This Washington Mexican Restaurant Has Been Family-Owned And Sharing Recipes Locals Love

In Union Gap, Washington, Los Hernandez Tamales is more than a restaurant; it’s a family legacy wrapped in tradition and flavor.

Generations have perfected recipes that bring authentic Mexican taste to every plate, from tender tamales to savory fillings bursting with spice.

Locals keep coming back for the comforting flavors that feel like home, where every bite tells a story of care, heritage, and passion.

Here, dining is a celebration of family, culture, and unforgettable taste.

From Mexico to Washington: A Flavorful Journey

Felipe Hernandez arrived in Yakima Valley back in 1957, bringing with him dreams and family recipes that would later captivate Washington’s taste buds.

Together with his wife June, they opened Los Hernandez Tamales in 1990. What started as a small family business quickly turned into a beloved local institution.

Their commitment to authenticity has remained unwavering for over three decades, showing that good food truly knows no borders.

Sister’s Secret Recipe Creates Tamale Magic

Borrowing culinary wisdom from his sister Leocacia Sanchez, Felipe adapted her family tamale recipe into what would become the restaurant’s signature offering.

These aren’t just any tamales – they’re portable time capsules of Mexican heritage. The recipe’s brilliance lies in its simplicity and attention to detail.

Every tamale tells a story of tradition, family gatherings, and celebrations, wrapped neatly in a corn husk for Washington locals to enjoy year-round.

Fresh-Milled Masa Makes All the Difference

Most restaurants take shortcuts, but not Los Hernandez. They mill their dried corn in-house to create that perfect masa – the foundation of every great tamale.

This extra step creates a texture and flavor that’s impossible to replicate with pre-made products.

The fresh-ground corn delivers a nutty aroma and authentic taste that transports customers straight to Mexico. It’s this dedication to craft that separates good tamales from unforgettable ones.

Springtime Brings Legendary Asparagus Tamales

When mid-April rolls around, locals start counting down to asparagus season at Los Hernandez.

Their legendary asparagus and pepper jack tamales showcase Washington’s agricultural bounty in an unexpected Mexican package.

Available only until June, these seasonal treasures create lines out the door.

The combination of tender local asparagus and melty pepper jack cheese wrapped in fresh masa has developed an almost cult-like following among Pacific Northwest foodies.

James Beard Award Recognizes Culinary Excellence

The culinary world took notice in 2018 when Los Hernandez received the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics award.

This honor celebrates restaurants with timeless appeal that reflect the character of their communities. For a humble tamale shop in a small Washington town, this recognition was monumental.

It placed Los Hernandez among the country’s most beloved regional eateries and brought national attention to their generations-old recipes and techniques.

Growing Success Leads to Second Location

Success has a way of multiplying! After nearly three decades at their original Union Gap spot on Main Street, Los Hernandez expanded in 2019 with a second location in Yakima’s West Valley.

The new spot at 6411 W. Nob Hill Boulevard brought their famous tamales closer to even more hungry fans.

Despite growth, both locations maintain the same family atmosphere and unwavering quality that made the original shop a Washington treasure.

Classic Flavors Available Every Day of the Year

While the asparagus tamales grab seasonal headlines, the heart of Los Hernandez lies in their everyday offerings.

Their chicken and pork tamales form the backbone of the menu, available year-round to satisfy tamale cravings any day of the week.

These classics showcase perfectly seasoned meats wrapped in that signature house-made masa.

Many customers drive hours just for a dozen of these hand-wrapped bundles of joy, proving that simplicity executed perfectly never goes out of style.