Tamale Boy Happy Valley — Restaurant in Happy Valley

Came for late lunch looking for fresh tamale since I have been craving it since this summer and still haven't found a decent place in or around PDX. One key factor, in the last year or so most of the conferences and meetings I attended, the Tamale Boy was catering them. So I was hoping fresh tamale would be better.

This Happy Valley location is located inside the Valley Public House in Happy Valley sharing space with Whiskey Barrel Lounge and Ranch Pizza. The Valley Public House turns 3 on October 28th, 2023. I don't know if Tamale Boy joined this shared space from the beginning.

The portion of tamale is very generous, more than enough for two servings or to share with another person. For a non-Hispanic food lover like me, what I love and crave about tamale is the masa; this is the primary make-it-or-break-it for me! Unfortunately, both of the tamales I ordered the masa were bland and too little compared to the meat portion. The green sauce was what saved it for me to finish 1/3 of each tamale. If you prefer meat a lot more than masa in your tamale, then this is your place.

Oaxaquenos Tamale-Cochinita Pibil, steamed in a banana leaf ($6): slow-roasted pork in citrus juices, achiote, and a variety of spices specialty of the state of Yucatan. The pork was too salty for my taste even with the citrus juice.

Norteno Tamale-Tinga de Pollo, steamed in corn hush ($5.25): the chicken in this one had a bit more flavor and was much more enjoyable than the slow-roasted pork in the Cochinita Pibil. Again, as I mentioned above for both tamales, the masa had a very disappointing lack of flavor and portion.

Tostadas De Ceviche GF-Seasonal Specials ($16): this was surprisingly a hit and saved it for me during my first visit here! I would definitely come back for this! Though it listed both tilapia and shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice, which is what I prefer over a tomato base, there was noticeably more shrimp than tilapia in all three crispy tostadas. I could taste the marinated shrimp but couldn't say the same for the tilapia. Everything that came with this was well-seasoned and balanced in textures. Well Done, Tamale Boy! If you like lime-based ceviche, this is a must-get item!

Platanos Fritos ($6): only 2.5 slides, too little for this price, and was over-fried for sure. The flavor was still good since the plantains were ripe with sweetness. It was not worth the money nor satisfied my dessert craving.

Cafe Luna ($5): it was too sweet and too weak coffee for me, forgettable.

Overall, prompt and friendly service! It is a much-needed addition to Happy Valley's growing eateries. Opens 7 days a week until 9:30 PM, except Sunday until 8:30 PM per Yelp's hours updated 3 months ago.

Bonus: My own spin on giving a shout-out to place with Toilet Seat Covers! The shared restroom space is cleaned and well-stocked with toilet...

This establishment is worth picking up and taking to-go or dining in but avoiding the bar, the restroom is very clean though. I don't personally dine-in due to being discriminated against (due to a disability) by the Public Valley House owners Brian and Ami (they own the bar) and then being 86d due to their ignorance. I'll be happy when they are bought out, as I'm sure the neighboring businesses would too since they would see an increase in traffic. They are lucky I havent sued them yet. Note: Racist Distrubed veterans basically run the outside firepit area (closest to the end of the sidewalk) probably deplatformed extremist based on the old eavesdrop prior to my 86ing. I made the mistake of supporting the Valley Public House when they opened during covid (mostly because Tamale had amazing food and I could get beer too) and now I boycott the bar and urge anyone new to the neighborhood to do the same because apart from personal friends (the owners are local high school graduates) they don't make much repeat business because they are overpriced and don't offer table service, however Tamale Boy does bring your food to the table. Tamale boy is a great business that shouldn't be guilty by association, that's why I suggest you pick up and go home, grab a pack of local beer from stickmens and be on your way! Support the right ones, not the ones who peaked in high school. 🤣 If they sell it to you, base it on about 10-15%...

I've always really enjoyed eating at Tamale Boy's Portland locations. While in the area, I stopped by the Happy Valley location for the first time for dine in. I noticed a big difference in my experience here as the salsas (which are usually left out for you to bring to your table in Portland), were kept behind the counter and rationed off into three of the tiniest plastic containers. Despite this being a completely unnecessary consumption of single use plastics, I felt like I was unable to fully enjoy my meal and use the amount of salsa I want... (I promise I don't always drown my food in salsa).

Considering I chose to dine in to utilize the very tasty salsas as I've done at TB's Portland locations countless of times, this was a bit disappointing. Additionally, the usual veggies for the burrito were served on the side for some reason instead of included into the wrapped burrito. A bit odd but not the end of the world.

Overall, I left feeling a bit disappointed considering I've only ever had incredible experiences at their Portland locations but the food is overall pretty great and...