Evelia's Tamales

Evelia is a local legend, and this restaurant has been such a gift to the community. The service is always great and the food is delicious always, especially the tamales.

I loved the Oaxacan style tamales, juicy , moist, with big chunks of pork (they have three styles of Oaxacan) I didn’t get to try the Birria tamales but would have. Best I’ve had in the city in a while, grest prices , kind staff! Very welcoming.

I ordered the tamales and caldo de res and everything tasted great, really flavorful and satisfying. The restaurant was pretty busy when I arrived, but I didn’t have to wait long, which was a nice surprise. The only downside is that they charge separately for the salsa, which I didn’t love, but I guess that’s inflation these days. Overall, I’d definitely come back for the food.

I do love tamales at this time of year and this place definitely serves up some tasty ones. Not quite the same as those I get when I travel home to south Texas but still very very delicious with some wonderful variations I’ve not had and at a very affordable price. I ordered five which turned out to be the perfect number for me. All great but I’d say my favorite was the rojo with pork. So much flavor and the ratio of meat to masa much better than other places I’ve had up here. Such a great lunch and while a bit of a trek from Manhattan, definitely worth it!

I will say that the tamales were a perfect 9/10 because they were full of flavor but were a bit mushy. Next up was the chilaquiles they were hard crispy tortilla chips there was also barely any sour cream and cheese on top. That was one of the things that caught my eye at first glance. I would give this a 5/10. Lastly we got the quesadilla de Tinga. The flavor was spot on but upon opening it up we noticed that there was no lettuce. Usually in other places where quesadillas are sold they come with lettuce. But I will say that coming here in Mother’s Day their service is really well. They pay attention to everyone. So kind.