Welcome to Los Hernández Tamales
Los Hernández Tamales is a beloved gem nestled in Union Gap, WA, renowned for its authentic Mexican tamales. Founded with a passion for tradition, this family-run establishment offers a delightful array of flavors crafted from quality ingredients, including handmade pork and chicken tamales, and seasonal specialties like asparagus and cactus fillings. The masa stands out, boasting a unique texture that leaves patrons craving more. Rave reviews highlight not only the incredible taste but also the warm, inviting service from the friendly staff. Los Hernández Tamales is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of homemade Mexican cuisine.
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3706 Main St, Union Gap, WA 98903 Hotline: (509) 457-6003
Discovering the Heart of Flavor at Los Hernández Tamales
Located at 3706 Main St, Union Gap, WA 98903, Los Hernández Tamales is a hidden gem for anyone hungry for authentic Mexican cuisine. With the warmth of family tradition and the comfort of homemade recipes, this eatery is a must-visit for tamale lovers and curious foodies alike.
Handmade Delights Freshly Served
At Los Hernández, the star of the show is undoubtedly their handmade tamales. Made fresh daily, customers can indulge in them hot out of the steamer or take them home frozen. Options include:
- Pork Tamales – Juicy and packed with flavor, making each bite a delight.
- Chicken Tamales – Tender and succulent, showcasing the rich taste of chicken.
- Jalapeño Tamales – A delightful twist that adds a touch of spice without overwhelming the palate.
As noted by enthusiastic customers like Elia B. and Michael S., these tamales evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. The corn masa, coarsely ground and perfectly textured, shines through, adding a depth of flavor that sets these tamales apart from others.
More Than Just Tamales
While the tamales are the main attraction, Los Hernández offers a delectable array of sides including their Fresh Garden Salsa and green salsa, crafted from tomatoes, jalapeños, and a blend of spices to elevate your meal.
Customers rave about the atmosphere and the passionate service from the staff, most notably the friendly owner who often engages with patrons, sharing stories and recommendations. The camaraderie extends beyond the food, creating a warm and welcoming environment as stated by frequent visitors like Ellen P. who enjoyed conversations with the owner.
Unforgettable Experience
Real reviews underscore Los Hernández as a destination worth traveling for. As Jeff W. described, even a quick stop during a road trip turned into a memorable culinary adventure. There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly made tamale; it’s not just a meal but a heartfelt experience that wraps you in comfort and flavor.
Whether you're looking for a quick takeout, a family feast, or simply the best tamales you’ve ever tasted, Los Hernández Tamales delivers an authentic taste of Mexico right in Union Gap. Come for the food and stay for the incredible hospitality. Once you try their tamales, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave!
As always the tamales were amazing The people are wonderful They taste just like my mom's tamales
You can order warm or frozen tamales. We usually get 6 of each. We love them! I am a spice wimp but these do not have too much spice for me.
A lot of James Beard American Classics awards seem to be given out more due to a restaurant's history and influence within the community rather than a focus on the quality of the food. While we were excited to visit another American Classics award winner while driving through Union Gap, we kept our hopes grounded due to the poor experience we've had in several other winning restaurants. Los Hernandez Tamales is primarily takeout only, with people typically dropping in to buy several dozen tamales to eat at home. We stopped in just to try the food out, so we started by only ordering one of each: Pork Tamale/Chicken Tamale ($2.56 each) - The tamale consists of masa, more coarsely ground, with a nice toothsome texture, filled with chunks of meat. The chicken is moist and tender, with a good chicken flavor, while the pork is shredded well, but a bit on the drier side. I prefer the chicken over the pork but both are excellent. The masa is really the standout here - I would honestly just eat it by itself. (5/5) Jalapeno & Pepperjack Tamale ($3.18) - I was a bit confused why this one cost more than the meat filled ones, but then I unwrapped the tamale and started digging in. This tamale is just a bit larger than the pork/chicken and contains way more of the excellent masa. There's just a tiny bit of spice from the jalapeno and cheese pockets dot the interior. The tamale is not soggy or watery; it's just moist enough to keep the mouth from drying out as the tamale is eaten. The overall flavor is great and I have to say I loved this more than the meat filled tamales. (5/5) I loved the tamales so much that I went back in and ordered an extra half dozen to take with me on the rest of the trip. Yum! We talked a bit with the people inside and apparently they have other seasonal specialty tamales. From April 20th through July/August they have asparagus filled ones, and from September to February they have jalapeno. They usually have nopales as well, but they were out when we visited. I can safely say I was very impressed with the tamales served at Los Hernandez Tamales. I definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Union Gap.
Already went back less than a month later. My fiancé and I got to meet the owner and talk with him for a bit. He was very friendly and we could tell he was passionate about his tamales. Please open up a location in Portland :,)
South of the Yakima Costco exit, off Main Street, this unassuming place is THE stop for us through these parts. The place is nothing fancy, it just delivers delicious tamales. I usually go with the asparagus cheese variety. Moist and taste, they are great. If I'm not taking the frozen varieties (asparagus or chicken or pork) I am sitting down for a plate of 2 asparagus with rice and beans. Not a steal, but definitely worth the stop.
Every year I drive to Yakima to buy their asparagus tamales! I only bought 6 today (dang that keto diet) & as we leave their parking lot, I'm already regretting that I didn't get my usual dozen! I love everything about Los Hernandez! Their customer service has always been top notch & today was even better. We were greeted by a beautiful lady when entering & she just shined happiness! She also told me that I made it by about 1 week for the asparagus tamales - thank goodness! She also told me that after they are finished with the fresh asparagus that they will be making cactus tamales. Wait, What? I'm already planning another trip over just to try those too! I bet they go great with a bottle of Yakima wine!
Easily the best tamales I ever had. Im not Mexican but I look like it so I have some say. Very flavorful - the masa was moist and a little chewy unlike any other tamale I've had.
The food was spectacular. While eating, a gentleman mentioned this place was on TV and I don't expect anything less. Service was great as well.
Tamales were delicious, flavorful, moist, and tender. I tried all three that were available and my friend has the combo w rice and beans, which she was really good. My fav was asparagus, though they were all good and I wld eat again. Chicken was dark meat, which I loved. Inside decor was also cute. We ate inside. Service was fast and friendly.
Live in Seattle, passing through on a road trip and stumbled across the best tamales I've ever had. Super moist without being soggy. Counter service lady was super nice and helpful. Their salsas are DELISH and I took a frozen pack to go, just wish I had more. Brought the nopal home, steamed them and they were amazing. I had pork cheese and jalapeño and couldn't decide which one I liked most. Careful in the freezer for the to go packs bc the plastic wrap tears easily since it's so cold in there. Now I'm trying to figure out how to do a weekend in Yakima to try these again.