Mariel’s Mexican Cafe & Tamale Factory

I’m not sure when this place opened up, but they’re «now open!» I just noticed them this morning – a banner advertising tamales and tacos for breakfast and lunch. I was intrigued…
Without much prodding, the bf and I popped in here before church to get a couple of potato and egg breakfast tacos to go. The friendly guy behind the counter (who I assume was the owner, based on his enthusiasm) handed us the menu, which had options-​a-​plenty. I can’t remember everything, but I know there were multiple types of tamales and tacos, and your typical Tex-​Mex/​Mex-​Mex fare. The guy told us «next time we’ll have all sorts of tamales!» So maybe not everything on the menu is available yet?
So, the tacos. They were pretty good! I’m not sure if the tortillas were homemade because I thought I saw a sack of «mission tortillas» behind the counter. Regardless, they didn’t taste like they’d been packaged. The tortillas were stuffed with potato and egg, which seemed really fresh! It looked like they used real egg (none of that egg beater business) and freshly chopped potatoes (maybe slightly undercooked b/​c they were a little firm, but still good). It wasn’t the fastest cooked food for a to-​go order, but that just makes me think they don’t make it till you buy it. I can’t complain about that.
The potato/​egg tacos were $ 1.25 each whereas the chorizo and bacon and other meats are around $ 1.50. The credit card machine was out, so they are just taking cash in the meantime. While it may not be the best bfast taco ever, it was good, cheap and filling. I’m definitely gonna give them another shot due to them being located on my route to work. Besides, those tamales piqué my stomach’s interest! The 3 stars means it’s worth checking out, so maybe «A-​OK» isn’t a fair assessment, since I don’t even know how long they’ve been open.
It’s nice to have non-​chain places like this in the area with friendly and eager service. Oh and in case you’re wondering where this place is, it’s on 1960, just south of Perry in the same center as the Shipley’s.
P. S. I happened to notice a «Mariel’s Mexican Café & Tamale Factory» on Jones Rd, on
. Maybe they moved locations? Regardless, everyone’s sayin they have the best tamales!