The Tamale Store — Restaurant in Phoenix

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you—

The Tamale Store is a culinary treasure nestled in a strip mall on Cave Creek Road. Step inside, and you're instantly transported to Mexico. The vibrant atmosphere, traditional Spanish music, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly made tamales set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by Elizabeth, who guided us through the extensive menu. As first-timers, we were overwhelmed by the variety, but Elizabeth's recommendations were spot-on. She suggested a selection of six tamales, each offering a unique flavor profile.

The tamales are generously filled and crafted with care. The masa is thick and flavorful, a testament to the store's commitment to quality. We sampled three before we were thoroughly satisfied. The chicken green chile featured all-natural shredded chicken breast with a mild salsa verde made from fresh tomatillos, cilantro, and roasted green chiles. The beef red chile offered lean shredded beef with a mild red chile sauce made from an all-natural tomato sauce and an exotic blend of dried Mexican chilies. The hatch & jack tamale combined roasted New Mexican Hatch chilies with a gooey Monterey Jack cheese center, delivering a delightful and spicy experience.

Accompanying our tamales were sides of red mashed potatoes and two eggs. The potatoes were bursting with flavor, and the eggs were cooked to my liking. A suggestion: a home-style potato option would be a welcome addition to the menu.

The restaurant is impeccably organized and maintained, with a condiment station conveniently located near the soft drink machine. Whether you're dining in or taking out, the experience is seamless and enjoyable.

On our way out, I couldn't resist ordering a coffee. As a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I can confidently say it was one of the best cups I've had in recent memory. The addition of Abuela's chocolate made it a standout.

The Tamale Store is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that brings the flavors of Mexico to Phoenix. With its friendly staff, authentic dishes, and inviting atmosphere, it's a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of tradition.

For a list of their different tamales, more information or to plan your visit, check out their...

Having visited The Tamale Store for the second time, I feel compelled to share just how exceptional this establishment truly is. It's not every day you come across a place that consistently exceeds expectations, especially for someone who's historically been on the fence about tamales.

From the moment you step inside, the cleanliness and organization of the space are immediately apparent. It's evident that the owners take great pride in their business, which is further reflected in the tasteful decorations that add a welcoming warmth to the dining experience.

One of the unique offerings of The Tamale Store is the flexibility in how you can enjoy their tamales - either freshly made to order or frozen for later enjoyment. This thoughtful consideration ensures that everyone can savor their delightful tamales at their own convenience.

Now, onto the star of the show - the tamales themselves. I've always been hesitant about tamales, primarily due to my past experiences with dry masa and a disappointing filling-to-masa ratio. However, The Tamale Store has completely transformed my viewpoint. The tamales here are, without exaggeration, the best I've ever had. The masa is perfectly moist, and the amount of high-quality, flavorful filling in each tamale is remarkably consistent. You won't find any skimpy fillings or overly thick masa here - just perfectly balanced, mouthwatering tamales every single time.

What truly sets these tamales apart is the quality and consistency of the ingredients. It's clear that there's a commitment to excellence that shines through in every bite, making each visit a memorable culinary experience.

In conclusion, whether you're a tamale aficionado or someone who's been less than impressed with tamales in the past, The Tamale Store is a must-visit. Their dedication to quality, consistency, and customer experience is evident in every aspect of their business, making it a place I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an exceptional...

I’ve heard nothing but great things so decided to take the drive and give it a try even though they are around 45 mins away from me. Placed my order online to expedite the process since it was such a long drive and the online ordering experience was easy. Upon arrival there was no one up front to great you when you walked in so wasn’t really sure where to go since it was my first time here. I saw a sign that said grubhub pick up so I went to that counter and waited to be treated by the staff. There was a young lady that clearly saw I was standing there but never acknowledged my presence or let anyone else know I needed to be helped. Finally a young man came from the back and when he saw me he quickly came over and handed me my order. When he first gave my order to me he forgot the drinks but once I let him know I also had two drinks he quickly got them for me and even went the extra mile and helped me carry everything out to my car. He was phenomenal to deal with and I appreciate his time. I had the chicken mole tamale and the hatch green tamale. The mole one lacked salt but the hatch tamale was by far the best tamale of the two and was perfectly seasoned and had a nice kick to it. If I were to patronize them again I would stick to the hatch tamale. I also ordered the nachos and I let these sit for several hours before actually eating them but I found them to be very mushy in texture and they just were not good so I would not recommend them. The drinks we had if I recall correctly was a melon agua Fresca and those were very refreshing and I would order it again if I went back. Overall I...