Exceptionally kind and knowledgeable staff. I wanted to purchase some locally made hot sauces and needed some recommendations and I received lots of help. I also bought some frozen tamales that were so damn good. It's clear they were made with love. Thanks all! read more

We were there over the weekend and carried out. We don't ever eat tamales from anywhere else in Tucson, but this time they were not as good as usual. The bean and cheese had very little cheese and the green chili chicken had way too much masa. This place is known all over the country and ships everywhere. Are they getting too big? We'll try it again, hoping it was just an off day. read more

Great place for freshly made tamales. I am so glad I had the first tamale of my life at Tucson Tamale. I knew nothing about tamales until I moved to Tucson and saw my coworkers often eating tamales for lunch. I had to try this new food, so I looked up tamale on yelp. Tucson Tamale caught my attention because I saw on yelp that they had a "New Delhi" tamale on their menu, a tamale named after the capital city of India. So I had to try it. It is a small casual eatery, you order food at the counter and then sit wherever. While placing the order, found out that the "New Delhi" was renamed as "Vegetable Curry" tamale. We also had the Green Chillie Chicken tamale. The green chillie chicken tamale was really good. Vegetable curry tamale was alright, not that impressive or maybe my opinion is biased perhaps because I was expecting an authentic Indian curry flavor. Tamales were very fresh and steaming hot. Prices are reasonable. Ladies at the counter were helpful and nice. Service was quick. Overall had a good experience and will return again. read more

My favorite tamale place, leans clean and flavorful with many to choose from! They also offer wonderful empanadas! And home made brownies for dessert! read more

Came here with a fellow Texan after finding a Groupon. It was great. They had a bunch of options and everything we tried was so good. Tender and full of flavor. Great drink options including sodas in bottles. I got a BBQ pork tamale, a chipotle beef, and a green chili chicken. I couldn't tell you which one was my favorite because they were all so good. And my friend and her son, who grew up with homemade tamales courtesy of her grandmother, also really liked the food. The restaurant itself was clean and the service was good. Overall a great place for lunch. You can also order in bulk for family gatherings. read more

Tucson Tamale is one of our favorite restaurants. All of the locations are great, but this one in particular is our go-to. The biggest reason why we love Tucson Tamale is because of their options. They have so many gluten-free vegan options that we actually haven't gotten around to trying all of them yet! Our favorites have been the curry and the blue corn tamales. The food is just plain delicious, and the price point is not bad either. The service is always great at this location, and the food is always made quickly. We come here at least twice a month and I highly suggest it to anyone looking for tamales, or just vegan options! read more

Cool little local spot with some amazing tamales. The hot salsa at the salsa bar was easily one of the best I've ever had. Service was quick and they gave me a to go tub of the Salsa because I liked it so much! read more

Best lunch ever! My favorite tamale joint of all time. Doesn't matter what you get it's going to be good. My favorites are the Arizona and the Madison. read more

Tucson Tamale - Madison and Arizona Tamales with chips, salsa and black beans. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Amazing tamales and salsas. They also have an impressive selection of store items and prepared food to go in addition to the limited seating. Very tasty! read more

Wow! Simple menu with great tasting food! I had the Sonoran chicken tamale (so tasty) and the chorizo burrito(delightful spicy flavor) my two sides were pinto beans and chips n salsa! There was enough food for two! I lived eating outside in the front patio and they had a nice lil salsa bar you could choice your heat and flavor! I opted for the pico and was not disappointed! This will definitely not be the last time I eat here! Get your "yum" on and try it! Best tamales yet! read more

Tucson Tamale - Burritos and tamales! - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This place is awesome great tamales and the sides are good too! They have everything marked as gluten free and they have vegan options and plenty of vegetarian choices! My dad and I both really enjoyed it he got something with meat while I stick to vegetarian and both of ours where moist and flavorful the perfect tamales. It was so much food! Highly recommend the blue corn veggie tamales and the green salsa from the salsa bar is the bomb! read more

Tucson Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Tucson Tamale is simple, straightforward, tasty and unique. We live fairly close to the Oracle location, and frequently visit. There are traditional flavors, all excellent, but I'm a fan of the Chile Relleno tamale. Plus, I love when they experiment with different flavors. We often buy their frozen tamales (just bought 14 for a family lunch this weekend) either at their store or at various locations where they are stocked around town. I have to say that I miss the days when they sold beer on tap at this location, but as if by magic a brew place popped up a few doors down... you can get your tamales to go, and bring them into the brew place to pair with your favorite beverage. It's a perfect Tucson experience. read more

Three cheers for vegan and vegetarian tamales! I stopped by Tucson Tamale for lunch after a conference at the Westward Look resort. For around $9, you can choose two large tamales of your choices, and two sides. I picked the Mexican slaw (refreshing and delicious) and non-spicy beans, which were a bit plain. However, there's a salsa bar with several delicious salsas, and these helped to jazz up the beans nicely. I tried the chile relleno tamal, which was awesome (a large chili and big hunk of cheese inside masa, basically), and a vegetable medley tamal made with blue masa, which was also great. The vegetarian tamales (presumably) aren't made with lard, so they don't feel too heavy. The food came out fast, and the staff was friendly. If I lived in Tucson, I'd be back! read more

Wow I am so glad my husband decided to try this place! The food was excellent! The service was good, however they only have one guy making the food and taking orders. Strange. It makes for a long dining experience, but he did very well and my husband won't shut up about the place LOL! My only complaint (and I let this slide on the rating) was there was one other girl there "working," but from what I can tell she was just walking around doing nothing, and was VERY disrespectful to another customer who had a concern about her side. Not sure why she is even getting a paycheck there! read more

This was a fun stop. I think that there are 2 or 3 locations. We stopped in on our way back from wine country in Willcox. This unit was a ways in off of the 17 but worth it. They have an excellent selection of tamales. As many flavors as you can picture. You get to pick sides too. I'm a traditionalist, so I stuck with the Mexican Rice and beans. I think Twyla went for the Jalapeno Coleslaw (getting old; cant remember). I know this, she really enjoyed what she had! You can roll in here and buy your tamales for home and they even have their own line of hot sauce with a deadly Dia de Muerta head on it. It is not overly large but is very welcoming. Casual for sure. The staff were kind and accommodating. It is counter service, so do not expect any tableside treatment. There are wide array of other selections too and they do catering as well. We will be back Tucson! Count on it! LOL. #irishcatv2 #vinosquared #vino2 #vino2ultimate #twylytephotography #tucson #tamale #tucsontamale read more

Great variety of tamales and salsas to personalize it up! For my first visit here, I had the 2 tamale plate with a side of spicy rice. The red pork tamale was better than the chile relleno tamale. The plate is a good sized portion, and I spiced up the relleno tamale with the salsa bar offerings. This location has plenty of seating inside and a smaller outside dining area. Next time I'm in town I would certainly try to come back and try some dessert tamales! Tamales are availabe for take out, either frozen or not. read more

I stopped in here because 1. I read about it on yelp and 2. It was next to grocery store I stopped at. Well also I was Tucson so I had to taste some tamales. I got tamales to go. The gal behind the counter guided me in my selection bc I didn't want super spicy. The tamales were very good. I had green chili chicken and green chili. read more

Really good and fresh. A big variety to satisfy all tastes. I will certainly be back to try the other offerings on the menu. read more

Tucson Tamale - Family of happy tamale eaters!! - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Best burritos we have had for a very long time. Had red Chile beef burrito, and green Chile chicken burrito, as well as guacamole and chips. All were excellent, with the meat in the burritos grilled fresh to order. The staff was friendly and professional. Will return to try the tamales next time! read more

I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! I ordered hundreds of tamales around the holidays and was so impressed with the exceptional service! Not to mention how delicious the tamales were! It was great to have a vegan option as well. As a pharma rep, I work with numerous vendors. The general manager, Frank Ruiz was by far the best I have worked with in years! He made the ordering process so simple, every order was ready on time and the entire staff was so helpful and friendly. You won't be disappointed! read more

Not the cheapest tamales in town, but they are the best. We've even used them to stuff our turkey on Thanksgiving. No, really. We did that. read more

Tucson Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We were headed to a different restaurant, but to our fortune we saw This restaurant on the way. We decided to give it a try. It's a fantastic place. The staff is extremely helpful in explaining the various choices of tamales. The selection is never ending and everyone tamale we tried was better than the previous. I tried the January special and it was labeled extra spicy and it did not disappoint. My lips were burning, my eyes were watering and my sinuses were cleared!! It was delicious. The salsa was fresh and offered many varieties. The dessert tamales were exceptional. The ambiance is clean and pleasant. Thank goodness they ship. Clean restrooms, clean restaurant, excellent food and great staff!! We may not return to Tucson anytime soon, but we are thrilled that they ship. read more

See all

We stopped in for lunch and each had a two tamale plate. The pork and green chile tamales were good, the red beef tamales better. The black beans and rice were both spectacular. Nice little place. Next time, we're buying some to go! read more

I'm not sure why this place gets such good reviews. We got 4 different tamales and none of them were good. We have had tamales at many places but this place is not worth the stop. read more

Yum! Some of the best tamales I have had! They are full of meat and the masa is yummy! The pork green chili is my favorite and the pumpkin tamale is delish to end with for desert! Oooooooh their mild salsa on the salsa bar is off the hook, I could eat it by the spoonful!!!! The best part is that you also can stock them up in your freezer with frozen ones! read more

These aren't the best tamales I've had, but they're still pretty good, and I'm happy with the location.

The tamales are amazing here and there are lots of flavor options. We love the blue corn! The set up is very family friendly. We have two young kids and we felt very welcome and comfortable. The salsa bar is excellent. They need to sell cans of their Sherry salsa. The bathrooms have been very clean each time we have gone. read more

Love love love Tucson Tamale! The prices are reasonable and they carry a variety of flavors. The blue corn tamale is my favorite! I'd say the sweet spot is 2 tamales per person so be aware of that when you go. They also have frozen tamales so you can take the goodness home with​ you. read more

I placed an online order on Dec 8 to have tamales shipped to my home in SoCal for Christmas. At the same time, I also placed an order to send to my Dad in Prescott. Their website FAQ states VERY CLEARLY, "We ship directly from our production facility in Tucson, AZ right to your door." Imagine my surprise when FedEx sends me tracking info that Dad's Prescott shipment originated in HAYWARD, CA, and is taking a 2-day truck ride south through Palm Springs (right past my house!), over to Phoenix, and then north to Prescott. I called the company and inquired about they weren't coming from Tucson as stated. I was told they use a holding facility in Hayward, and then my question was curtly dismissed while she looked up my 2 orders. Turns out, I had even more info than she did. Today, Dad's tamales will be ending their epic journey from Tuscon (if, in fact, that's where these were actually made!) to the BayArea and back to Arizona! For those wondering why the shipped tamales aren't as good anymore, this may help answer that question. WE'RE NO LONGER GETTING THE FRESH TAMALES THEY SERVE IN THEIR STOREFRONT. We're getting the commercial stuff they prepare for their grocery store distributions. While they're OK, that's NOT why I placed my order directly with the company. I wanted their FRESH goods when I splurged. I could have just gone to Sprouts if I wanted the regular skimpier, drier, commercial stuff! They wouldn't be any less fresh and at least I'd have them by now! Oh, and if you're wondering about MY order........ it still hasn't been processed. Yep, my tamales are still sitting in cold storage in Hayward! read more

Their tamales aren't terrible but they aren't your typical tamales. I would say they fall into a category I'd call "Alternative or perhaps New Wave." If you are looking for traditional tamales this is not your restaurant. As I said they aren't terrible. Just know they weren't made by your Tia. read more

I don't even understand how they are so good! I have tried probably 5 or 6 different tamales (mostly pork/beef variations, but also pumpkin) and they were all almost equally amazing and delicious. This is the only location I've been to, but I've also tried them refrigerated from Trader Joe's and you just can't go wrong either way. Their hot sauce is also the perfect amount of hotness, and they have a great condiment bar! My only complaint (albeit a very small one) would be that they don't have enough menu items! I would love to see more tamale flavor combos, but as long as they keep doing what they're doing, I will continue to come here often. read more

My husband and I were on a motorcycle trip through the area for the Thanksgiving week. I had read that Tucson Tamale had a great product so I wanted to try them when we were in the area. We meet a business colleague of my husband for dinner. His colleague said tamales are always good. Good sign. We ordered the Family Platter. We thought it would be too much food for the 3 of us but leftovers could be lunch the next day. The platter comes with 8 tamales so we ordered 2 each of Red Chili Beef, Green Chili Pork, Green Chili Chicken and Blue Corn Veggie & Cheese. For sides we picked Spicy Black Beans and Mexican Slaw. The chips and salsa kept us happy until the tamales came out. All the food was fantastic. The atmosphere is casual. The price is reasonable and the service friendly & attentive. Lunch the next day on a picnic bench in a park in another town in southern AZ allowed the great experience to last longer. I was so impressed I ordered their tamales as Xmas presents to be shipped to my family members all over the country. Even ordered some for myself. If we are in the area again we will be back. read more

Tucson Tamale - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Hand made tamales using fresh all organic masa were delicious. Quick serve walk up and order, friendly service, nice atmosphere inside and a great value. We really enjoyed! We also liked the chipotle, habenero, and jalapeño hot sauces made with organic ingredients, so we bought a bottle of each to go. I'm glad I found this spot using Yelp's reviews. Also, visit the Tucson Tamale website which is interesting too! Oh by the way, they ship tamales anywhere in dry ice, so keep it in mind, cuz, I will! Cuz, I do not cook-up tamales "en mi casa!" read more

Stopped by for lunch the other day and really enjoyed the tamales and sides. The salsa bar was spot on as well. It feels like a deli inside where you grab a menu at the cash register and make hurried choices. The seating is open and it was hard to tune out a table complaining about politics. I really could have used some music. Next time I will get my order to go. read more

Super fast service! Every single tamale that I try is just absolutely perfect! This location is great with outdoor seating! Super yummy salsa bar. Best part is two tamales and one side cost me $7.15! You must try it! read more

Tucson Tamale - Chili relleno tamale - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Yes, they have a huge variety of tamales. Alton Brown loves them (not a good endorsement IMO). Their salsas are delicious. The fillings are creative, fresh and well prepared. But, for God's sake, they don't use lard in their masa. I mean, really? First, it makes them so light and airy when you whip it into the masa, since it melts out while the tamales steam. It's not a fat-bomb either, since the bulk of the fat winds up in the steaming water, not the masa. Their masa is too dense and pasty for my tastes. Maybe that's just me. read more

Ordered two Tamales packages and the hot sauce trio for family in Washington for Christmas. They received the hot sauces sent by FedEx but not the Tamales!! Don't trust them with online orders and shipping!! read more

Look I'm sure I'm at fault here because it's called Tucson Tamale and I went off road and got the chicken burrito, chicken quesadilla, salad, and "loaded" nachos. The menu is slightly confusing and the gal and register didn't help much in clarifying a few things and made the ordering pretty difficult but that's just a one-time thing I'm sure so no real points off for that. Chicken burrito was super bland and none of the salsa's were good enough to improve that situation (I tried them all). The salad was what you'd expect I guess as a cheap salad item. The loaded nachos were just a small plate with the worst nacho cheese available on earth (I would imagine anyways) and some type of mystery pork meat... it was pitiful. Like not even as good as gas station nachos. There's no way this doesn't sound dramatic and I apologize but they were UNEQUIVOCALLY the worst nachos I've ever had at a restaurant. The chicken quesadilla though was pretty good and is a good size as well so good points there. I will say that my mom got a tamale (green chile I think) and said it's the best tamale she's ever had.. way to rub it in mom! My dad said the green child burrito was "pretty good" too. Other petty complaint items were poor setup with the soda and salsa bar next to each other. There was no changing table in either FAMILY bathrooms and my daughter pooped... so she gets half of the blame for that. The soda was warm coming out of the fountain to the point it melted the ice and made that not so good either. I'm sure I sound like a high maintenance shrew here but it really was just straight up bad all the way around (except for the decent quesadilla). Again, that could be my fault for not getting the name sake of the establishment but still... read more

New location, still all of the greatness of the orginal location, plus a salsa bar! SO now there is a defniate reason to get chips with the meal. As allways the vegan and veggie mtamale sere packed with flavor and perfect tamale texture, I just wish everything were avaiable hot not just frozen. Inside seating is ample and nice, as is the respectable patio. read more

This is a Tucson staple, I love their Arizona and Santa Fe tamales. Their chips and salsa are bomb. And weirdly their brownies are so soft and tasty as well!! read more