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Flushing Homemade Tamales
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Flushing Homemade Tamales
7.9
Flushing Homemade Tamales is a tiny Roosevelt Avenue stand turning out steaming corn-husk tamales for just a few dollars apiece. Regulars appreciate the warm masa, straightforward fillings, and fast service when they want something hot to eat on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tamales, Pork tamales, Cheese and jalapeño tamales
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Street-side tamal stand serving warmly steamed masa for just a few dollars.
Who should go: Commuters wanting a quick, handheld Mexican breakfast.
When to visit: Daytime hours when the steamers are freshly refilled.
What to order: Chicken tamales, pork tamales, cheese jalapeño tamales.
Insider tip: Ask which fillings just came out of the steamer for the freshest batch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Roosevelt Avenue is limited and competitive during daytime hours; expect to circle or park a few blocks away.
Dress code: No dress code — this is a casual street stand where anything from work clothes to athleisure is normal.
Noise level: Moderate due to Roosevelt Avenue traffic and foot traffic, but ordering and brief conversation are easy.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait beyond a short queue of 3–5 people during peak afternoon and early evening hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; service is fast even when commuters line up.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese and jalapeño tamales are reliable vegetarian choices.
Vegan options: Limited — masa is typically made with lard; ask, but assume vegan options are minimal or unavailable.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes — tamales are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to the compact setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, street-food-style discovery. There’s no seating, so it’s more of a quick snack stop than a full date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations — this is a walk-up stand. Plan to eat on the go or find nearby public seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites; tamales are soft and mild enough for most kids. Just note there’s no seating and the Roosevelt Avenue sidewalk can be busy.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and more comforting than most nearby Mexican options when you want a warm handheld snack.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, large menu variety, or vegan-specific options, choose a fuller restaurant instead.
Flushing Homemade Tamales
7.8
Flushing Homemade Tamales is a tiny Roosevelt Avenue stand steaming corn-husk tamales for commuters and late-day snackers. People grab a couple of hot tamales on the walk between trains or before heading to nearby bars, treating it as a quick, inexpensive Mexican stop during early evening hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tamales, Pork tamales, Cheese and jalapeño tamales
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Street-side tamal stand offering freshly steamed masa for just a few dollars.
Who should go: Commuters wanting a hot handheld snack near Roosevelt Avenue.
When to visit: Late afternoon and early evening when steamers are freshly refilled.
What to order: Chicken, pork, and cheese jalapeño tamales with salsa.
Insider tip: Ask which batch just came out of the steamer and start with that.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Roosevelt Avenue is limited and competitive during rush hours; expect to circle or rely on nearby paid municipal lots.
Dress code: No dress code at all — it's a casual street stand where commuters stop in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate due to trains, traffic, and foot traffic; conversation is possible but brief since most people order and go.
Weekend wait: Typically no formal wait; at most a short line of 3–6 people during early evening hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate service with only a few people ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese or vegetarian-style tamales are often available, but options rotate.
Vegan options: Limited — only available if a plain masa or vegetable tamal is offered that day; ask the vendor.
Gluten-free options: Yes — traditional tamales are masa-based and naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact controls are minimal due to the street-side setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is very casual and you both enjoy street food. It’s grab-and-go, so it doesn’t offer the ambiance most people expect for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or seating — it’s a walk-up stand. Expect to eat while standing or take your tamales on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle street environments; there’s no seating or stroller space, so very young children may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive hand-held tamales made fresh throughout the day — ideal for commuters needing something warm and fast.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, a full bar, or a wider menu with tacos and plates — this is a single-focus stand built for speed, not lingering.