Tamaleria Azteca

Love this place, one of the few good and cheap Mexican places in North Oakland. I usually buy a dozen tamales since it's the best deal which comes out to a 3 dollar meal for days. The tamales are pretty big too. Watch out for the pepper in the cheese ones though. I recommend bringing own Tupperware and a little jar for salsa though to cut down on the plastic usage.

Love this spot! wish they didn’t run out of veggie and corn tamales though because damn!!

Amazing - we had the tacos, tamales, and quesadillas and they were all chef’s kiss good. My kids,California natives who are used to great Mexican food, thought it was exceptional.

My daughter wanted a tamale and wouldn't change her mind!! We went here and she finished it with a big smile, and she said "mommy that was SO good! I'm full."

Yummy authentic tamales. The cheese and jalapeño is my fav. The pork can be dry. Wish they had a ground beef option...

I hear the tamales are delicious, but everytime I go there they are either out of the vegetarian options or closed even during listed open hours. At least put up a sign on when you might open the window back up, if the clapboard is still out.

This is one of Oakland’s best kept secrets. The tamales are out of this world and they have a large variety to choose from. Enjoy delicious food and support a small business at the same time.

Delicious, large tamales...my favorite from them. No longer cash only.

Hole in the wall and right in front of the F bus stop is the perfect place for some tamales! I ordered the house special with a pork tamale and added on a cheese tamale, and I was super full. I couldn't finish half of the pork tamale. The tamales here are very hefty but delicious. I loved the cheese tamale because each bite was accompanied with sharp cheddar to balance with the fluffy masa. The beans also tasted very home cooked and the rice was very flavorful. I recommend getting the house special! However beware when you come that there is basically no seating. You can stand or sit on the chairs without tables. I recommend taking a stroll to temescal lake park to enjoy your tamales there!

You wouldn't even really know this place was here unless you've been here before or were walking on the street. And talk about a whole in the wall!! It's a literal order window! Heard about this spot from one of the field guys at my job and it definitely didn't disappoint. I order the house special with an extra tamale. They have different filling choices which is nice, they offer chicken, pork, cheese, veggie and corn. If you want something a little sweet I definitely recommend the corn tamale! I opted for two chicken and let me tell you......... the meat was tender, flavorful, the masa wasn't dry like a lot of other places. It comes with rice, beans and all the fixings on the tamales (lettuce, crema , queso fresco) Now this isn't a place to sit down and eat but they have an outdoor counter so that's were we enjoyed lunch today. And it was beautiful out so it made it that much better

This place is exactly what I'm looking after biking around on a beautiful Saturday. It is probably what you think of when you hear the phrase hole in the wall. It's small and unassuming, you can only get the food to go, and you better be okay eating in/on your car or finding a bench somewhere (we used the bus stop bench). I had the three tamales for $10 (two chicken and one cheese). The flavors were great, the accompanying salsa in a bag was sketchy (in the sense that it was difficult to deal with on a small bench with a bunch of wind), but it added a nice touch to the food, and the overall vibe is something I can appreciate. It's cheap and delicious, definitely come through and try them out if you're craving tamales or would like to try them!

I finally made it here !! I had to drive around in circles before finally being able to find parking My persistence paid off. No private parking lot Street parking only This place is a TO GO spot only. No inside or outside eating Get your food and be gone kinda of a spot lol Let's start off with the pork tamale ..... comes with a salsa roja that was very good!! I always say if the salsa is good... 10 times out of 10 the food is good !! The tamale itself is really good doesn't really need any salsa but I personally have to put salsa on everything!! Tamales are $3.50 each or 3 for $10 Tamale was a decent size Meat was flavored very well and the masa itself was really good !! Masa is soft and almost creamy (in a good way) and flavorful (Masa was not grainy ) If you know you know !!! I also ordered 2 super tacos One of asada One of chicken Tacos come with cheese, sour cream, green salsa, onion and cilantro ( I of course added salsa roja on top of them) Tacos are ok..... Customer service is friendly and fast Credit cards are accepted I definitely want to come back and try other flavors of tamales I only tried the pork because that is all they had available at the time ....

I finally had a chance to try out Tamaleria Aztecs yesterday after passing by it countless times over the years driving down Market Street. What a hidden gem! My wife and I got two cheese tamales, with one being a house special which included beans and rice, and cotija cheese and shredded lettuce over the tamale. The tamales here are honestly the best tamales that I've ever had. The masa is moist and flavorful, the cheese is evenly distributed inside the tamale, and the peppers inside give just the right amount of kick to not leave you wanting more hot sauce. Though the name of the restaurant would suggest otherwise, you can order tacos and burritos here as well, not just tamales. The Yelp information around cash only is incorrect - they definitely take card (and even have VISA and AMEX stickers on the window). Definitely would recommend stopping by if you're looking for great tamales.

Chicken tamale Standard tamale but done really well 80/100 Corn tamale More sweet than I expected but the masa was so good Pleasant surprise 85/100

I'm going to say what everyone is afraid to say out loud: most tamales suck. They're hockey pucks packed into cute little corn husks, and we're all supposed to marvel and pretend like we aren't eating corn-flavored sand. Don't even talk to me if you buy frozen tamale bricks from a store like Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Make your way to Tamaleria Azteca instead. They have the art of the tamale dialed in, and the masa is oh-so soft and tender. It doesn't really matter which filling you buy because it's all about the masa. $10 for 3 gigantic tamales. Go. There. Now.

The food is incredible! Service is quick and easy. We ordered their "Special" which came with a side of rice and beans and your choice of any, one tamale. (I got chicken and my husband got pork.) The beans were delicious, the rice was ok, and everything else was so YUMMY! PLEASE, give this place a chance! Definitely coming back!

I'm not quite sure I understand the hype. I will say the masa is *very* good. Great flavor and texture! The fillings, however, are really bland. The chicken and pork tamales have very colorful meat that looks heavily seasoned, but both are actually bland with a very watered-down flavor. The corn tamales have an excellent, sweet masa and pleasant flavor throughout, but I found them really dry and dense in the middle. The rice dry, and the beans were okay. 3 stars at best.

Wonderful tamales. Have to limit my intake they are so delicious. All flavors are delicious. And yes the vegetable and the cheese tamales are made without lard!

Some of the best tamales in the Bay Area are sold out of this storefront that's been operating for more than 30 years. There's a reason people make the trek to this shop; the tamales are fantastic. There wasn't much selection by the time I arrived, but what I had was divine.

Great tamales. I'm not usually a tamale eater. Most tamales have too much masa and not enough filling for me. Not so with Tamaleria Azteca. Excellent masa with very flavorfil chicken, pork or veggie fillings. It is just a hole in the wall on Market Street in Oakland. Orders served out the window. You will not be disappointed.

All of the food here is amazing from the tacos, to the nachos, to the tamales! The chicken and the pork tamales are so good. Even so I froze some to bring back with me on the plane. The masa is so smooth and cooked perfectly!

I had a frozen tamale from TJ's once and decided that I wanted to try a fresh one. These ones were 10x better and i loved how they came out steaming hot! We tried eating in the car and it was even hard to hold, which made it so much more delicious. The price is good with 3 tamales for $10. We got the pork, chicken, and cheese. The chicken was a bit dry, but the pork was delicious. I wasn't expecting much from the cheese, but it turned out to have a lot of flavor and there was even a spicy pepper in there that blew me away. Definitely eat some with the bite of the tamale and not by itself (like I mistakenly did for my first bite!). I haven't ate many tamales to make much comparison, but I thought the food was fairly priced, the service was quick, the tamales were hot, and the ratio of meat was good! Would definitely come back if I'm ever craving again :)

Excellent tamales! Super fresh handmade tamale! Sign me up for weekly trips! Tacos, burritos and tummy loving tamales! Swing through and quickly goto the togo window on the side of the street!

I'm agree, doesn't look that much for outside but the food is great and at a fair price, service is also great. That green salsa is a little on the Hot side but really tasty

First time buying tamales here at Christmas. Wanted to like them but they were lacking filling and there was a greasy, weird taste that threw off the flavor. I tried them on two occasions to see if it was an off day but that strange taste was there the second time. My tamale person is retired and my mom and grandma are gone now , so I'm just searching for an authentic, flavorful tamale, and this wasn't it. Sorry. Also, guy at the window...Hella rude.

No way does this place deserve 4.5 stars. I can't possibly be the only one who got their measly tamales.

Time to order tamales for pick up on Christmas Eve! They are pretty big and while they will freeze, why? This year I'm only getting six beef and six chicken. Seems moister than the pork. My Mexicana GF has taught me to wrap each tamale I tightly in foil and warm them in the oven at 450 degrees/20 minutes. Place your order before December 20th! You need to bring cash.

The food was amazing, and the tamales were well seasoned. The service was fast quick in easy in and out for call in orders.

Finally got to check this one off for places to try. Really delicious tamales, and they're larger than most restaurants. Also, have good variety and a veggie option. Guy who has been there the last few times has been nice and efficient. There isn't a parking lot but I've lucked out each time and gotten a space on the street a few cars away. I'll definitely go again.

I've ordered tamales from here for many years. And even though they are on point! taste like my mamas authentic! I have had problems before when picking up and they don't have my order. They did make it right and deliver my tamales and did not charge me. But my party was nearly over so a lot of my guest didn't get to enjoy. But this year I tried to order tamales and called and texted the number and got no response.Tried multiple times, because I really enjoy the tasty tamales. I ended up buying tamales from Masa in Richmond and I'm very happy because these are sooo delicious. And only a dollar more a dozen than Azteca. I feel if the load is too much for Sergio he should have someone else respond to his customers.

I stopped by the day after Christmas to pick up a dozen tamales (queso, pork & chicken). I didn't pre-order so I was only able to score 1 queso y rajas tamal. That was unfortunate because cheese tamales are my favorite. The tamales from this little hole in the wall are bomb. They're generous with the amount of filling and the tamales are huge. Every tamaleria on planet Earth struggles with the same critique from customers: "the tamales have too much masa!" I saw some old reviews complaining about the masa to filling ratio. Look, when done well the masa from a tamal is delicious. The masa is not a supporting cast, it is the main act. Tamales are not rich people food. This is straight up Mexican peasant food, it's comfort food, it's indulgent but also modest food. My great grandmother had to learn to perfect her masa and make it really delicious because they were poor and didn't have money to stuff it with meat. It you're looking for a lot of meat and little masa, that's not a tamal, that's a burrito. Tamaleria Azteca does an excellent job prepping their masa. It's fluffy, rich, and moist. Masa is delicious if you give your tastebuds a moment to focus on it and enjoy it. The tamales reheat really well too. As for the filling, 5 stars all around. I usually skip the chicken tamales and go for pork but I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the chicken was. The flavor and spiciness level was just right for me. I love spicy but I also like to have control over the heat/spicy and that's why I appreciated the big container of salsa roja they gave me. Are there other excellent tamalerias in Oakland? Of course. No doubt there's other great spots but don't pass on Tamaleria Azteca because you're worried about taste & quality. They 100% hit the mark!

Pretty good tamales. I ordered 48 tamales (4 dozen) and they were bagged and warm by the time I arrived. Highly recommend the pork tamales and cheese tamales as well!

Got the house special pork tamale for $7.50. Yummy and definitely worth it. Cash only. The green salsa they put on top was spicy, but I liked that. Cheap, simple yummy lunch

This place was not a place I would go again. The parking was hard to find, the tamales were bland and tasted old and stale. The rice was repulsive and the corn tamales were chalky and watered down at the same time. This was awful. The service was poor, and they forced me out after receiving food. There was no decor. Two out of five is GENEROUS.

The tamales are really flavourful. The masa is seasoned nice, but some of the tamales are lacking filling.... Still very delicious just wish they would put more filling in them.

3 stars due to the fact that a few weeks ago the food was BOMB! A1 and now that I just came here for a burrito, I'm beyond upset that the cooks, no longer work here to make burritos, tacos or quesadillas. Literally had this place for the 1st time a few weeks ago and fell in love. I don't even know how I'm writing this review, I'm really just hella man y'all and hungry lol. Super disappointing though still.

I had a tamale craving and decided to come here for lunch since I've been wanting to try their tamales. There is no dining area, you place and pick up your order at the window. 4 tamales for $10, not bad. I got 2 chicken and 2 cheese and asked for some salsa or hot sauce on the side which came in a plastic bag. Luckily they had an umbrella at the window so the sun doesn't directly shine in your face. Got to work and began to dig in. The size of the tamales are pretty big. I could only eat 2. The chicken was good, not as flavorful as I had hoped for. The cheese tamale was really flavorful but was hard and not gooey as I like. I had to use a knife to cut my cheese tamale but not my chicken one. This isn't the best tamale I've ever had but it also didn't suck majorly. Overall I'd spend $5 here than at McDonald's.

I have been going to them on and off for the past few years. It's a family owned and operated place, that has expanded its menu to more than tamales. It's a hole in the wall on the corner but you'll see it. The tamales are large, cheap and quite filling. Although it is more masa than filling. The salsa is spicy good and they give it to you in a bag, dipping my tamale in it so good. The cheapest street tacos along with being freshly made. They've been so hot and fresh, I can't hold them without feeling the heat.

Original owner and his bro are awesome super friendly. Food flavor is excellent. Hot sauce is perfect.

The tamales are incredible , if you can only get them ! They are impossible to contact by phone and there is no website. Can be very disappointing if you are planning for a holiday or a special occasion . Would get 5 stars if they would only answer their phone!

Best Tamale of the Bay Area? Eh... Good for East Bay- heck yes! Overall the experience was a delight. Calling to check if their open and it was a treat that they were! So a caravan of folks and I powered down to Tamaleria... me thinking- How delicious would 2 tamales be right now? Pretty Darn Tasty. The two I selected had great meat to masa ratio. The others my buddies collect, not so much. I will say I will be back. Even if the salsa comes over the counter and in a plastic bag... and they only accept cash- this East Bay Treasure deserves my business! I'll have to continue to on to find the best Tamale in the Bay Area... both statement but tasty nonetheless!

I don't know what's up with the high Yelp rating but these were some of the worst tamales that I've ever had. I tried the pork, chicken, and cheese tamales and they were all super dry and had hardly any filling in them. I gave them an extra star because it is a mom & pop business but man, I felt bamboozled by all the Yelp hype.

I truly think I have been spoiled all my life with Mexican cooking because everywhere I go whether it's a huge restaurant or a small hole in the wall like this, nothing compares. And unfortunately, this is true for this tamaleria. It's okay, but definitely, nothing to go out of your way for. The meat, salsa, and even the taste of the masa are subpar. You can tell by the texture of the masa, the taste of it, the ratio of the meat, the way the meat looks in your tamal, and the viscosity of the salsa. If you're hungry, don't have time to make them yourself and eat just okay Mexican food, this is the spot for you. It's edible food that might surprise you here and there; however, it seems stable enough where it's not a constant hit or miss like other places. It's a stable okay meal. Si tienen tiempo mejor haganlo en casa porque este lugar son los tamales de tu tio que se quiere creer buen cocinero como tu abuelos pero no logra meterle el sabor que se necesita.

Here to report that they do take credit cards! (Was almost very sad when I checked my wallet and didn't have enough cash but asked and they are fully set up for cards). Also obviously the tamales rock.

Delicious tamales! When passing by, if you see their window open, stop and ask for some warm tamales. They are all good, for me the cheese and jalapeno is fire!

Best tamales I've ever eaten in my entire LIFE. Please stop what you're doing and go and order a dozen or more for your family. They will thank you.

Well, this was an interesting one. Storefront window, no seating. The sign says "Best Tamales in the USA". I don't quite agree. I thought the tamales were ok. I got a pork , as it is what I would judge a Tamale on...It wasn't huge, and it was good. I thought they were a bit too citrusy tasting for me. I was hoping for better as a Tamaleria... On the other hand, the taco's were great! I did get two of the taco's and I would definately come back here again. The tacos were simple street tacos, but they were great. They had very rich flavors in both the pork and chicken. Not fancy, but very tasty. If you need a quick meal and are in the area, I would recommend stopping by for the Tacos.

These tamales remind me of the ones my Sonoran grandmother makes and this place is a safehaven for me in the Bay. The rice is perfect the tamales are the best. I don't go for the tacos but they are just as tasty. Love this place been eating their food for 10 years

Good lord these tamales are incredible. They're HUGE, cheap, and delicious. Everything you could want when you're jonesing for some classic Mexican. I ordered three thinking I could handle it, but I was no match. 3 for $10 (cash only) is a stupidly good deal, and it'll last me for two meals.

Fresh, hot, fragrant! These are only 3 of the very many positive things I have to say about this literal hole-in-the-wall Tamaleria. There are Veg options which really caught my attention and these are sooo filling and super tasty! Really reasonable pricing and quick service! Parking is a bit limited in the area but it's a grab and go so not a problem for long. Viva la Tamale Tuesday!!

The tamales are very good here! They are made the traditional way, and they taste so good! Their service is amazing too! They have very tasty food. They also have a walk up window for pick up.

Love their carne asada burrito. Haven't tried their tamales yet, but I will get them next time! Friendly and quick service.

Amazing tamales. I got 3 for $10 and these tamales are large and tasty. They don't make um like this for this price anymore.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/article/Meet-the-fourth-generation-tamale-vendor-with-a-14899476.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=sfc_chroniclefood They were just featured in the San Francisco Chronicle!

The tamales are always on point- and crazy cheap for how good the quality is. They often have a full grill going- just get the tacos

Awesome place. Many flavors to chose from. Chicken can be a bit dry. FYI. Seeet tamales rock too.

Delicious tamales. They're open today on Saturday! Their yelp hours show closed but I called and they're open - just fyi in case you're looking on a weekend and you lose hope by hours posted. Just give them a call to check.

Really good Tamales. We ordered 3 dozens of Pork, Chicken, Vegetables and Pineapple for new years and I must say that they are the best Tamales we have had. They are big compared to others and have a really good amount of filling which is key. Highly recommend this place. From now on it is our go to place for Tamales.