Authentic, authentic, authentic -- that's the best way to describe this place. Everything tastes made fresh, homemade, and full of flavor. Delicious, delicious food from start to finish. We tried the menudo, and by far it was outstanding. Rich flavor, fresh ingredients, and you can taste the homemade quality in every bite. My partner tried the enchilada plate, and all she kept saying was fresh, fresh, fresh. El Monte may not realize what a gem they have right here in their city -- or maybe they already do. Either way, this spot deserves more recognition because the quality speaks for itself. Please see the photos, support this small business, and come give them a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Everything I've tried on the menu is delicious, but the tamales are definitely a favorite!

If you're looking for true authentic Mexican food, you've found the right place! It was my first time trying Cafe Tizon. When I came in with my dad, we were greeted by our server and she asked if it was our first time visiting. When we said yes, she gave us 2 tamales and 2 drinks free of charge. It was a very kind gesture that we greatly appreciated. Our server then told us the history of the restaurant and how all the people who worked there were her family members. This is truly a small family run business through and through. It's definitely a restaurant that makes you happy to put your money back in the hands of the community instead in the pockets of big franchises. Here's a review of my experience: Pork Tamale: Very delicious and authentic tasting! I've never had a tamale that gave the tamales my grandma makes every year a run for her money! The masa was delicious and it came with a lot of meat filling. Breakfast Burrito: I bought 2 to share amongst 4 people. The burrito was pretty big and there was a generous amount of the bacon and sausage put into it. Definitely satisfied my hankering for a good breakfast burrito. Ambiance: clean establishment with a homey feel. Overall, this place is a hidden treasure that I'm glad I found. Please give this place a try next time you want some authentic Mexican food! read more

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Me and my husband went on a Sunday for menundo it was ok, no big deal, but I do not eat the meat maybe that's why, but I must say service was slow not sure why there were only 4 other there eating we were like they can see us right, but maybe next time do order to go read more

I didn't snap a picture but I ordered chilaquiles which only comes in red here. Not complaining since I order green everywhere else and it's time for me to order red again. The menu doesn't say it comes with egg, so I confirmed with the woman running the place (cashier, cook, mom, babysitter, everything) because I certainly want eggs with it. It came out with perfect Mexican rice (at 7:30 am!) and beans (as good as most places but not the best) and a little dish of thick sour cream. The red sauce was spicy but not too spicy for me since I had the sour cream to go with it. I left satisfied and would be happy to come back and try some tamales or a breakfast burrito. The interior was like a small family place you would find in Mexico, cluttered but homey. The multitasking owner was nice and asked me how I liked the food. The corner she is in, unfortunately, is not inviting with shuttered businesses and crumbling parking lot, but inside you are family. read more

Quick stop for an office lunch before vendor visit and OMG did I not expect this. We got a bunch of burritos, wet and not, and the Chile Relleno. Not a spec left on the plates. Complimentary flan bites which were also superb. Service was a little slow but only one server/cook will do that, but very nice and prompt. Nice and quiet so we could talk shop. If I am in the area, business or not, I'll be back. Sad I forgot pics cause the food looks scrumptious!!! read more

Breakfast burrito is 10/10. I asked for chorizo, beans, AND potatoes. One of the best i've had! read more

Cafe Tizon - Chorizo breakfast burrito - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

Great food, my wife loves their menudo. She claims is the cleanest and best tasting she's had. I'm not a menudo person but she only prefers it from here. Tamales are great too and the salsa that comes with them on the side. Pozole is really good as well. read more

Wanted to bring some tamales to work so searched up tamales on Yelp and Cafe Tizon popped up. This place was full of customers eating breakfast which I took for a good sign. My tamales were super hot, and the kind lady gave me a strawberry tamale to try. Champurrado had great flavor and was thick and rich. Tamales were gone in a few minutes. Chicken with green sauce and pork with red sauce were moist and had a lot Of salsa and filling. Masa was not dry. Didn't get to try the rajas with cheese but they were all gone. Will def come here again. read more

Very good menudo. Small hole in the wall, reasonable prices. I want to try the tamales but I'm too full. read more

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Had the chiliquiles plate. I asked for my eggs overhard. They were cooked perfectly to my liking....crispy edges. Champuado was great...just sweat enough. I enjoyed the meal completely! Took some Salsa togo and cheese tamales for the family. My husband absolutely loved the tamales!!! read more

How can you go wrong you can't rice beans, tacos with a Mexican Coke Very mello spot had a peaceful lunch Really enjoyed my food read more

Cafe Tizon - Rice beans tacos de carne asada - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

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Best place to grab some tamales on a Sunday morning! Definitely recommend them . Going back to try other food they have on there menu

Try the breakfast burritos they're outstanding ! This is a family run business and the folks there are very nice.

I had the Menudo con pata. Cafe de olla, and tortillas a mano. Beautiful restaurante, good service, very clean. Its a nice hole in the wall establishment. I found a favorite menudo spot. read more

Cafe Tizon - Menudo y cafe de olla - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

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Food was the best we had in all of LA area and surrounding ares. The staff was super friendly and inviting. Treated us amazing. Tamales all day super fire. All food was good. Simply put. read more

Cafe Tizon - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

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Người việt đây. Each tamal $3.00 and they are HUGE! Personal favorite is the rajas of course They had chicharron that day, recommended if yall never had that. Service is quick, small and cozy restaurant. Salsa comes in small cups complimentary. read more

Cafe Tizon - Rajas, puero, pollo verde, chicharron tamalitos - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

I was starving and having a horrible day at work. Soon as i left the parking lot, i saw a small restaurant and decided to give them a try. I wanted Huevos Rancheros but they didnt have it on the menu. The nice lady said she can make something similar and would still be $10.99. I asked for potatoes instead of rice. She gives me both. I also order sopes. Really good place. Im glad i went and will try their tamales next time. read more

Fresh Homemade Gluten-free Tamales to go!! $2.50 or $27/12pack Raw pork, chicken, cheese chili tamales are ready daily. Preorder vegan or other options, and if want it cooked. They can customize tamales too! Accepts credit card. Owner Maria was super helpful! Staff understands English. Great for camping! Took home-froze COOKED tamales to burning man this year/August. (I'm late in my review). 1. Buy it - Uncooked/Raw (2hr steam at home) - Cooked/Pre-steamed ready to eat or freeze. If want cooked/pre-steamed tamales, a day in advance usually notice needed. But they can make exceptions if they have time (1.5-2hr advance notice if call when open early morning). 2. --- Tamales To-Go Menu --- Meat Options: + Pork + Chicken Vegetarian Options: + Cheese and Chili Vegan Options: (light sweetness) + Pineapple sweet, no dairy + Strawberry sweet, no dairy + Sweet corn, no dairy *Vegan options are usually made on weekends. But if call ahead later in the week, they may be able to make exceptions, giving them 1.5-2hrs+ advance notice. I called on a Thursday 7amish, picked up after 10amish. Customize tamales: - Takes 2-3 days to prepare. - Example ingredients for vegans like zucchini, spinach, etc. - Owner can create the dough and just add any ingredients. 3. --- Cooking Instructions for all TAMALES --- - Frozen raw tamales can take up to 2hours to cook. - If defrost, can take 45min or try to defrost more to cook less time. - Cooked/Pre-Steamed tamales: Can cook, then freeze. Then takes easy 10min warm after. ----- What I ordered: 1 dozen/12 5 Cheese and Chili 2 Pineapple sweet, no dairy 2 Strawberry sweet, no dairy 2 Sweet corn, no dairy 1 Chicken tamale Dozen/12 Tamales Deal, includes tax: $29.70. We bought these cooked versions for camping. Frozen at home then steamed at camping. read more

If you want truly authentic Mexican food, go to Cafe Tizon! The seasoning of all of food we tasted, was on point! We had menudo, pozole, Costillitas with nopales, and chorizo con huevo. The hand made tortillas were delicious! To drink we ordered aguas frescas - Jamaica, pepino with Limon and cafe de olla - so amazing! The staff is so friendly and attentive. Highly recommend. We were in the area for a weekend and we liked it so much we came twice and bought more people with us the second time! read more

Food was yummy and reasonable priced. Service was very attentive and friendly. This is a small place and parking is limited. The salsa was yummy, I like the green one over the red. read more

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Staff is really nice and service was great. As far as the food, I got tamales there for the first time, but I didn't find them tasteful and can go without ordering them from there again. read more

Went here on 5/6/2023 to bring something to mom's house because she wanted to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I wanted to bring something Cindo do Mayo-related and started looking for the best tamales in the San Gabriel Valley and came across Cafe Tizon. I ordered four (4) of their pork/puerco tamales and four (4) of their chicken/pollo tamales to go. I re-heated them today, Sunday, and they were excellent. I left four (4) with my mom and took two (2) home with me for breakfast tomorrow. Parking was great and I was in/out in less than ten minutes. read more

Stumbled upon this gem as I was driving by. Decided to stop by for a tamal and it was absolutely delicious. Got a small menudo to follow my tamal. It came with homemade tortillas on the side. Slurped every ounce of the soup! Really nice, homey vibe and the service is super friendly and welcoming. Ended up bringing my boyfriend that same week and we had the chilaquiles and 2 tamales. He absolutely loved it. We were made to feel right at home. Family owned restaurant, so so tasty. P.s. the red spicy sauce is to die for. read more

Cafe Tizon - Tamal - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

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This small family-owned Mexican restaurant hides in a tiny strip mall in El Monte, tucked in right between Santa Anita and Peck Rd. I came here earlier in the year, and when looking thru my photos, I remember how home-felt and comforting the food tasted it. The way the owner and the welcoming ladies took care of my mom and me like we were guests of their service. We ordered a large bowl each of muendo and pozole. The stews were just flavorful and draws you back to shred up more tortilla to soak up all that juicy red tripe and homemade hominy. Honestly, sprinkle some of those condiments, and scope up spoonfuls of that delicious fat and you can even forgo the tortilla. Ordering the house specialty here is a must! Although traditionally smaller, the rico-rico tamalito here is served giant and enormous, and equally delicious where the meat was tender, and the ground maize was mixed with delicious lard. After one round here, the food will immediately draw you back for more! read more

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The prices were good and they were very friendly. I am usually particular about my tamales, but these are amazing!!!

Best food in town and super friendly I go every weekend And during the week once in a while everything in menu is delicious read more

Love the food! My family orders from here almost every weekend lol Food is authentic and always hits, Maria is also very nice

I finally stopped by after working on my Mom's townhome. So glad I did! I had the al pastor burrito and a rajas tamale. The tamale was so good I ordered a red and a green chicken tamale to go. This is my new go to Mexican restaurant. The al pastor burrito is my new favorite burrito. Cafe Tizon satisfies my quest for authentic Mexican food. Arriba San Julian! read more

We came to check out this spot and it was super delicious. Their chicken salad toastada pl was so flavorful everything was fresh. They even gave us a free sample to try something new! A++++ read more

Good service, great ambiance, great food! People that work there are very nice! nice little spot. read more

Great food! Great hospitality! Tamales are amazing; not dry, not too moist, but PERFECT! Enchiladas are phenomenal too! This, for sure will be my go to place for breakfast/lunch. read more

the food in this location has to be phenomenal !!! I love it very excellent. very great. taste worthy , money worthy. service is amazing with time, especially having a two year old hungry phenomenal timing. I love how everything is clean they have a little outside dining. I personally love their tamales especialmente de puerco y de queso. saben muy muy ricos. my little boy loves their breakfast plate, not includes egg potatoes with bell pepper, two pancakes, especially bacon and sausage. I have been coming here for the past two weeks total of four days each plate is tasty and phenomenal. recently moved near the area and I will for sure be a known customer lol and to top it off I love how they treat me and my son each time we go ahead and dine in. he and I love their champurrado but one thing is coming in time to get it because it runs out ! Please come and support their business. It would mean a lot to them and I. Thanks read more

I had the chorizo and eggs plate with a green chile-chicken tamale on the side. The food was very tasty and the service was excellent. I enjoyed my meal with cafe de La olla (cinnamon & sugar). It was my 2nd time here... The 1st time I had the Chile Verde Plate also very good and filling... Both times with freshly made corn tortillas available every day here. It feels like home cooking... They are very nice here... I'll be back again... read more

Cafe Tizon - Green Chile Chicken Tamale & freshly made corn tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

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I grew up I this area never having known this spot. That being said I wish I found it sooner. The food is delicious and they literally have the best Cafe de olla in town. Sounds like I'm being extra but, it's the truth. read more

I come here often but the last time I ordered from here were the green chicken tamales. They were not cooked well and masa was very mushy and watery. I was so upset that they were only half cooked. I had to throw the rest of the tamales away, sadly. read more

We ended up here after arriving after tamale sell out at Maria's bakery down the street. We were encouraged by the full lot in front. It was a pleasant surprise to see almost all the tables full for dine in. Every table had their Sunday bowls of menudo. We came to taste the tamales - we each got 2 pork and one rajas (green chile w cheese). The masa was flavorful and the pork tamale had a nice kick. The tamales are on the larger side so I will be taking my 3rd one home. The service exceeded my expectations for a place this busy and this size. Several folks came in with their own pans to be filled with menudo or pozole to serve at home. The abuelita is in back cooking. So happy to have this gem. Buen provecho!!! read more

Posole was amazing, just wish they offered different protein choices for it :) will definitely be returning.

This place is awesome, My family and I have been coming here for a couple of years now and have never had a bad meal. This place has fresh made food from the menudo to tacos and the tamales are absolutely the Bomb. Highly recommend this place. Family owned and operated. The entire staff is great. If your ever in the area, stop by you won't be disappointed. read more

This place has some good food! My mom kept talking about this place for months. Finally came here and was not disappointed. I ordered the cheese enchiladas and they were authentic, no mozzarella cheddar or jack cheese here. They use queso fresco. Im not shaming those cheeses but sometimes you want them how grandma used to make. They come with a side of beans and rice and those were stars on their own. She also placed toppings for the enchiladas on the side, sour cream, lettuce , and pickled jalapeños and carrots. She also gave us a free strawberry tamale to try and it was bussin! I wanted to order more to go but she was out. They sell out of them pretty quick. Its a mom and pop shop. So I'll definitely keep supporting them. This place is a must try! read more