The Absolute Best Tamales in Escondido [Updated 2024]

I've tasted them all, from the little hole-in-the-wall joints to the fanciest restaurants, and I'm excited to share my top picks with you. With 13 different tamales reviewed, I can confidently say that I've found some truly delicious options that will have your taste buds dancing.

So whether you're a fan of traditional pork and chicken tamales or find yourself craving something a little more unique like vegan or sweet tamales, I've got you covered. Get ready to indulge in the best tamales Escondido has to offer!

El Tejate Restaurant

Highlights
Authentic Oaxacan cuisine
Handmade tortillas
Large selection of discounted merchandise
Friendly and informative staff

First of all, let me say that the tamale game in Escondido just got elevated with El Tejate. This restaurant offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine and I was impressed by their selection of tamales. From chicken to pork, they had it all!

But what really stood out to me were their handmade tortillas. They were so fresh and warm that I almost forgot about the tamales! But don't worry, I didn't forget for too long because these tamales were some of the best I've had in a long time.

One thing to note is that El Tejate also has a large selection of discounted merchandise which is perfect for those who love to shop while waiting for their food (or maybe even after). And if you have any questions about the menu or ingredients, don't hesitate to ask the staff. They are not only friendly but also informative.

In conclusion, if you're looking for delicious tamales and handmade tortillas in Escondido, then El Tejate Restaurant should be on your list. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Cocina del Charro

Highlights
Fresh, seasoned, delicious food
Great service by Karen
Favorite Mexican restaurant
Terrific service and friendly staff
Easy parking and wheelchair accessibility

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff and seated right away. As I perused the menu, Karen, my server for the day, came over with a warm smile and offered me some of their famous chips and salsa. Let me tell you, those chips were so fresh and crispy that I couldn't resist ordering some more.

Now let's talk about their tamales. Oh boy! They were seasoned to perfection and had just the right amount of filling inside. Each bite was like a mini fiesta in my mouth. And don't even get me started on their homemade sauce; it was so delicious that I could have drank it all day long.

What sets Cocina del Charro apart from other Mexican restaurants is not only their terrific service but also their wheelchair accessibility and easy parking. It's no wonder why this place has become my favorite Mexican restaurant in Escondido.

Overall, Cocina del Charro is definitely one of the best places to get tamales in Escondido. The food is fresh and flavorful, and Karen’s service makes you feel like family. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican experience with great food and service, then make sure to visit Cocina del Charro – your taste buds will thank you!

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Tamales Escondido

Highlights
Award-winning tamales
Variety of flavors
Coffee-flavored tamales

First of all, let me tell you that these tamales are award-winning for a reason! I tried several flavors and each one was better than the last. From the classic pork to the unique chicken mole, they had a variety of options to choose from. But what really stood out were their coffee-flavored tamales. Yes, you read that right! Who knew coffee and tamales could go so well together?

The texture of the masa was perfect; not too dry and not too moist. The filling was generous and flavorful. And let's talk about the sauce! The red sauce had just the right amount of spice to make my taste buds dance.

The staff was very friendly and offered great customer service. They were happy to answer all my questions and even recommended some other places in town to try.

Overall, I highly recommend Tamales Escondido for anyone looking for delicious tamales in Escondido. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Tamales Jovita

Highlights
Affordable prices
Variety of tamale flavors
Friendly employees
Home-cooked meal feel

First off, let's talk about the affordable prices. As a tamale aficionado, I've been to places where prices are through the roof, but Tamales Jovita won't break the bank. And just because their prices are affordable doesn't mean they skimp on quality. On the contrary, their tamales are packed with flavor.

Speaking of flavor, Tamales Jovita offers a variety of tamale flavors that cater to everyone's taste buds. They have traditional flavors like chicken and pork, but they also have unique options like pineapple and cheese. It's like a party in your mouth!

But what really sets Tamales Jovita apart is their friendly employees. They treat you like family as soon as you walk through the door. Their hospitality is unmatched and it adds to the home-cooked meal feel that their food already exudes.

Overall, if you're looking for delicious tamales that won't hurt your wallet and come with a side of warm hospitality, then Tamales Jovita is the place for you. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Phatties Vegan Mexican Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious vegan options
Freshly made beans
Great customer service
Menu on giant board outside

First off, let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of vegan options available at Phatties. Being a meat-lover myself, I was skeptical about how good a vegan tamale could be, but boy, did they prove me wrong! The tamales were bursting with flavor and the masa had the perfect texture - not too doughy and not too dry.

And can we talk about those freshly made beans? I didn't know beans could taste so good! They were cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of seasoning. It's clear that Phatties takes pride in using fresh ingredients to make their dishes.

To top it all off, the customer service was outstanding. The staff was friendly and welcoming, making sure that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish. And speaking of start, don't forget to check out their giant menu board outside before you go in - it'll give you an idea of what deliciousness awaits inside.

Overall, if you're looking for a unique twist on traditional tamales or just want to try some delicious vegan Mexican food, then Phatties is definitely worth a visit. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Los Charros Mexican Food

Highlights
Authentic cuisine
Friendly staff
Fast service
Best Mexican food

First off, the moment I walked into Los Charros, the aroma of freshly made tamales wafted through my nose and my mouth immediately started to water. The atmosphere inside was inviting and warm, which made me feel like I was in a traditional Mexican restaurant.

I ordered their authentic tamales stuffed with savory shredded chicken and they were nothing short of DELICIOUS! The masa was tender and moist while the filling was perfectly seasoned. It was clear that they used fresh ingredients because every bite tasted heavenly.

The staff members at Los Charros were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure that I had everything I needed throughout my meal. Their fast service ensured that my food arrived quickly, allowing me to enjoy my meal without any delay.

Overall, I would highly recommend Los Charros Mexican Food for their amazing authentic cuisine, friendly staff, fast service, and as far as I'm concerned - the best Mexican food in Escondido. If you're looking for a restaurant that serves mouth-watering tamales that will leave you craving for more - make sure to stop by Los Charros!

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Lourdes Mexican Food

Highlights
Creamy Beans
Crispy Fish Tacos
Known for Caldo
Perfect California Burrito
Tried and True OG Style

First, let me start by saying that their tamales are not the only highlight on their menu! Lourdes Mexican Food is known for their creamy beans and crispy fish tacos. The creamy beans were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning. The crispy fish tacos were a pleasant surprise - they were fried to perfection, and topped with fresh ingredients.

But back to the tamales. At Lourdes Mexican Food, they offer a variety of flavors and fillings, but I decided to try their tried and true OG style tamale. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The masa was perfectly cooked and had just the right amount of seasoning. The filling was generous and flavorful without being too overpowering.

If you're in the mood for something heartier, I definitely recommend trying their Caldo - it's perfect for a cold day or when you need some comfort food.

And if you're feeling adventurous, you can also try their unique take on the California burrito - it's filled with all your favorite burrito toppings but with an added twist.

Overall, I had a great experience at Lourdes Mexican Food. If you're looking for more than just tamales but still want quality food that hits all the spots, Lourdes is worth checking out!

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Mi Guadalajara Restaurant

Highlights
Artistic atmosphere
Great service
Delicious food
Quick service
Relaxing atmosphere

The moment I walked into the restaurant, the artistic atmosphere caught my eye. The walls were decorated with colorful paintings and traditional Mexican artwork. It gave me a sense of culture and history.

I was greeted by an incredibly friendly staff who showed me to my table. They provided excellent service throughout my meal, always checking in on me to ensure I was satisfied.

And let's talk about the tamales! They were simply delicious. The masa was perfectly cooked and had just the right amount of seasoning. The pork filling was juicy and flavorful. It was clear that they used fresh ingredients.

What surprised me most was how quickly my order arrived at the table. I didn't have to wait long at all before I could dig in and enjoy the scrumptious tamales.

The relaxing atmosphere of Mi Guadalajara Restaurant made for a great dining experience overall. I felt like I was transported to Mexico as I savored every bite of their amazing tamales.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best tamales in Escondido with excellent service, delicious food, and a relaxing atmosphere, then look no further than Mi Guadalajara Restaurant!

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Conchita’s Bakery Restaurant Market

Highlights
Authentic Mexican food
Friendly service
Delicious Birria and Quesa Birria
Mexican market with various options
Many flavors of Mexican-style ice cream

Walking into the restaurant, I was welcomed by the smell of freshly-made tamales and a friendly staff. The menu had a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes to choose from, but I couldn't resist trying their famous Birria and Quesa Birria. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The meat was tender and flavorful, and the cheese added an extra level of richness.

Not only is the food amazing, but Conchita's also has a Mexican market with various options for those who want to take some goodies home. I found myself browsing through their selection of Mexican candies and snacks for quite some time. And if that wasn't enough, they also have many flavors of Mexican-style ice cream to choose from!

Overall, my experience at Conchita's Bakery Restaurant Market was exceptional. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and accommodating, and the ambiance made me feel like I was in Mexico. If you're looking for some of the best tamales in Escondido, be sure to check out Conchita's!

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La Cocina de Anita

Highlights
Efficient service
Good portion size
Cozy ambience
Homemade, delicious food
Highly recommended

Firstly, I was impressed with the efficient service at La Cocina de Anita. The staff was quick to greet me and take my order, which is always a plus when I'm hungry and craving tamales!

The portion size of the tamales was also very generous, making it a great value for money. I could tell that the tamales were made with care and attention to detail, giving them a homemade taste that was truly delicious.

The cozy ambiance of La Cocina de Anita made me feel right at home. The decor was warm and inviting, creating an atmosphere perfect for enjoying some good food while catching up with friends or family.

Overall, I would definitely recommend La Cocina de Anita to anyone looking for some top-notch tamales in Escondido. The combination of efficient service, good portion size, homemade taste and cozy ambiance make it one of the best tamale spots in town. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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Mexico Lindo

Highlights
Flavorful food
Generous portions
Friendly staff
Popular spot

Firstly, let me tell you that the tamales at Mexico Lindo are not just delicious, they are flavorful! From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. The masa was soft and moist, while the filling was juicy and well-seasoned.

Another thing that impressed me about this spot is their generous portions. One tamale is enough for a meal, but they give you two! That's right, two tamales filled to the brim with tasty goodness.

The staff at Mexico Lindo are also very welcoming and friendly. They made me feel like a regular even though it was my first time there. They were happy to answer all of my questions and gave great recommendations.

It's no surprise that this place is a popular spot in Escondido. The aroma of freshly cooked tamales fills the air, and it's hard to resist stepping inside for a taste.

In summary, if you're looking for some of the best tamales in Escondido, Mexico Lindo should be on your list. Their flavorful food combined with generous portions and friendly staff make it an experience worth having.

La Tapatia

Highlights
Authentic food
Reasonable prices
Killer drinks
Welcoming staff

First of all, let's talk about the authenticity of the food. As soon as I took my first bite of their tamale, I felt like I was transported to Mexico. The flavor was rich and the texture was perfect. It wasn't too dry nor too moist; it was just right. I could tell that they use fresh ingredients and take pride in their cooking.

Now, let's talk about the prices. The best part? They're reasonable! You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious meal here. And trust me, you'll definitely want to try more than one tamale because they are just that good.

But wait, there's more! La Tapatia also has some killer drinks. From refreshing horchata to spicy micheladas, they have it all. And if you're feeling adventurous, try their margaritas with a kick of jalapeno!

Lastly, I must mention how welcoming and friendly the staff is at La Tapatia. They made me feel right at home and provided excellent customer service throughout my visit.

Overall, if you're searching for the best tamales in Escondido, look no further than La Tapatia. Their authentic food, reasonable prices, killer drinks and welcoming staff make it an experience worth coming back for.

Mi Reyna Tortilleria

Highlights
Fresh tortillas
Exquisite flavoring
Incredible tacos
Great staff
Amazing quesabirria

Let me just start by saying that if you're a fan of fresh tortillas, then this place is a must-visit! The tortillas were so soft and warm, it felt like they were made just for me. I was so impressed with the exquisite flavoring of their tamales as well. It was evident that they use high-quality ingredients and take pride in their craft.

But wait, there's more! While I was there, I couldn't resist trying their tacos too. Oh my goodness, they were incredible! The meat was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the homemade salsa.

Not only was the food top-notch, but the staff was genuinely friendly and provided excellent service. They made me feel welcomed and appreciated as a customer.

Lastly, let's talk about their quesabirria - it was simply amazing! The flavors blended together perfectly and it had just the right amount of spice.

Overall, Mi Reyna Tortilleria exceeded my expectations and has earned its spot on my list of best places for tamales in Escondido. So if you're looking for a delicious meal and an enjoyable experience, head on over to Mi Reyna Tortilleria - you won't be disappointed!