Macho Bros Tamales — Restaurant in Kennewick

I usually don't leave reviews for places I eat but this place deserves one.

First off the character of the guy that was there giving away tamales was amazing. He's GIVING them away all while being appreciative and thanking people coming for FREE tamales. Super nice guy and personable. He chatted with me for a couple of minutes and he told me that he couldn't sell them due to a temporary permit and they are a lot of work so he's wanting to give them away instead of disposing of them. Smart. Second, the man is generous. I came for the half dozen and he asked if I wanted chicken or pork. I said "can I do half chicken, half pork?" and of course he accommodated but he gave me a half dozen of each instead of 3 each. WAY more than enough but he kindly did so. Third, the quality. These tamales don't crumble apart like some do. They are soft, warm, stay together and have great meat-masa ratio. The meat and sauce are great (I tried chicken and pork). The salsa is fresh and tastes great. The wrapping of the husk is in a way that it's not intertwined with the masa where it rips part of the tamale off when you unwrap it which seems all too common. These come right out in one whole piece. Each tamale seemed like it was cared for when it was put together. On top of all of that, he shared that it's his mother's recipe and she's been making tamales for 30-ish years. All in all these were TOP NOTCH tamales. I love tamales and have had most of the tamale shops around here and these are among the top if not THE top. Great freakin' tamales! I can 100% see myself getting a dozen on the regular from them....

I walked in as a mere mortal and left a tamale-enlightened being. From the first bite, I heard angels calling my taste buds home.

The tamales? Fluffy, juicy and flavor packed. The salsa? Probably will be considered a controlled substance before the end of the month. Absolutely life altering. I'm not sure what animals Macho Bros are sacrificing to make this into existence, but I'd gladly donate several.

Honestly if you're not eating their food, what are you really doing...

I had high-expectations and was still impressed! I've been spoiled by homemade tamales and these stacked up great... but way less work! (For me at least.) And I'm excited that they are in the Public Market right near my work in Downtown Kennewick. It'll be a regular lunch spot, plus I'll be a hero bringing tamales home to the family! The pica and salsa were...