Santa Maria Tamale Shop

[toodie jane]

After several visits, I'm happy to report that fresh handmade tamales are available all year from a specialty storefront operation here on the central coast. No searching or waiting for elusive vendors.

Handmade tamales are available Tues-Sat from 10 till 5. Made on the premises from white corn imported from Mexico, these are light and fluffy with tasty fillings and are 1.25 each. Filling:masa is 50/50.
There are a few simple tables if you can't wait for the drive home, but this is no-frills dining, paper trays and plastic fork. No other food served. (salsa is served if you ask) Soft drinks available.

Available flavors are
Beef
Pork
Chicken
Chile Verde
Chile Relleno
Cheese and Jalepeno
Green Corn in season
Sweet tamales (by order)

Call ahead to reserve as some flavors sell out quickly during the day. (They are made fresh daily, not reheated) They encourage early ordering for the holidays.

Very friendly family-owned business.

The Tamale Shop
2115 S. Blosser Rd
(Vintner's Pk. bldg. at NW corner Blosser & Betteravia)
Santa Maria, Ca

[Dave MP]

There were a few wrong numbers for this tamale shop floating around on Chowhound. Here is the correct number: 805-714-0089

[toodie jane]

note: pre-order your favorites as he is often sold out before lunch.

Carmelita Bakery in Grover sells tamales, they too sell out before lunch, try their location next to Penny's in SM to see if they sell tamales as well.

[PolarBear]

Anything to add to the "issues" that had evolved???

[toodie jane]

No--I rarely get into SM on a weekend, that's the only time they are open for retail.

[PolarBear]

Sorry, I'm in a travel time warp, there was a report of abysmall conditions at the place of operations, closure,, etc. God, I hope it's all a bad dream. On the bright side did get to La Simpatia to have their outrageous chile rellenos today. Man, I want to order that sauce by the gallon.

[epicurian84]

It's being run now by a young man who's also going to school, which accounts for some of the inconsistant hours. As far as I know the shop should only be closed on Sunday and Monday, but that may change as his schedual does. Conditions seem to be much improved!

[PolarBear]

Would you know if the rajas (chile-cheese) are still on the menu? TIA

[epicurian84]

He still has chili-cheese tamales ... is that what you mean?

[PolarBear]

Haven't had them yet, was assuming they were cheese with roasted sliced or diced chiles (peppers, aka raja style), are they actually "chili", i.e. similar to what you'd put on a dog or burger?

[epicurian84]

You're right - chile *peppers*, not chili. My mistake!

[Penny Neil]

Is the tamale shop still open for business? I am just now stumbling across this information after hoping for such a place for decades.

[toodie jane]

Don't know--he is sometimes not open when I (rarely) drop by. Lunch has been his busy time, and he often sells out of all but basics.

However, there is a new Vallarta Supermarket in town, at the north end, on Broadway. They have a very impressive looking (have not tried much yet) deli counter with pork, beef and chicken tamales. There are tamales too, available at the tiny but delicious La Mia Market just across Broadway from Vallarta.(behind the 7-11). And Rosa's 'La Tichita' lunch truck, which parks on east Betteravia, almost across from the new cooling sheds near Rosemary road, often has tamales. Her commissary is La Mia and her food is very good. open 11 to 2 or 3 depending on the season. Very windy location, no shelter, so dress warmly and wait in your vehicle. Well worth a trip across town, IMO. She's a sweetie, too.

[epicurian84]

Just FYI - the Tamale Shop is open again! Open every day except Monday.

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Santa Maria Tamale Shop
2115 Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, CA

[JalamaMama]

same menu?

[toodie jane]

Yes, same menu.

According to the owner, it was never closed, but he runs it by himself, so may be shut for the day/partial day occasionally.

But go early or phone in an order--when they're gone, they're gone. I find the meat tamales lackluster but the chili/cheese etc very good. Nice fresh fluffy masa.

Check out the Tri Tip sandwiches on the weekends by a young friend of his. Darn good--and HOT from the grill, not "saved" in foil to overcook.

[JalamaMama]

Excited to find SM Tamale shop at the Day in the Country event in Los Olivos today- MAN IS IT HOT- and I purchased 2- a beef and a pork.

I give them a b+, and besides tamales, they were selling pork keboabs solo and with rice, and adobo too.

They only had beef, pork and perhaps one other tamale selection- bummed no rajas.

Great day in Los Olivos!!!

[PolarBear]

Just tried calling and got the dreaded upward tri-tone followed by number not in service at this time.

[kiiess]

i'd love to eat tamales!

[toodie jane]

he may be on cell phone only but he is a bit wraith-like at best. I've had best luck finding open on the weekends.

I'm going into SM tomorrow--can check for you. Did you need anything in particular? or just checking for a pulse?!

[PolarBear]

Thanks TJ, my pal from AG is heading this way on Wed. and was going to pick up a couple of dozen of the chile/cheese for me before he leaves SM late this afternoon. Would you happen to have the cell phone #? TIA
Cheers,
Dave