Each year, Yelp assembles its list of top 100 places to eat in America. It’s quite a process — their data science team uses both ratings and number of reviews to make the determination. We weren’t surprised to see that New Mexico Tamale Co. in Ferndale made the list for 2020. If you’ve never tried their tamales, you owe it to yourself to make the trip.

New Mexico Tamale Co. is located on 3rd Avenue in Ferndale, where it has been since its 2017 opening.

lornen2013 / TripAdvisor And since then, they’ve become one of the most popular spots in town.

The eatery is small, with most people grabbing their food to-go.

lornen2013 / TripAdvisor Owner Dora Ruiz had been making tamales for years when she and Tammy Look opened a storefront location.

New Mexico has one of the richest and most vibrant food cultures in the country, although it’s often misunderstood.

New Mexico Tamale Company / Facebook And it certainly isn’t easy to find authentic New Mexican cuisine here in Washington. It’s not quite the same as Mexican or Tex-Mex food, although it’s similar to both.

The tamales here are out of this world, and people come from Bellingham, Birch Bay, and other local towns to try them.

New Mexico Tamale Company / Facebook It’s no wonder New Mexico Tamale Co. has a five star rating on Yelp.

And while many customers take their tamales and freeze them, you also have the option to sit down for lunch and savor them on the spot.

SuzyQ / TripAdvisor They also serve other tasty cuisine here for those who aren’t in the mood for tamales.

If you do get takeout, however, make sure to take advantage of the fresh chips, salsas, and sauces available in the cooler.

New Mexico Tamale Company / Facebook You can host an incredible feast for a surprisingly affordable cost.

New Mexico Tamale Co. is open Monday - Saturday.

lornen2013 / TripAdvisor Tuesday - Friday hours are 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Monday hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Have you tried the tamales here? If not, add it to your Washington dining bucket list immediately.

lornen2013 / TripAdvisor

And since then, they’ve become one of the most popular spots in town.

Owner Dora Ruiz had been making tamales for years when she and Tammy Look opened a storefront location.

New Mexico Tamale Company / Facebook

And it certainly isn’t easy to find authentic New Mexican cuisine here in Washington. It’s not quite the same as Mexican or Tex-Mex food, although it’s similar to both.

It’s no wonder New Mexico Tamale Co. has a five star rating on Yelp.

SuzyQ / TripAdvisor

They also serve other tasty cuisine here for those who aren’t in the mood for tamales.

You can host an incredible feast for a surprisingly affordable cost.

Tuesday - Friday hours are 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Monday hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Address: 5687 3rd Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248, USA