Experience Fresh Mexican Food

Authentic Mexican Cuisine Near Lake Forest

Tamales serves Lake Forest residents from our nearby location, just 12 minutes away, and has been a North Shore staple for over 20 years.

Enjoy a warm, welcoming experience with five convenient ways to dine: join us in our atmospheric dining room, grab quick takeout, order delivery to your door, cater a gathering, or host a private event.

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OUR SIGNATURE DISHES

What Lake Forest
Residents Are Ordering

Discover the authentic flavors that keep our neighbors coming back. From sizzling fajitas to handcrafted margaritas, these are the local favorites.

Salmon Fajitas

$24.00

Quesabirria Tacos

$18.00

Margaritas

$12.00

Guacamole

$14.00

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HOW TO ENJOY

Ways to Enjoy Our Cuisine

From a cozy evening at our Lake Forest location to a fully catered celebration, discover the five ways you can experience Tamales.

01

Dine-In

Visit us at 493 Central Ave, Lake Forest

02

Takeout

Call ahead or order online, ready in minutes

03

Delivery

We deliver across the North Shore including Lake Forest

04

Catering

Full-service Mexican catering for groups of 20 or more

05

Private Events

Semi-private and full buyout options available

Why Lake Forest Chooses Tamales

AWARD WINNING

Voted Best Mexican

Voted Best Mexican Restaurant on the North Shore by Best Magazine, with over 20 years serving the community.

AUTHENTICITY

Family Recipes

Same authentic family recipes for every order, whether dining in or catering an event of 200 guests.

CONVENIENCE

12-Minute Commute

Easy to reach from Lake Forest in just 12 minutes, with parking available and reservations recommended for weekends.

YOUR LOGISTICS, ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does delivery to Lake Forest take?

We typically deliver to Lake Forest addresses in under 45 minutes, though weekend evenings may take a bit longer. Our drivers take the fastest routes down Central Ave to ensure your food arrives hot and fresh.

Do you offer full-service catering near me?

Yes, we provide full-service Mexican catering for events across Lake Forest and the North Shore. Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering of 20 or a large celebration, our team handles the setup and service.

Is it easy to find parking near the restaurant?

Absolutely. We have dedicated parking available for our guests right at our 493 Central Ave location. You will never have to worry about finding a spot when driving in from Lake Forest.

Should I make a reservation for a weekend dinner?

We highly recommend booking a table in advance for Friday and Saturday nights. Lake Forest residents love to dine with us on weekends, so a reservation guarantees your spot without a wait.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for local events?

Of course. Our authentic family recipes can be adjusted to meet vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs. Just let our team know when placing your order or booking your Lake Forest event.

Moody upscale Mexican dining atmosphere at Tamales

OUR NEIGHBORS

Also Serving Nearby Communities

While Lake Forest is our home, we proudly serve authentic Mexican cuisine to our neighbors across the North Shore. Join us for dine-in, or order takeout and delivery just minutes away.