Tamales Moreno ~ Lakewood, Colorado

OK, Rude Dante is covering his home base of Denver and Golden. Many reviews on the way...

5301 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226

It's not often that a homeless guy turns me on to a great joint, but let's count this as possibly a first. One of the guys I know from doing volunteer work in the homeless community signed on to help me with some home remodel projects a few years back. We shared some meals, and when the topic of tamales came up, he told me that nothing could beat Tamales Moreno (as he calls it - the rest of the world reverses the name). So we gave them a try...

First, it's a take-out place. There might be a picnic table or something outside where you could park your butt and wolf down a tamale or two, but this is more a place that the mass of Hispanic humanity will swarm to around big holidays (Xmas eve it's slammed). And the menu is a bit limited - really focused on tamales, but they have some other options on the menu. I generally go there for 1-6 dozen tamales, depending upon the event. There are 2 flavors: red is mild, and green (though they look white) is hot. There are some nice combo / family pack options with a dozen or more tamales with sides of rice, beans, and some nicely ripping green chile.

Since 2014 or so, I've been picking up several dozen tamales multiple times per year. They are wrapped in traditional corn husks, have a nice amount of spiced pork inside, are moist and tender and well spiced in either form. Highly highly recommended - best tamales I have found, anywhere.

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