing to pay for something worth it. The pork tamale was salty, the cheese and jalapeño was nothing. There was slice of Possible mozzarella cheese or some type of string cheese and 2 lil stripes of jalapeños. I won't eat chicken. Just lost the taste after these too. I added my own chili sauce to try add flavor but couldn't. Way to much masa read more

Tamales Express - Alot of masa and lil meat - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

Whenever I'm in the area & I get a tamale's craving I make sure to stop by. Their tamales are good & so is their champurado. Make sure to get their salsas as well Also fair warning the Champurado is HOT! Don't burn your taste buds like I did read more

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Their food truck came to my school's open house tonight! I ordered their churros with whipped cream and Nutella! I paid $6 for a pretty big portion. They came out warm and fluffy and they put the perfect amount of toppings. Their truck's aesthetic is modern and fun. They have their Instagram posted clearly on it as well. Their service is super quick, too. I didn't catch his name, but the man who served us was super friendly. They take all forms of payment and I love how clearly their prices are posted on their menu. Cant wait to try the tamales :) read more

Tamales Express - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

This place used to have the best tamales in SCV when they first opened. Throughout the year something is missing, definitely not the same, the last 2 times we tried them it was bad, no flavor, bad masa and expensive. I don't mind paying it it's worth it, but if it's not that's an issue lol. read more

I love the tamales I like the green chili tamales. I like the Chicharrón tamale. Also my boyfriend liked the beef tamales good service and the hot chocolate is the best. Nice little place to eat your tamales. read more

We called this place on a Saturday at 1:52 PM to place an order. They answered, and we asked if we could pick it up in an hour. The woman on the phone hesitated and said, "ehhhhh," so we asked if we could come right away instead, and she said okay. We drove 20 minutes, arriving at 2:23 PM, only to find the entire place closed. We called three times, but no one answered. Their hours say they're open until 5 PM, but we specifically called to avoid this exact thing from happening and it still happened. What an absolute waste of time. So incredibly frustrating. It's a shame because the tamales here are actually good, but I won't be coming back after this experience. read more

I remember coming to this place when it first opened. Up until last night, I just remember why I had not returned since then!! The Tamales are terrible!! With that being said, I'm hoping the owner/cook reads this review, because it's more of a critique than a bash! Let me start with the flavor/taste, it's not bad. But, that's where the good part ends. The masa is too chunky, almost granulated, like the corn was not grounded down enough. The masa falls apart into crumbs and not easy to eat with a fork. Also, The tamales are on the edge of dry. The filling to masa ratio is way off!! TOO MUCH MASA, so little filling. Lastly, the cheese you use does not soften up when heated, and almost resembles tofu. If you correct these issues, I think you could have a good product and very happy customers. I can't say I'll be back anytime soon. read more

Tamales Express - In this Rajas tamale, you can see the Masa crumbles and look at the lack of filling!! Where's the jalapeño and cheese??!! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

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We were at our grandson youth football and got a cheese w/jalapeños and a pork tamale. Both were outstanding. Moist, good filling. If you see them at an event, try them out. Price is$3 and they sell by dozen if you want. read more

Tamales Express - Truck at event. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

Feel bad giving them 1 star but this was by far the worst tamale I've ever had . Dry masa and falling apart , no flavor . They taste old . There were chunks of the corn and grains not even cooked thoroughly. It was stale, undercooked, dry, and no flavor. read more

Tamales Express - Dry chunks of masa not fully cooked ! Raw - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

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Don't know what happened but I used to love the tamales here. I came in and got the cheese tamale. The cheese was hard and the masa was dry in places. I don't ever remember them having yellow cheese inside either. Quality went down hill from last year. read more

I had wanted to go to Tamale Express for some time but got sidetracked due to the pandemic causing issues with dining out (even take out)...finally I was able to come over and get some of this delicious masa covered delights. Tamale Express's location doesn't stand out much as it is surrounded by other businesses in a strip center that is not too clear to see from the roadway until it is too late or you know where it is at. The parking is okay but shared so it can be a challenge. I entered alone and was greeted by a lone employee and after asking about the tamales available was sadly told the elote were out...=( Since I wanted to get a mix of tamales I moved on and got a 1/2 beef and 1/2 dozen chicken plus was give around a dozen sauces in containers to take with me. The price for a dozen $25.00 and with tax just over $27 which based on the size I was very much pleased with on the price. I took them home for dinner that night and between the three of us we were stuffed to the rafters after we finished and still had leftover tamales for the next day. The masa was just right, slightly firm, but not too much and not too thick. The filling was excellent on both the beef and the chicken and with just a little sauce they were spot on what a tamale should be. Really good stuff and hopefully I will be able to come back soon. read more

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Good food & fair pricing. Service was friendly and ordering/picking up was quick and easy.

Have been three times now. 2 green chili and two pork. Sign says $3 each. I have $12 in cash and she says " that will be $13" Huh? Update you damn signs. Everyone has gotten lazy with price updates. Weights and Measures will fine the crap out of grocery stores but you are exempt? Now on to the worst Tamales I have EVER tasted. First your signs are not correct and now this. The green chili was dry dry AF. NO FLAVOR. I can only guess you are using cheaper ingredients. What yellow brick of cheese do you use. Even after heating over and over, this coagulated cheese was disgusting. Threw away 1/2 of the second one. Really bad. Will not return. Ever. read more

Tamales Express - Green chili with rock hard fake cheese. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

Our family likes going here. The food is fresh hot and tastes great. Tamale has never been so good. They're very friendly family run.

I was horribly disappointed in this place. I was excited to try it. I remember hearing about it years ago and needed to see if it lived up to its hype. I came in and nobody was anywhere to be found. I ring the bell and a woman walks out. I asked for one chicken and one cheese/jalapeno. It's 8:40am and she says they're out of chicken. So she gives me two cheese, bags it up and hands it to me. I ask her for a fork and napkins so I can eat it on the way, in the car I guess, since I'm feeling a little unwelcome. She hands me the thinnest paper plate and flimsy fork. I'm not sure how I was supposed to cut into my tamale with the quality of the fork and paper plate, it just wasn't working. I unwrap the tamale and immediately notice how wet and soggy it is. Long story short, the masa had an inconsistency in texture. Soft and soggy but also hard, gritty pieces combined in it. The cheese was hard, fake, impossible to cut through with the fork and plate she gave me. It had a super rubbery texture and was yellow vs white. The jalapeños were actually cooked well and spicy and the only reason why they got an extra star. I'm not sure how the other tamales are but the cheese and jalapeno is a firm NO. Based off the experience and the masa also, I wouldn't recommend. read more

Tamales Express - Cheese and jalapeno tamale? - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

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Really good tamales. I tried a chicken, pork, and beef. All were great, but I especially like the beef in red sauce. Very savory beef and very flavorful red sauce. I like the ambiance of the restaurant, but I highly recommend taking the tamales to-go and pairing them with your favorite hot sauce, salsa, garnish or whatever. FYI the tamales are a good size. Two is more than enough, but it's impossible to have only one. I can't wait to try the churros and funnel cake! read more

OhEmGeeee! I've been meaning to go by this place for a while; Yelp alerted me and everytime I drive by. Well today was the day!! Did not feel like cooking and I've been on a Mexican food kick and tired of all the food around here, been there, done that. I totally forgot the guys name that helped me (sorry, buddy). We arrived around 530pm tonight and asked him what tamales they have left, they had pork (green n red), beef, chicken, cheese n jalapeno and chicharron (best seller). I decided to get 1/2 a dozen, 1 of each except the chicken, 2 it those please. While he was bagging our goodie up, I asked him if the restaurant was family owned or franchise and he said it was family owned and that when the owner walked in. I also noticed that they make dessert funnel cake and he said they need to update the menu since they decided to go with what is selling best, the TAMALES!!! And, my 6 tamales only cost $14. Okay, now to the OhEmGee part!!! I decided to go with the cheese one and the masa and cheese and jalapeno mixture was all on point and equal parts. Now my new favorite is the chicken!!! Nice shredded chicken with a green Verde sauce, delish!!! My hubby got the chicharron and was BLOWN AWAY!!! He said no wonder why it's the best seller!! He did mention that they are already getting orders for the holidays and it's best to place that order now. I have a good idea of what I'll be taking to our company potluck!!! Delicious tamales, great services and the place was really clean. You guys got a customer right here!!! Good luck and keep up the AHHHMAZINGNESS!! read more

Tamales Express - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

My wife and I went by to give them a try after all the posts on Facebook. My wife orders 2 beef tamales. The were out of the chicharrones tamales, so I ordered the pork with green chile and a beef tamales. We both enjoyed the tamales. The restaurant is small, but clean an nicely decorated. We are hoping they expand their menu with sides like rice and beans and maybe some sauces available. I went back the very next day shortly after they opened in hopes they had the chicharrones tamales. They did! I called my wife and she wanted another beef tamale. I ordered a pork tamale with red sauce too. I was expecting the chicharrones to be on the crispy side, but it was the soft version. I was still very good! We'll be back for sure. read more

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Best tamales in all of Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando Valley. Juicy, filling, flavorful - as close to homemade like my tia and abuelita used to make when I was young. We'll pick some up for parties or coworkers and they're always always a hit. Never left overs. Trust me. Remember me. And say, "orale!" when you take the first bite. Mwah You're welcome read more

The last 2 time I tried to come here during their posted business hours, they said they were closed. I guess don't have business hours posted both outside the restaurant and online if you're going to close randomly through the day. Funny because the door is open but yet the person working says they are closed. Bad customer service. I will not try again. read more

I remember why I don't come here anymore tamales are dry and I don't know if the ingredients are old or just dry no taste unfortunately. In the beginning they were good. read more

We got a dozen assorted tamales from Tamales Express this morning. Biggest tamales I've ever seen! Beef, pork green, pork red, cheese & jalapeño, chicken, and chicharron'. Everything ready super fast! Good prices! All incredible. What a nice family. Please remember to tip well. The restaurant industry needs our support. HIGHLY recommend!! read more

Tamales Express - Chicken tamale with Ranchero sauce and avocado from Vallarta down the street. Delish! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

first I love the tamales especially the chicarron I order 3 dozen I beef 1 chicken 1 chicarron the cost of 33 a dozen on the board but charged me 36 $and I didn't get chicarron at all they called and said can we put some red pork we don't have all the chicarron i said ok well on the side were selling to public they had chicarron so y was my order that I paid over 100$ for they cut out the chicarron I have to now find a new place so disappointed . read more

Really good tamales, large and stuffed with meat, and cheaper than other locations. I really recommend this place.

Tamales Express offers not only the best tamales in SCV but also the best customer service around!,their champurrado is amazing as well!,would highly recommend to everyone! read more

Yummy!! Great place if your craving some tamales! We had tamales de raja (cheese and chile) and pollo (chicken). The tamales are very moist and had plenty of flavor. Sometimes tamales feel very stale and dry but not these. We also tried the horchata and jamaica, which didn't disappoint. We plan to come back to try the churros and funnel cake. The employees were very nice and helpful. They greeted us when we arrived and were always smile. Great employees! There is plenty of parking and it is free. The place is pretty small but majority of people take there tamales to go. My husband and I at there and loved the views they had of the mountains of Santa Clarita. Also we loved how clean they kept the place. We will definitely be back and can't wait to try more things from the menu. read more

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I came in here with my dad cause he wanted to try some tamales. We got beef, chicken and some cheese ones for me. He enjoyed the meat ones, said the flavor was really good. However onto the cheese ones. The masa was thick, the cheese was what looked like American cheese in a log shaped form down the center of my tamales. It honestly looked like they made the tamales and forgot to add the cheese so they squirted it inside down the middle like you would get a custard donut. Also the chilies were very mild and there was onions.. why onions ?? No one wants onions in a tamale!! I've had tamales from other places before, but I think I'll just stick with those places where it actually has a filling inside. Won't be coming back here, unless maybe they add more options for vegetarians. read more

This place is awesome! I went there at about 8:45 this morning and bought a bunch of tamales for my coworkers and myself for breakfast. I had the Raja and my coworkers had the red and green pork. Everyone was very impressed. The tamales are packed with goodness and not dry at all. Also, they make a red and green salsa. I didn't try the green, but just tried the red this morning. It is so hot but has so much good flavor. It's one of the best salsas I've ever had. I will definitely be going here again and many times. read more

Tamales Express - Rajas tamale. (Cheese and jalapeno) - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

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Tamales are delicious but the lady she is always in a bad mood.. I come here pretty often I already came to get tamales I'm right outside of the restaurant.. she have always bad attitude my own experience.. some day there was an American lady and she was talking pretty nice with her.. when I try said good morning to her she never answered me.. so my question she is a racist? Or is just because she is in usa she is nice with American people only.. I don't like her attitude.. So none stars to the business till she change her attitude... read more

I walked in and got the Chicharron and Chicken tamale, the chicharron one was really moist, spicy, limey and tons of chicharron packed in the delicious masa The chicken tamale was very good as well moist, flavorful with the green salsa very tasty seasoned perfectly I also got the agua Piná very good not to sweet at all with real pineapple chunks All the drink are homemade with love I wanna try the chia and strawberry jamaica next Service is very nice as well kind, attentive and hardworkers read more

Tamales Express - Pineapple - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

They are open for take out So if your in the mood for one or a dozen stop by. Beef and chicken we both good about 14 dollars for a half dozen read more

Tamales Express - Beef - Mexican Near Me - Santa Clarita, California

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The Pork & beef were dry. The chicharrón was pretty good. I've had better tamales. Not sure why everyone raves about this place.

I have ordered tamales at least 5 times prior to today and I've never been disappointed. Masa has always been flavorful with a generous amount of meat. Today, I bought a dozen chicken tamales and I found the masa to be very dry. I'm not sure if there has been a change of ownership or change of recipe or change of chef, but please take note and adjust your recipe! read more

So good! Tamales and red salsa hit the spot. I thought I'd need a minimum of 6 to be full but after two I'm struggling lol. So good though. Try the Fresca as well. Pineapple mango is gasssss read more

Always perfect for a quick authentic tamales! Our favorite is the Queso and Rajás!! We love the churros!!! read more

I usually don't post reviews, especially bad ones; however, our experience today was not good. At all. My daughter and I just visited Tamale Express, thinking we would be in for good tamales, boy were we wrong. First of all, we were treated rudely by the lady that took our order. As I was ordering, she stared hard at me with a look as if I was bothering her. We ordered; two chicken, pork, cheese & jalapeño, and a chicharron. Cheese & Jalapeño - the cheese used is some hard rubbery coagulated block. The chicken & pork tamales were okay, not great by any measure. Mainly masa. The chicharron had a small piece of pork and a weird gelatin texture--a waste of money. read more