Tom Tom Tamale & Bakery Company

Have been a customer since 1966. MY whole family are annual customers when here for reunions. Love the hamburgers too…

i used to get thes tamales on 95^th ridgeland steamed at this place my grandma took me to called dots spot, man a hot dog with the poppyseed buns and a tamale tom toms im in heaven! good memories!!!

Great people. Generous, and proud of their product. Saw this on Anthony Bourdain. Be advised, this is a commercial production facility that sells in bulk. Min order is 25 tamales. They are pre-​cooked only for commercial sale. They referred me to Fat Johnnies for the fast food version.

Oh tom toms, you are as chicago as the sears tower and the two baseball teams we have because chicago has to be difficult like that :) your so cheap to buy, you are a tube of cornmeal whose filling is the same exact texture as the cornmeal goodness that surrounds it. you are delicious in chili, and as a tom tom dog– which is just chili, a tom tom, and onions on a hot dog bun. your vintage wrappers never changed, and every one knows by heart what the little girl on the package says ’ oh tom toms, give me a bite!” i do not know what life or the world would be with out your cheap cornmeal goodness. dont ever go away, cause chicago would not be the same without this kick ass local staple.

As a kid, I could always afford a tamale from the hot dog cart on 71^st St. They only cost a dime. I wasn’t sure I remembered them tasting so good because they really were good or because the were all I could afford. Bought the required 25 the other day and decided they still tasted as good and not just because they are still inexpensive

Tom tom tamales were a staple of my childhood diet. Tonight I had the first one after a 20 years, it was just as delicious as I remember them. My only regret is not taking more than one from the buffet.
Now that I know that they’re still in business, it won’t be another 20 years before devouring one again.

Growing up on the south side I have quite a few memories of my mom and/​or aunts taking me along to buy a bag of tamales here. I grew up on ‘em and they’re delicious.
I need to get here now as an adult and buy a bag or two!

I saw the TomTom tamales on Anthony’s Bourdain’s show too and was I ever nostalgic. I’m a native Chicagoan, but I’ved in Virginia for years. My visits home always include a tamale Chili Boat and I’m craving like crazy! Too bad they don’t ship yet. Hurry up folks… you’ve got an untapped market out here! I can’t wait to come home in the summer (way too cold in the winter… bbrrrrrr).

I made my first visit in a VERY LONG TIME recently. No. Complaints. At. All.
Same deal as in my inital review. Tamales in bulk, as well as other chicago hot dog stand favorites.
I picked up 25 tamales and 4.25 pounds of Chili. And my wife wanted to kill me.
But I loved every second of it.
If you’re going to have a party or BBQ, I recommend going here before you hit costco or jewel.
Sides you cant go wrong with 48 cent tamales.
QUICK NOTE: Faciity is in a industrial/​wharehouse part of Chicago. So While there is plenty of on street parking, watch out for any no parking signs. I didnt see any, but that dosent mean it wont happen.

I saw this place on Anthony Bourdain’s show. If Anthony thinks its good, its gotta be good! Right? Hmm… not really. this was only okay.
Be prepared to buy in bulk if you want to buy tamales here. The smallest purchase you can make is 25 tamales for $ 12. Needless to say, I have a crap ton of tamales in my freezer right now. The key to keep the tamales fresh? Store them in little plastic zip lock bags.
The door to the establishment was locked when we came. Make sure to ring the bell so you can be buzzed in. The door is a bit old so it may be a bit sticky and may not want to open. I had no upper body strength to pull the door open, but my friend did. Thank goodness!
When you walk in, there is one guy standing at the door waiting to take your order. You dont actually get to see how the tamales are made (you can only see it on Anthony Bourdain’s tv show). It was a super quick visit! We were in and out in 5 minutes!
I just tried the tamale. Not bad for being mass produced. Of course, it doesnt beat a regularly made tamale in corn husk from Pilsen or Little Village. For 30 cents more, you can get a freshly made one thats piping hot and delicious.
Private parking lot makes parking easy!

yes!

Making tamales since 1937!!! We bought a bag of 25 frozen tamales for $ 12. They remind me of the tamales I grew up with. I guess that is because they ARE the tamales I grew up with.
Our freezer is stocked and we are happy.