The Tamale Guy Is a Chicago Landmark | Street Food Icons

Claudio Velez is The Tamale Guy. For 20 years he’s been visiting the bars of Chicago neighborhoods almost every night, selling his handmade pork and chicken tamales to the nightlife scene. Hailing from Mexico, Claudio has become a true celebrity of late-night dining, with a Twitter account to track his whereabouts, a beer named after him, and a loud cheer at every bar he walks into.
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[@MR-ml2po]

Was at a bar once with a visitor from out of town, drunk, explaining what and who the Tamale Guy is. 30 seonds later he appeared at our table like a gift from god... no joke.

[@snoopy5736]

You summoned the Tamale God

[@SoapyCilantro]

You’ve been blessed by the tamale god!

[@gojenson]

That’s beautiful, man.

[@jujuaustin5230]

I wanna get drunk an get Presents From Tamale Santa

[@leonardojohnson4165]

he’s not lying i’m the tamale guy

[@tishw4576]

"There is no shame in selling tamales. There is shame in stealing." I saw a news story where a former FBI agent became a school bus driver when he retired. The reporter said he seemed a over qualified to be a bus driver. He said "We need to wrap our heads around the fact there are no unimportant jobs." There was a shortage of school bus drivers and he can drive. It was this simple to him.

[@dvzuniga1]

Thats amazing 👏🏽

[@rgdssd]

Not only that- people get burnt out with the ‘important’ jobs. I’m starting to want to become a Park Ranger Assistant. I currently work as a regulator/investigator for Assisted Living facilities for the elderly, I don’t want to anymore. 🤣

[@jaimep3432]

When your ashamed to do certain types of jobs you put down future oppurtunitys.

[@szn7548]

@findpeace92 sure tell that to the doctor that will treat your ilness or people who built your house..

[@jsrm10311]

Love that! Thank you for sharing

[@chigon89]

Munchies can do no wrong with their street vendors docs. Another heartfelt, beautiful story

[@danielbonaparte8420]

Exactly and the lessons learned

[@lospaisasoriginal5454]

The real hustlers of America.

[@ChuBQBurgers]

This guy is a mystical being if you catch him in the night in Chicago. A true legend

[@lewizzrocks]

Mystical or mythical lol

[@Jude74]

Like a unicorn made out of corn meal. 🌈

[@Roscoe_357]

Master Ball Don't Work Either

[@charlessmith263]

@@Roscoe_357 He also goes into DIY places/venues where their addys have to be treated something like the Tamale Guy's recipe......"shhhhh".

[@melisaguevara1213]

I can’t believe dude made it on munchies!!! Hell yeah.

[@melisaguevara1213]

@Elsa ♪ lmao!!

[@tl3029]

Deport him. Desantis 2024

[@ImMetalMechanika]

@@tl3029 ok snowflake

[@XxxXxx-yh5gz]

@@tl3029 if you don’t have native blood, imma deport you too, snow flake

[@qwertyboo]

@@tl3029 dafuck is wrong with your miserable ass

[@kathale755]

i've lived in Chicago for 7 years and this dude is BELOVED here, he's an icon on the west side! the whole neighborhood is behind him :) can't tell you how many times i've gotten a bag from him during late nights at Rainbo... so happy others get to appreciate his story and passion! way to go munchies for the great feature.

[@AA-wb9zu]

Do you hookup with guys at Rainbo?

[@hugespicyhuge]

@@AA-wb9zu she looks like the green goblin Idk bruh.

[@gordonshumway7465]

LOL thinking the Rainbo is on the west side. Go back to Michigan.

[@koreancardboard]

I assume you mean Near West side

[@victorsladkowski]

It was extraordinary to see how the West Town and greater Chicago community came together to raise money for Claudio in that GoFundMe and after his hospitalization with COVID. Seriously, he’s legendary status on the West Side of Chicago.

[@chefrandysauce]

This is real. If you are from Chicago, and enjoy drinks, you know the tamale guy.

[@LanceBeckman]

I don't enjoy drinks

[@whataqtify]

It's actually amazing, I remember him in the early 2000's in and around Wicker Park. He would make the rounds every weekend.

[@camiloordonez4906]

@@LanceBeckman Good for you

[@peterc6559]

@@LanceBeckman who asked go away

[@nimashams8776]

He's mainly a west side staple. His business was so great that imitators began sprouting up. I never forget telling a friend not to buy these vegan tamales from some randoms who came-into a west side bar because Tamale Guy would come through. Friend bought the vegan tamales, and was extremely disappointed. Tamale Guy showed up the next hour, i bought some, and my friend understood.

[@benmckeown1757]

Protip in Chicago winters: Always buy another pack. Pop them in your jacket pocket until you're done drinkin. Keeps your hands warm for the walk home, plus tamales when you arrive

[@slikwines]

Tamale guy has saved me from many a hangover in Chicago. Protect this man!!

[@kelzuya]

Didn't expect to get emotional watching this one. Damn they get me every time.

[@ohjaeciii]

This got me in the feels. I know people like this man irl and you can't help but respect the hustle. God bless this man.

[@jacksalzman4809]

I was one of the interviewees for this and I was really glad I was able to speak about The Tamale Guy and his legacy in the Chicago community, particularly the drinking community. Claudio is a wonderful man and we as a city are grateful to call him one of our own.

[@snoopy5736]

I was at the bar on Fullerton and Western and had the pleasure to purchase a 6 pack of tamales from him. They were delicious especially after a few beers

[@bulbags1]

Quencher's. Awesome, old live music venue with super cool wooden beer fridges. That place was the best, and also the first place I had the pleasure of enjoying some of these tamales.

[@snoopy5736]

@@bulbags1 I couldn't remember the name, I do remember the live music. Last time I drove by it was a child daycare 😥. It was the only place I ever found Claudio. I'm a Southsider tho

[@angelathach555]

Is this a seasonal thing?

[@snoopy5736]

@@angelathach555 No, year round.

[@danrayford13]

@@snoopy5736 how much was the half dozen?

[@musickman619]

Tamale Guy is a legit legend, there's not one Chicagoan that hasn't met or heard of him. He used to pop up in bars all the time when I worked in the industry, a genuinely nice guy just putting in the grind to support his family!

[@bdawggification]

He is like tamale santa. I mean they are for sale but the joy he spreads and the being everywhere thing.

[@chichef82]

Hell yeah, it’s my G, Claudio. He’s a Chicago legend. Eaten his tamales for years!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@hxctalent]

Pre Covid on a vacation, went to Map Room, saw Claudio, and his tamales. Tamales at midnight (mind you, sober) hits you so different but Claudio's tamale's, they hit that nostalgia part of the stomach and brain. Thank you Munchies for showing their story

[@thatmikeabdul]

People get tattoos of red coolers to honor this guy. And there are imitators with blue coolers, which are fine, but Claudio is the OG.

[@millionairemobydick4489]

Color *

[@qwertyboo]

@@millionairemobydick4489 he meant cooler as in the container where he stores the tamales

[@Jameson1776]

@@millionairemobydick4489 cooler*

[@Al3xTrucho20]

Bruh, I would flip if I was in a bar drinking and this guy shows up with fresh tamales. That would come in soo clutch after a night of drinking.

[@gimmeyoshtbtch9571]

The way this man stares off into the horizon while thinking about doing what it takes to make it in this great country is nothing short of inspiring. I can almost see what he sees. Legend.

[@redrum7418]

I wish this man all the luck in his venture, hopefully he continues to be okay.

[@Consolethumbs]

This man is protected in Chicago. Always get some when you see him around its a memory you wont forget.

[@Jude74]

True story, about a decade ago I was in a bar and the Tamale guy walked in about five minutes later a couple cops walked in. A bunch of people started freaking out worrying about him get busted for a potential license issue until the cops walked up to the Tamale guy, pulled out their wallets and started ordering. He is absolutely cherished by everyone who knows him in town.

[@boyham8150]

That story of having to stay under the bridge for a bit and running into the people that basically lead into his future it’s crazy!! Man legit walked into his destiny.

[@MYERZ08]

Before anyone mentions that this stud doesn't speak English, ask yourself how many British Live in Spain and can't speak a lick of Spanish despite living there for 30 years

[@themeatpopsicle]

My memories of Tamale Guy coming into Gold Star at the perfect moment are some of the fondest of my time in Chicago. Legendary.

[@Justicehillmusic]

We love you Claudio!!!

[@bryanrmcf]

I remember when I used to work at People’s Barber in San Francisco, and we also had a tamale guy that would walk around selling tamales. It’s freaking awesome to support these people!

[@oneytemple2739]

So many times I've been hanging out with friends at a bar like Innertown or Gold Star in Chicago and this guy has saved my life.

[@stareater1870]

Reminds me of my Grandma. She would pick up and sell cans and pecans. Would make dozens and dozens of tamales for money to help with whatever. Would help her from time to time making them. She passed a bit over 3 months ago now. Miss her a lot. Edit: Guess I'll expand a bit just to explain why it's so hard and reminisce a bit more. Was the caretaker for her and my Grandpa for the year before she passed. Still watch Grandpa but it hasn't been the same at all. She taught me how to cook and everything. She always did whatever she could to help. Those soda cans, pecans, and tamales are how she helped to raise money. Would put hours and hours into it. Would have me help her make it, taste test it. Last Thanksgiving I took over cooking duties and for once she didn't do all that much, aside from help me press a few vegetables through a dicer. Life just won't be the same, it hasn't been. Been some of the hardest 3 months. Will be 4 in the 25th. Christmas didn't feel like it.

[@stareater1870]

@@JoeBlow_4 Thank you, appreciate the thoughts.

[@Mugen0445]

Condolences. Grandmas are the best.

[@heyyou9244]

I lost my grandma a few months ago too she was my everything 💔

[@ilvean3122]

Many decades ago, my father immigrated from El Salvador to the United States. He was stopped by Mexican cops who took what little money he had. Penniless and hungry, he encountered people who not only fed him, but gave him money and encouragement to continue. He never forgot that kindness. I love Mexico and its beautiful people.

[@CarlosCastillo-ph3yu]

About sums up Mexico in a nutshell: everyday people get fucked by the corrupt government while everyday people will give their shirt off their back

[@user-ey4ut9uc8w]

@@CarlosCastillo-ph3yu that’s just not true to be honest. While I’m very glad that OPs father had a good experience, that’s usually not the case. As a Mexican, it always bothered me that Mexican people didn’t treat foreigners passing through better considering they were only trying to follow the same steps of a better life.

[@carlosm.3426]

@@user-ey4ut9uc8w they get treated with the same respect and manners those immigrants are given to Mexicans. I dont you even live in Mexico to even know what occurs

[@sirosis7858]

And he couldn't wait to get to the USA where the dumb generous gringo taxpayers could pay his way entirely along with those Mexican cops who probably snuck across right behind him. Hahaha dumb gringos paying to support you. Screw THEM right? 🤣

[@alexventura3037]

Thank you for this one Munchies. As a fellow Chicagoan, this one hits deep. I love hearing his story. It relates to so many for us generation immigrant Chicago families. Bless up the good work Munchies🙏

[@davidb9547]

I love this story. Hard work, pride, honor, and love.

[@thecarlob_007]

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some bring you tamales and hope.

[@chrisclouds4182]

The amount of bars hit, customers served, tamales made. Tamale guy is prolific!

[@GregCurtin45]

Another amazing immigrant who fought the odds in health and in business. Thank you #Munchies for another great biography of people making the world better through food and he has an amazing son who has stepped up to make his father's dreams come true. Extraordinary family business. ♥

[@ShittyBill]

This guy has saved my ass so many times. Super good tamales 🫔!

[@drakeblessum3466]

As a Wicker Park resident in Chicago, the Tamale Guy has saved me so many times. Any good bar in Chicago that does not serve food - you can count on Claudio to come to your rescue!

[@kathyerickson9402]

I'm not from Chicago and have never had one of these tamales, but even I have heard of the Tamale Guy!

[@gxtmfa]

This man is a legend! I’m so glad he’s getting the respect he deserves here! He better get a damn statue one day.

[@dendrok1]

Ive had his tamales at peak drunkness they are amazing. Definitely godsend when he walks into ur bar

[@abrahamkim1078]

This guy is a legend. So well loved by his community.

[@viktorcheng2061]

Tamales are such a healthier and delicious option then other quick food to eat. Congrats on this man’s success and whoever is lucky to try his delicious tamales

[@YounhaMizuki]

They really are not that healthy.

[@deeznuts8707]

They are made with lard.

[@rgdssd]

@@YounhaMizuki they are still healthier than fast food! Of course one shouldn’t eat them daily, but if you eat a tamale vs a fast food burger/fries, the tamale is healthier.

[@egocentric222]

True lard is better than canola oil or the peanut oil that fast food chains use.

[@Killmode29]

The definition of a soldier! This man is the real deal. I salute him. ❤️

[@nando4535]

This man saved me many a time. We all cheer for him in the city. 👍🏼

[@owencaseymusic]

I’ve had the pleasure of eating his tamales many times while I lived in chicago as a bartender. Every time he came in was a good night🍀💌 happy to see him strong and healthy !

[@biggfbs126]

His story is like many other immigrants here in Chicago that struggle and find ways to survive. We need more of these videos to remember to be humble and more than anything proud of our people. The hustle is amazing in the big city

[@Daveed1984]

Great story. A tamale is the best after drinking. Especially a fried tamale with a fried egg in the morning. Best hangover breakfast

[@mayrar2321]

56 and still grinding this hard !! Proud to be a first generation Mexican America ! Hard work is in our blood ❤️❤️❤️

[@samsonchan1488]

He is a true Chicagoan in the City of Broad Shoulders. And his tamales are fantastic 🫔

[@dakronikles]

love this man, fully support him. tamales are amazing. I miss seeing him on lovely summer nights getting sauced. salsa is on point. He must be protected at all times, don't fuck with chicago's tamale man :D

[@senderupwords7720]

I love this guy. Congrats to you Claudio and I wish you continued success. Love and Light from Laos

[@kylec700]

I’ve been very fortunate to have had some of his tamales! They are amazing and if he comes around you gotta buy some!

[@1979Rockstar1]

I love to see stuff like this show how the world can be a better place. This man has my respect. Can’t wait to go to Chicago one day and meet this guy !

[@scizor285]

What a heart warming story.

[@LarsonChristopher]

This is the immigrant story that everyone in America should see. Respect.

[@poopymcpoop9945]

Bruh welcome to the world of being a Mexican immigrant. This is something all our ancestors had to do at some point. We are the hardest working people there are, fact.

[@ross6343]

@@coalminingforlife5050 Unless you're indigenous, you come from immigrants too...you ungrateful waste of human space.

[@shubham_marathe]

@@ross6343 not immigrants, usually colonizers. The difference is important.

[@nam5do]

@@ross6343 relax libtards

[@ross6343]

@@nam5do You appear to be an immigrant...what's your issue?

[@BiggestKornFan1993]

If everyone's attitude was just like the Tamale Guy, This world would be a better place for all of us

[@emanuelmedina3459]

It really would God bless that guy hope he lives forever 🙏😩

[@sb_dunk]

"Everybody knows me, everybody loves me."

[@nayanmathur4765]

What a down to Earth, hard-working and humble man. A good man worth celebrating.

[@xionarmor5792]

Respect ✊🏿 from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

[@Musica20009]

As someone whose family was born and raised when he said Cuernavaca people helped him felt good

[@Innerbrave]

I don't know Munchies but I'll start following them more. Well done piece on Tamale Guy, I'm from Chicago and appreciate how you shot and edited this. Good job!

[@zilinruan]

My friend told me about this guy. He would go around Logan squire! I always wanted to try it. Maybe one day….❤️

[@Symmetriad]

Thank you so much for this. I've only gotten tamales from Claudio a few times, but he's the heart and soul of Chicago and deserves every bit of recognition he can get. I miss my hometown seeing this and I can't wait to introduce more people to his tamales.

[@ChefBardo]

I met him outside of grace in 2016 with the rest of the crew. We loaded up on them. They were some of the best tamales I have had outside of Mexico.

[@rigel507]

Wow what a lovely story, it's amazing to see so many people love him the way they do cause of his tamales and his humble friendly personality. God bless him and bring him all the luck and success he deserves. Much love from NYC

[@elluisito000]

Que alegria ver al Tamale Guy aqui. Sus tamales son muy ricos. Tuve el gusto de conversar con él un rato hace varios años ya 😀

[@pakundo123]

this my guy right here. kept me fed throughout my internship. even when i was broke as shit.

[@giowrld3boss308]

So awesome that the community shows so much love to him . That would make anybody days just being appreciated and loved by your peers badass

[@MikeDrew312]

This man said they in Pilsen while at the El milagro Little village location... although while there’s a el milagro location in Pilsen.. idk that didn’t sit well with me. Did nobody in editing catch that? Lol 😂 (Much love to this man, my family is also from the state Guerrero)

[@republicoftexas4651]

As a Texas tamale officianado: those tamales look really good. Things a good tamale absolutely needs: well seasoned and moist masa and, extremely moist and flavorful filling. Homeboy put the work in. He absolutely deserves his success. Hard work. Sweat. Getting to know people. That's how you earn your stripes.

[@dallasbhowell8485]

As a Texan that's had them, they're incredible.

[@jonathanmatthew1263]

This video has two surprises: milk in the masa, and tears in my eyes...

[@BnaBreaker]

Claudio is my guy! He has saved me from many nights of sloppy drunkenness... seems like he's always hovering around Exit at about 2 or 3 AM lol

[@RamagsKitchen]

A humble guy with respectful attitude, conquers one and all. Lovely!

[@raphaelferrer4344]

love this guy.....He finally has a restaurant!

[@dee5tank]

Saw tamales in the title, and knew I wasn't going to be disappointed.

[@insaneLALA]

I just love hearing the happy cheering and “YAY” when he walks into the bars 😂

[@blazejon]

Claudio is such an amazing guy, I played pool league in Chicago during the 00's and got to know him. It's awesome to think that almost 20 years later he's (and the family) have been able to grow this legend into a long lasting/successful brand. Big ups to Munchies for showing all the hard work it takes to produce a days worth of tamales.

[@alejandroaguirre6861]

Chulada de viejon .. arriba El estado de Guerrero

[@caderly28574]

we need more ppl like this man

[@cochogro26]

He is a legend in Chicago... and yes everybody loves him... he jokes with all of us at work african americans puerto ricans and mexicans are always begging him for more tamales

[@theweedlink]

The grind and hustle I love every second of this video.

[@wallfly0131]

This guy is awsome, he even makes it to North West Indiana and his tamales are fantastic. 👍

[@81jorge]

Humble guy just making a living. Respect! My parents are from Guerrero so I know he’s a hard working. Much love to his customers also and for supporting him.

[@nicholasdiaz1925]

This video just reminded me that I have a leftover tamale in the fridge that I bought from him at the Web Pub earlier this week… I’m so happy. Thank you Claudio for your service

[@briananda3383]

Made me cry. He reminded me of my Father, who's retired but still cooks and gives our neighbors tamales and wants no money in return but love and respect. I do the same now being deployed and I cook, bbq, grill for my brother's and sister's and do it out of the kindness of my heart. God bless this man, I hope he does great and stays healthy.

[@Guanacachef]

Lo felicito señor! Muchas más bendiciones para usted y su familia. ✌🏽💗

[@alfredocastaneda2111]

This guy is a legend here in Chicago. Props to Munchies for this!

[@recapmodotti]

Great to see some recognition! Used to buy from him at Long Room on Ashland and Irving.

[@nestorisaac]

De queso con rajas en salsa verde 😋

[@pkendall99]

amazing. we have a Tamale granny who shows up in my neighborhood of Morningside Heights n Saturdays. Makes me appreciate it even more, watching this.

[@andrewtheogre5971]

Wholesome, hardworking, beautiful person. God bless you Sir. 🙏🏽

[@DMS198526]

Love these vids, keep them coming munchies

[@samfazio745]

Love this series

[@521i]

I’ve been waiting for years to see the tamale guy. Respect from Japan.

[@xiomarapolanco1273]

May God continue to bless Mr. Claudio. A future of blessing & success 🙏🏽❤️‼️‼️‼️

[@ogkushkilla4070]

Mad respect and love to my people 🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@butterknifelife]

What a bloody legend.

[@hastyrecon2899]

This is the feel good stuff I live for, good shit

[@edhernandez8523]

You guys can't stop making these. I'm addicted.

[@johndee759]

Awe. This is so heartwarming.