Tamales

My reviews are short.
Wife had enchiladas, she really enjoyed them.
I had the vegetarian burrito. Very good, esp with the goat cheese. What was not so great was the rice and beans on the side that were not vegetarian (cooked in chicken stock). Some vegetarians aren’t as picky as others but a veggie entrée, the sides offered should be vegetarian as well.
A bit pricey, but it’s downtown highland park.

There are few times in life when you leave before dinner even get’s started, but sometimes it’s better to cut your losses.
The inside of the place is anything but charming. Hoped to sit at the bar. No bar. As far as I could tell you can’t even get a margarita at this joint.
So we opted to sit out side, but they seated us at a table for two, which is very small.
I suppose my dismay was already beginning to show, because they offered to move us, but I declined, and before long the chips and salsa, and water, had come. The salsa was fresh, but bland. The chips were warm. Didn’t get a chance to try the water.
The final straw was the prices. $ 22 for «a taco»! I imagine it’s actually a taco plate, and beans, and rice and very nice, and you expect to pay a little more in Highland Park, but that’s outrageous! We walked, and won’t be back again. I prefer Casa de Isaac & Moishi which is just around the corner.

For me, it is just about as good as it gets.
Food: Yum. Just yum. Everything is fresh. The fish is beautifully prepared. The guacamole is very good. The margaritas are bright and refreshing. The chefs will take on special requests (for example, I asked for the sauce used on the broiled fish to be added to my fish tacos).
Atmosphere: Casual and fun. I’ve eaten there on my own numerous times and find that patrons from nearby tables will include me in conversation. It’s not unusual to find that people make friends while dining there.
Service: I have always had good service — BUT — I have always eaten there when there is not a crowd.
Price: Excellent value.

Got to eat outside, beautiful weather for some fajitas. Everything was tasty, I had the chicken and the steak. Highly recommend getting them. I’d definitely recommend this place!

Amazing food and even better atmosphere! The owner was seating people and talking to everyone, the servers were friendly and knowledgeable and the food… all I have to say is pumpkin tamale! YUM!

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Every visit it gets better and better! Duck tacos are Amazing and so are their signature tamales. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys great Mexican food. You will not be disappointed.

Ordinary and over priced. Nothing to write home about. I had the combo fajitas. Charged for cheese lettuce sour cream and guacamole. Hardly any beef and very few shrimp. Husband had the fish tacos. Needed a magnifying glass to see the fish. Granddaughter has cheese quesadilla. Charged extra for the tiny cup of sour cream.
I guess if you live on the North Shore this is okay for you. I prefer Casa d’ Issac, Mago or El Tradicional
I will not be back

I have been here many times in the last two years, alone and with friends. I have never had bad service, they are usually very good about coming to take your order pretty fast, are patient if you’re not ready to order yet, and are good about checking back with you if you need anything else… also, I like the Tamales Rewards Program… Join Now!
FREE appetizer every 5 visits, and a FREE Entrée every 10, plus many texts with specials.
My brother and I had dinner here tonight, (³⁄₂₅) and very much enjoyed it. Since I am a member of the Tamales Rewards Program, I received a free appetizer, so we ordered a full order of guacamole, which was delicious! My brother also likes Queso Fundido, so we ordered that. Delicious and very cheesy!
This drink isn’t on the menu, yet they will occasionally make it, and it is delicious also: a Michelada, (pronounced Meeshalada):
Mix the Modelo Negro (best one) beer with tomato juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki sauce, or soy sauce, and hot sauce.
Platos Pequenos (small Dishes)(appetizers)
Queso Fundido– With chorizo sausage and poblano chiles $ 9.25
Fresh Guacamole with chips Full Order 9.00 Half Order 5.00
Tamales (two) with rice & beans 13.25
Pumpkin & Shrimp are the best!
I will DEFINITELY be coming back soon!
Julie A. Roberts

This place fucking sucks ass. I found multiple hairs and it the food was extremely raw. I highly recommend not going. Save your time. Save your money. And most importantly, save your health…

My family stopped here for a quick bite to tie us over to our dinner reservation elsewhere. Didn’t know our «quick taco» ended up being a huge plate of 4 tacos with side of beans and rice. It was delicious and filling! (Totally ruined us for dinner ;) the service was great and our server had a good sense of humor. Will totally return. Overall we ordered: park tacos, ground beef tacos, shrimp tacos and mole tamale (least favorite).

Pretty good overall place. Great food, great service. Fair prices for what you’re getting. The only downside is that it is super loud. Kind of hard to talk.

Not impressed with the service. Rice was weird. Not very authentic in my opinion. Guac and chips were decent.

First the good… service was very good, attentive, timely and friendly. The salsa was chunky and the chips were crisp. Their jalapeño mashed potato side and grilled vegetables rule! Now the not so good… no frozen margaritas… ceviche was watery without any notable taste, and my skirt steak was salty to the point that I passed it over to my husband and son to finish.

So… after I left the following tip Saturday, I am now doing the review:
I called three days ago and made a reservation for tonight. I just called to double check and was told no one took my reservation. That’s not a good sign. I hope they now know I have a reservation when I show up. I’ll let you know in my review…
Review:
We showed up and they had our reservation! Not only that, they offered us inside or outside (since it was a really nice evening. The service was GREAT! The server and the owner/​manager kept checking back to see if we needed anything. Very attentive but not overly so.
Chips and salsa were fine. Nothing special, but good enough. I had wine and hubby had a beer, so we can’t comment on the drinks/​margaritas.
I trusted my fellow Unilocalers and ordered the skirt steak (Carne de Casa ~$ 20). It was so tasty. I like things spicy so when I mixed a bite with the jalapeño mashed potatoes and the veggies, there was a party in my mouth! I ordered it medium… it was perfect.
Hubby had the tilapia. He too was happy with his meal. Our friends ordered a Pollo Espinaco which came with this to-​die-​for-​looking spinach side dish. I didn’t taste it, but the other couple raved. They also had fish tacos. They loved them… not fried.
I had the churros for dessert (bad girl!), but they were worth it. I love crunchy fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. Yummmmmm. It comes with a yummy caramel dipping sauce.
So it turned out my fears were unwarranted. It was a great evening!

Wow– I can’t wait to go back. The tamales were awesome. The sauces were amazing. The mashed potatoes with jalapeño were to die for. Good drinks. Nice atmosphere. Pleasant, prompt service. More than fair prices and HUGE portions.

Still looking for good Mexican food around the North Shore. The food had little to no flavor, calling it average would be a stretch. I’d have been better off finding a taco truck, would have saved a few dollars to boot. Chilles Rellenos had no flavor, and the skirt steak fajitas were only slightly better. I guess Southern California spoiled me when it comes to Mexican food, this place wouldn’t even be in business in L.A.

We have been to this restaurant a couple of times. Although the first time exhibited some missteps, we went back for another try. We had a tamale (of course!), salads with amazing herbed dressings, as well as some traditional Mexican choices. The food was flavorful, the portions generous and the team responsive.

If I could give this restaurant negative stars I would for providing one of the most prejudice and shocking experiences I have ever had in my life…
It was May 8^th and I was in downtown Highland Park, usually alone or with my family we go to Las Palmas Mexican restaurant on Central where I sadly found out they had closed. I saw the Tamales restaurant across the street and thought why not give it a try. I went in and asked the man behind the bar if I could sit outside and he said go ahead and sit on the right side, which I did. I sat there for about 10 minutes and no one had waited on me and then the same man had came out and said «Don’t you see where you are sitting? The tables are different from this side and those belong to the café, you better move here if you would like to get served.»
From the start, I thought the way he was speaking to me was a bit weird because all he had to say that those tables do not belong to us, which in fact all the tables and chairs looked very similar. So then I got up and sat next to this couple within 12 inches between us, the couple was talking and it felt weird to be listening to their conversation, so I got up and sat at a 4 person table on the left side of the restaurant. The same man comes out with a loud voice tell me, «I think you and I have a miscommunication problem and you do not understand. This table is for 4 people and there is no way I will let you in my restaurant and sit at a table for 4 people.»
As he is yelling and saying all of these remarks I was dumfounded and overall shocked at how someone could speak to a customer this way. I was sitting their quiet when he then continues to yell at me «DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?» I could not believe I was hearing this and I continued to be in shock and began shaking and then I said, «EXCUSE ME??»
He then said, «Do you understand English??» I still could not believe what was happening. I then got up and said «Why are you so nasty?» He continued on with his rude remarks by saying, «Obviously you do not speak English or understand at least or you would have sit where I told you to sit… this is my restaurant and damned if I let you sit at the 4 person table!» He just then continued to repeat himself that I do not speak English.
I was appalled and shocked and never have seen anything like this in my life. By saying this is my restaurant I am assuming he was the owner and I wanted to call the police to report this and then I thought, what good would that do? I told him I was leaving, which I started to walk away and told him he was a piece of trash. He then turns around telling me I am the trash and «a walking piece of trash and said look everyone she is walking away, THE WALKING PIECE OF TRASH!»
I was stunned and shaken that in Highland Park in the year of 2015, there is still prejudice people such as that man himself that talk to people in such a horrible manner. I am asking for people to boycott this restaurant for this man’s unjustifiable behavior and the way he discriminates someone based on him thinking that they do not speak English. If that had even been the case, he should have treated me with more understanding and respect.
I was lucky enough to come across The Taqueria at 2069 Greenbay Road by taking a wrong turn on the road. There I was treated with the utmost respect and excellent service. It was a wonderful restaurant from its food, margaritas, service, ambiance and overall friendly people. I guess things happen for a reason…

We started going to this place before we were married — so as we near our 15^th anniversary, I can say it’s been a long time. Two kids have gotten in the way of regular date nights, so this visit was our first in a few years. I have a feeling the place has definitely changed hands since our last meal here.
The restaurant used to be called Hot Tamales and was hands-​down the best and most innovative Mexican food on the North Shore. We would regularly drive from Evanston to eat here. And seriously, what Evanstonian actually leaves Evanston to eat in another suburb? It was that good and we regularly made the trek to Highland Park to eat here. The restaurant is now called Tamales and really isn’t worth driving to at all… not even if we lived in Highland Park.
We got there on the early side on a Saturday night (pre-​movie) and were cursorily acknowledged, despite there only being one other group dining, and told to sit wherever we wanted. Our server was efficient, but either totally hates his job or was having a grumpy day — sort of amusing since he was wearing one of the restaurant’s signature «No Whiners» t-​shirts. His service throughout our meal was fine, but devoid of personality, no checking in on us, no offers for drink refills, dessert, etc.
The chips and salsa came out and while the chips were good, the chopped tomato and onion can’t possibly be called salsa in good faith. I fondly remember the salsa at the old incarnation of Tamales and this wasn’t it. We ordered former favorites, grilled torta, mushroom and chicken tamales and grilled vegetables with rice and beans. Nothing was bad, but nothing was a standout. The torta was overcooked and the mushroom sauce was bland. The masa on the tamales was very thick and left room for very little filling. Veggies were blah — nothing our kids can’t make at home. It seems like the new owner bought the old restaurant’s recipes, but not their chefs. The same ingredients were there, but the execution was lacking and in the end product was just bland Mexican food on a plate — served by an unhappy guy.
Tamales is no longer going to be a destination for us. Sad to see it go.

Crowded. Tight tables. Pretty good service. Expensive Mexican Food. Not a Latino customer in sight. Even the street food like Taco’s is fairly pricey! This is not a Taqueria. So, after you get in there and get over the shock of $ 5+ Tamales (each) and almost $ 15 for a few street Taco’s…get over it and enjoy the well prepared food (except the Masa is a bunch of Masa on the $ 5 Tamale). Pumpkin tamale was okay. Fish taco’s were really good. I guess the bottom line is we would go back and try some of the differnt selections if the prices matched the quality AND the lack ambiance (due to the close fit) It’s crowded. I’m not real sure why. Large Parking lot is almost across the street, so don’t sweat parking. I think they are open for lunch too, but really? Again, this is not a Taqueria.

As the name implies, this is the place for tamales! While there are plenty of decent Mexican restaurants in the area, Tamales stands alone with their variety of delicious ad well-​executed tamales.
Wait staff is generally very hospitable and attentive. A little pricey but on a par with most downtown HP dining.

This Mexican restaurant has a variety of food. I went there with my family and we got amazing service by Luis our waiter. We ordered the pumpkin tamales and they were good. But they were a little dry even with the sauce. The chiles reyenos were good and very saucy. They were a little spicy. We also ordered the enchiladas and they were quite good. The portions are big and the chips are crispy. I wish the salsa was a little spicy and more flavorful. The food is very tasty and the price is great.
Something that does not make sense in this restaurant is their sitting style. While we were eating this man with his son wanted a table outside but the man requested a table that could sit 5 people for both of them. So the hostess gave them a big table for the two of them. This is just ridiculous! Because little after that a group of 5 people came and wanted to eat outside but no more tables were available only tables that could sit two. This reflects poorly on their customer service.

I got food poisoning here on my birthday! And the pacing and food presentation need work.
Went Saturday night with a friend and my doggie. It was busy so there was a bit of a wait for a table. It was weird they had no host and no list for seating. They didn’t even take a name. The haphazard manner for service continued for the night. Waiting for ordering items, servers being confused as to if we even ordered, and my bday dessert being very late after we paid the check.
The food was mediocre for the price. The masa is TOO THICK on the TAMAL. The chips a bit too salty. Margs were ok. My chicken fajitas tasted typical but were greasy and I wasn’t wowed.
Got home at eight and hit the hay because I work at dawn. I wake up at midnight and began violently vomiting. Over and over. And when I didn’t have any of that meal left it was bile. Then just severe dry heaves. I had a splitting headache and cold chills and sweats for hours. I had to call in sick to work and I never do that especially since it was my dog sitting job so it totally inconvenienced a last minute replacement.
Needless to say this was the worst restaurant experience I’ve had for years! It was my birthday, we spent like $ 70 with tip, and I lost a days wages.
Tamales — a Mexican joint for bulimics who like crowds. Or someone who wants their bathroom to look like a Jackson Pollock painting.

I happened to stumble on this place last friday when my mom and I were in this area. This was our first time in downtown Highland Park area and I really liked it. We came here during lunch time and were one of 2 tables here. Prices were fair and portions were large enough.
Chips and salsa are fresh and service was prompt.

Tamales has become our favorite dinner spot prior to attending a concert at Ravinia. To say it is a good choice for a pre-​concert meal is an understatement – it is a very short walk from two Ravinia shuttle stops.
Tamales is a little on the expensive side, which is likely due to its location. Service has been fine although we’ve only been there on weeknights right after they open for dinner, so we’ve been dining in a mostly empty restaurant. Their sizeable menu contains the usual Mexican staples plus some less common dishes. My favorite is the Pollo Espinaco while my husband usually opts for the fish tacos. Chips, salsa, and guacamole are all good. On our last visit we shared a chicken tamale as an appetizer, which was good although a little too heavy on the masa.
Ambiance is like any other Mexican restaurant. The inside dining room is small and we imagine it can fill up quickly. There is an outdoor seating area too, but it’s just a bunch of tables set up on the sidewalk.
We give Tamales 5 stars for the location, 4 for the food, 3 for the service, and 2 for the ambiance. Overall, we give it 3 ½ stars but will round up to 4.

The Pollo Espinaco ($ 18.50) is delicious. The chicken is charred but not burnt, and the portobello mushroom underneath adds to the grilled flavor. Topped with a delicate Pablano Pepper cheese sauce.
The side of spinach with chihuahua cheese is very tasty. The black beans are nothing special. Garnished with fresh radish slices.
Chips and salsa are okay, and service was good. Nice to sit outside in Highland Square, a quaint little town.

4.5…Loved the skirt steak with grilled vegetables, mango salsa, grilled vegetables and jalapeño mashed potatoes. My brothers grilled tilapia was perfectly cooked. Excellent salsa. Lots of Mexican beer selections, including my beloved Negra Modelo. Definitely going back when in HP.

I may have expected too much after reading reviews about the food here and I was craving tamales like crazy but overall I thought the food was just ok.
On the house: Chips and salsa
–never ending if you let it and super addicting
Appetizer: FISH CEVICHE
–delicious but super duper spicy! The fish tasted so fresh. I actually preferred eating the ceviche with the tortilla chips than with the saltine crackers that came with the dish.
Tamales: PUMPKIN, CHICKEN, MUSHROOM
–the pumpkin was a little too sweet for me but I would get this again
–the chicken was good but I wish it had a bit more flavor
–the mushroom was good as well but nothing amazing to report
I got the tamales with rice and beans and the tamales were smothered with different sauces. I didn’t care too much for the sauces and I actually thought they were a little overwhelming and salty but the rice and beans were great!
Portions are huge and our waiter was really nice. I would come here again when I’m craving tamales (still looking for a place with amazing tamales. any suggestions?) or if I want that amazing ceviche again