The Tamale Lady (Outside Vendor)

Came here because of the reviews. But man I was super disappointed. The tamales were super mid. And a dozen for $30 is crazy as hell. I’m not saying they were disgusting but the flavor definitely wasn’t worth the price. Super nice people though

I have been a loyal buyer for so long but the past three times I bought the tamale dough (masa) was completely RAW!! I don’t know what happened but it seems like she’s so care free on how she cooks them now!!! Completely UNEDIBLE!!! 😢

Best tamales hands down. The green are very spicy. Im just letting you know

The best tamales in Pilsen!!!! She's been there on that same corner at least 10 years!!! Been eating these tamales since!!!! A self-made millionaire by simply selling tamales!!! Highly recommend!!!

Best damn tamales I’ve had since 2010 San Francisco California Bay Area-… and I’m coming all the way from the Southside— it’s me little treat when I’m feeling down. I always grab a dozen and a couple for my son he’s vegan.

There is a reason that she is a program destination in Google Maps. There is a reason that she is one of the most highly revirwed food places for tamales on Yelp. If you want incredibly tasty tamales at a really good price, Go get them here! (Notice that there's a line six deep even on a rainy cold Sunday morning.)

On Saturday, January 25, around 7:30, I stopped by to buy tamales, hoping to find the same vendor. Instead, I encountered a different lady and a man. When I asked if they were the same ones selling tamales at that spot, they confirmed it. I decided to purchase them, but they were disappointing—lacking the original recipe and flavor, with an overwhelming amount of oregano. I paid $12 for six tamales. Does anyone know what happened to the original vendor? Be cautious when buying tamales from this place.

Honestly these were such a solid go to back in the day and now… they’re just not it anymore idk what is going on with their food but a lot of the times the tamales are RAW the masa is not cooked all the way- my sister bought some pink ones along with a dozen green ones and the two pink ones were both raw. And half the green ones were just mainly masa and barely any meat. Price went up to $30/ a dozen which would be fine if they matched the same taste profile and consistency but no. So not worth it. Maybe they can’t keep up with how popular they got? But rushing something like tamales is not a good idea. Just unfortunately not worth it anymore.

After 30 years she finally had her Store front Congratulations to The Tamal Lady They accept Zelle!! The place is spacious and the service is great! The food is savory and just right on the spicy! See photos below so you can see just how big the Oaxaqueño Tamal is. I didn't order a regular Tamal bc I wanted to taste the Oaxaqueño ones first and they didn't disappoint! The price for it is $6.06 and it is worth it. It's like having 4 tamales in one. I'll be going back to taste the regular ones. For now my review is only on the Oaxaqueño Tamales.

Put together an order of several dozen tamales and had it ready on time! Super nice on the phone and in person!

The renowned tamale lady that used to sell delicious tamales off 21st and Damen now opened up her own brick-and-mortar establishment.

The former street vendor now has a brick and mortar business. Great portions for the price plus the flavor that others lack on their tamales. The champurrado is as close as to authentic as you can get. Fast and friendly service. Now you can dine in not just carry out. Come check them out on Cermak where the old ice cream place used to be a few doors down from the breakfast place.

I have never had tamales before until my co-workers introduced me to the tamale lady absolutely delicious absolutely addictive we used to get the tamales on break and we would get over in that area by any means necessary I no longer work at that company but I still love the food of the tamale lady it's worth the trip I have been missing out on goodness for years but no more give it a try I'm sure you'll love it

Our friend used to bring us tamales from the tamale lady and today I finally went over myself. She is literally on the corner of the street under some tents/umbrellas (it was raining today). I went around 8:20am on a Friday. There was somewhat ample street parking around. She accepts cash, there is a chase bank right next to her. The regular(red and green) tamales are $2 each. They also have sweet ones!! Pineapple and strawberry. There are some special ones she has only on weekends, those are $5 each. They were super nice! They speak English and Spanish. I'll be back.

Masa to meat ratio perfect! Salsas were just delicious. Support small local businesses. Quick friendly staff.

I'm sorry but I have tried these over and over thinking maybe today wasn't their best ? But no after trying her tamales about 5 times (just trying to support my people) it was not good to me. The chicken was always dry the corn was decent but we want spicy and saucy not dry :( I'm glad others love her but as a tamales enthusiast this one is a no especially if you have chefs in the house than you're gonna be underwhelmed. Also there's another señora in this same area she's by herself near the alley if yall want something spicier she's my go to every time .

Best tamales in the city. Don't tell my grandma I said that. I go probably twice a week. Don't judge me.

Went there again the other day, two dollars each -still delicious- still huge -still great. I get the green chicken and red pork. There are others along the same street trying to cash in on her business, selling their tamales but make sure you go to her. You won't be disappointed. Shes on the north corner of the bank.

I had my first authentic tamale in my life today here in this amazing spot, my cousins were kind enough to share and then I ordered my own later on in the day. I will definitely be ordering first thing in the morning I have never had anything and that was jalapeno. Everything was great except their tables and chairs; it is not enough to the number of customers they have every day. Hope they can improved and expand their place also the seatings. I am looking forward to pay a visit again soon. I highly recommend this spot!

In my opinion, they make awesome tamales but their drinks are even better! Don't know what it's called but it's a thick hot rice and cinnamon drink that is amazing. Was there a week ago and she was already gone. She's gone when she sells out.

In 2019, been to Chicago twice. Twice. Also the number of times I got tamales from The Tamale Lady. Keep this in mind. I live in Southern California. Rain or shine. Or even snow. She's out there. Until she runs out. Heard people line up to get some of her $1.25 singles or $15 dozens. Pork. Chicken. Spicy. Non. I liked them both. I prefer the pork. Decent size for the price. I like the meat to dough (masa) ratio. Not all masa. Vendor operates out of a cart. No table service. No food delivery. Cash only. Limited English. But delicious food. Haven't had their drinks. Yet. Side note: Tamales will warrant an inspection by TSA at O'Hare. Happens when you're carrying two dozen in your carry on.

Fantastic street food with most affordable price and authentic taste, also quite friendly and suitable for a solo traveler as a breakfast.

Bought tamales this morning and noticed that the masa was not fully cooked. It was multiple tamales that were raw. For the money i paid, completely unacceptable. Will not be going back again.

Best tamales I've had in a long time and they are huge and I've eaten quite a few in my day the only thing that would come close is my uncle's recipe that passed away and no one ever bother to learn it BUT these are awesome indeed

Looooove me sum tamales!!! This lady is well known throughout Chicagoland for turning out DELICIOUS tamales.Im born and raised here and TRUST ME everyone knows this lady.Lucky me I just recently moved to Pilsen.Been here a year already.So Im a regular at this spot now.But I've known about her FOREVER.She definitely does em' right.Today I was there just waiting for her because I KNEW she would come AS USUAL.Sooooo HAPPY!!!

Best I've had never fails every time i get I know it's going to taste exactly how i like my verde chicken tamales.

Can someone start a go fund me for these two hard working ladies who sell these Delicious tamales please! I read here today they were robbed a month ago! Someone on here wrote that we should not support this business, because the owner that these ladies work for had to repay the money that was stolen! Wow, that is completely unfair to these two hard-working ladies. I feel there's something we can do as the community to help them. They should have have had to pay that money back. I'm still going to support the business because I know the ladies still need to get paid, so please continue to support this business. ,. While someone can start a go fund me page to get back with the money that the lady's lost, and had to repay to the owner. I always thought that the ladies who sold the tamales it was their business now I find out it's not, but we need to come together and help them!! Anyone interested in helping?

I understand that there are many tamale ladies out there in the streets of Chicago, but this is the only place that I consistently get my tamales from on the weekends. The specific location is at the southeast corner of 21st. Place and Damen. Typically street vendors that sell Mexican breakfast-related items would be out early in the morning and be done by 10am or so. The tamale lady crew seems to have their "kitchen team" that supports their inventory so that they can extend the business hours. My go-to flavor is pollo verde. The sauce is spicy but it's exactly how I like it. Each tamal is priced at $1.25. If you get the ones wrapped with banana leaves, each costs $3. I have had pollo rojo in banana leaves. They were equally delicious! Street parking across along Damen can be found. If you would like some coffee to go with these addicting tamales, there's one inside the CTA Damen Pink Line station. I also enjoy their coffee very much. Of course, it's cash-only with the tamale lady, so save your bartending tip or get some green bucks from an ATM.

Tamales are so good and freshly made. Champorado and Arroz con Leche are even more amazing!!!

I live in Southern California so I have very high expectations of Mexican food so when I learned that Chicago has a thriving tamale scene I had to see it for myself. After extensive research many reviewers gave high marks to "The Tamale Lady" in Pilsen and raved about her hand-made pockets of joy especially the ones with spicy green sauce. A few even stated that there would be long lines bright and early in the morning and that they were worth the wait. The weather forecasted rain, but since I saw photos of her standing in the snow during the winter months I had no doubt she'd sell her goods in case it poured cats and dogs - and I was right! There was no line at 9am (probably because of the rain and humidity) and she had everything available. I decided to grab a dozen of the tamales with green chicken (spicy) and a half dozen with red pork (mild) to bring back home for my family and friends to enjoy a piece of Chicago. But before packing them up, I took it upon myself to be a guinea pig and taste test one of the red ones. Oh-Em-Gee, it was delicious!! The corn to meat ratio was perfect and the flavor brought everything together cohesively. I recently went to a "must eat" tamale shop in LA recently, and I would rather have the tamales from THIS lady. I think I might have been ruined for life lol For $15 a dozen or $1.25 for a single, I would definitely come back and buy more!

Amazing tamales!!! More expensive but sooo worth it, they are steaming hot and she will even bring them to your car if you pull up in front. I will be back!!!

The best tamales around. Sells out quick. Get there early. Yum yum Red and green all good.

Varias veces hemos comido estos tamales y han estado buenos. Pero hoy nos tocaron tres tamales rojos que estaban echados a perder. Hasta las ganas de tomarme el champurrado se me quitaron. We have eaten tamales from here a few times and they have been good. But today we had 3 red tamales that were spoiled. Didn't even want to drink my champurado anymore.

Amazing!!!! These are fatties! Rajas and red pork are fire! Even the masa has flavor. They are also well-filled.

There started to put little meat on it. It seems it's not the same person making them. Will I continue going maybe, seen it's convent. Cerdo RojoGreen Chicken Tamales. El champurrado it's good, so it's the service.

Did you all know that the workers last Sunday got robbed ? And that the owner asked one of her worker to pay her for all the things that were stolen because it was her fault that they got robbed? Don't support this business. just because you're thriving doesn't mean you gotta act like a b!tch and make your worker pay for something they had no control of.

Simple operation for authentic Mexican tamales! Like other reviews stated, she's usually setting up right on the corner around 7am. **NOTE SHE HAS RAISED HER PRICES** (at least since I last visited her in Oct) $1.25/each, $14/dozen cash only. still reasonable, but just be prepared! I think she also has increased her selection, but I don't read Spanish, so I'm not sure; I should've taken a pic of her new signage with the menu, but was in a rush this morning, but her staples are still available.

My first tamale was from here; it started it a lifelong appreciation. I never realized that tamales could vary in quality because I lived so close to the Tamale Lady and was spoiled with the tender masa and spicy, meaty filling at a great price. Small wonder people drive to this corner early in the morning. Always a staple if you're in the area. I feel bad for the other vendors nearby but this one can't be beat!!! Get the pollo verde asap the run out first!

Ordered a red pork tamale and a green chicken tamale. Unfortunately they had no meat inside it was strictly maza with with spicy salsa and she's charging $2 per tamale. I've had better tamales at a better price.

If you're looking for the best street tamales in chicago then look no further. Shes the best and always there. Right on Damen and Cermak. Red pork, green chicken and poblano peppers and cheese are what I purchase and they are always great.

All I have to say is there's a line every morning for these tamales. People know they're getting the best here. I always get two tamales de rajas (jalapeño with cheese) and a champurrado (thick Mexican hot chocolate). So freaking good. I'm super picky about my champurrado, finding that some people are stingy with amount of milk they add and lack of flavor, but this lady makes the most creamiest concoction. Also, fyi for those who haven't eaten a tamal before, don't eat it with "the shell".

As a Tamale Snob....the Tamale Lady is the leading lady in the tamales business. Taste 10 stars, Appearance 10 stars. The size of two tamales will fill you up. Price is appropriate for you get. The corner of 21st place and Damen is where you need to be.

The tamale lady has the best tamales. I drive 20 minutes away to get them. Her daughter is very nice. I don't speak Spanish but she's alwYs so kind.

I ordered 70 tamales for an event and they were AMAZING! We all loved it. Best tamales in town! Love them so much!

Probably the best place to get tamales in the south side of Chicago. Having been born and raised just south of Pilsen, I may have my biases, but there is no doubt that they churn out some AMAZING tamales. The texture and flavor of these tamales are to die for (i'm not kidding when I say I literally have dreams about them). These tamales are amongst the few things in this world I would set an alarm to wake up for (the tamale ladies go home after about 1PM) I also wanted to make mention of the dedication of these strong women. They are consistently out there in the cold, even when the bitter Chicago winters drop in to the negatives. I admire them so much for all their hard work and dedication and I would NEVER EVEN DREAM of buying a tamale from anyone else. If you're from Chicago (or not) and you haven't had these tamales yet, you're missing out. You've got to get some! PS: it's obviously CASH ONLY, so bring some! ($1.50/tamale)

Good person. very friendly and good porción y muy rico el champurrado y arroz con leche

Just. Wow. I stopped by for a dozen tamales to take to a friend who moved away from Chicago and has been missing homemade tamales. The Tamale Lady did not disappoint! First, the pricing is extremely reasonable: a dozen fresh, homemade tamales for $18. Next, they are so good. A great balance of stuffing to masa. Finally, they traveled extremely well. I am definitely going to make the Tamale Lady a regular stop when I am in Pilsen and need a tamale fix.

I don't know why the people like those tamales. They don't add meat any more to the tamales, you buy masa with salsa and super expensive. Definitely, I can find better tamales next time. Also, the ladies should take customer service 101. They are so rude. Horrible experience

The green sauce (spicy) tastes sooo good! Go check out the Tamale Lady if you are in the neighborhood!

Hey, I must say...it was interesting tryna find this person. The tamales though, didn't turn out to be worth the hunt. The tamales simply were not cooked. Also, it lack flavor. Will I go back to try them again...probably not.

Excellent tamales! They are delicious and she is generous with the meat filling! It's a great masa to filling ratio. You can't go wrong with these tamales. And the way she has the set up is very professional, people handling only the food and another person charging.

I gave you 5 stars before but Yelp just informed me they took it down cause I made comments about people not wearing masks around you. Don't know what that has to do with tmyour tamales

Tamales were good but I've had better. Pros: inexpensive, and convenient. Cons: no set hours - available until sold out, no one monitors the cleanliness of the service. I know we all need to make money but I'm concerned if I get food poisoning - who do I contact or where do I go. Overall, for the price I guess you get what you pay for in terms of location and overall customer service.

Best tamales, the arroz con leche is delicious and the champurrado too , I know really well the lady and the other lady that work there

I live across the street and I buy from her all the time, there so good and moist and packed with meat and sauce I highly recommend theses Tamales 5 stars.

I question whether the authors of all the glowing reviews have ever had good tamales. In short, there's no need to top a good tamale with salsa. These babies had to be drenched. Secoooooooooooooos (like most tamales in the neighborhood, sadly).

OMG!!! I've been living in Chicago for 3 years (CA native... bomb ass tamales there) and I FINALLY found a spot that whips up the most amazing tamales. They do NOT skimp on the meat and the flavor. I recommend the pork tamales. I picked up 2 dozen. Spicy for me and non spicy for my gringo husband