Lito’s Tamales — Local services in Jefferson Township

NOT OPEN 24hrs. Inconsistent, ill-prepared, questionable. No air circulation, but open air kitchen with no masks, hair nets, aprons or gloves. Went around 6a to try them out after seeing here on Maps they open from 4a, but still preparing first batches of tamales and drinks. "Arroz Con Leche" should be renamed "Rice-flavored Milk," my serving had about 5 small grains (no exaggeration) of rice i only noticed after drinking it all while waiting over half an hour for an average tasting, boiling Champurrado that was small for its price and Cheese/Pepper stuffed, soggy tamales that crumbled apart. There was no sense of urgency and basic supplies seemed to be disorganized and lacking as the girl (who still seemed sleepy) was scrambling for them throughout kitchen. They opened prematurely before proper set up. The privacy blinds and protective gates make the place seem closed and hard to spot being so small of a front with a dim "open" neon. Disappointing first. Second attempt, over a week after, later in the morning - they weren't even open, though there was activity in the kitchen but no one bothered to at least post a notice or walk over to explain the closure during operating hours. There has to be quality...

I have only been once (just today) but was so pleased I wanted to review right away. Yes they have tamales and they are good -- maybe a little too much massa vs filling but the filling is very good. But this is an El Salvadoran place and they have papusas. The papusas are great. And they have plantain and sweet cream empanadas. Man, those are nice. Plus they have champurrado, and on a cold day like today there's nothing like it for warming you up. The woman who took our order was unfailingly nice. We used all Spanish, but as with anywhere, I don't think you'd have trouble here with only English if you are just ordering food. The sauces which came with were good, and we especially found interesting the escabeche (pickled cauliflower and carrots, etc.) because it has a more delicate taste than the Mexican ones we are used to (though we love those). I strongly suggest a visit and ordering a number of things off the handwritten menu board. Again I have only been there once but it looks to me like the menu changes, so go and explore. We got a lot of food -- enough for three people plus...

First time ordering here because I saw the almost 5 stars reviews. First order was cancelled because took almost 2 hours to the restaurant to confirm the order with Doordash. I reorder again and I had a really bad experience they sent me spoiled tamales 🫔 the meat smell so bad. The champurrados taste weird came with big chunks of masa. I checked the stabliishment online and i think is house selling food maybe without food licensing i don't what kind of conscious they have to sent spolied food to customers. Maybe these 5 stars reviews are from friends and family my first and last time ordering ...