Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Tamale Lady

    4.3 (108 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Street Vendors
    Closed 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The Tamale Lady Photos

    THE TAMALE LADY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Tamale Lady

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Rosa F.

    After 30 years she finally had her Store front Congratulations to The Tamal Lady They accept Zelle!! The place is spacious and the service is great! The food is savory and just right on the spicy! See photos below so you can see just how big the Oaxaqueño Tamal is. I didn't order a regular Tamal bc I wanted to taste the Oaxaqueño ones first and they didn't disappoint! The price for it is $6.06 and it is worth it. It's like having 4 tamales in one. I'll be going back to taste the regular ones. For now my review is only on the Oaxaqueño Tamales.

    Brick-and-mortar restaurant
    Gerry H.

    The renowned tamale lady that used to sell delicious tamales off 21st and Damen now opened up her own brick-and-mortar establishment.

    Strawberry tamales, Red pork tamales and large Champurrado (caramelized sugar cane, cinnamon and chocolate drink)
    Mario T.

    The former street vendor now has a brick and mortar business. Great portions for the price plus the flavor that others lack on their tamales. The champurrado is as close as to authentic as you can get. Fast and friendly service. Now you can dine in not just carry out. Come check them out on Cermak where the old ice cream place used to be a few doors down from the breakfast place.

    Da Tamale Lady!
    Ran C.

    In 2019, been to Chicago twice. Twice. Also the number of times I got tamales from The Tamale Lady. Keep this in mind. I live in Southern California. Rain or shine. Or even snow. She's out there. Until she runs out. Heard people line up to get some of her $1.25 singles or $15 dozens. Pork. Chicken. Spicy. Non. I liked them both. I prefer the pork. Decent size for the price. I like the meat to dough (masa) ratio. Not all masa. Vendor operates out of a cart. No table service. No food delivery. Cash only. Limited English. But delicious food. Haven't had their drinks. Yet. Side note: Tamales will warrant an inspection by TSA at O'Hare. Happens when you're carrying two dozen in your carry on.

    a banana in a plastic bag
    Humphrey F.

    Fantastic street food with most affordable price and authentic taste, also quite friendly and suitable for a solo traveler as a breakfast.

    the tamale lady cart

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eli S.
    0
    23
    2

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Put together an order of several dozen tamales and had it ready on time! Super nice on the phone and in person!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    no type of chicken or salsa they fucking suck now !!!!!!!!! Don't forget dry as fuck to !!!!!!!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    hands down one of the best, if not the very best tamales on the south side of Chicago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Best tamales in the city. Don't tell my grandma I said that. I go probably twice a week. Don't judge me.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wook K.
    44
    23
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott F.
    11
    80
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rosa J.
    540
    1240
    4032

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Irene Y.
    1941
    1722
    3989

    7 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Tamales are so good and freshly made. Champorado and Arroz con Leche are even more amazing!!!

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Best I've had never fails every time i get I know it's going to taste exactly how i like my verde chicken tamales.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Amazing!!!! These are fatties! Rajas and red pork are fire! Even the masa has flavor. They are also well-filled.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vina G.
    0
    16
    13

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Tamale Lady

    Hola. A cuanto está la docena de tamales?

    Hola, la docena esta a $18 y cada tamal a $1.50

    Does anyone know if she is open during the week? Monday- Thursday?

    Hello, the Tamale Lady on Damen and 21st Place, is open 7 days a week from 7am to 1pm.

    Is the tamale lady still open during covid?

    Yes, we are on Damen and 21st place on Saturdays and Sundays at 7am.

    Is she closed on Sundays?

    She is there every morning and leaves when she sells out. 7am till usually 10 or 11 am

    Does anyone know how much she charges for one dozen?

    15.00 per dozen was there this morning

    View All 10 Questions

    You might also consider

    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Enchiladas Maya

    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine

    4.2(120 reviews)
    2.2 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    Went here for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night. Nice atmosphere and music but not too loud…read morefor conversation. I loved the decorations. I ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas they were expensive but excellent! Came out on a sizzling plate. I tried the Habernita drink and sangria. The habernita drink had mezcal, orange, pineapple, and habanero so had a nice kick to it. My friend told server it was my birthday secretly and they came out with a sparkler had birthday music playing and shots of tequila for my table! We had a great time and I will definitely be back! I recommend coming here to celebrate your birthday or just to have a delicious meal

    Stopped by Bocaditos Mexican Kitchen in Chicago on a Wednesday night before a Blackhawks game and…read moreit was the perfect pre-game spot. The aguachiles were easily our favorite -- super fresh and full of flavor, with really well-balanced ingredients. You can tell the food is made to order and not rushed. The chips and salsa were also way better than your typical starter. The chips came out warm and crisp, and the salsa was smooth, flavorful, and super addictive. We also tried a few drinks, and they were excellent -- well-made, not overly sweet, and a great way to start the night before heading to the game. Our server was amazing -- friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They kept checking in at all the right times and made the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable even with the pre-game crowd. Definitely a great spot to hit anytime you're in the area looking for solid Mexican food and a fun vibe.

    Photos
    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Empty restaurant

    Empty restaurant

    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - El Cafecito

    El Cafecito

    Bocaditos Mexican Cuisine - Oro verde our Traditional Guacamole

    See all

    Oro verde our Traditional Guacamole

    Barrio - Quesabirria tacos

    Barrio

    4.1(1.4k reviews)
    3.4 miNear North Side
    $$

    Cinco de Mayo at Barrio was EVERYTHINGGG…read more We fully committed to the holiday and ordered honestly the entire menu and somehow every single thing that came out was better than the last. Starting with margaritas (because obviously ‍), queso and chips that were dangerously good, and the chicken empanadas that came out perfectly crispy with so much flavor. We kept looking at each other after every bite like "okay wait... THIS is the best thing here" and then another plate would arrive and prove us wrong again The carnitas fried rice??? I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it. So savory, flavorful, comforting, and packed with crispy carnitas on top with the eggs and pickled onions... literally unreal. And then the skirt steak tacos absolutely stole the show. The steak was cooked perfectly, packed with flavor, and paired so perfectly with all the toppings and sauces. Every single bite tasted fresh and homemade in the best way possible. And can we talk about the ambience for a second because WOW. The music, the energy, the vibe inside, everyone celebrating, the drinks flowing -- it felt like the perfect Cinco de Mayo dinner spot. The service was also AMAZING from start to finish and made the entire experience even better. One of those dinners where you leave already talking about when you're coming back If you're looking for the place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, date night, tacos & margaritas, or honestly just an incredible dinner in general... this is IT

    What a fun spot! We had reservations (glad we did) and sat in the bar area at a high-top table…read morealong the window. Perfect seat in my opinion. Views of the city right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. What I tried: + chips and queso - 8/10 + ribeye with rice and beans (was a special) - 7.5/10 + spicy margarita - 8/10 Great service!

    Photos
    Barrio - Interior views

    Interior views

    Barrio - Chicken fajitas

    Chicken fajitas

    Barrio - Margarita time!

    See all

    Margarita time!

    El Xangarrito - Cheesecake

    El Xangarrito

    4.8(216 reviews)
    8.1 miLincoln Square, Ravenswood

    Thanks to Yelp El Xangarrito has been on my list for sometime, and I was not disappointed. It is a…read morevery small family-owned Mexican restaurant but the seating does not make you feel cramped. We did make reservations/wait list and was seated immediately. We started off with chips and salsa, and the salsa was a bit too spicy for me, but everyone else enjoyed it. We started with the Chicken Poblano - a savory dish with creamy poblano sauce mixed with chicken and sliced poblano peppers topped with corn. We all enjoyed it. Most of the reviews recommended the enchiladas and we ordered a variety of them. The Enchiladas Poblanos stuffed with chicken and cheese. The poblano sauce was rich and smoky. We also had the Enchiladas Morita. They were filled with shrimp and cheese. It was so flavorful and the morita chile added so much flavor. Each dish was served with a side jicama salad. Their special was a shrimp pasta with lobster. It came with full lobster tail. The sauce was creamy and flavorful. It is also BYOB, which is a nice option. Service was excellent, friendly offered recommendations. This is probably one of my favorite Mexican restaurants and highly recommend.

    Xangaritto continues to be a beacon of delicious food and friendly hospitality. They switched…read moreowners about a year ago and the beginning was a little rocky but today was an amazing experience. I love coming here for the tampiquena and the enchiladas. The tamipquena is marinated in something delicious, pretty sure it includes adobo chiles, making the tamipquena flavorful and tender. The enchiladas have some of the best sauces. We especially love then poblano sauce on the chicken enchiladas. The enchiladas have some tender chicken and the sauce is slightly spicy and creamy. Everyone is super friendly, the waiting staff and chef take pride in their work and it shows. I continue to strongly recommend this place for a delicious dinner out. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It s a cozy elevated escape.

    Photos
    El Xangarrito - Veggie Pastor Tacos

    Veggie Pastor Tacos

    El Xangarrito - Traditional Pastor Tacos

    Traditional Pastor Tacos

    El Xangarrito - Steak Enchiladas Mole. A generous portion to share or to take some home with you for a late night snack.

    See all

    Steak Enchiladas Mole. A generous portion to share or to take some home with you for a late night snack.

    5 Rabanitos - Chilaquiles verdes

    5 Rabanitos

    4.2(830 reviews)
    0.4 miPilsen
    $$

    a great reminder... that i need to ALWAYS go to pilsen when…read morecraving mexican. my huarache was divine. the "sandal" itself was perfectly flaky - not greasy or impossible to cut. the veggies were perfectly seasoned, cooked but not mushy...my only "complaint" is i didn't expect potatoes to be part of the veg. i don't understand a carb on a carb but that's just me. the guac was very meh. would not recommend. the marg's are ok...but i'm not a great judge bc as a rule, don't really care for marg's. fabulous service and perfect spot for a show at thalia hall.

    We're from LA, and this is our daughter's favorite Mexican restaurant near the loop after her four…read moreyears at SAIC. She was very excited for us to try it out. We arrived around 7:30 on a Friday night and the place was packed. We only had to wait 10-15 minutes, which passed quickly with the live Mariachi music. The food came out pretty quickly considering how busy it was. We got: - Margaritas -- piña mezcal, passion fruit and pepino. They were good but a little small for the price. - Pozole Pipian -- It has a verde base that's very light. Something that makes it unique is chicharrones on top. My daughter prefers pork over the chicken. - Carnitas Huarache -- good flavors but probably my least favorite of the meal. - Asada Torta -- this was my favorite dish of the night. The bread was really light and the meat wasn't tough at all. For dessert we got the churritos and Mexican bread pudding. Both were good but nothing special. All in all a great meal.

    Photos
    5 Rabanitos - Interior

    Interior

    5 Rabanitos - Chips & Guac

    Chips & Guac

    5 Rabanitos - This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

    See all

    This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Enchiladas Potosina

    Manchamanteles Restaurant

    4.4(143 reviews)
    4.6 miBucktown
    $$

    Chef Geno Bahena is back in business, and his world famous moles are as complex and satisfying as…read moreever. I had the rack of lamb in mole negro, and it was delicious. Get it medium rare. Kelly had steak fajitas and deemed them amazing. The sopa Azteca is spicy and loaded with complex flavors. Huge portion, too, enough to share or take home. For dessert, the chocolate mole tart and the strawberry ice cream are superb. Palomas and margaritas are good, and the wine list is all very affordable. Get the Rioja or the Cotes du Rhone.

    Came here on Valentine's Day with a reservation, there were three of us, one kid. It was full of…read morefamilies, some couples. The had a tasting menu but we opted out of it. They give you a complimentary spicy trail mix. We started with the guacamole, it was okay. Then I got a traditional margarita, my partner got a pina colada with strawberries, and my kid got a pink lemonade (Marz Brewing made). The margarita was good, not strong but not too watery. For dinner I got the chicken fajitas, the waiter asked if I wanted just chicken which I though was odd because I ordered the chicken fajitas and I wasn't sure what he meant or if he meant no veggies, it came with veggies luckily. It also came with tortilla, corn, and a side of refried black beans with cojita, and rice. It was all okay. My partner got the lamb mole, it was sweet and savory, not spicy. And it came with tortillas. They have a lot of mole options, so if you're into that definitely come here to try! Overall it was just okay.

    Photos
    Manchamanteles Restaurant
    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

    Dobladas De Mole Negro! Delicious

    Manchamanteles Restaurant - Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

    See all

    Queso Fundido!!(keepsmilingphoto.com)

    Frontera Grill - Trio Ceviche

    Frontera Grill

    3.9(2.8k reviews)
    3.5 miNear North Side
    $$

    Delicious food, friendly waiter, militant hostess…read more We came to dinner before a standup performance downtown (Mateo Lane was hilarious, by the way). I arrived at the restaurant on time (4:30) and checked in with the hostess, who said I could only be seated when the entire group of three arrived. This seemed weird given the restaurant was pretty empty at this time, and ordinarily I'd order a drink while waiting at the table. Regardless, I went to Starbucks instead because I knew the other two were a few minutes behind. When I got back to the restaurant, my friend said the hostess told him we absolutely had to leave within 1.5 hours because we were late... which seemed odd because he may have checked in 15 minutes after our reservation, to an empty restaurant, that already refused to seat me on time. Regardless, the food was delicious. I had the Pollo in ChiChilo-- the mole was delicious, and I loved the chicken and sweet potato. I ordered the mole on the side, which seemed like a nice balance. Since the hostess wouldn't previously seat me, I had a lovely iced matcha latte with oat milk and half a pump of vanilla from Starbucks, which was a nice pairing. The waiter did ask if I wanted a shot of something with it, which seemed odd. Ambiance was cute, probably due for a renovation but seemed appropriate for most dining out occasions- dates, families, a day out in town. Note: the restaurant charges an automatic 20% gratuity which may explain the service. Keep this in mind to avoid tipping more than you intend. Overall, I would definitely come back, and the food and wait staff made up for the abrasive welcome.

    Food - pork tacos - excellent execution of tender pork belly. Every piece was so succulent and…read morefull of crisy pork goodness. Warm, homemade tortillas added to the perfect bite on top of flavor town green tomatillo salsa. The black beans was a good balance the rich pork flavors. Also, if the standard salsa was room tamed for.your liking; they have a good habanero salsa for the asking. Maybe too much foe most. Dessert- ice cream with fudge.. Great tasting of vanilla and chocolate, but wasnt quite over the top. The ice cream was nice and thick, but was a bit gritty for ice cream at an upscale place. Partly why I couldnt give it a perfect score. Service - attentive and intuitive. The waiter seems to know what we like and need without asking too much. Spicy pineapple Cocktail- good, strong, but not great. Couldn't really taste any pineapple. Cleanliness- clean and organized. Cost - affordable for special occasion. Restroom - fancy and clean. Ambiance - warm and relaxing, but a bit cheap with the vinyl or cheap wood veneer tables.

    Photos
    Frontera Grill - Back room, additional eating area at the bar

    Back room, additional eating area at the bar

    Frontera Grill - Duck carnitas

    Duck carnitas

    Frontera Grill - Pork shank

    See all

    Pork shank

    The Tamale Lady - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...