It’s truly remarkable how much the quality of a restaurant’s service staff can elevate the entire dining experience. And when exceptional service is paired with outstanding food, you know you’ve found a gem. Tamale Co., a beloved food truck known for its exquisite Mexican fare, perfectly embodies this combination and has now established a permanent location in Orlando’s burgeoning Hourglass District, much to the delight of local food enthusiasts.
Top-down view of delicious Mexican street food from Tamale Co., featuring their signature tamales.
Tamale Co. joins a vibrant collective of businesses inside the Hourglass Social Club, a modern-day food hall, alongside popular spots like Foxtail Coffee and Leguminati. This new brick-and-mortar location offers a spacious and inviting setting, a significant upgrade from its food truck beginnings. Patrons can now enjoy Tamale Co.’s offerings within the Social Club’s comfortable ambiance.
Tamale Co. sign at their new Orlando location, a must-visit for Mexican street food lovers.
The new space is generously sized, featuring a dedicated food and beer bar, ample tables and chairs for relaxed dining, and even a charming corner showcasing Mexican-inspired merchandise. This expansion signifies Tamale Co.’s growth from a popular food truck to a cornerstone of Orlando’s Mexican street food scene.
Inside Tamale Co. in Orlando's Hourglass Social Club, a vibrant spot for Mexican street food dining.
My anticipation for a permanent Tamale Co. location in downtown Orlando has been building since my first taste of their breakfast tamales at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market three years ago. The announcement of their move to the Hourglass development two years prior only heightened the excitement. Despite any delays, Tamale Co. finally opened its doors a few weeks ago, and the food remains as exceptional as ever.
Tamale Co. merchandise corner, offering Mexican-style goods alongside their street food.
During my recent visit, I was warmly greeted by a cheerful staff member who eagerly took my order. Her genuine enthusiasm for working at Tamale Co. and welcoming customers was immediately apparent, setting a positive tone for the dining experience.
Close-up of Tamale Co.'s mouthwatering tamales, a highlight of their Mexican street food menu.
I opted for “The Most Mexican,” a combination plate featuring chicken and pork tamales served with rice and beans. The tamales, generously topped with white cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, were plump and satisfying. The masa was perfectly firm yet soft, enveloping a plentiful meat filling, all resting on a flavorful salsa verde. While the refried beans were commendable, the rice, unfortunately, didn’t quite reach the same culinary heights – a common occurrence with Mexican rice in the area.
Tamale Co.'s Elote, authentic Mexican street corn, a flavorful side dish.
I also sampled the Elote, traditional Mexican street corn. Unexpectedly served on the cob, it presented a slight challenge for restaurant dining, as elote can be quite messy. However, a quick deconstruction with a knife remedied this, revealing a creamy and delicious corn dish reminiscent of creamed corn.
Complimentary chips and queso dip at Tamale Co., enhancing the Mexican street food experience.
After placing our order at the counter, my companion and I settled at the bar with beers while awaiting our food. Shortly after, a friendly staff member offered us complimentary chips, which arrived warm and accompanied by both salsa and a creamy queso dip. This unexpected generosity further enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. Even after our main dishes arrived, another staff member offered a special house salsa to complement a burrito, showcasing the exceptional attentiveness and hospitality of Tamale Co.’s team.
Impressed by my initial experience, I returned a few nights later for takeout, eager to explore more of their menu.
Chicharron Preparado from Tamale Co., a flavorful and crispy Mexican street food snack.
This time, I chose the Chicharron Preparado, a substantial serving of fried pork skin topped with sour cream, tomatoes, cabbage, and pickled pork rind pieces. The combination of textures and flavors was simply delightful.
Carne Asada Tamales at Tamale Co., featuring steak and avocado for a hearty Mexican street food meal.
I also tried the Carne Asada tamales, featuring generous portions of steak atop the tamale, accompanied by avocado slices and melted cheese. The steak was tender and flavorful, complementing the savory tamale perfectly.
Chorizo Taco from Tamale Co., a savory and authentic Mexican street food taco option.
Venturing beyond tamales, I ordered a Chorizo taco. The pork sausage, served in a soft corn tortilla with avocados and pickled onions, was equally satisfying. Every dish I sampled at Tamale Co. was a testament to their commitment to authentic and delicious Mexican street food.
My only apprehension regarding Tamale Co.’s new location is its proximity to my home. I foresee frequent visits in my future, drawn by the consistently excellent food and welcoming ambiance.
Tamale Co., located at 2411 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, is open daily for lunch and dinner. While their website offers limited information, they can be reached at 407-203-6505. For a genuine taste of Mexican street food in Orlando, Tamale Co. is a must-visit destination.
