Fernando's Tamales — Restaurant in Carlsbad

My teen son and I, Washington natives, are touring New Mexico on a road trip and came through the town of Carlsbad traveling from White Sands enroute to the Caverns. We found Fernando’s Tamales which is a very local eats, the kind of treasure where Foodies everywhere are searching for. The cozy eatery was charming inside and sparkling clean with a couple of small tables but I noticed locals popping in to carry away large bags of homemade from scratch, specializing specifically in tamales so we knew it was going to be good. We met the owner, operator and cook named Lupe who was a lovely woman. She was friendly and attentive and after chatting with her for a bit, I knew these tamales would taste different. One of her main motivations in making tamales is a pure and simple one; she loves seeing people enjoy her food, enjoy her creation prepared by her own two hands. Feeding people is her love language, a true characteristic of any great cook! So, my son and I ordered a dozen of her fresh out of the steamer pork tamales to go thinking it was probably more than we could eat. We drove to the Caverns and ended up polishing off every single one!! These tamales were the best we ever tasted. The outer corn part was delightfully moist with the right density, the pork filling was tender, moist had wonderful real flavor from real ingredients without relying on salt like so many tamales do and Lupe has perfected the corn to filling ratio so each bite is well balanced. These tamales are food made from the heart! Everyone will love Fernando’s Tamales, obviously locals approve and also for travelers this makes a perfect food for the road. Highly...

Fine and Amazing! The two words for this food establishment. The atmosphere was very clean, the owner and staff were very friendly, and the food was beyond compare. I don't usually eat red chile enchiladas but decided to give it a go and I am not disappointed. This business is detail oriented and efficient. The tamales were cooked to perfection, moist and not greasy. There are lots of selections for Mexican food in this town but very few that exceed expectations, this restaurant does exactly that. The menu is small and not overwhelming and the food makes you feel like royalty. I would say with their attention to detail that they are more of a fine dining establishment than just another restaurant. They are well versed in their craft and they make the best tamales I've tasted thus far in the 10 years that I've lived in Carlsbad. I recommend if you come across this review that you set your phone down and head on over to get some great food and friendly customer service. Thank you for the...

Superb by all counts!

Cozy little spot. Clean and inviting! Accentuated with the friendliest most enthusiastic staff. I felt welcomed and catered to.

Tamales to die for! Melted in my mouth. While I'm a vegetarian, the green chili cheese tamales suited me perfectly. Quenched my green chili addiction and tamale craving all in one. Quesadillas were superb as well.

This establishment receives my highest recommendation!

IF I HAD to find a critique, it would be: Unfortunate that to-go meals are packaged in styrofoam (Polystyrene). Not very environmentally friendly. Tamales come in the ultimate biodegradable wrapper, so seems they deserve an equally thoughtful package. :o) PLA would be nice...