It is a good thing I don't live closer to this restaurant because I would be eating their empanadas every day. Seriously. I have driven by this place a zillion times for several years and never stopped. SHAME on me! A friend suggested we go because this was one of her favorite places. It gave me the perfect chance to try this local restaurant. Let me warn you in advance... there is nothing fancy or foo-foo about this place. It is as local as you can get. The inside dining room was packed with restaurant supplies and boxes. There was a clock on the wall that did not work which I found to be so cool. They use disposable plates and cutlery. Somehow all the local stuff makes it part of the charm of this eatery. The tamales were delish but the empanadas were divine. Soooo good and flavorful. Not greasy at all. I will be back for more of those, for sure. The tamales were just as yummy. I had the southwest tamale and the chicken mole. The plates come with rice and beans. This is a big restaurant. It looks like a converted gas station. There is an outside area which is enclosed (how can it be outside and enclosed at the same time, right?). There are huge doors like in a service station garage that can be rolled up on a track. There is a great deal of seating in this area. Perfect place for a small band or other entertainment. There is plenty of parking and easy access. The staff was very nice and helpful. They answered all my questions and helped me make my selections. I had always thought this establishment did not do much business. But in the short time was there, I saw a great many customers getting take out orders. I think this makes up most of their business. We were the only customers who dined in. Highly recommended restaurant. If you go, tell them I'll be back for more empanadas! read more

I'll tell it to you straight, people don't go here for the atmosphere. They go here for the food. If you're looking for authentic, fast tamales and more, this is your place. The authentic banana wrapped tamales are like my great aunt Vivian used to make. Only there are lots of different flavor combinations to choose from. I liked the chicken pesto tamale and the beef tamale the best but every tamale I've tried was great. They have lots of other things on the menu. The last time I was there they had changed things up a bit so they are going through a metamorphosis. The counter experience was closer to chipotle where you walk through a line and pick options. They gave me a sample of beans that I had never seen on the menu before. Highly recommend you try the beans. They were kind of soupy, very flavorful. Unique in a good way. Don't plan on taking a date here or be thrown off by the picnic tables out front. Just give it a try. read more

Sitting here eating my chicken mole empanada with extra cup of mole sauce. Wrapper is perfectly crispy, and they don't cheat you on the delicious filling. Red beef tamale w/red, green sauces await. It hardly even suffers from takeout! With a Mexican Coke for $10.88?! Yes. read more

Krysty and the team were Fantastic! They were all so accommodating and helpful! Everyone loved it! read more

Mamas Tamale's - Empanadas Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Big fan of what's going on here. Don't be fooled by the name. There's way more going on here beyond the fantastic tamales being cooked in banana leaves. They won heart over with their huge selection of empanadas, and the are FINE. Tacos too, and way more. Like all things pork, beef and chicken in green and red sauces. This is a must try 3-4 times. Dining only out in the "garage" area or whatever you want to call it, and although there are large heaters overhead, on tonight's visit in the 20s, it was a bit chilly and then some. Looking for 5 stars? Meh, move on. You're looking for atmosphere or ambiance. I'm coming here for the food, and it's interesting, feels like it really was made by someone's mother or grandmother and then some. No liquor license but they're working on it. Meanwhile, a Jarrittos goes down fine with this food. Serious place, needs some love from Yelp. Not many folks doing great chow like this in the city. Already said it, I'll say it again: I dig what's going on here. read more

The food is not authentic, the staff is rude, uneducated, angry and dirty. Do not believe any of the reviews on here. Empanadas were flavorless and full of grease. Nachos were inedible and a sloppy mess. Not one crunchy chip in the box of slop. Run away from this spot, plenty of other options in the college town of lawrence. Staff asks you to wear gloves when getting a straw for your drink but they fill your glass and put a lid on your drink with no gloves. Typical nonsense. Prediction: out of business in 3 months. read more

Mamas Tamale's - "Nachos" - Empanadas Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

I love this place! My favorites are the shrimp taco, poblano tamale, and cucumber water, but I haven't had anything I didn't like. They often have cool little surprises for holidays (like a chocolate rose on Valentine's!). I go here weekly and recommend it to everyone! read more

Mamas Tamale's - Yummy food and a surprise - Empanadas Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

the food is delicious & the fresh juice is so good! we tried the empanadas and all of them were delicious! Recommend

My girlfriend and I love this place! Always quality food with a yummy salsa bar and the guac portion size is amazing! Also, the indoor/ outdoor seating is great in the fall/ spring and the prices are amazing read more

I love all the food here I've tried all of it my favorite is the mole tamales and empanadas and the tacos!!! But I have a new favorite now is the pesto, chicken, tamales, and empanadas and the green spaghetti is so good if you have not tried it, you should stop in ask for a sample they will gladly let you try it ! And cold days you're looking for some good I'll meet chili with a little bit of a spice they got it! read more

This spot deliver genuine South American grub that takes me back to when I was child and would empanadas at my tía's casa. I frequent South America so I know what genuine tamales and empanadas taste like and if you've never had authentic tamales or empanadas then stop reading this now and go get some from Mama's Tamales because oh boy! They are AUTHENTIC. Not only is the food authentic but the price is very affordable! They also carry deals most days of the week incase you're like me and love to cash in on deals. All in all, Maravilloso! read more

Live love breathe Mama's Tamales. Amazing people amazing food amazing place. Could and would eat multiple times a day for multiple meals. We Mama's read more

These tamales are fantastic. And the empanadas. For the tamales, they have a nice margin of masa wrapped around the protein of your choice. Beef and pork are nicely seasoned, so they aren't plain. I've never been a fan of tamales; so often it's a roll of masa with a sliver of meat. Not these! Masa to protein ratio is perfect. The empanadas are light and crispy. They have wide range of tasty fillings. Like the tamales, empanadas are full, not skimpy. And the price is awesome! You can have couple of tamales or empanadas for $6-7. We've only had take out, in both the empanadas and the tamales travel well. My only dislike is they are packaged in styrofoam containers. I'd much rather than come in foil with a paper bag to be recycled. read more

I stumbled upon this place on a Saturday morning before a KU football game as they had a sign up for $2.50 breakfast tacos, and I sure am glad I decided to pop in. The breakfast tacos are some of the best I've had in the area, and the salsa they have accompanying it is spectacular. The service was friendly; will definitely be coming back. read more

We were very very disappointed. To start they messed up our order, we had to remind them what we were missing and that took time. When she handed the food they even commented in front of us that the food today must of have been cooked in double grease. We purchased several Items to taste their options, each one was terribly cold and flavorless. We spent over $40 and will not be going back soon. I am from New Mexico and wish I had found a place that would be similar to what I am use to. read more

We were so excited to check our this spot soon after it opened. However, the service was not great... we were not greeted kindly, we asked a couple questions about the menu and were scoffed at... then the tamales were cold and dry. However, still giving three stars because I like the concept, all of the toppings were fresh and a nice touch, and there were lots of vegan/vegetarian options. I will come back in a few months to try again. read more

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Can I say this is amazing!!!! My husband and I love street tacos so we had to stop by on the way downtown. We were not disappointed. We wanted to grab a snack so we both got a carne asada taco each and shared a #1 empanada. The empanada had an amazing shell that was crispy yet slightly chewy. The taco was bigger than a street taco and stuffed to the max with fresh carne asada. They have a self serve salsa station with cilantro, limes and onions. The next day, we could not stop thinking about the delicious food so of course we returned. We ordered the same thing and decided to get a tamale as well. We both had a tamale before and didn't really care for it. This was a different story!! This was not dry and stuffed. Very delicious and we would order this again. I cannot say enough compliments about this place. I would definitely return and recommend this to anyone looking for some great food. I just wish I could have some now but I'm in Michigan. Will have to wait until I revisit next year. read more

Had lunch with friends here on a sunny crisp Fall day. The only seating is in the partially-enclosed patio so we had to have our coats on (just FYI). I tried one empanada (Chicken Pot Pie) which was delish and one tamale which was ok. The salsa/condiment bar allows you to "spice it how you like it" and/or fill little take away cups so you can experiment with flavors. (Most were way too hot for my taste, but admittedly I am a wimp.). It seemed very authentic and was definitely reasonably priced. I'll be back - - especially on a nice summer day. read more

The food was amazing. The staff was really nice and pleasant. Anytime I'm in the area I will go back or just make plans to make a day trip from KC to Lawrence. read more

Terrible service, mediocre greasy empanadas (no chimchuri), ...you gotta order an alcoholic drink on one transaction and the food on another transaction. I commented how awkward that was, and the rude gal behind counter said it was because they don't want minors ordering alcohol... which makes zero sense, because 100% of every other restaurant you go To that serves both food and alcohol is able to Tackle that problem on a single transaction (It's called ID'ing the customer). Then she acted like I was asking for something out of this world to have my complete order on one transaction... good luck with the restaurant, I don't see it lasting past a couple more months. Thursday morning chilaquilas in county jail at 4am is better than this place. read more

Great food and great service. All around a good vibe there and will definitely be going again soon! Keep up the great work! read more

These tamales.....I'm having divorce papers served on my husband do I can marry these tamales!!!!!!!! I am just over the moon and under their spell!!!!!!! My husband ordered the Chicken Southwest and I had the Beef Red Chile. Both were EXCEPTIONAL!!!!!!!!! This place is an hour's drive from our home (my husband commutes to work at the hospital there in Lawrence), and the tamales were still HOT by the time he arrived home!!!!!!! Four different salsas to choose from, and we tried them all. They range from what I call "ketchup" (for hubby's sensitive palate) to 5-alarm, screaming hot delicious!!!! We see they have daily specials, so guess who won't be cooking dinner all next week do we can try everything on special? Uh, THIS girl!!! Two VERY enthusiastic thumbs up!!!!!!!!! (Is it wrong to wanna lick the husk?) read more

I've been meaning to go for a year now, and finally made the time to stop by. The staff were so kind and gave us so many free samples. They gave us all sorts of recommendations! We ended up getting empanadas and street tacos and they were delicious! The agua frescas were so delicious!!! We will be back ASAP and I will be showing it to all of our friends! LOVED the amount of vegetarian options. read more

What a bunch of whiners waiting to bash a new place, the reason they run out is because it is fresh!!! The set up is a bit strange, you can order on Ipads on the left wall or go to the cashier but once you figure that out it is simple to use. I have been three times and here is my opinion of the food: Hands down the best tamales in town, I suggest getting the toppings. I liked the red pork, my wife the chicken. The chicken mole was a bit sweet for me, personal preference of not liking sweet/savory. The empanadas are more like a fried taco and wonderful, I suggest getting the toppings. Once again I liked the pork but the chicken potpie empanada was excellent too. They offer several types of tamale and empanadas. Cheese Dip & Chips is a standard white cheese sauce, I added some salsa from the salsa bar and it was delicious. The salsas are all EXCELLENT! I judge all Mexican restaurants by their salsas first and these are the best in Lawrence, hands down. The business is new and working out the kinks so give them a break because the food is fantastic! Note to the owners: It is cold already and your indoor/outdoor seating is cold and windy even with the windows closed. You really need to close off the two opening up front with doors otherwise your outside seating will be unbearable in the winter months. Can't wait to come back! read more

Absolutely THE worse eating experience I've ever had. The food was HORRIBLE! The person I was eating with was/is in full agreement. The empanadas were made hours before and reheated, greasy and tough. I'm sad to think that this may be some people's first experience with empanadas as they are usually amazing most other places. The tamales, I'm not even sure where to start. I've never had a tamale with a tough, flexible "skin". The filling was also just gross tasting. Overall, I was only able to stomach one bite of each of the 5-6 items I purchased (and subsequently threw away). Disappointed to say the least as I definitely had high hopes for the place. Avoid if at all possible. read more

Slammed on my breaks when I was driving past. Had tamale plate with pork mole and red beef. Pork mole was pretty good though the red beef was meh. Rice was fair, beans a bit bland. Overall above average food and setup. Would return again if in the area and try more off their menu. read more

I've been there twice now. Food is pretty good but the salsa/topping bar is not user friendly. They give you itty bitty salsa cups and one is expected to spoon in their own salsa/toppings for all food ordered into 1oz thimbles. If you want a lime you better have long ass arms. It'd be nice if they had baskets, plates, trays or something that could help one navigate through dressing all your own tacos/food. Place needs a better system in my opinion. Chx mole tamale was good! read more

Great food, interesting choices and fast services for lunch on a weekday. I had a veggie empanada and a veggie tamale. Both were tasty and hot. Tamales are wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn which I usually prefer-pleasant surprise. I like the enclosed terrace seating-they have giant heaters so it was comfortable and outside/insidey. Recommend. read more

Great food! You can order at the counter or I order on one of the kiosks they offer. Love place and the food. Can't wait to go back.

We had street tacos today. This place is very good service and food. It is cold in there with the garage doors to eat but tough it out. Food is worth it. Will go back when it's warmer. read more

Excellent selection and variety of tamales and entire menu. Proving tamales don't have to be wrapped in corn husks to be Delicious!

Yummy best homemade mole ever and the pot pie OMG!

So tasty, made with love. Do yourself a favor and get some tamales and empanadas, absolutely worth it.

This place is awesome!! I have never had tamales before and they were SO good. They have some of the best toppings and sauces and a great environment. Food came quick and everything was delicious. read more

My wife and I finally tried this place and really enjoyed our food. We had tamales and enchiladas. Both were delicious, reasonable and plentiful. We will definitely return. read more

I know they are brand new, but the fact that items are not fresh made is terrible. Came at 7:00 pm and they were out of 90% of their menu. Will give it one more try and if not better, will not come back. Tables outside filthy!!!!!!! read more

The menu is on the wall and difficult to read as the print is small. You order at the counter and wait around until your order is ready for pickup. You then go out into the glassed-in structure and sit on picnic tables. The view is the tops of parked cars. The ambience is not very good but the Southwestern Chicken Tomale was very good and only $3.00. It had black beans. The salsas are HOT. read more

Out of drinks (even tea), staff didn't care about anything, missing two items on an in store order for carryout order, hair on food when I got it home. read more

excellent customer services, amazing food. If you are looking for a home cooked mexico meal makes this your next stop!

Very friendly service. The manager personally insured everything was right with our orders and even brought out water bottles just too provide some friendly customer service. I really enjoyed it and I can definitely see myself going back soon. read more