Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Tamales El Mexicano – San Diego
Tamales El Mexicano - San Diego
Photo from Tamales El Mexicano
Tamales El Mexicano at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 16 of the guests
#240 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#22 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
157
Reviews
77.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Quality tamales
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Masa proportion
- Payment limitation
The restaurant Tamales El Mexicano is a welcoming Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s lively Normal Heights neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.
This spot makes it easy to savor their dishes with convenient takeout and delivery service options. Plus, you’ll appreciate the free street parking and a dedicated lot, ensuring you usually find plenty of parking for a stress-free visit.
Overview: Introducting Tamales El Mexicano
Tamales El Mexicano has garnered a reputation for its core offering, with many patrons consistently highlighting the exceptional food quality. Customers frequently praise the authentic flavors and the satisfying nature of their tamales, making it a go-to for traditional Mexican fare.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly stellar across all aspects. Some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in service, and discussions around value sometimes arise concerning portion sizes.
The setting, often described as a simple cart, also contributes to a straightforward, no-frills atmosphere.
Good
7.9
out of 10
157
Reviews
77.1%
Satisfaction
24
negative
12
neutral
121
positive
Tamales El Mexicano achieves a commendable Restaurant Score of 7.9, indicating a generally positive reception from its clientele. This is further supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.1%.
With 121 positive remarks against just 24 negative ones out of 157 total pieces of feedback, the overall sentiment leans strongly towards approval. The standout performer is clearly the Food (8.5), which consistently receives high marks for its quality and taste.
While Service (5.9) and Value (5.9) are rated as average, suggesting areas for potential refinement, they don’t significantly detract from the primary appeal. The Ambience (5) also falls into the average category, reflecting its functional setup.
What people like
- Authentic tamales
- Flavorful, moist food
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Tamal masa heavy
- Cash only payment
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.1, Tamales El Mexicano is a worthwhile stop if you’re primarily seeking delicious, authentic tamales. The food is a definite highlight, delivering on flavor and tradition.
Just be prepared for a straightforward, no-frills experience, and understand that service interactions can sometimes vary. If your priority is excellent tamales above all else, this establishment reliably delivers on that promise.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tamales El Mexicano
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a solid 86% customer satisfaction, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Out of 121 comments, 104 rave about the delicious tamales, especially their quality and the unique banana leaves wrapped ones, praising their authentic taste.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. While only 9 comments were negative, some mentioned issues with salsa availability or the sweet pineapple tamal flavor not hitting the mark. A few also noted portions could be inconsistent, and occasionally, no tamales available was a disappointment.
Food
121
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
8
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic tamales
- Delicious tamales
- Great quality
What people don't like
- Limited availability
- Salsa issues
- Small portions
Often praised
- tamalesI bought one to taste and let me tell you, I loved them. They are much bigger than the normal corn husk ones but taste so much juicier. The pork in green sauce.
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredibly tasty, so much so that it made my roommate cry. We especially loved the chicken with red sauce.
- TamalesTamales aren’t as cheap as they once were but they are still worth every penny!
- authentic tamalesThe most authentic tamales you'll find!
- beef tamalesThe beef was really good lots of meat, tasty masa and really moist.
- champurradobest champurrado I've ever had also
- chicken tamalesMy experience was fantastic! I tried the fresh bomb chicken tamales and pork tamales. They had good flavor and were super hot right when I got home.
- masaput something super in their masa
- pork tamaleThe pork tamale was again really tasty, lots of meat and just a little spicy.
- pork tamalesMy experience was fantastic! I tried the fresh bomb chicken tamales and pork tamales. They had good flavor and were super hot right when I got home.
Frequently criticized
- tamalesI tried calling the day before Christmas Eve, but their phone was shut off. I will definitely find another location, as I can't show up to a Christmas party without tamales.
- TamalThe Tamal is mostly MASA & for $4 each you’d think there would be more meat inside
- food preparationEn que condiciones elaboraran los tamales
- no tamales availableNo tamales
- portionssome were really small
- salsaOnly drawback is he’s been out of salsa the last several times.
- strawberryThe strawberry was nasty & didn’t really taste like strawberry at all
- sweet pineapple tamal flavorthe sweet pineapple tamal flavor is not as good🙁
If youre craving authentic tamales, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll find delicious, high-quality options, especially the banana leaf varieties. Just be aware that salsa might be hit or miss, and popular items can sell out.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
Based on 10 positive remarks out of 19 total, it seems many customers appreciate the warmth here! Folks often rave about the sweetest lady and the guy working the stall, with special shout-outs to Mr. Ezequiel for his friendly demeanor and great availability. The overall score for service sits at an average 5.9, reflecting these pleasant interactions.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 8 negative comments pointing to some hiccups. There have been instances of a staff member needing to be woken up, issues with miscommunication regarding orders, and even reports of missing a tamale or problems with the phone being shut off. Customer satisfaction is a mixed 52.6%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
19
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, sweet staff
- Owner is available
What people don't like
- Staff sleeping on job
- Order miscommunication
- Missing order items
Often praised
- serviceFriendly service.
- EzekielEzekiel's cool!
- Mr. EzequielMr. Ezequiel is the best
- availabilityShe loves them; they put a smile on her face. Whenever I'm in the area, he's always available with many delicious options.
- guy working the stallthe guy working the stall was also super nice
- hoursOpen super early & stay late
- ownerShe’s super sweet
- sweetest ladySweetest lady with the best tamales
Frequently criticized
- bad businessit’s not about the $4 it’s the principle & that’s bad business
- changehe didn’t think to say here’s your change or here i forgot a tamale
- miscommunicationsignificant miscommunication with the phone pre-order
- missing a tamaleI returned and said hey I’m missing a tamale & he tries to play it off like oh yeah that’s right
- orderMy experience was marked by significant miscommunication with the phone pre-order and on the day of pickup. The staff knew nothing about my order. I tried calling the day before Christmas Eve, but their phone was shut off.
- phonetheir phone is shut off
- servicehad to wake the woman who helped me
- staff memberWhen I arrived, I had to wake the staff member who assisted me. After completing the transaction, she immediately sat back down in the same spot and resumed her nap. I found this quite amusing and couldn't help but laugh all the way home, which is why I wanted to share this experience.
If youre looking for a friendly face and catch them on a good day, youll likely have a pleasant experience. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies, especially with pre-orders or phone communication, as service can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Ambience (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, the ambience scores an average 5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 42.9%. Based on 7 comments, with 3 positive remarks, guests appreciated the overall atmosphere and found charm in the mom and pop cart experience. It seems some really enjoyed the cozy, personal feel.
However, 3 negative observations out of 7 total point to some significant concerns. Guests raised questions about hygiene and the general state of the restaurant or lack thereof. Several comments also highlighted confusion and disappointment regarding the location, with some noting only a 7 Eleven and car wash nearby, suggesting the actual establishment was hard to find or non-existent.
Ambience
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming atmosphere
- Mom and pop cart
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Confusing location
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- mom and pop cartMy experience was with a mom and pop cart
Frequently criticized
- hygieneEn que clndkciones de hijene prepararan los alimentos?
- locationWhere is it? All that’s here is a 7 Eleven and a car wash
- restaurantAll that’s here is a 7 Eleven and a car wash
If youre seeking a simple, charming mom and pop cart experience and arent overly concerned about the exact location or potential hygiene issues, you might find something to like. However, with mixed satisfaction and significant concerns about the actual establishment, it's a bit of a gamble.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners are really happy, noting the great price for great food! and finding it Incredible for the price. With 4 positive remarks focusing on the overall price and prices being very reasonable, it seems many feel they get a good deal.
This contributes to an average score of 5.9, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 40%. However, the value isnt universally praised. There are 4 negative comments, often mentioning tamales and the price of them, with some feeling the tamal is mostly MASA for the cost.
Issues like incorrect orders for 5 tamales and the cash only policy also dampen the experience, suggesting theres room for improvement despite the positive feedback.
Value
10
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great food value
- Prices very reasonable
What people don't like
- Tamales lack meat
- Cash only policy
- Order errors occur
Often praised
- pricegreat price for great food!
- pricesprices are very reasonable
- two tamalesThe two tamales were $4.00 each
Frequently criticized
- 5 tamalesI asked the guy for 5 tamales which would equate to $20 .. i gave him $20 and he only gave me 4 tamales
- cash onlyand Cash only
- pricePrice has gone up $3.50 per tamal
- tamalesI came here with high expectations because people said these were the best tamales in SD (I’m spoiled because my GMA back home makes bomb tamales) & I was excited to try these. The Tamal is mostly MASA & for $4 each you’d think there would be more meat inside, so be prepared for that. The pork tamal was okay, nothing special.
If youre looking for a decent deal and dont mind paying cash, you might find the value acceptable. However, be aware that some feel the portion of meat in the tamales is small for the price, and double-check your order.
How are the prices at Tamales El Mexicano?
You’re looking at roughly 11 per person – reported by 16 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice spread. While the average is 11, many guests find options in the $1–$10 range, while others opt for slightly more, pulling the overall average to 11.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 16 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. You get a good range of options, making it accessible for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tamales El Mexicano
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic & Tasty Tamales
My experience at this restaurant was a super good value! Mom got a chicken tamale and I the pork. The pork tamale was pretty spicy, picante, and the chicken tamale was less spicy.
Both were fairly greasy and wrapped in banana leaves. I definitely recommend eating there and grabbing some napkins! They were really tasty, with no need for salsas.
They were steamed for cooking. Next time, I'd like to try the chocolate drink the proprietor offered, which would be a good chance to practice my Spanish! The two tamales were $4.
00 each. One was filling enough to satisfy. Next time, I'll probably stock up and get a few to go, as they freeze well and are great for microwaving later.
It's very authentic and wholesome Mexican food.
- pork tamale8
- chicken tamale7
- tamales6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Flavorful Tamales, Worth Returning!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the most flavorful tamales I’ve had in a long time. I will definitely be going back for more.
Thank you!
- tamales10
- food10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Godmother's Favorite Tamales!
I always grab tamales from here for my Godmother. She loves them; they put a smile on her face. Whenever I'm in the area, he's always available with many delicious options.
- tamales9
- smile on her face10
- delicious options9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
2
Disappointing Tamales and Poor Service
I came here with high expectations because people said these were the best tamales in SD (I’m spoiled because my GMA back home makes bomb tamales) & I was excited to try these. The Tamal is mostly MASA & for $4 each you’d think there would be more meat inside, so be prepared for that. The pork tamal was okay, nothing special.
The strawberry was nasty & didn’t really taste like strawberry at all. Worst of all, I asked the guy for 5 tamales which would equate to $20. I gave him $20 and he only gave me 4 tamales (I noticed while pulling off).
He didn’t think to say, 'here’s your change' or 'here, I forgot a tamale. ' No! He tried to run off with my $4 & it’s not about the $4, it’s the principle & that’s bad business!
So I returned and said, 'hey, I’m missing a tamale, ' & he tries to play it off like, 'oh yeah, that’s right, ' as if I didn’t ask him for 5 from the beginning. Do not recommend. Will not be returning.
- pork tamal5
- Tamal2
- strawberry1
- tamales2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Tamales, Worth Every Penny!
Tamales aren’t as cheap as they once were, but they are still worth every penny! They are so, so, so good. Get the ones in the banana leaf if you can.
The only drawback is that the salsa has been out the last several times. So, bring your own Tapatio! (A recent review stated she couldn’t find it; it’s outside the Chevron).
- Tamales10
- banana leaf9
- price6
- salsa3
What Tamales El Mexicano offers
Payments
- Cash-only
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Tamales El Mexicano?
At Tamales El Mexicano, you can enjoy your meal with convenient service options. They offer both takeout and delivery, making it easy for you to savor their authentic Mexican cuisine wherever you prefer.
Is parking and accessibility a concern at Tamales El Mexicano?
No, parking and accessibility are well-addressed at Tamales El Mexicano. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spots available. The restaurant also features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
What is the overall customer impression of Tamales El Mexicano?
Customers generally hold a positive view of Tamales El Mexicano, reflected in a Restaurant Score of 7.9 and Customer Satisfaction at 77.1%. The Food (8.5) is highly praised, while Service (5.9), Value (5.9), and Ambience (5) are considered average.
What are the most praised food items at Tamales El Mexicano?
Customers frequently commend the tamales for their authentic, flavorful, and moist qualities, with specific positive mentions for pork in green sauce and chicken with red sauce. The champurrado is also noted as a standout beverage.
Are there any common inconveniences or issues reported by customers?
Some customers have reported inconsistent service, including miscommunications with phone pre-orders. Other points of concern include tamales occasionally having a high masa-to-meat ratio and the establishment operating on a cash-only basis.