After reading about Factory Tamal and their famous traditionally made namesake, I was eager to try this nearby establishment. For lunch we ordered a chipotle with chicken tamale, mole poblano with chicken tamal, the torta de quesillo sandwich, and the Ludlow torta. Although the tamales were good, I much preferred the tortas. Personally I think tamales in general have too high of a corn to filling ratio (Factory Tamale was not egregious in this respect). They did taste fresh and well-crafted. I thought the price tag of $5 each was a bit steep for something relatively small, but I figure that was the price for supporting a small business dedicated to a handmade artisanal snack food. I thought...
Typically, there's only one person cooking in the back and one person taking orders, so it's not the best place to stop if you're in a hurry. However, if you have some time or order ahead for pickup, it’s an excellent choice. Their coffee is inexpensive, but I personally find it a bit too bitter for my taste. The staff is very friendly, and the food is fantastic.
A few things to keep in mind: there are only 10 to 12 seats inside, but most people prefer to take their food to go; it's not ideal for large groups; and they don't always open right at 8:30 AM. I recommend ordering ahead for pickup. You can find their full menu on their website: factorytamal.com/blank.
I recently went on a food crawl and didn't know quite what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the striking similarity of one dish to the Chinese Lotus Wrapped Rice that we enjoy during the Full Moon Festival or Dim Sum. I was really impressed with the generous amount of chicken in each tamale and how moist they were. The flavors were vibrant but not overpowering. I tried: 1/ Mole Poblano Chicken Tamale 2/ Salsa Verde Chicken Tamale 3/ Chipotle Chicken Tamale 4/ Horchata. The space is a small shop perfect for a quick bite rather than a sit-down meal. I will definitely return after training when I'm in the area!
I absolutely love this place! The Tamal Verde I tried was so delicious that it keeps me coming back, not to mention the wonderful hospitality from Jose. He always makes me feel so welcome and relaxed. This spot is a cozy little gem on a quiet street, so you might miss it if you're not paying attention. I highly recommend checking it out; they also have another location on 4th Street, between 3rd and 2nd Avenue. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention their Cuban sandwich. It's not your typical Cuban sandwich, but it's really good. I apologize for not taking any pictures during this visit!
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The true highlight of this restaurant is the lovingly hand-ground, authentic masa used for the tamales. And that chicken tinga soup—oh my goodness! It's definitely a must-try that makes the journey worth it, no matter where you're coming from. Just a block away is the Metrograph movie theater, which always features something interesting. The seats are comfy, and the decor is stylish. This is a fantastic, affordable spot that epitomizes real New York City, perfect for a friend outing, a romantic date, or even a solo adventure.
Just came back to this place after a while—I always forget how good it is! The Tinga Torta is not to be missed—at $13 it is big enough to be shared with another person and is so flavorful. It’s also nice that they take card, as so many spots in this neighborhood are cash only. The sandwich might take 15-20 min to come out, but it is definitely worth the wait, especially if you can sit outside in the sun :
I really enjoyed their tortas, specifically the tinga torta and the longaniza torta. Those are the only ones I've tried from their menu, but they've consistently been great during the few times I've visited. You can definitely tell that they use quality ingredients when you take a bite; it's wonderfully soft. I also particularly appreciate the added kick of pickled jalapeños in the tinga torta.
I loved this spot stop coming after they made the tamales $5 each. It’s still a wonderful spot and the owner is very nice. Just don’t come as often.
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Riquísimo!!! Exactly what I needed today. The chicken tonga soup is delicious. so are the tamale ? highly recommend ?
The Chipotle Chicken Tamale is good and spicy. The Bacon and Mozzarella Tamale was different but good.
