I was originally introduced to Tio's Tamales because my boss' dentist is just down the street, and she swears by this place. She was so passionate about the establishment that she brought us all lunch one afternoon to sell us on the place. Her faith was not misplaced, and I have since been back on my own. This is California-style Mexican in a town that has a deficit of good Mexican. The flavors are all right there, from chorizo to cilantro. If you need modification to your order, you can ask for it. Dish-wise, their carne asada fries are massive. Their burritos are not amazing but are okay, and make up for it by being very dense and also of reasonable size. My companion can never eat all of hers in one sitting. Their tamales are proper tamales - a little dry, but so are all tamales. The corn holds together with masa, and does not disintegrate with a little salsa or handling. The chorizo is of course, greasy - but a little spice for pairing with your eggs. Their chicken is dry - get it with green sauce. Their vegetable tamale is better than expected. It complements other tamales better than it stands on its own, as it is very sweet. Again, every meal leaves enough for leftovers that fed us for at least the next two meals. read more

The carne asada fries are out of this world. The perfect combination of meat, cheese & chile. Flavorful, piping hot, gooey and crunchy. The cheese literally starts to melt in your mouth once combined with the chile and hot fries. My boyfriend and I ordered the large to share and the serving was huge. I believe it was about $12 for the large and $10 for the small. There are a few metered parking spots on the street available. The restaurant itself has a small dining area, which we ate in to enjoy our food in it's freshest state . The true gem here is the owner, Ray. He was so warm and welcoming when he greeted us. While we waited, he gave us great suggestions various things to try during our vacation, and he did it all with the most sincere smile. Thank you Ray for such great food and even greater Aloha spirit! read more

Tio's Tamales - Carne Asada Fries - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Tio's Tamales is a hole-in-the-wall gem of authentic Mexican staples like housemade chorizo, sopapillas and, yep- yoooouuuu guessed it- TAMALES!! Parking is somewhat of an issue in this area, but don't let that stop you from coming in and sampling the goods!! The chile relleno is crisp perfection, the quesadillas with chorizo will leave you awestruck and the sopapillas drizzled with honey is pure love on a (styrofoam) plate!! My boss and i come here to eat for lunch and no matter what we order, we are never disappointed!! My husband joined us a couple of times and he swears by the hamburger burrito... A little twist of fusion for those willing to stray from the classics for a little Hispanic-American curve ball!! The owner is friendly and ever-present. The establishment is "fun-size" but adequate if you're timing is right . There are a couple of tables and a bar-like seating area with a street-view and high stools... not much of a view but who cares? Your only concern here is if you can even wait until the food cools down enough to eat... oh... and if the parking meter was fed. Each day has specials and my personal favorite is Friday for the sopapillas that is essentially like a fat fried tortilla smothered in honey which is a.k.a one of the Good Lord's proof that He loves us... Yes! Sopapillas *is* the answer to sooooo many questions... "Why am I here?" "What did you do that for?" "What will make them come back?" Actually, the sopapillas and the smothered fries... If i were you I'd get both... on the same day... ...it's life-changing... Bottom line, you guys gotta try this place. Pros: amazing food, decent prices Cons: parking, seating spaces... and me being as little nit-picky-- i love the entrees but i don't love the rice and beans... they're just a little bland and the rice texture is not the way my abuelita makes it and i just so happen to be partial... but not all knowledge is learned from one house so don't take my word for it... you might love it.. ...it's just not my favorite from there. read more

Today I went back again because I was hungry and I wanted something tasty to eat! Last time I got the chorizo break burrito and it was outstanding. I figured I would try the spam breakfast burrito and while I do like spam, it's just spam. How great can you really make spam? Well I have to say, I can make a strong argument that the spam burrito was better than the chorizo one. The spam had the perfect char on it to create a nice texture. The texture contested the silky eggs, gooey cheese, and soft exterior of the onions and green chile. The ingredients were not over cooked and had a nice texture. The flavors were divine. My only two regrets was not buying more. I should have bought 4 and passed them out at work. My second regret was not buying lunch. I especially want to try their tamales. I would highly recommend coming here soon to try their food. It's that good. read more

Tio's Tamales - Chorizo Breakfast Burrito - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We discovered this little place for a late lunch. The New Mexico Red and the Santa Fe Green tamales were so delicious, and the Chorizo tacos kicked up the spice level. They make their own chorizo sausages and it's very tasty. The place is very small but perfect for a quick meal stop. The owners and server are very friendly and make you feel like you're at home. They are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7am to 2:30pm and the prices are good. We heard their breakfast burritos are very popular so we will definitely return. read more

Tio's Tamales - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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So I'm always on the search for great authentic Mexican food! Which is rare to find on the island. Day after day, my friend recommended this place as the best Mexican food, and I promise you he was not wrong!! They have everything from Tomales, breakfast burritos, tacos, and so much more! It's a self owned business. Ray (owner) is in there every day taking orders, making sure people get their food with little help. If you're looking for something with flavor, if you're looking for some spice, then Tios Tamales is where it's at!!!!! REAL CHILIS FROM NEW MEXICO They seem to only be open in the mornings and usually close around 2:30-3:00pm, so make sure you get there early. read more

First time here for me. I'm not an expert on Mexico cuisine but I used to eat Mexican food often when I would go to Chicago several times and year. There were three places I would visit ... all were operated by folks that lived in Mexico so I'm guessing that the food was authentic ... especially when most of the clientele were Mexican Americans. Anyway, at Tio's I ordered the chicken tamale plate and a chile relleno. I would say this food was as good as the food in Chicago. I'll definitely go back to try some other items. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

Loved the chili rebellions been looking everywhere for a crispy version. Instead of the battery eggy soft mushy version...carne asada quesadilla was awesome too read more

Tio's Tamales - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Flavor galore! This place is a hidden gem. If you like your tamales kicked up a notch with spice this place is for you. My husband and I have been here several times and have had a variety of menu items and this place never disappoints. Everything is made well and super tasty. read more

Everything we got was so good!!! We got breakfast burritos and tamales.I definitely will be coming back for more. The food was so fresh and yummy. Perfect breakfast :) read more

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Tios Tameles is not joking around. That was by far the BEST breakfast burrito I've ever had in my whole life. And Ray was just the kindest soul ever. Thank you Tios Tamales read more

I've been wanting to try this place but have never made it here until now! Tio's Tamales is a little restaurant located on the right hand side on Nuuanu Ave. Parking can be rough so hopefully there's a street stall available when you go or you'll be driving in circles. As I walked in, I was greeted and my order was taken. Carne asada fries- large portion of fries smothered in chili verde, cheese, and topped with carne asada and drizzled with sour cream. What can I say, absolutely delicious! Even the meat had flavor!!($11.50) Carne asada burrito/ no beans- huge burrito filled with rice, cheese, chili verde and carne asada. I had mines with no beans, just not a big fan of beans in my burrito. Awesome burrito, very flavorful and plentiful . ($8.95) Tamales- I wanted to try one of each ( they had 3 different kind) so I opted for the 4pack. I got 2 of the New Mexico red ( it has a pork filling)Very tasty and lots of filling. I didn't have to dig through the masa to find my pork!! I got one of the Santa Fe green ( it has chicken in it). Wasn't sure how this was going to be because I've only tasted pork filled Tamales but to my surprise, it was pretty good. And the last one was a vegetarian one. It was okay but my fave is the New Mexico red! (4 pack $8.95) As I look into the window that leads to the kitchen, who else but Tio himself preparing my meal! Good job Tio. Everything was so flavorful, the price was great, portions were huge, friendly vibe, and great customer service!! Hard to find all of these things combined now days from the sameI definitely would like to come back to try some of the other menu items!!! read more

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I love doing take-out from Tio's. I usually call ahead and parking is usually available right in front of the shop. I've tried the tamales, chimichangas, and burritos...all so good. Love this New Mexican shop! read more

A very solid burrito. I had the carne asada and thought it was pretty damn good. The meat had a nice smokey flavor and the toritilla wasn't soggy or mushy (a common complaint of mine). I think they should invest in some kind of house salsa, maybe a green chili one since they're from NM. I've also had the tamales, and they're good, but I thought the burrito was better. There's def something of a lunch rush, so if you can get in right around noon you might be able to skip it. read more

First time trying a tamale. Good taste. Really enjoyed the beans and rice. Prices are reasonable. Good portion. Tamale: Pork, chicken, vegetarian Tamale plates include beans and rice. Can get one, two, or three tamales per plate Hand held burrito - Carne asada was big. Two tamales plate $11.25 Hand held burrito $9.50 Parking is metered in front Hours 7am-230pm Tuesday -Saturday Closed Monday and Sunday read more

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Tried Tio's Tamales for the first time. I had the three tamale plate which was delicious. The tamales were flavorful and the sauce had a good spice level. Everything was served hot and fresh. read more

Tio's Tamales - 3 Tamale Plate: 2 New Mexico red, 1 Santa Fe green - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ordered the tios burrito was delicious and surprisingly had everything I loved in it included a few French fries ! Recommend for sure .. just make sure you get it early as they close just after lunch ! read more

The best spicy chorizo breakfast burrito on island! This is a hidden gem of a restaurant! The staff is so efficient, prices are great and the food is amazing! read more

Delicious and friendly service. I hope they stay in business. Awesome Tamales not just a ton of masa with little filling.

These New Mexico version of tamales are really good. Tio's also sells frozen by the dozen, which is what I did. Anyhow, I'll be getting more! I highly recommend you do as well. read more

The BEST breakfast burritos and super friendly staff/owner. Fast service and delicious food.

Tio's Tamales (TT) on busy Nuuanu Avenue right across the street from Hosoi Mortuary is Da Bomb! Now I am not normally a tamale guy, but I am sucker for trying out new hole-in-the-walls in the hopes of finding the next hidden gem. Since the waitress spoke so highly of Tio's "award winning tamales," I thought I'd give it a go and am so glad that I did. Normally the grainy texture and at times over powering corn meal flavor is a turn off for me when it comes to tamales, but TT's version is much smoother in texture and the corn flavor much more subtle. The pork tamale was full of shredded pork and the vegie tamale was surprisingly flavorful as well. The chile verde sauce that they smother over the plated tamale's takes this dish over the top with the moisture and light heat that it provides. I will be back and the next time will be trying their chimichangas and burritos that they serve. Give TT a try, conveniently located you will be glad that you did. read more

Tio's Tamales - I don't normally love tamales because of the mealy texture, but these were great very smooth and tasty! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Small, cute local place. Wanted to try it out, so I got the Carne asada Taco (3 tacos = $9.25) and Carme asada fries (12.75). It was pretty good considering that it was the only New Mexican style food because it's not as common. Also I was able to talk to the owner, uncle was sweet while I was waiting. Would come back for the tamales haha. read more

The food is great. Ray is super cool and portions are very reasonable. The only problem is he is closed on Sunday's and Mondays. read more

Tio's is located in a nondescript building on Nuuanu Ave. next to a Mandoo shop and down the row from Nuuanu Okazuya. It's a small space with a few tables as well as a few seats on a counter facing the street. I tried the chicken tamale plate, which comes with rice and beans. As described, the tamale was smothered in green chile sauce. It was delicious and spicy. The woman manning the register must have seen my face turning red as she offered me some water. I plan to come here again and try something else; maybe a carne asada burrito or vegetarian tamale. This restaurant is walkable from downtown Honolulu and there is ample metered street parking. If you are visiting Honolulu, this restaurant makes a nice lunchtime break if you are checking out the sites in downtown. read more

Tio's Tamales - chicken tamale smothered in green chile sauce. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Tio's Tamales is * LEGIT* Stopped in for a to Go order and let me say, grab the Mundet-green Apple soda while you wait... I haven't had something this satisfying and crisp to drink in a long time, YUMMY! I ordered the 2-for-$6, Carne Asada Tacos. The meat was flavorful & tender, legit fatty cooked loooong time JUICY. And these are not any wimpy tacos for the small price of $3,... these are bite in, shove it over into your cheek so you can go to town savoring the delicious yumminess of each bite And then I also ordered the Chicken & Roasted green chili, Smothered burrito for $10.50. ( I was full at 1/2, #loveleftovers ) Now unfortunately I wasn't blessed born into a Hispanic family, I think the stork flew north when he should have gone south, anyways.... when I took the first bite I was wisped back in time and could taste my momma's slow cooked VERY Legit home made chicken soup, although not hispanic... that woman Can COOK !! I felt comforted to My Soul !! It's Loaded with chunks of tender, soft chicken that TASTES like CHICKEN.... not something that has been boiled to death and stringy, what are those guys really making anyways... chicken stock, and the flesh left over is a byproduct? Hmmmmm... This was a Tasty, Phat, Juicy Burrito, as you can see from the pic's. Great place with even better prices, and they make sure you leave with more than enough to satisfy you, like Ohana does Go in, Talk Story... it was my first time in and they were incredibly sweet and Friendly. The Owner/Chef came out and even shook my hand, I'm terrible with names... but I got the impression if I were to frequent, it would be hugs in no time. Really Great People, strongly suggest giving these guys some love. Its a tuff business to be in and we need more places to eat like this. Go.... it's a Gem ! read more

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If I could give this place 10 Stars I would !! I got the carne asada fries and it was sooooooooooo bomb!!! This is a Hidden Gem!!! If you get anything from my review get that carne asada fries I love it extra spicy and he did it extra extra spicy which was so delicious. We were lucky enough to get parking right outside the establishment. They were so welcoming and soooo nice! The pictures don't do the food Justice .you can't get all that goodness in one picture. Hands down my new favorite! The fries were wonderful the carne asada was season perfectly the salsa that they had in between each of the layers of fries was to die for. if I could I would jar up that salsa and use it with everything. I can't wait to go again just talking about it makes my mouth watery! read more

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I have been looking for good Mexican food in Honolulu for awhile now... Tim's hits the spot. I had the Tamale plate with two pork tamales with green sauce. The spice was perfect, flavorful and not overpowering. Beans had flavor and we're not smashed completely. Rice was just okay. I will definitely come again,soon! read more

Another Mexican joint, still not as good as L.A. food but pretty damn good. Of course you're paying an arm and leg, it's Hawaii people. It's expensive here to run a business. I've eaten here a few times and the food is consistently tasty! Parking can be hell since it's only street parking on a busy street. Bring coins for those meters. read more

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Honolulu doesn't have many Mexican joints but this place really is amazing and reminds me of LA and San Diego spots. A bit pricier than California joints but not bothered too much when the food is good and the owner is sweet and friendly! He remembers his regulars and treats everyone with respect no matter how busy or warm it gets in the kitchen read more

Never again ordered takeout and the guy gives me the hot container with no bag or utensils didn't even asked if I wanted a bag. Burned my fingers holding it and the carne asada was hard as a rock too salty and it made my stomach turn. read more

I have to admit, I wanted to love this place just based off the reviews of my fellow Yelpers ... But, It was just okay to me. I know Hawaii is known for not having ANY great Mexican places to dine at ... really, whats up with that. It could be that I'm just spoiled and can't just seem to find that one place here that compares to the ones back in the mainland. My hunt will still continue till I do. Tio's Tamales is located by the Nuuanu Okazuya and Omega Mandoo. We ordered the Mexican hamburger burrito, the New Mexico red tamales and the Santa Fe green tamales. The Mexican hamburger burrito was just ... meh. It was a huge hamburger patty that was wrapped in tortilla with handfuls of cheese thrown on top of it. Like I could've swam in the cheese if I were a small insect :/ I just wasn't digging it. And I didn't even finish it, I gave it away. Both of the tamales were just okay ... I wasn't too happy with either of them. The cashier and kitchen guys were totally awesome, and I'd come back to try it again only because of them. And I'll probably order something else ... Maybe I should've gotten the carne asada since everyone had raved about it ... Next time. #4/100 Challenge 2017 read more

Tio's Tamales - The Mexican hamburger burrito :/ - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Nobody else does Tamales like Tío's Tamales in Hawaii. Great taste and very nice combinations of flavors. Everyone in Hawaii needs to visit Tíos and we don't have to wait till Christmas to get tamales! read more