Hey friends,

We’re Tom Tom Tamales, Trusted Tamale & Bakery Company

At Tom Tom Tamales, we’ve proudly served Chicago since 1937, specializing in our beloved beef tamales made with quality ingredients and no artificial colorings, keeping a cherished tradition alive for locals and visitors alike.

Our Menu

Explore our menu, where we offer a range of classic flavors that have made Tom Tom Tamales a Chicago favorite.

Tamales

Our tamales are a staple, packed with seasoned beef and wrapped in cornmeal for a rich, traditional taste.

Danielson

Enjoy a hearty bowl of our 12 oz chili, slow-cooked with beans and spices for a satisfying meal.

Hamburgers

We serve juicy hamburgers, grilled to perfection and customizable with your choice of toppings.

Condiments

Top off your meal with classic condiments like mustard or ketchup to add a burst of flavor.

All Beef

Our all-beef options are crafted from high-quality beef, ensuring a deliciously savory experience.

Drinks

Refresh your meal with a selection of classic beverages to complement any dish.

Tom Tom Tamales Location

Our address: 4750 S Washtenaw Ave., Chicago, IL 60632, United States

Ultimate Tamales

Why Customers Choose Tom Tom Tamales

Customers choose our tamales for their authentic taste, nostalgic appeal, and consistent quality.

Authentic Taste

Our tamales are made using traditional recipes that capture the rich, flavorful essence of Chicago-style tamales.

Nostalgic Appeal

With roots dating back to 1937, our tamales bring back memories of classic Chicago flavors for generations of customers.

Consistent Quality

Each tamale is crafted with care, ensuring the same high quality and taste in every bite.

Any questions about our tamales?
Feel free to contact us anytime.

Tom Tom Tamales Expertise

Our expertise at Tom Tom Tamales is rooted in decades of experience and a commitment to quality.

Tom Tom Tamales Photos

Tom Tom Tamales Chicago

Tom Tom Tamales Online

Tom Tom Tamales Gluten Free

Tom Tom Tamale Factory

Some Insights

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Tom Tom Tamales Reviews

Here’s what our customers are saying about their delicious experiences with Tom Tom Tamales!

The moment I bit into my first Tom Tom tamale, I was hooked. Growing up in Chicago, I’d always heard about these legendary tamales from friends, but it wasn’t until I stopped by the storefront myself that I truly understood what all the buzz was about. The texture of the tamale is absolutely perfect—soft, but with just the right amount of firmness from the cornmeal, making each bite substantial and comforting. The filling has a satisfying amount of beef, and the flavor is packed with spices that hit all the right notes without overwhelming. There's something so nostalgic and comforting in that unique blend of flavors, and it instantly takes me back to simpler times. Now, every time I find myself in the area, I make it a point to pick up at least a dozen, sometimes more if I’m bringing them back for the guys at the firehouse. They’re the ultimate comfort food, and the nostalgia factor alone makes them worth every penny. But beyond that, I appreciate how consistent the quality is; no matter how many times I go, they’re always fresh, hot, and just as good as the last time. Tom Tom tamales aren’t just food—they’re an experience that brings me back to my roots every single time.

Jason Whitaker

Firefighter

As a lifelong Chicagoan, I grew up eating Tom Tom tamales, and they still taste just as incredible now as they did when I was a kid. I remember my dad bringing them home after work on special occasions, and they were always such a treat. There’s something so comforting about that warm, spicy beef wrapped up in cornmeal, a flavor that hasn’t changed one bit. Now that I have kids of my own, I introduced them to Tom Tom tamales, and they’re just as hooked as I was at their age. Every time we’re in the neighborhood, it’s become our little family tradition to stop by and pick up a few. I love that Tom Tom hasn’t caved into trends or tried to ‘modernize’ their tamales; they’re still that same flavorful, no-nonsense tamale that’s steamed to perfection with all the spices and textures that make it authentic. Personally, I’m a bit of a chili lover, so I love pairing a tamale with a warm bowl of their Danielson chili. It’s so hearty and flavorful, a perfect complement to the tamales, and I swear I could eat it by the gallon! My kids can’t get enough of the tamales, either—they’re always asking when we can go back for more. For me, Tom Tom is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat; it’s a piece of my childhood, a part of my city, and now a tradition I’m passing on to my kids. In a world where so much changes, I’m grateful there’s still a place like Tom Tom that’s remained constant and true.

Rachel Donovan

School Teacher

I stumbled upon Tom Tom Tamales one afternoon when I was working on a project nearby, and it was one of those discoveries that you remember. Walking up to the half-door to place my order felt like stepping back in time, and I immediately loved that authentic, old-school vibe. It’s a rare gem in a city where so many places have changed or modernized. I ordered a few tamales, and from the first bite, I knew I was tasting something truly special. The flavor was deep, rich, and had that perfect balance of spices with the mild sweetness of the cornmeal. Each tamale is substantial without being too heavy, and the taste is so satisfying that I found myself slowing down just to enjoy every bite. Their no-fuss menu is refreshing in a world of overloaded options; it really lets you appreciate the quality and taste of each item without overcomplicating things. The way they prepare the tamales speaks to the care and consistency they put into their work. Now, I always make it a point to take a few home for my family, and they’re just as excited as I am when I bring them in. It’s more than just food for us; it’s an experience that reminds us of our roots in Chicago, of classic tastes that stand the test of time. The quality and consistency are remarkable, and I think that’s what has kept Tom Tom going for so long. It’s not every day you find a place that feels like a Chicago classic and tastes like one, too.

Brian Hastings

Architect

Interested in tasty tamales?

Get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation and explore how we can meet your needs!