Awesome! Authentic and flavorful tamales. A must for authentic Mexican taste and cuisine. I bought several to freeze. Tonight we steamed them in the instapot and they were absolutely delicious and perfect. If you want authentic and awesome tamales, make an order. So easy to order and pick up. read more

Love this place. Best tamales around. I've had them all including the dessert one (Red velvet cake) and none disappoints. read more

The Tamale Store - My tamale stash - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

If you've grown up in Arizona, chances are better than 50/50 that regardless of your background, Christmas dinner means one type of cuisine above all else. Mexican food. And the prime staple? The ubiquitous tamale. A corn dough called masa is stuffed with meat and/or veggies, wrapped in husk or banana leaf, and steamed. To be honest, I've had a love/hate relationship with the tamale over the course of my life. I've had my share of good ones and some God awful ones, and as such I've never much sought them out for fear of disappointment. But after attending the Food City Tamale Festival in Downtown Phoenix a few years ago, I started to figure out who was serious about doing it right. The Tamale Store brought their A game to the festival, and I promised myself I'd seek them out again. So on a Saturday morning in mid-December, I ventured to The Tamale Store's brick and mortar operation. On the southwest corner of Cave Creek Road and Greenway Parkway in north Phoenix, you'll find The Tamale Store's flagship operation. And if you come in December prior to opening, you'll also see a line. I arrived 15 minutes before opening and the line was already a dozen deep. By the time they opened at 11am, the line was about 40 deep. The Tamale Store is the dream child of Mexican born owner Martha Castillo and her daughter Maria Stanzak. And lately, they've been expanding. And its a good thing they did. When you walk inside this expansive operation, you'll first notice gorgeous artwork on the walls mixed with food items for sale on a gorgeous shelf display space. From there you've got two options. You can do as many in today's line did and make haste to the Mercado area where they're selling a limited number of frozen tamales that you can grab by the dozen to go. Or, you can do as I did and grab a spot in line to eat right there on premises. While you're waiting in the line for a meal, you'll notice a window that peeks into the warehouse in back where an army of workers are cranking out as many tamales as humanly possible. During Christmas season, its almost obscene how many they're making back there and its fun to watch. When I finally reached the register, you've got the menu right in front of you. You can choose one of 5 or 6 tamales to have for a meal (including vegan options), plus one of about 5 or 6 different sides. I opted for the Tamale Doble setup. With this you get to choose two tamales and two sides. I went old school. A pork red chile tamale and a chicken green chile tamale. For my sides, I opted for Mexican white rice and pozole. Total cost for the food and tax came to $12. They give you a number, you pick a table and they bring out the food in about 5 minutes or less. As I've already had The Tamale Store's tamales in the past I expected them to be good, but honestly these were even BETTER than I remembered. The meat filings and the chile sauces were fantastic of course, but honestly the thing that set these apart from the ones I remembered in the past? The masa. The masa they use for these is the truly the best masa I've ever had. Just enough firmness to hold everything together inside, but with a soft, smooth, even slightly sweet texture. Maybe they put something extra in the corn masa or maybe their steaming method is just superior, but I was absolutely blown away by the masa. The rice was pillowy soft and a delicious vehicle for soaking up the remaining sauces. The pozole was piping hot with thick chunks of beef, hominy, and a delicious mix of spices. An incredibly perfect lunch lunch on all fronts. A couple of tips if you're coming here to get tamales for your family for the holidays. Reserve your tamales no later than Thanksgiving. I'm dead serious, they get swamped with holiday orders so get your order in way early. If you can't make that happen, then do what dozens of others did today and get here well before opening and get some frozen ones from the Mercado section inside. They do sellout early each day during the holidays so get here at opening at all costs. But if you're coming here for a meal like I did today, take your time. Take time to watch the staff in the warehouse window work their magic. Take time to look at the artwork and read up on their story on the walls. And above all else, take time to savor tamales made with the love and the expertise of a Mexican immigrant and her family. Its an experience that truly warmed my heart and my tummy. Bring on Christmas, 'cause The Tamale Store's got me in the holiday spirit. read more

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Delicious food. They have vegan options which I appreciate. I enjoy their fast and friendly service. The tamales are large, meaning you'll have left overs, and they reheat well. read more

Our first time here. A very nice restaurant layout, very clean. Simple menu. Excellent food. This is so far our favorite tamale place we've been to in Arizona. Tasted very fresh and had a nice touch to to. Overall we were very impressed. We'll definitely be back. Keep it up! read more

The Tamale Store - Chicken tamale with refríed Black beans - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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They have incredible tamales! I took a dozen to a party and everyone loved them. I love that they also sell a small store.

Why would a terrible disappointment. Went instead of the table they don't have table service just stupid they just look at you like what are you doing don't you know how to order. If you go to this place get ready to be disappointed read more

We just happened to be eating down the street and stopped in here to check this little place out. It is a small shop where you order up front and they bring out what you need. We were even offered some samples of their delicious Tamales and some of their seasonal Pumpkin Bites. The sample of the day was their famous Red Chli Pork Tamale and it came out hot and ready to eat. The lady working in back was very excited to see us and truly wanted us to enjoy what they were doing. She explained all the different flavors that they sell and told us both what was most popular with the customers and what she preferred as well. We decided to get a half dozen and did a mix and match type of order. Most of them come in a two pack so we went with three different types. Red Chili Pork, Poblano and Jack Cheese and a Green Corn and Cream Cheese. They are already cooked and frozen and all you have to do is pop then in the microwave and a two pack is ready in five minutes. Wow ... wow and wow! So easy and so delicious. We all agreed that these were some of the best tamales that we have ever eaten. The ingredients and the flavors were spectacular and they all had a freshness that can not be explained. How can something that was frozen taste so good? This place is definitely on my new list of places to obsess on and will ultimately have to try every freaking flavor they can create. They even have a nice selection of Salsas that are presented on the side wall. Come on over here and get your Tamale groove going on. They will even make you custom batches just by asking nicely. Too many flavors and combinations to write home about. OH YEAH BABY! 5 STARS read more

The Tamale Store - Salsa Selection. - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I ordered the beef red chile and tbh it wasn't that great. The corn filling part was too soft and there wasn't enough meat filling and the whole thing wasn't super flavorful. Their salsa verde is suuuuuper runny like water. Overall I'm underwhelmed read more

Real good tamales. Really bad service. They tried charging wife's card for multiple orders. read more

The Tamale Store - Fist time here. - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

My husband loves these tamales. I pick them up from our local farmers market. Perfect to keep in the freezer for nights I don't feel like cooking for him. I personally don't eat them but they smell delicious. I also buy the green and red sauce for my hubby. He loves both! Haven't been to the store front. read more

This place is hands down one of the best places I've been to, has the best staff, the best customer service, and the food is AMAZING!!!! The prices you cannot beat and the quality of food, not even to mention the way they use natural products and accommodate food allergies is perfection! So glad I found this place read more

The Tamale Store - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place is incredible!!! They have options for everyone. The service and ambiance is outstanding. Definitely the best part of Cave Creek. read more

The BEST tamales in town!!! They are massive and oh so delicious. Their selection is outta this world!! read more

The Tamale Store - Green Corn Cream Cheese - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Finally stopped in to the new location, and really glad I did. Picked up some delicious texas red chile beef tamales and this delicious spicy Mexican pesto! Perfect comfort food... time to stick up for the holidays! read more

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The Tamale Store has the best tamales and the best customer service around. So many different variations to choose from. If you want them for the holidays, you need to place your order early. It can be a zoo in the store close to the holidays, with rude people just grabbing for the bags of tamales that are just brought out so have patience. My family absolutely loves these tamales for the holidays. read more

I really wanted to love the tamales I got from The Tamale Store at the Uptown Farmers Market but the quality was really subpar. The tamale was too thick, made with too much masa and as such it was extremely dry. No flavor either but I mixed it with fresh salsa. Easy to reheat the frozen ones and I appreciate they have options for everyone including vegetarians and vegans. read more

OMG BEST FOOD EVER! Such a great, fresh selection daily! Awesome staff and OUTSTANDING food! Must try! I've literally had like everything they offer and it is all out of this world!!! read more

Great food, don't go here if you don't like corn. Mexican style pancakes, great tamales, and a nice assortment of sides. Reasonable prices!!

Put out word in our neighborhood that I was looking for a tamale connection in the area. This place and that they're at the Anthem, AZ Farmers Market was mentioned. Two days later I had the chicken green chili and pork red chili in hand. Simply put, it is everything I want in a tamale! Tender outer layer yet firm enough to not be mushy. And plentiful meat filling which is so hard to find. I used the microwave heating instructions for the frozen version with much skepticism thinking it would make them rubbery. Nope, came out perfect following the directions (I recommend 5 minutes and let it stand for an additional minute). Short and successful search for my 'go to' tamale supply. I wish life was always this simple! read more

First off, I have to say the service that I received was amazing. The tamales were on point and the best tamales I have literally ever had. At first the price scared me, being it was my first time. However I was shocked and impressed. Packed with mostly meat and full of flavor! I will be going back regularly for my tamale cravings. Thank you for making the best tamales!! read more

Wow. I want to pitch a tent in the parking lot and eat breakfast lunch and dinner here. Amazing food great staff and reasonable prices. Can't wait to come back read more

The Tamale Store - Same as other pic but with meatball soup. Amazing. - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Picked up some tamales for take out. They were good not great. Definitely not authentic more of an Anglo tamale. The filling was limited and they are quite pricey. They do have a great setup with a restaurant and a Mercado for the takeout. The green salsa was amazing. read more

Polite cashier, but food was room temperature when we received it. I was excited and hoping for hot tamales, rice and street corn. I ended up taking it home to reheat it. Once I put some cheese and salsa on it and popped it into the oven, it was delicious. read more

Great food at a decent price. My favorite is the vegetarian tamale with a tostada. Will be coming back!

All I can say is yum Very good, can't wait to enjoy more.. Love the Green chili chicken and red pork read more

This place has the best tamales! They have tons of varieties, including vegan tamales, which I really appreciate since I've recently gone vegan. Their tamales are high quality and bursting with flavor! They even have dessert tamales, including a pumpkin pie tamale which is vegan. My husband and I regularly stock up on their tamales so we always have some on hand at home. We've also purchased their salsa which is very tasty. Do yourself a favor and check this place out!! read more

The Tamale Store - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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O-M-G!!! I have never been a huge tamale van due to the fact that they are usually to dry, not enough filling or too much massa. So I gave the Tamale Store a chance the other day and I am more than impressed! I tried three different types and each one is exceptional! I thought that the price was a little high however after tasting them I will definitely be a repeat customer! For quality and tasty goodness sometimes price is not in the picture! read more

I drove quite a distance to visit the store with the expectation that their product would be more like home made tamales. The quality of their product is not in question. My issue is the manner that the tamales are prepared. The tamales are too fat. I would prefer two or three tamales made from the tamale the fillings. The masa was great, the pork filling was dry. That's my take, however, the salsa bar has some tasty offerings that I enjoyed. read more

I've driven past The Tamale Store many times always meaning to stop in"one day." They are in a new location & I stopped by for lunch- I'm so glad I did. This place is awesome! Delicious food & the specials change often. I had the Green Chilie & Cream Cheese Tamale, Mexican white rice & sweet corn- The restaurant is decorated in a cute manner- totally Pintetest & Instagram worthy! The music was relaxed with a fun vibe. El Mercado is a cute store inside where you can buy yummy & fun goods & frozen tamales to take home. Try this place, you'll be glad that you did! #TamalesAreNotJustForChristmas read more

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Very rarely do I come upon something so very special that it gets me excited about the food scene in a town. I've traveled extensively around the world and have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world. I've eaten home cooked meals all over the world and when a chef somehow creates a place where the two merge as a perfectly as they can, naturally I'm a big fan. This place has been written up extensively and for good reason. The food is simple enough, but the love and care that is put into each ingredient shines through. Everything is about as perfect as can be and this is just good ol fashioned Mexican comfort food at its finest. If you anywhere near this place, make a stop, you won't be disappointed. read more

I am so glad this business sells Tamales at the Downtown Public Market because there's no way I am driving to Cave Creek just to buy them. Don't get me wrong. They are good and delicious, but it's too far of a drive. I'm so pleased that you can call and order ahead and pick them up at the Downtown Public Market. The vegetarian and vegan options are awesome. I've had their Mushroom, Corn and Spinach Tamales and the Polano Chile and Cheese which are both equally scrumptious. But buyer beware, one tamale may not be enough and you will be severely tempted to buy a few more. read more

Super overpriced, I could have my nana make them with the green olive inside and they're to die for but these aren't even made the right way. Wait till I come out with my tamale store and I'll have you voting who's tamales are better and priced reasonably. I'd still buy tamales over the lady in the parking lot over this so called tamale store. sorry I don't mean to be a jerk but it's true. read more

As their sign says "unwrap a fiesta" It is a party in your mouth... take that as you will. Meat and Masa.. you cannot really go wrong. I love all their combos that they offer.... I ate off the boyfriend's beef tamales and it was YUMMMMY!! Another high point from the Scottsdale Farmer's Market read more

I love tamales, so when I saw this place on Yelp, I knew I had to try it. The draw for me, besides the rating, was the selection - several types of tamales including a couple vegetarian, vegan, and dessert options. There's something for everyone! Their website also boasts, "NO lard, shortening, gluten, preservatives, MSG, soy, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, or junk here." Fabulous! You can place an order via telephone, e-mail, or form on their website. I really like the convenience of the electronic options and it ensures there's no miscommunication on your order. They recommend placing your order within 24-48 hours. I placed mine a day in advance and everything went very smoothly. I used e-mail and received a prompt response. The interaction at the store was just as painless as the ordering process. The store was easy to find with the large "TAMALES" on the plaza's street sign. It's a cute shop with a counter and comfortable seating. It took a couple minutes to locate our order in the back, then we paid and that was it! The tamales are sold in sets of two, sealed, and labeled. I was really impressed with the packaging! We ordered two dozen and they were frozen for pick-up, which was great. Prices: Pack (2) is $5.50, 1/2 Dozen is $16, and 1 Dozen is $28. You're obviously getting the better deal with the dozen. The price difference is not vast (42 cents per tamale between the pack and dozen costs), but for each dozen, that's $5 in savings! Heating instructions: Microwave frozen tamale wrapped in damp paper towel for four minutes (with wax paper and corn husk intact) OR steam frozen tamale for 35-40 minutes on medium heat (with wax paper and corn husk intact). I used the microwave option and it worked perfectly! The moment of truth: How do they taste? Well, I'm sure you already guessed from my five-star rating that I'm in love. THEY'RE AMAZING! We started with the Pork Red Chile, which I was most excited since I LOVE adobada sauce and it exceeded my expectations. The masa is moist and very flavorful, all their meats (chicken, beef, pork) are tender, and the amount of sauce is perfect. Oh my gosh, the FLAVOR!! We also had Chicken Chipotle, Chicken Green Chile, Beef Red Chile, Tex-Mex, and Poblano Chiles & Monterey Jack. We really liked the flavor of the Chicken Chipotle and there's a little kick. Their chile verde is so, so good! I can't believe I missed Chicken Mole on the menu, so that's on my list for the next order! Favorites: Pork Red Chile, Chicken Green Chile, and Chicken Chipotle. I REALLY like the red chile, so I'm sure all the meat options taste great in it. I didn't care for the Tex-Mex one, so I'd pass on that. I will definitely be ordering more tamales during my future trips to Arizona! Oh yes, they traveled the 300 miles well and we are still enjoying them. read more

This place is the real tamale deal!! After reading an article in the news about their new restaurant, I stopped by on my way north to Flagstaff. The new store is large, spacious and clean. The employees are so friendly and helpful. I went into the Mercado and purchased a dozen frozen tamales. The frozen tamales are sold in packages of two, with the exception of the beef tamales, which are sold in packages of six only. I got Pork Red Chile, Pork Green Chile, Chicken Mole, Poblano with Jack Cheese and the Arizona Cornbread with Cheddar. The super friendly staff member in the Mercado gave me samples of their jarred salsa and I bought bottles of red and green. So delicious!! I couldn't wait until I got back to Flagstaff to have a tamale so I ordered one hot from the restaurant with a side of beans. The beans were perfect and the cream cheese and green Chile tamale was yummy!! At home I steamed the tamales and my family had a tamale buffet. All of them were so tasty. Fresh tasting and you don't miss the lard. The masa is very well seasoned and the fillings are generous. We couldn't all agree on which were the best but agreed that we would buy them all again, but two standouts are the Pork Green Chile and the Arizona Cornbread. Drive out of your way, bring a cooler and get you some tamales!! read more

Anticipating a grueling swim team practice in the evening, I went here yesterday afternoon to get a tasty, stick-to-the-ribs lunch. I got two beef red chili tamales and a pumpkin tamale. The beef tamales were scrumptious, as expected. The pumpkin tamale, which I ordered out of curiosity, was excellent! It was rich and just sweet enough to provide a pleasant counterpoint to the savory beef tamales without being dessert-sweet. And for 6 bucks, that lunch sustained me through the afternoon and through the rigorous physical activity of the evening. As I said in my previous review, the Tamale Store is far from where I live, but now more than ever I'm convinced that it's well worth the drive. And I'm planning to get frozen tamales next time so I'll be well-stocked with these tasty treats. read more

The Tamale Store - Pumpkin tamale. Oh sooooooo good! - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great tamales and other tasty food! The tamale shop is cool and you can buy frozen tamales to go. Friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.

My tamale source. I like the variety of flavors they make and the choices so glad they expanded their dining room when they moved. This little extended family run place has the bases covered with traditional red and green chili, vegetarian and vegan options. The have sweet treats for desert. May I suggest the current pinacolada (topped with ice cream). Their freezers are full of packaged tamales ready for you to take home. These tamales are my go-to summer "I have to eat, don't show me another salad, don't make me turn on my oven" quick microwave meal. They are also my winter, steamed on the stove, comfort food. Check out their mercado for great sauces too. read more

This place was pretty good. I heard about it from some PBS show so decided to go and try it. The flavors are very authentic. The inside is cool with a salsa bar, merch you can grab and open seating area. There are just a few things I can say. I've honestly had better tamales before. These here are good but not great. The other thing I would say is the plate that I got with several sides were all just mushed into the same bowl. I like to mix my food but this made everything taste the same. Some of it was moist so it affected my tamale. I might come back. read more