Restaurante y Tamaleria La Bendición

If GNRs were still a thing and/or if people on this board posted like they used to, there would be a multi-page thread about Restaurante Y Tamaleria La Bendición. This Salvadoran-owned spot has a small but mighty menu: regular tamales (three savory, two sweet), Oaxacan tamales, and pupusas (3 varieties). All were fantastic. In fact, if someone made the claim they have the best of each in Chicago, I wouldn't argue with them with any degree of confidence. I think they're certainly on par with Santa Masa.




There are three savory varieties of the regular tamales: green chicken, red chicken and jalapeño and cheese. All three were outstanding - tender and flavorful masa with a healthy amount of filling. They also have pineapple and strawberry tamales, but I haven't tried those. Do not plan on showing up just before closing and expect to get a full selection of tamales.


The Oaxacan tamales are also fantastic. There is only one variety offered. The masa had a nice kick (similar to the green regular tamales) and had an almost corn cake texture to it (still plenty moist) and it was loaded with pork.


The pupusas are made to order and there's a two pupusa minimum. I'm no pupusa expert but I'm certain I've never had better ones. For whatever it's worth, the Salvadoran friend I went with this weekend confirmed that these are better than his mother's. The only flaw is that the curtido was barely pickled.

There's one table in the place but pretty much everyone gets their food to go. This place is an absolute gem. I can't recommend it strongly enough.

Restaurante y Tamaleria La Bendición
Instagram
2567 N Cicero Ave
(773) 402-9797
Mon-Thurs 5 AM–3 PM
Fri-Sat 4 AM–3 PM
Sunday 5 AM–12 PM

There's a second location at 5322 W Fullerton.

I visited this place a few months ago in search of pupusas and liked it, with a couple of caveats. First, the tamales had a very intense roasted lard / porky flavor that I didn't love and my wife strongly disliked. I could completely see someone saying the opposite and loving it, but I'd prefer a bit less porky-ness and more focus on the filling. Second, no real seating at #1, so we were stuck eating in the car. I gather #2 has more seating.