Skip to content
Riot Fest Logo
Tickets
Search
  • FESTIVAL
    • 2023 Lineup
    • 2023 Photos + Videos
    • 2023 Merch
    • 2023 Riot Mall Vendors
    • Lost & Found
    • Tickets
    • FAQ
    • Partners
  • Upcoming Shows
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Playlists
    • New Music
    • Concert Photos
    • Interviews
    • Comics
    • TV+Film
    • Staff Picks
  • Community
    • Community Involvement
    • Community Tickets
    • Community Bands at Riot Fest
    • Community Artwork Submission
    • Park Cleanup
    • Community Job Hiring
    • Vendor Workshop
    • Neighborhood Guide
  • Merch
  • Search
At Last, The Tamale Guy is Getting His Own Restaurant

At Last, The Tamale Guy is Getting His Own Restaurant

The Chicago icon is opening up a place in Ukrainian Village
July 27, 2020 (July 27, 2020) // Riot Fest

After nearly two decades of selling tamales out of his iconic red coolers, Claudio Velez—better known as Chicago’s legendary Tamale Guy—is getting a restaurant of his own in Ukrainian Village.

The restaurant is located at 2018 W Chicago Ave, which currently has some coolers in the window with a sign that reads “”You want tamales? See you soon.” Pierre Vega, a longtime customer of Velez, teamed up with Velez to make the restaurant happen—and to make his dream come true. The goal is to open up shop sometime in August.

ICYMI: The Tamale guy is opening a Ukrainian Village restaurant. https://t.co/TsOtdUHTLI pic.twitter.com/z1tvHYTfNN

— Block Club Chicago (@BlockClubCHI) July 24, 2020

Velez had his operations temporarily shut down earlier this year after the city issued him a cease-and-desist for selling his trademark tamales without a retail food license. Thankfully, the community started a GoFundMe in response and raised over $34,000 for Velez—far surpassing the initial $10,000 goal.

“I am very excited, especially with everyone who helped make this dream possible,” Velez told Block Club Chicago. “This has always been my dream.”


 

The Related Rabbit Hole

What Would Happen If Riot Fest Opened A Restaurant? This Goose Island Beer Can Benefits Restaurant Workers A Cheetos Pop-up Restaurant Is Coming To NYC
About The Author
Riot Fest

Punk Rock (& more) Music Fest | I'm sorry we didn't book the exact bands you wanted, in the exact order you wanted, in the exact location you wanted, for free. Chicago. Sept. 15-17, 2023

Posted in Chicago, Food + DrinkTagged chicago, food, restaurants, Tamale Guy, tamales

Post navigation

  Previous PostNext Post 
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Mail
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
Riot Fest Tickets
Upcoming Shows Playlist

Introducing Riot Pop!! CBD

New Riot Pop!! CBD flavors available at Riot Fest 2023 and Cultivate Fest
Riot Fest Presents Shows
Sep. 29, 2023
X-Ray Arcade
Venom Inc.

Venom Inc.

Satan

Ringworm

72 Legions

Tubal Cain

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Venom Inc.
Sep. 29, 2023
Cobra Lounge
Agent Orange

Agent Orange

Spice Pistols

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Agent Orange
Sep. 30, 2023
Concord Music Hall
Movements

Movements

Mannequin Pussy

Softcult

Heart To Gold

SOLD OUT
Movements
Sep. 30, 2023
Cobra Lounge
Venom Inc.

Venom Inc.

Satan

Ringworm

72 Legions

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Venom Inc.
Sep. 30, 2023
X-Ray Arcade
Broadway Rave

Broadway Rave

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Broadway Rave
Oct. 1, 2023
Turner Hall Ballroom
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

EXHUMED

INCITE

MORTA SKULD

Tickets(Opens in new window).
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

MORE SHOWS

Greatest Hits

  • Foundation
  • Riot Pop!!
  • History
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
Du-Mango 95 Flavor Riot Pop!!
Cherry On!! Flavor Riot Pop!!
Riot Pop!! Logo

It's got electrolytes!

Get on wait list
InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebook

Copyright © 2023 Riot Fest Corporation. Privacy Policy.

Search for:

Send me emails so I don’t have to go to your website to look for shows.

"*" indicates required fields

Name
Email me about
Music I like
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The best, the best, the "Best Of" Riot Fest 2023 gallery is up!
See Pics
This is default text for notification bar
Learn more