The Tamale Store

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you— The Tamale Store is a culinary treasure nestled in a strip mall on Cave Creek Road. Step inside, and you're instantly transported to Mexico. The vibrant atmosphere, traditional Spanish music, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly made tamales set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by Elizabeth, who guided us through the extensive menu. As first-timers, we were overwhelmed by the variety, but Elizabeth's recommendations were spot-on. She suggested a selection of six tamales, each offering a unique flavor profile. The tamales are generously filled and crafted with care. The masa is thick and flavorful, a testament to the store's commitment to quality. We sampled three before we were thoroughly satisfied. The chicken green chile featured all-natural shredded chicken breast with a mild salsa verde made from fresh tomatillos, cilantro, and roasted green chiles. The beef red chile offered lean shredded beef with a mild red chile sauce made from an all-natural tomato sauce and an exotic blend of dried Mexican chilies. The hatch & jack tamale combined roasted New Mexican Hatch chilies with a gooey Monterey Jack cheese center, delivering a delightful and spicy experience. Accompanying our tamales were sides of red mashed potatoes and two eggs. The potatoes were bursting with flavor, and the eggs were cooked to my liking. A suggestion: a home-style potato option would be a welcome addition to the menu. The restaurant is impeccably organized and maintained, with a condiment station conveniently located near the soft drink machine. Whether you're dining in or taking out, the experience is seamless and enjoyable. On our way out, I couldn't resist ordering a coffee. As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I can confidently say it was one of the best cups I've had in recent memory. The addition of Abuela's chocolate made it a standout. The Tamale Store is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that brings the flavors of Mexico to Phoenix. With its friendly staff, authentic dishes, and inviting atmosphere, it's a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of tradition. For a list of their different tamales, more information or to plan your visit, check out their official website.

I came here for lunch and ordered the green chili chicken tamale. The price was extremely reasonable... the tamale was so damn good that even though I was full, I went back and ordered another tamale! This time I had the chicken mole. It was sweet and rich with a powerful flavor that had me doing my happy food dance. Huge surprise, they package tamales and freeze them so you can bring home dinner for everyone!

Overall, fantastic!! It is a mix of a casual restaurant with a clean, casual space for eating in, as well as a small market with to-go options for foods. The staff at the front are extremely helpful and kind. I have celiac disease (strict gluten-free) and vegetarian, and I was pleasantly surprised about the gluten-free vegetarian options that were absolutely delicious, and with multiple options. Their fryer only cooks tostadas and tortilla chips, which are both gluten-free, so thus a gluten-free fryer was available! I enjoyed a doble style with a southwest veggie tamale, hatch & jack tamale, and sides of pinto beans and a bean & cheese tostada. The portions are extremely generous and also served with some chips. This was definitely the best tamales I have ever had. The tamale thickness and texture was perfect, while the hatch chile and cheese smothered in cheese suace on top was delicious and accompanied well by the savory southwest veggie tamale covered in red chile sauce. I wish tamales everywhere were served like this. The size of the sides was generous, and both the tostada and beans were an excellent complement to the tamales. I devoured them too quickly. They were so good, I decided to buy 6 frozen tamales (they have 5 veggie and 4 vegan options!) for my road trip, and my only regret is not making it in time to go again in person before leaving Phoenix. Excellent service, ambiance, and food that is both delicious and well-priced .

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden Gem Alert: Best Tamales in Phoenix! I don’t usually leave reviews—unless a place really disappoints me or completely blows me away. And let me tell you, this place? Blew. Me. Away. From the moment I walked in, the vibe was warm, welcoming, and super authentic. I originally stopped by for just a couple tamales… somehow left with a full dozen. I had a little buyer’s remorse—until I got home, opened them up, and took one bite. Game over. These tamales are next level. Fresh, flavorful, legit homemade goodness. The kind that makes you wanna slap your mama (but don’t—she’ll hit you with a chancla ). They even have tamales for dogs! Located off Greenway & Cave Creek in Phoenix, it’s a small, easy-to-miss spot—but trust me, it’s worth the trip. My “week’s worth” of tamales barely lasted a day in my house. Consider this your official warning: I’ve got a new addiction. And I’m not even mad about it.

I ordered a red chili beef tamale, a side of beans and some chips through DD. I don’t usually leave reviews, but holy cow!!! This was so so good! If I had to give any kind of complaint, it would be that I didn’t get much of my remote work done while I was scarfing down the food while sitting at my desk. It was so delicious. Such a great tamale. And they give you a side of red sauce, I’m assuming it’s to pour on top of the tamale, I poured it over some bites and it is really good as well but the tamale didn’t even need it. I think that was the best tamale I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to actually go in and try another tamale. Oh and the beans, the beans were so delicious. I mean, chef’s kiss! If you are contemplating going to the tamale store, just freaking go, you won’t regret it!Yum!

Amazing…. Fresh, delicious, friendly staff and great service. Cute retail store and amazing daily menu of tamales and sides. I had the tamales fondido with a green chili cheese tamale, refried pinto beans and their pan de elote. My partner had the tamales fresco with the pork tamale in red sauce, pozole and their pan de elote. Both were so tasty, seriously no complaints…… like I’m blown away. Neither of us have had that good Mexican food in a LONG time.

This place is so stinking cute and so dang delicious! I live in the east valley but it’s totally worth the drive to come up. The tamales are absolutely delicious. The masa was so soft and moist and the filling was so flavorful and delicious. I got the southwest veggie tamale and it was to die for. The side of rice and beans I got was also so tasty. I picked up jamaica flowers, salsa, and a two pack of tamales from the store and it was only 28$ which I thought was a steal! The employees were all so nice and welcoming. This is such a gem and I will definitely be making the drive out here again. Plus- the tamales are GF and my husband with celiac had no issues.