Flavortown is back!! All week I've been hearing Portland has a great food scene and Tamale Boy didn't disappoint. The restaurant is a chill place with indoor and outdoor seating. Menu options include daily favorites along with seasonal fairs. I opted for the Burrito Del Mar, a unique burrito with shrimp. However it's the white wine cream sauce and chili oil that bring the flavors together. A nice balance of cream and heat, provide a nice touch. Along with the burrito, I enjoyed a tamale. The marinated pork was PHENOMAL. The citrus taste, fluffiness of the tamale did it for me. Unique in its own, Tamale Boy is doing it up! Kudos read more

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These tamales are stuffed FAT! I've never bought tamales at an actual brick & mortar restaurant and they are a bit more expensive than your typical street vendor at around $8 per, but boy are they large and very generously filled. I also love that they have Oaxacan style in banana leaves as well as norteño style w/ corn husks. I've tried 3: the cochinita pibil was my favorite & I also liked the chile verde pork. The Amarillo wasn't my favorite, tasted a bit like lasagna with beef chunks in a tomatoey sauce. 1 of these can fill me up easily as I'm a lighter eater but 2 would def fill up even hungrier eaters. I've also tried their cream cheese stuffed fried shrimp plate w/ rice & salad which was just ok. I couldn't see or taste any cream cheese or stuffing of any kind in the shrimp & the salad doesn't come w/ any dressing and they don't have any when I asked for some. I think the tamales are def the way to go, plus I like they are served w/ some pickled onion. Counter service, and food comes out almost immediately as they are prepped in advance but that also means sometimes they run out of flavors. read more

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Great food and drinks, lots of open seating and really great staff. Always love coming here. read more

Tamale Boy - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I was not disappointed with my meal here. I got the carnitas burrito (14$) and it was amazing. Tortilla was soft and chewy, the carnitas were cooked well, and I loved the addition of rice beans and guac inside. It also came with salsa and pickled onions which were a really nice touch. Food was ready in about 20 minutes. I came on a Wednesday night and there were a good amount of people there. If you are eating here in the summer it will get hot because of the mostly outdoor picnic table seating and open restaurant. They have a large menu with a lot of great options. I assume they are known for their tamales. Overall, good service, portions, and food. read more

Tamale Boy - Carnitas burrito - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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WOW. It took way longer than it should have for me to try this place, and honestly, I'm mad I didn't come sooner. Tamale Boy is absolutely amazing. I'm completely hooked on the Norteño Chile Verde, and the chilaquiles are another standout favorite. The tamales themselves are massive, and every single bite is packed with flavor. Since discovering this spot, I've been coming back at least once a week. Even while they're renovating, they have a heated outdoor area that's comfortable and welcoming. I'm recommending this place to everyone I know. read more

My favorite food truck! I keep an eye out for when they are on site. Typically I grab enough to take home for dinner too. Guilty pleasure.

Tamale Boy is so good! First off get the mango margarita. So fresh and so clean! Best margarita I've had in Portland. I've had maybe half the menu and for the most part love everything. Standouts include anything with the carnitas. Tonight I had the nachos and they were seriously outstanding. Service is always friendly too, thanks Tamale Boy! read more

Tamale Boy - Nachos!! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The spot is so cute! Prices are similar to the surrounding businesses. Service was alright, they weren't very quick to serve when I arrived to order my to-go order and didn't have thorough knowledge of the menu. I had the chicken quesadilla which was good but ai wish they would have pressed the moisture out of the marinated chicken so it did not become soggy immediately. My husband had the carne asada burrito and loved it! Chips were fine but the salsa was bland. read more

I originally emailed Tamale Boy's catering email address to find out how I could get 3 dozen Tamales. I ended up needing much less, and opted to place an order in a different manner. I placed an order for 12 tamales and some queso via Postmates. It took Tamale Boy over an hour to cancel my order. Poor customer service at its finest. I DO NOT recommend this company at all. Edited to add: I contacted the owner about this issue and he stated they don't do business with Postmates. If that is true then the business should take action against Postmates for using their name and business information without permission. The owner had a lackadaisical attitude about the situation, and didn't seem to have any concern over his business name being used without his permission. Guess I saved $80 I didn't really need to spend. read more

Never disappoints. Food is amazing and service top- notch. The tamales have the best flavor. Also ate the burrito and it was more than enough for the price. Love the outside seating. read more

Great food. Had a nachos and it was piled high. Would definitely return if in the neighborhood. Was recommended by friends

I ended up here last minute and had never eaten at any of their locations. I ordered two different tamales and wasn't expecting anything special. The price of going anywhere to eat these days is so high. So when they arrived I was very surprised at how ginormous they were. The taste was delicious and I had enough leftovers to have a very delicious breakfast the following day. The staff was very friendly and the vibe of the entire place was super chill and happy. My friend lives around the corner so I am looking forward to another meal here. read more

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Nachos are different but great. Tamales I find dry inside no matter what is used for protein. Nice people, good service and great location. Other than ordering everything else is self serve. Good food and nice neighborhood local spot. read more

Do you like tamales? 'Cause these are band recording session approved! Hungry musicians need a refueling every 4 hours, and these were highly rated by the rhythm section, and the vegetarian violinist loved her option! 5 stars, will purchase for every band meeting. read more

Their chilaquiles are delicious. They are only on the menu on the weekends but if you ask nicely they can make them during the week. read more

Tamale Boy - Chilaquiles Rojas con tinga de polo. - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

WOW!! We stumbled on this place just trying to find a place to eat for lunch and did not expect the tamales to be so incredible. I think these were the best tamales I've ever had!! The masa was so fluffy and the fillings were so incredibly juicy and flavorful! read more

Ordered the vegetarian Oaxacan tamales, chips and salsa. Food arrived quick, large servings and very tasty! Relaxed outside atmosphere, clean. read more

I usually love every dish at Tamale Boy, but whatever you do, don't order the queso fundido. It's awful and not a true version. It's usually pure Oaxacan cheese with bits of poblano in it and sometimes chorizo. This isn't very cheesy at all, and seemed like more milk than cheese. This was so thin and watery and the poblanos were "BLENDED" in. I was so disappointed, as I got it to go, and it was supposed to be my dinner tonight. I've had this dish at so many places and never like this. There were only a few sprinkles of chorizo as well. So disappointing when everything else is usually so good and authentic. read more

Visited Tamale Boy for a quick bite before a concert. We ordered a Nacho, Chips and Guac, Mole Tamale, Quesadilla and Carne Asada Taco. It was easy to place the order, would have like pictures to help decide. I had the Carne Asada Taco. It was a street Taco for 4.50. Filled with meat and guac. I thought the meat was a little dry, barely warm and lacking flavor. The Mole Tamale my daughter thought it was delicious. It was dry, no moisture inside and flavor again missing that great Mole taste. I make Mole at home, so I know the flavor. The Nacho plate looked good, had a creamy sauce on it. My son was pleased. The Quesadilla looked amazing, I did not taste, but it look like a good filled Quesadilla with Chicken and Cheese. Now that, I might order next time. read more

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Best tamale I have ever had! We ordered the Oaxaqueño Cochinita Pibil, the Oaxaqueño Mole Negro, and an aqua con horchata. Everything was delicious and perfectly flavored. The service was also wonderful and there is ample outside seating. Great experience! read more

Tamale Boy - Outside seating - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The outdoor covered and heated seating is where it's at! We didn't have to wait long at all, they were really fast! Tried the cauliflower, really good and large portion. The jalapeño tamale was fantastic! The service was good & the fact that we could bring beer over from next door (amazing gluten free beer) is just rad! I would recommend this place & will definitely be coming back! read more

Tamale Boy - Yummmmmm - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I ordered from the lunch menu, Huevos Montados, three over easy on top of three crispy tostadas with bean and salsa. There was not enough bean on there. They gave you a lot of salsa. Salsa was good. Eggs were cook perfectly. Order at the window and they take food to your table. Self serve water. read more

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I loved their traditional Oaxacan prepared tamale. I got one tamale and also their chips and guacamole. While the tamale was amazing, I was a little let down by the chips. They had a stale texture to them. On top of that, the tamale was only $6 while the chips and guac was $10! Next time I go to a Tamale boy, I think I will just get 2 tamales! read more

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Delicious food and friendly service with reasonable prices. We especially enjoyed the chicken mole tamales.

Just ate at the Tamale Boy, it has the best tamales ever. They were moist and delicious, huge and alot of filling. We ordered 2 the pork n the chicken and could only eat one. They come with different salsa and pickled onions which were really tasty. We will definitely be back. read more

I use to come here often, because the food was so good and authentic. My first comment is that I stood at the window waiting for service while the young lady was on her phone. I finally called her over and asked if I was suppose to put in my own order. She then took the order. I waited on the patio, which is so comfortable and open. And now to the food, ie the reason I came here. I love huevos rancheros and have eaten them in many restaurants in several states. I've never had them without beans, black or pinto under the eggs, until here. Was so disappointed. The plate was just swimming in some kind of sauce, maybe it was cheese sauce since it was orange, but it was quite bland and did not taste like cheese. Will say the buried eggs were cooked nicely. Don't know what else to say, disappointed. read more

Tamale Boy - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Legit tamales. Fat, full of fillings. Perfectly paired with salsas. Perfectly moist masa- not dry and tasteless like some can be. So many regional varieties and fillings to choose from. Their food will turn you into a tamale lover if you aren't already. read more

This place is a must go! It has the best tamales I've eaten anywhere, and its price isn't bad at all. Anyone who loves authentic Mexican food and is looking for something affordable, this is the place to go! On top of that the venue is beautiful and there are a couple other food trucks and a bar around the seating area. You won't be disappointed! read more

Great tamales, great portions and the price is perfect for what you get. Very friendly and helpful staff as well. A good variety of tamales from various regions, which is great for me since I had never had Oaxacan tamales before. chile verde and cochinita are the go-to's. Vegetarian options available as well. read more

I love Tamale Boy, and I don't care who knows. Yes, the chips, table side guacamole, and fresh lime margaritas are grand--reason enough o frequent this place. But. The. Cauliflower. And. Brussels sprouts are best of show in the Portland/ Vancouver metro areas. Even in COVID 19 takeout, these dishes sing. After 3 months of take out only from a handful of my family's favorite restaurants,I was ready for Tamale Boy, and my takeout order today delivered big time: even a 10 minute drive and 5 minute walk couldn't diminish the glory of these dishes. Of course I miss their airy patio but grabbing food to go was a big treat. I'm so grateful TB is open for takeout and that their ordering/ paying / pick up is flawless and safe. read more

Tamale Boy - Damn good margarita! - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We drive from Vancouver for the tamales they're by far the best we've had. For the size and the price it cannot be beat! Although the tamale didn't seem very hot today. We also ordered a side of rice, usually Spanish rice is our favorite, but this rice lacked some Flavor for us. The esquites I assumed would be more of a street corn type of deal so I was a little disappointed by that, but I didn't read the description. What was really outstanding and surprising was the the civiche!!! Wow great flavor lots of big pieces of shrimp and with a little kick too. Yummm!!! It's an order from the window, sit outside sort of vibe. The seating area is covered and has quite a bit of seating. But the food is what brings us back. Definitely the tamales and civiche. We'll be back!! read more

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I was really impressed with the food and staff after having an impromptu dinner here for the first time! The staff was super friendly and the outdoor dining area was spaced well in order to accommodate for social distancing. They have a good selection of beers and drinks to pair with your food! I got the fish tacos that were super light and tasty. I loved both salsas on the side and all the flavors came together perfectly! I would've ordered more but I couldn't justify spending another $14 on small three tacos. read more

Tamale Boy - Tacos de pescado and a corona - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Food was amazing and great portions. I'm from CA and was recommended to try this place out. It truly did not disappoint. The service was fast and friendly. We dined out side it was perfect read more

I hadn't expected much here, but WOW was I wrong. This place blew us away with the quality of the food. Even with delivery, this was exceptionally good. We ordered a variety of tamales and tacos, and were super super impressed with everything. Will be sure to recommend this to other folks! read more

Best mole I've ever had. Not a bad Cadillac. Very friendly and the food tasted fresh and felt like thought was put into it.

Let me start by throwing out that Tamales have been my favorite food as long as I can remember. I grew up in Southern California and there were always many options. We moved to Washington a couple of years ago and it's just not the same. We make an occasional trek to Portland, and I discovered this place. Great food, all the atmosphere you need for legit Mexican food, and maybe the best tamales I've ever had. I had the Chile Verde pork tamale today. I went back and got a half dozen to take home. Delicious, with a kick! Salsa and Guacamole are amazing. My wife ordered a carnitas quesadilla which was superb. I'll be back every time I'm in town. Every time. Thank you for a fantastic meal! read more

Tamale Boy - Pork Tamale and Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Loved everything about this place! Prices are reasonable. Street parking. Inside bathrooms. Counter ordering and they bring it to you. Indoor and outdoor seating. Tamales as big as your hands. Rice is the best I've probably ever have. (Spanish rice is my weakness) Ceviche is a little weird but was plentiful and tasty. Already planning my next flight into Portland around operating hours. I can't wait to get back! read more

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I really enjoyed my experience at Tamale Boy! There are plenty of gluten free (GF) & veggie options, & everything tasted very fresh. Ordering was easy, & there was plenty of outdoor seating. I'll definitely be back to try the brunch! read more

Tamale Boy - Carnitas Burrtio Encuerado.* - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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So um... who told these folks that these tamales were good?! Because, the tamales that I received were dry and flavorless. Yes, they're huge but also super expensive and seriously lacking in quality. Who cares if they're big in size when they taste like booty?! When I drove up to the restaurant, I got super excited. They've got the most adorable heated patio and beautiful interior artwork! Vibes were cool and casual. It's the type of space that I'm generally attracted to. As far as the setup goes, it's definitely a looker. Unfortunately, they fell short in the most important category of them all: the food. Being from California, I admit that my standards are quite high when it comes to Mexican food. But, this place wouldn't even pass as a mediocre Tex-Mex. It was just waaay below average and super pricey. I ordered a shrimp tamale, an Oaxaquenos tamale, and an horchata. I really wanted to try their guac since I read in the reviews that it's made from scratch, but one bowl of guac was $12 effing dollars!! Um... wtfaaack?! For this type of establishment, that price is just outrageous. It may work for groups, but $12 for guacamole sounds pretty asinine if you ask me. The tamales were $6 each which I also thought were a bit high for this type of joint, but I went ahead and got them anyways. First things first: The horchata was watered down to the MAX! It felt like I was drinking cinnamon water. Booo! The shrimp tamale was just okay. A bit dry and they barely put any shrimps in it. The shrimps that were there tasted spongey like they had be heated for way longer than they should have. The worst was the Oaxaquenos Tamale. I mean damn, is THIS how it's supposed to taste? It's a non-traditional version of a tamale that's wrapped in a banana leaf. This sucker was DRYYYYY as EF! The pork meat had NO kind of flavor. I literally took one bite and trashed it. I couldn't even do it. No amount of salsa could have saved that tamale. It went right where it belonged; at the bottom of the trash can. At the end of it all, this entire meal was a waste of money. I wish I would have read more of the reviews before coming here. Maybe they have some other items on their menu that are good, but you would think that with a name like "Tamale Boy" that their actual tamales would be up to par. But NOPE. Not even close. Hopefully this review will save some people from wasting their money. Would not... I repeat, would NOT recommend their tamales OR their horchata from here. read more

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I was very underwhelmed by the flavors of food. I ordered cochinita pibil (pork) - Oaxaca style tamale in banana leaves. The tamale was super dry and bland. I am not sure why people are so thrilled about these tamales. I also ordered guacamole and chips and a side of corn and horchata. The guacamole tasted bland to me and lacked basic seasoning like cumin, salt, pepper and had too much citrus. The side order of corn was not memorable. The horchata was watered down. The menu looked impressive, and the server was nice. But, the food lacked any originality and I will not be returning here. read more

Tamale Boy - Guacamole y Chips*, Hortchata* - Mexican Near Me - Portland, Oregon