Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Tamale Joint

    4.4 (177 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Order The Tamale Joint Takeout or Delivery

    The Tamale Joint Photos

    Business Info

    THE TAMALE JOINT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Tamale Joint

    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

    Jorge's Breakfast
    Adriana A.

    First time here! Place was very clean & welcoming. They took our order and it promptly came out fresh. Had the Cafe de Olla which was great! The tamales had great flavor, beans were fresh! Kids had the pancake which was absolutely delicious! Great prices, even better food! We will definitely return!

    Debi B.

    This is my go-to tamale spot for when I want to buy a couple dozen tamales to share at a family event. Their tamales are just excellent and the salsas are the perfect complement. I love mixing the avocado and green salsas together. On top of the great food, the owner has served me many times and always has the most positive and joyful attitude. He makes you smile the second you walk in the door! Long live Tamale Joint!

    Generosa C.

    This was the perfect place for authentic fresh made tamales and empanadas! The counter service, staff and food was ALL wonderful! Family owned and food was all FRESH made to order! Put it on your list!!

    Jorge's Breakfast
    Michelle Y.

    I had been craving tamales all week, so I was eager to try this place. However, I was left disappointed by my meal despite all the rave reviews. I ordered Jorge's Breakfast with pork tamales, beans, and potatoes. The food overall was quite bland but particularly the tamales, eggs, and potatoes. I actually liked the tamales as leftovers the next day better than when I got them fresh. Perhaps because it was heated up more? Regardless, I would still expect the day of to be the best. I did really enjoy the beans though! I thought they had a slightly cheesy flavor to them. Their queso was enjoyable too.

    Nice clean place
    Gina R.

    Great open restaurant, quiet. Staff friendly, even came around and gave us an update on our food. We really liked our tamales and breakfast tacos. We will definitely be back.

    Order at the front counter
    Sandra K.

    Saw this on the way home from the wood store and decided to try it for lunch. My husband got the tamale plate and I got the kid's tamale plate (only one less tamale than the adult one and you get a drink-winning). The tamales were perfectly made with a good balance of meat and masa (we both got pork). The rice was not my favorite. Something was off about the grains and flavor. The refried beans were delicious but a smidge too runny and I say that because we were given a really nice heavy duty metal fork but the beans kept slipping through. I finally started swiping my tamale in the beans to get all of it. The accompanying salsas (red and green) had a good amount of heat and flavor. Very clean place and beautiful murals on the wall. The man taking our order (who also brought it out) was extremely nice and patient. Parking was easy and not too hard to find but flowed one way which made sense based on the side of the street it was on.

    Marisa M.

    While tamales were delicious, I also loved the beans! The salsa and chips were great. The chips are homemade. I also liked that the masa for the tamales is not too thick and has the perfect amount of meat.

    Horchata

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Thule K.
    14
    79
    27

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John G.
    42
    36
    122

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Amazing food and customer service! Jorge was amazing! I love to hear him sing. I we definitely keep them in my rotation

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jun K.
    0
    10
    0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Generosa C.
    133
    39
    157

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erica J.
    34
    52
    17

    6 months ago

    Picked up tamales for Christmas. They were fresh and delicious. The staff was very friendly.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    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

    6 months ago

    The best tamales abs b fast tacos in town! I love this place !! Loved the fresh salsa too .

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    I love the tamales and the churros! These are my favorite churros in Houston! I can't wait to try more!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    This is a great place, and not just for tamales. Delicious, fresh food with friendly service.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of justin k.
    850
    14
    1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Liz N.
    489
    957
    1935

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Good flavoring but the tamales are too soft and don't feel cooked thoroughly. Overpriced for that type of quality.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lorraine I.
    56
    921
    2804

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 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 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Tamale Joint

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 55,283 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

    Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

    4.2
    (293 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    I highly recommend the brunch menu. The birria tacos and had an amazing flavor. The drinks are…read morefabulous too. If you go ask for Mario her is best server. He knows the menu very well and guides you through. His personality is infectious.

    We visited Madera's for the first time recently and overall had a great first impression. The…read moreserver was attentive when needed but didn't hover or rush us. For drinks, my husband and our friends tried some of the margaritas from their large and unique margaritas menu, as well as their hibiscus agua fresca. All of the drinks were very pretty and it seemed like everyone enjoyed them, too! We started with their chips and salsa trio, which we all really liked. The chips were on the thicker side, but were crispy and not stale or chewy at all. Each of the salsas were quite different, and two were served warm, which we really liked! For the price, I'd consider getting the chips and salsa as a non-negotiable, honestly. For entrees, we tried the enchilada rojas, chilaquiles verde w/ chicken and beef, birria barbacoa ramen, and huaraches. My husband felt like his ramen could have included more meat, but aside from that everyone really enjoyed what they ordered. The highlight was probably the desserts, though! We got a quatro leches and two ordered of their giant and amazing churros. Both were incredibly tasty and reason enough to return for another visit in the future!

    Photos
    Right side entry
    Right side entry
    Rice & Beans
    Rice & Beans
    Chicken Enchiladas

    See all

    Chicken Enchiladas
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe

    3.9
    (891 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    When they say "everything is bigger in Texas," they weren't kidding. The size of the margarita was…read morebigger than my hand. If you want leftovers, this is your place to go. It was my first time trying out Tex mex style. It was so busy on a Saturday evening. The chips that were given to each table was incredibly warm and the sauces paired so well. I ordered the el manarco which is this giant piece of steak that was well charred, included this avacado and seafood grit sauce, rice + soup + gauconole/salsa. They gave me 4 giant house made tortillas which was also fresh and warm. This meal can be finished by two people. Definitely come here on an empty stomach and the portions are absolutely massive.

    Guys, you know I dont post a review unless a dish is a straight 10/10…read more The breakfast I just had warrants a 10/10 review at the Airline blvd location. I just had the Machacado con Huevo breakfast dish here and it was so incredibly good-So good! it was one of the best breakfasts Ive ever had. seriously.I will definitely be back for this breakfast. I recommend getting it with red and green sauce on the side and a side of tortillas ro make your own tacos with the eggs, salsa and refried beans. just wow! And that tamale needs its own menu. That tamale was amazing. I would get several orders of that soft white tamale by itself to go. And the service was a 10/10. They kept refilling my red and green sauce and kept checking up on me throughout. Ambience was great as always. Its a life changing dish. Thanks Teotihuacan for the great breakfast and great service! Yall deserve a well-earned review!

    Photos
    Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
    Queso + Beef
    Queso + Beef
    Fajita Salad

    See all

    Fajita Salad
    Maximo

    Maximo

    4.6
    (168 reviews)
    7.0 mi
    $$$

    Delicious upscale Mexican food with a thoughtfully curated menu. We sat in the climate controlled…read morepatio out front, and it was lovely. It truly felt like an extension of the restaurant. Service was remarkable and very friendly from the host to the cleaning staff. Food was delicious. I really appreciated the creative flavors that were inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine. Standouts were the guacamole and wagyu carne asada, but everything was fantastic. I loved the Clara cocktail and enjoyed learning about the process to create it. It is clear that there was care and attention behind each menu item. Also, the pace of the food being brought out was evenly paced, which I appreciate, and our server gave us just the right amount of attentiveness. We celebrated my husband's birthday here, and they sent out a tres leches with a candle on it. Very kind and very delicious dessert. Usually not a big fan of tres leches, but this one was not overwhelmingly soaked in condensed milk, and it has a very fresh tasting peach (seasonal) puree drizzled on top. We will most definitely return.

    Went for Sunday brunch with a reservation and were seated almost immediately on the patio. It's…read moretemperature-controlled, which is a huge plus in Houston, and it's still super cute. We ordered the breakfast burrito and the duck carnitas. We added barbacoa to the burrito, and it was honestly the definition of comfort food. It was EXTREMELY greasy though, so I ended up eating it with a fork and knife. If I had been home alone... I probably would've just shoved the whole thing in my mouth. I couldn't not order the duck carnitas. It came on a sope, which is basically my definition of the perfect Mexican brunch. It was really yummy, and I especially loved the salsa that came with it. My only real critique is that the portions felt a little on the smaller side. Either bump them up a bit or add a small side, because I definitely could've eaten a little more.

    Photos
    Maximo
    Tres Leches
    Tres Leches
    Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.

    See all

    Paloma Coconut Punch & a classic Margarita.
    Candente - Museum District

    Candente - Museum District

    4.1
    (635 reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $$

    Great Tex Mex spot, been around for more than 10 years and they now have a Michelin star. Candente…read morehas a wonderful manager Nancy who is such a people person, great personality, and is always hosting events to make candente fun. There is Loteria nights and they announce this on their social media. All the staff are super friendly and attentive. If you need help anyone will help you. Restaurant is spacious indoor and also has a huge outdoor covered patio with fans and also an open patio. For their events I have been to Loteria nights and they give out prizes, it's fun while you grab a bite or a drink. They also have events where they bring in tequila brands and you can do free tastings of tequila! You meet the tequila brands ambassadors and learn about their brand. A great fun time during the week. A perfect spot for weekend drinks and Tex Mex food. My family and I love this spot and if you haven't been definitely stop by.

    Visited Candente while in Houston. The atmosphere was lively and bustling, making it easy to see…read morewhy this place is so popular. The service was good throughout the meal. We did have to ask for a bit of cleanup around our table from the previous guests, but considering how busy the restaurant was, it wasn't a major issue and was taken care of promptly. The food was very good and lived up to expectations. My only disappointment was the Bloody Maria, which wasn't seasoned properly and lacked the balance and depth of flavour I was hoping for. Overall, a fun, energetic spot serving very good food, with just a few minor details keeping it from being an exceptional experience. Saluti.

    Photos
    Candente - Museum District
    When in Rome
    When in Rome
    Skinny margarita (large)

    See all

    Skinny margarita (large)

    The Tamale Joint - mexican - Updated July 2026

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