Tamale Co. Modern Mexican Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Orlando

Full disclosure, I am an avid supporter of LOCAL and small business. I notice that previous reviews for Tamale Co. Modern Mexican Kitchen & Bar were made within the first 90 days of opening. My review is being written at 4 months of operation and I am writing it as an experienced food & beverage trainer. You will note that I have given 5 stars for the 3 categories offered. If I were breaking down the overall categories the comments that follow will show opportunities: FOOD: why not add a lunch special menu Monday - Friday? College Park is full of families and businesses during those times. Features to consider on a lunch menu: quick service favorites like tacos, quesadillas, cheese enchiladas and a chicken taco salad. The house Margarita. $15.00 is pricey for what is usually a value margarita. Maybe create a lunch version that could also be sold during Happy Hour. Currently HH does not include a Marg (only wine and beer)and that seems unusual. Charging for house made hot sauce. I might add a House Hot sauce that is freely provided tableside when the server asks if the table wants any hot sauce. This would also be the sauce to ramp us the queso to a tasty tang. Overall food comment - I respect the Tamale Co. kitchen team for their knowledge and creation of true Mexican regional flavors (not Tex Mex - they have their own jam) The food quality (seafood, chicken, pork and beef) is notable and carries a higher purveyor price and customer price. I found the appetizer selections and single price items to be a way to control expenses. For instance, the 3 Birria enchiladas served with rich Birria broth and aioli $12. a great meal option. Dining twice already, we ordered the house made chips and Quac and the chips were refilled freely for an initial cost of $7. Avocado costs are crazy, I get that part. SERVICE: Both my visits did not include the service issues that seemed a part of the opening experience. 1.Host stand and Kitchen expeditor were in place and moving about the dining room communicating with patrons. 2.Both visits showed a majority of tables filled ranging from deuce tables to tables of 8. Tables on the deep covered patio stayed 50% full. I did not see a wait line either time. Good flow. 3.Extra napkins provided prior to receiving food. Most table were enjoying the 'curated' specialty drinks with shared appetizers prior to meal orders. Overall Service Comment: With 3 Managers (GM, Bar Mgr., & Host Mgr. in place and hands on...Service flowed. ATMOSPHERE: Music level has been turned lower, your comments were heard. Conversation was convivial and the bar seating active. Lots of sports broadcast on at least 10 TVs on premium channels. INSTA LOVE: Ladies Night Out, Special Events, TGIF...Tamale Co. is women owned and designed (something that I love to see) & photo ready for your celebration or for some fun gift shopping (I am eyeing the Freida collection located in the back wall as you enter. A real eye tease and it's all for sale!) CLEAN: I should have lead with Clean! Tables to bathrooms. Consistent in updating during shifts. TY! Sandi Live LOCAL Thompsonn (Facebook) I am never paid for reviews. As a former Executive Director of Ivanhoe Village Main Street Orlando, my assistance (or not) is provided for consideration (or not) but,...

We were looking forward to try out this new restaurant. Because we have been trying to find a good authentic Mexican restaurant. But as a Mexican American that grew up eating authentic mexican food, i was extremely dissapointed. 1st they stated it was going to be 30min wait and that they would call us. We'll they didn't. Thank god we set a timer. Once they saw us, they stated they tried calling us. But I showed her my phone telling her I didn't received any calls. So I thought it was just 1 minor hiccup. But it all started to slowly go down hill. We placed our orders, my partner requested hot sauce. Server stated they would bring them the house hot sauce. Once we got our food, they never brought out the hot sauce, utensils and napkins. It was hard to get someone's attention to ask them for the hot sauce, napkins and utensils. When we did received them, we only got a few napkins and the utensils were plastic. As well I noticed the plates were falling apart because they were disposable plates. It was a slap on the face, because the food cost $18+. You would expect real silverware and real plates. The margaritas sucked. I ordered the lychee margaritas and tasted straight up regular margarita. The server brought me lychee drink in a small dipping sauce cup, so I can add it to the margarita. It still tasted sour as heck. I asked the server if I could swap it out for a Michelada instead. She stated no. I was surprised cause usually most restaurants would swap it out. I didn't even drink the margarita at all, would had been different if I drank half of the margarita. The supervisor came around and asked us how was everything, my partner informed her that the cheese and salsa dip didn't have flavor at all and informed her that i was not satisfied with my drink. I asked then if I could swap out my drink again, she only agreed to swap it out for an other margarita at no charge. Still tasted sour and they still charged me for...

OMG! Do not sleep on this cozy little spot! The atmosphere is so gorgeous. It's cozy inside. There are small tables inside, spots at the bar & patio seating. I chose to sit at the bar. Patricio was our bartender and waited on us. He explained the drink menu really well. All the drinks were specifically made for them by a mixologist from Yucatan. All the drinks were named after something special in Mexico and each drink featured a fresh ingredient from Mexico. We asked for suggestions on the menu and he did not disappoint. Mole fries- sweet and savory. My first time trying mole. It was unexpected. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I think this depends on your taste. Tamales - chicken and pork. Both extremely delicious. Covered with salsa Verde and cotija cheese. I preferred the pork over the chicken. Absolutely delicious! Served with black refried beans and Spanish rice. Esquites - basically deconstructed Elote. I have never had elote before. Patricio explained this dish was a favorite street food in Mexico. That it was served just like this in a cart. I cannot explain how absolutely delicious this corn was! Like addictive! Definitely a must if you stop by! Hibiscus drink, non-alcoholic. Yum! 👍👍 The complimentary chips and salsa were absolutely fantastic. The chips were thin and crispy, with just the right amount of salt. And the salsa was just the right amount of chunky. With not an overwhelming amount of cilantro. Service was over the top. Patricio was absolutely one of a kind. He had told us a story about every dish and every drink that came to our table. Please request him if...