"A 10/10 experience! I've tried many Mexican spots, but Tamales Restaurant is in a league of its own. Beyond the food, the service was outstanding--attentive, fast, and very friendly. The entire restaurant is clean and inviting. We will definitely be regular customers here!" read more

Solid overall - sat out in the patio for dinner. Complimentary chips and salsa included. I also asked for a spicy salsa and they brought out an awesome habanero salsa. Good beer selection. For starters we ordered the queso which was good but mainly felt like basic yellow nacho cheese with salsa in it. For dinner my wife had the tostadas which she enjoyed and I had the chicken chimichanga which was super tasty and crispy! Service was good too...Would go back again read more

Came to Tamales in Highland Park and left regretting every bite. The place is stuck in a time warp--tables so sticky I had to peel my elbows off just to pay the bill. I can only imagine what shape the kitchen is in; if the dining room is this neglected, the back-of-house probably violates health codes in three languages. It desperately needs a refresh, like yesterday. Ordered the steak fajitas thinking it'd be a safe bet. Nope. Overpriced compared to literally any other spot in the neighborhood, and they *force* you to get rice and beans whether you want them or not--like a culinary hostage situation. The steak was a tiny, unseasoned sliver you could floss with, the veggies were bland, limp, and clearly steamed into submission hours earlier, and the whole plate felt like an afterthought--nothing to write home about. The rice? A pathetic dry little scoop served in a tiny little bowl so unappetizing I didn't even touch it. But the real kicker? The menu still brags that toppings (lettuce, sour cream, cheese, guac) are *included*, yet the server mumbled something about "they changed how it's priced" and slapped an extra $7 charge on the bill for stuff that comes standard with fajitas at every other Mexican restaurant. Sneaky, frustrating, and borderline bait-and-switch. Save your money and walk five minutes down the street to **La Casa de Isaac**--better food, better pricing, and a vibe that doesn't make you want to sanitize your hands every 30 seconds. This place? Hard pass. Don't waste your time or money. read more

They had very dry tamales and were very rude at the take away counter to me and my family

Love going to Tamales. The owner, Jeff is one of the nicest guys. Amazing mushroom tamales. Love the taco salad. Love the duck tacos and the enchiladas. You can't go wrong with anything. Yummy read more

A while back I came here and had the shrimp tacos. It was so good I came back to try the burritos. The gentleman who was serving was great at explaining the difference between the burritos. The burrito also turned out great! read more

Tamales is a staple in Highland Park. It's always busy. The food is great. We'd love to sit outside in the summer. Jeff the owner is so friendly comes out and talks to everyone. Love this restaurant. read more

We use tamales to cater our family of 35. Jeff helped me choose the right food for my picky family. We had vegetarians, gluten-free people and of course meat eaters. My family was so pleased with our Mexican dinner night. They delivered and set up our food with heating elements so everything stayed hot and yummy. We will definitely use them again for our next catering event. read more

Service, food & drinks were good. But... Prices are a bit high for what you get. Charging extra for onion & cilantro on tacos is ridiculous when it is a standard topping on tacos. Barely any chorizo with the queso fundido... Drink Prices $$$ I'll go to the local taqueria instead. read more

They make the best Beef Taco Salad! Service is wonderful! Highly recommend! Jeff is very accommodating.

Food, service and ambiance unmatched! Owner, Jeff, cares deeply about his diners and staff. Add Tamales to your list of favorite restaurants. read more

I purchased (4) $25 gift cards at a non-profit benefit for this restaurant. When I went to redeem the gift cards the manager/owner (?) was irritated that I was using all of the gift cards at the same time, and questioned why. There was no stipulation on the gift cards about how many could be used per visit and I pointed this out. Then, magically, he claimed one of the gift cards had no money on it. The 4 cards were in sequential serial number order, and I explained that I purchased them at the non profit benefit. He refused to honor that card. (Our meal total was $160, so they made money above our gift card amount). The treatment we received ensured we will no be going back. read more

This is our go-to Mexican after trying several others and despite that it's a 20-minute drive. Very good guacamole and other appetizers. Food is always tasty and served hot, with more-than-ample portions. Service is attentive from the consistent wait staff. Tasty margaritas. Atmosphere is not much but they do have a nice outdoor dining area. read more

Was visiting the Great Lakes area because my son was graduating from Navy Basic Training. We decided to give this place a try after a day of sightseeing in Chicago. The best customer service I have ever experienced. John knows how to treat his customers, I mean family!!! His desire to make sure his customer's dining experience is enjoyed is top notch. It was not just my family. I watched as he made special orders that were not even on the menu just to ensure his customers enjoyed their dining experience. If you are a service member or veteran this is a must for your fix of quality Mexican cuisine. The rice is outstanding!!! read more

Probably some of the best costumer service I've ever seen. would definitely recommend to go if your a service member they pay good respect to them. the food is amazing and if you think your paying too much just know that your getting your moneys worth. All around a great restaurant. read more

FABULOUS! I had their filet Mignon fajitas, and key lime pie for dessert. The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly! The key lime pie was to die for!! I have had key lime pie in Charleston, this place puts those to shame!! Highly recommended!! Can't give more than five stars but I would if I could! read more

Online order was confirmed but upon pickup, found out it was declined because they decided to close early--no notice or email given.

It's a fine place to go, but it has slipped a bit IMHO. The service was pretty slow and inattentive for the outdoor tables, and it was one of those experiences where the waiters seem to look past you trying to get their attention. The salsa doesn't look like much but actually has nice flavor to it. I got the shrimp and steak fajitas, and it's nice that they give you an option to use lettuce cups for a small surcharge. When my fajitas arrived, I was surprised to see the steak part very much not the medium I ordered. I don't like to send stuff back and feel like a jerk face. But these were basically raw, like a very deep crimson red that was almost purple. It was pretty far off from what I ordered, and not really cheap either! When it went back in the oven, the shrimp were along for the ride, so they wound up being a bit overcooked. Other people enjoyed their meals, but my experience itself was a bit frustrating. read more

Had the Paella at one of Highland Parks events at The Lot!!! It was delicious!! I'd order again., the owner is funny and engaging.. good experience read more

The food was incredible, I only wish they treated it like it was as good as it was. My wife and I shared the tilapia tacos and the 2 tamale dinner. The tilapia was some of the best cooked and seasoned piece I have ever had. It had a blackening seasoning that was spot on. The pineapple sale was on point and the pablano peppers were a perfect garnish. Combining those 3 on their fresh corn tortillas would be as good as any fish taco at a fine fish restaurant. But then piled on the plate with it was also a giant pile of shredded lettuce, guacamole and pico. Honestly I would have been more than satisfied with the simple toppings without all the excesses. It is reminiscent of what a restaurant does when their fish is not very good. The fish and salsa were so good that you shouldn't hide the amazing flavors. The tamales were also quite good. We got the mushroom tamales and the pumpkin tamales which were both quite good. The salsa verde and the smokie chipotle sauces paired well with the pumpkin. I wasn't quite sure what the sauce on the mushroom one was but it was sweet and satisfying. Again, they were served in a giant puddle of sauce with a huge dollop of sour cream on top of lettuce in the middle. WHY!!! They were so good, it seemed like extraneous stuff that could hide the flavors. Overall the food was outstanding. The service was solid and the waitstaff attentive. It was also a nice touch that the owner stopped us to see how we liked the food as we headed out and knew what we ordered. Its not particularly close or convenient but if we have occasion to be there, we would go back. read more

Recently tried this place for the first time. Ordered tacos and I found out anything but meat on the tacos is extra $. I ordered steak tacos and I was served a tortilla with steak, that's it. Am I supposed to tell them how to put together their tacos? I also didn't feel great later that evening after this dinner. Would not recommend, I won't be back. read more

I just dined here with my son. I've been here once before with my other son. The food is tasty and the service is excellent. Jeff is a really great guy and is the owner. I recommend that you visit here at least once, if not more often. read more

Ate here at 7 ish on a Saturday night- prime time. For starters, the entrance is not obvious- it's not well marked and you have to walk through a server station just to enter the restaurant. (We thought that we weren't even walking through the right place, honestly.) The place was well staffed but not well organized. We were seated, and within a couple of minutes a server came and took our order. After that, three people successively asked if we had been helped. We waited 30+ minutes for food that was not even mediocre. Our server found out as she was bringing our food to the table what was on my dish (I ordered tamales - silly me, I thought they might be ok here.). My chicken tamales had two different sauces - only one was mentioned on the menu - and frankly neither were worth writing home about. The green one was a basic tomatillo sauce that I've had better in jars. The red was pure tomato paste. I added cheese from my partner's plate. The beans and rice came with it - neither were scratch made as the menu would love you to believe. Horchata was missing a lot of flavor; it tasted very watery. I'd have enjoyed the decent Taco Bell down the road more than this. The best thing was the salsa. read more

Tamales Mexican Restaurant - Chicken Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

Tamales Mexican Restaurant isn't aging well. The food is ordinary, even a bit salty, and far too expensive for what you get. The chicken fajitas don't come with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and avocado, that's $4 extra. The only highlight was the house carne, which was a skirt steak. That and the grilled veggies that came with it were the best we ate that night. I recognized the owner and warmly greeted him; he could barely grunt hello. Who's the owner and who's the customer?!? I'd give the joint two stars, but the Mexican wait staff are so nice and didn't laugh at my weak attempt at speaking Spanish; that's worth a star. I won't be returning any time soon, too many better choices. read more

Made a dinner reservation here to try it out and ordered the pumpkin tamale plate. The tamales themselves are pretty hefty so if you're interested in trying them, I'd build up a big appetite first. Both the filling and the outside of the tamales were flavorful, and I appreciated the aesthetic display as well. The rice and beans were mediocre but, overall, my experience was positive. The staff were very friendly and super accommodating to my friend's menu modifications. Personally, the food didn't "wow" me, but I'd definitely be willing to give it another try. read more

Tamales Mexican Restaurant - Pumpkin Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

Best Chicken Enchiladas in Chicagoland! Consistent! Owner Jeff is very personable and kind.

We're visiting family in HP. Came here to try tamales. Didn't even order, staff was rude when we walked in, didn't offer to seat us just stood there and stared without any customer service. People have an attitude. BAD attitude from my own GENTE! Turned around and got Gelato instead at Sweet home gelato! Awesome customer service here. Who needs tamales, Manolos in CHI will do. read more

We recently made the trek to Highland Park to have dinner with friends and their adorable 1 1/2 year old twins. In order to avoid any nighttime meltdowns (from the kids, not me ;)) we opted for the early bird special at 6pm. The challenge: to find a kid friendly restaurant that could seat our party of 6 adults + 2 high chairs. This wouldn't be an issue downtown, but apparently eating at 6pm in HP is a regular occurrence. Thanks to Yelp I discovered Tamales and had no problem scoring a last minute reservation. It's located in the downtown area of Highland Park, which is so cute that I (almost) considered moving to the burbs 10 years from now. The restaurant was loud (perfect for the shrieking twins) and fast. Like any good Mexican meal we began with lots of chips, salsa and guacamole (complimentary if you mention you're a yelper- whoo hoo!). The chips and guac were pretty tasty, although I didn't love the salsa they served. Lots to choose from on this menu, but I opted for the tamales because when in Rome... My chicken tamale was just so-so, but the mushroom tamale was one of the best I've had! Mmmm... We skipped the margaritas this time, but those looked pretty good too! read more

We've been to Tamales numerous times and it's become a favorite joint to get Mexican. The food is always solid. My hubby is in love with their fajitas. I particularly enjoy their enchiladas. However, last time I tried the duck tacos and they were *amazing*. Rich and spicy. A fabulous mixture. Think I might have a new favorite. The margaritas are good. You can get he house of you're not picky or go for the Patron. Yummy! The place is small and compact. They use every ounce of space for tables so it can feel crowded when the place is filled. In the summer they have tables outside. There's a tiny bar/waiting area so if it's winter there isn't much space to wait. If you're on your way, call to get on the list. And be sure to say hi to John, the owner. He's always working and often visits tables himself just to check in with guests. He's got a good sense of humor -- the staff's shirts say "No Whining" on the back of them. read more

Tamales Mexican Restaurant - Let date night begin. - Mexican Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

See all

I may have expected too much after reading reviews about the food here and I was craving tamales like crazy but overall I thought the food was just ok. On the house: Chips and salsa -never ending if you let it and super addicting Appetizer: FISH CEVICHE -delicious but super duper spicy! The fish tasted so fresh. I actually preferred eating the ceviche with the tortilla chips than with the saltine crackers that came with the dish. Tamales: PUMPKIN,CHICKEN,MUSHROOM -the pumpkin was a little too sweet for me but I would get this again -the chicken was good but I wish it had a bit more flavor -the mushroom was good as well but nothing amazing to report I got the tamales with rice and beans and the tamales were smothered with different sauces. I didn't care too much for the sauces and I actually thought they were a little overwhelming and salty but the rice and beans were great! Portions are huge and our waiter was really nice. I would come here again when I'm craving tamales (still looking for a place with amazing tamales.. any suggestions?) or if I want that amazing ceviche again read more

Tamales Mexican Restaurant - Pumpkin and chicken tamales - Mexican Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

Amazing food and ran with next level hospitality. I asked for something in a different portion and they were happy to accommodate. The kind of place you look forward to going back to and supporting. I got out of the car and the owner knew who I was and my food was ready along with a drink. I just moved to the area and wanted to try this spot. I'll be there weekly now. Thank you read more

2 Stars & the why. Initially had very high hopes for this business but unfortunately due to 2 unpleasant experiences I have to rate accordingly. Went to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with my partner on a Friday night. The restaurant had a nice patio seating area outside and a small dining area inside. As you approach the entrance being a smaller venue - there was no temporary host station on the outside or host asking folks if they need to be seated for service. The host station was positioned almost in over the threshold as you are about to enter the business - it was such a tight squeeze, as a customer it made it awkward to be standing at the threshold as your trying to manage to not get bumped or knocked down from a waiter waiter was at the entrance. Having this set up is a bad idea - it made for an even more uncomfortable experience when the owner/manager asked us "can you move outside and not block the entrance " or something to that effect and in a very condescending rude tone. Literally he asked us to move not excuse me not I'm sorry we have a tight squeeze here - he must've noticed my facial reaction he followed it up oh to give room for the waiters. They created this inconvenience for the customer then want to condemn the customer. I chose to look this over and we decided to stay. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and friendly - she made up for the initial interaction. I decided to give this business a second chance the following week when I had visitors because I'm a believer of second chances well .... Yesterday had family over to visit and we decided to stop over at Tamales. I really thought maybe that was an isolated incident let's give it another try. I championed the delicious tamales and horchata drink I had tried the week prior. As a family we voted to support this business and go pick up some Horchatas and Tamales to go. It was a Saturday around 5 PM and we enter the restaurant is empty and a waiter is standing in area. We walk in - did not get greeted, instead the waiter standing just staring at us in a very unwelcoming manner and hostess looked at us and didn't acknowledge us as she is sitting in the back open area. I proceed to ask if we can purchase some horchatas to go. The waiter, says nothing to us. He proceeds to point his finger at a little cooler with soda cans and bottles. I said okay but do you sell horchatas to go and he again points to the small fridge cooler. How rude is this - finally we proceed to ask if they had it I had some there last week - then the waiter finally speaks up and doesn't even respond to us directly - he shouts to the back asking if they sell horchata? The woman in the back proceeds to look at us and finally mumble something about yeah we sell it. What was this poor service and disrespect about? We decided to leave the business and not spend our hard working dollars at a business who obviously doesn't honor or welcome all their perspective patrons. Perspective because dining at your business is a choice and one I decided to give a second chance being of latin descent myself - how very disappointing! I'm a HP resident and wanted to support this small business I overlooked the "red flags" the first visit I had. As a Latina (Mexican, Spanish, Portuguese and also Jewish, African) I was excited to support a minority owned business being one myself. This business doesn't truly stand true to HP Strong values. for all the good you did for first responders I applaud you. I was so proud when I saw it on the news. I wanted to support this business because of what I thought they stood for. Sadly the Pompous circumstance reveals- it's unauthentic. For me truly part of being HP Strong - it starts with acceptance, genuine respect, an peaceful mentality - positive mindset to welcome everyone, inclusivity and being United - these characteristics or values help our communities - for those who reside here or visit. Tamales - DO BETTER - you can begin by embracing everyone with an open heart and open mind and with open arms. Train everyone at your restaurant to truly feel everyone feel welcomed, maybe DEI courses but truly it starts at the top! "¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!" "The people United Shall Never Be Divided!" read more

We had a late lunch at tamales. The fajitas were okay. They didn't come out very hot. The food was warm just not hot which was surprising. We were also surprised to pay extra for the fajita toppings (lettuce tomato etc) and that just the meat and tortillas is what comes with the price. read more

Food may be pricey, but it's consistent and well worth the money good outdoor dining to

Love Tamales best food ! Glad it's down the street from Glamour Girlz Central so we can get lunch or dinner . The owner Jeff is a wonderful person . Everything in the menu is good read more

Consistently good food. We've been dining here for years. I've never been disappointed. So glad their restaurant is full these days. Keep up the great work. read more

What a lovely night in the middle of the week thanks to Tamales! My husband and I needed a mid-week pick me up. We went to the right place. We were promptly greeted and seated. They have outdoor seating with blankets to keep the chill off and even outdoor heaters. Perfect for the cool fall nights. We decided to eat inside. The service was very prompt, kind, and efficient. We never needed to ask for anything. They always beat us! Of course, we had guacamole. Yum. A great way to start. They do have two different sizes. Nice to know for various sized groups. My husband order the chicken burrito which came with rice. It was huge! He had a smile to match on his face! I couldn't even get him to stop eating it to take a picture. That's always a good sign. I orders the cheese quesadilla. Done well and delicious. After tasting my husband's rice I HAD to order my own. He was not allowing sharing. I also ordered a side of black beans. Yummy with the cheese quesadilla! Perfect combo. We also had to tip our glasses and order some margaritas which were refreshing and great tasting. For all that we ordered and the great quality of food, everything was reasonably priced. What can we say? It was great! We can't wait to go back. Ole'. read more

Tamales Mexican Restaurant - Chicken burrito...sorry for the fork. My husband would not pause. - Mexican Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

See all

One of the worst meals I've ever had the displeasure of trying. I ordered ground beef soft tacos that were filled with fatty meat. The rice was salty, but at the same time, flavorless. The flan was like rubber. Steer clear and go somewhere else...anywhere else! read more

Simply outstanding food, always fresh and made just as ordered. Cozy eat-in or fast pick-up. Best Burritos and tamales around Highwood inclusive! Owner is charming guy and cares that his customers are satisfied. Nice weather has seating all over the sidewalk in front. Highly recommended! read more

We ordered food for takeout and giving this place 3 stars is being generous. I don't like writing negative reviews, especially about a local business but I feel like we were just robbed. The street tacos (2 x $8.95) we're tiny (at most they should have been $6). Unfortunately, they were also not good. I got the fish tacos and it had these tiny grilled pieces of fish and the tortilla. The fish didn't taste good either. The kids quesadilla was normal and good, but for almost $11 I would think it would be bigger. Burrito was ok. Overall, the pricing for what we got was way off. We're used to takeout and dining out so we understand inflation and increased prices, but compared to other local Mexican spots (and restaurants of any kind) this place doesn't reach the quality expected for the price paid. Hopefully it improves. read more