The tamales at Yvolina’s are top tier. The masa is thin and tender and the filing is flavorful. The real stars of Yvolina’s though are the mole and the service. We had the opportunity to try the mole negro, mole verde, and the caperino mole which I had never tried before but ended up bringing a jar back home. I had a great conversation with the person working there about mole from different areas. He was super knowledgeable about their products and the local community. They have a bunch of awards displayed and I understand why after eating there. I will go back every time I’m in Chicago to get another jar of caperino and a tamale, and hopefully for the Mole de Mayo festival!
Vegan Restaurant
Yvolina's Tamales
· $$$$ · Chicago · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.
Excerpts
The tamales at Yvolina’s are top tier. The masa is thin and tender and the filing is flavorful. The real stars of Yvolina’s though are the mole and the service. We had the opportunity to try the mole negro, mole verde, and the caperino mole which I had never tried before but ended up bringing a jar back home. I had a great conversation with the person working there about mole from different areas. He was super knowledgeable about their products and the local community. They have a bunch of awards displayed and I understand why after eating there. I will go back every time I’m in Chicago to get another jar of caperino and a tamale, and hopefully for the Mole de Mayo festival!
Ok everyone. Your local Chicago's Cook is back. This time eating some of Halsteds favorite Tamal's!! This place has it. The flavor is there, and the chicken was masterfully cooked and wasnt dry at all!! I totally went back for a second Chicken Tinga Tamal! I will be coming back as i want to try their Mole next time!!! With that said, only $8 per Tamal so very worth it due to tbeir size and yes the filling is there!!. My only sad truth was the hours. 11-6pm. It doesnt leave much for a dinner crowd. However if you can get there then do so!!! It eill leave you full, and coming back for more. They even have fresh Horchata and drinks!!
Ok everyone. Your local Chicago's Cook is back. This time eating some of Halsteds favorite Tamal's!! This place has it. The flavor is there, and the chicken was masterfully cooked and wasnt dry at all!! I totally went back for a second Chicken Tinga Tamal! I will be coming back as i want to try their Mole next time!!! With that said, only $8 per Tamal so very worth it due to tbeir size and yes the filling is there!!. My only sad truth was the hours. 11-6pm. It doesnt leave much for a dinner crowd. However if you can get there then do so!!! It eill leave you full, and coming back for more. They even have fresh Horchata and drinks!!
I wandered into this place after waiting for my bus and realized “wait I’m in Pilsen!!” I looked up tamales and this was right around the corner. Popped in. Missed my bus. I got chicken verde and spinach and cheese tamales. And they were just what I hoped. Moist masa, flavorful and filling. And just the right amount of spice for me. The best! And great, appreciative service! Worth missing the bus