In San Antonio, tamales are a big part of the holidays. During the winter celebrations, everyone enjoys these festive treats in the Alamo City. Whether you like pork, chicken, bean, or cheese, the different flavors make these tamales a true local delicacy. Many places offer tamales for purchase, and most businesses take pre-orders to help you secure them for the holiday season.
Delicious Tamales
If you’re in San Antonio and craving tamales, head to Delicious Tamales. This local spot is a favorite, even compared to the chain places in Austin. You can get your tamales through pre-orders, in-person, or online. I’ve tried many tamales, but these are hands down the best.
Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales
In the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. They serve tasty pork and chicken tamales, along with barbacoa and tacos. It’s the perfect place for a meal with a soft drink.
Teka Molino
In San Antonio, Teka Molino is a must-visit for real Tex-Mex food. They’ve been around for a long time, and their pork tamales are a favorite. You can grab one for $1.25 or get a dozen for $11.99. If you’re really hungry, try the Mexicano plate with two tamales, an enchilada, chili, rice, beans, and corn tortillas for just $9.25.
Ruben’s Homemade Tamales
On the Eastside of San Antonio, Ruben’s has been making delicious tamales since 1952. People often line up out the door to purchase them, and both inside and outside, everyone agrees these tamales are so good.
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa
At Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa in San Antonio, you can enjoy breakfast or brunch with handmade tamales, traditional barbacoa, and menudo. They have corn and flour tortillas, plus a variety of tacos and lunch plates. You can sit inside or outside, with moderate noise, free Wi-Fi, and takeout available.
Don’s Molino
Don’s Molino has been around since 1975. This Southside shop is known by San Antonio residents for its tasty tamales. The restaurant also offers barbacoa, chicharrones, and menudo. The food here is so good, it’s a must try
La Luz Tortilla Factory
La Luz Tortilla Factory is a business that has been serving high-quality tortillas and tamales all year-round. During the holiday season, they make soft tamales with pork, chicken, or bean. On weekends, people love to stop by for these local favorites.
Margarita’s Tortilla Factory
Sonia Margarita Vasquez Grizzle, the owner of Margarita’s Tortilla Factory, reopened her San Antonio storefront in 2022 after fighting cancer. Her handmade tamales—both traditional and vegan—show her strong culinary chops and have been recognized by Texas Monthly.
Pepe’s Molino
Pepe’s Molino is a great spot in San Antonio for tasty tamales. Pepe’s Tortilla Factory is a family-run business that offers tamales at a good price, just $9 for a dozen. They have different varieties like pork, chicken, and bean, with jalapeño for a bit of a kick. The tamales are full of flavor, and the people there are really friendly. It’s a place where you feel welcome, and the food tastes like it’s made with care.
Adelita Tamales & Tortilla
Adelita Tamales & Tortilla has been a family-owned favorite since 1938. They make some of the city’s best tamales, using stone-ground nixtamal corn masa for that traditional taste. You can get a dozen with filling options like pork, pork and jalapeño, chicken, or bean jalapeño. Their tamales taste just like home.
Delia’s
Delia’s is a great spot for tamales. You can sit outside or inside, depending on what you like. The Spicy Pork Tamales are tasty, and the cream cheese with jalapenos ones are also really good. It’s a good choice for lunch with a casual feel and moderate noise. There’s private lot parking, and they even offer delivery if you don’t feel like going out.
Mimi’s Barbacoa and Tamales Y Mas
At Mimi’s Barbacoa and Tamales Y Mas, the Mexican food is real and simple. Their barbacoa, tamales, and tacos are always fresh and delicious. You can eat inside or sit outside with family. They also have good dishes like menudo and lengua for those who like to try something different.
FAQs
Who owns delicious tamales in San Antonio?
Valerie Gonzalez and her mother, Herlinda Lopez-Wood, are the heart behind San Antonio’s best tamales. These foodies crafted their delicious tamales by bringing familiar tastes from their childhoods to life. Their passion, rooted in San Antonio and Austin, makes every bite feel like a taste of home.
What kind of tamales are the most popular?
The most popular tamal in San Antonio is often wrapped in corn husks and filled with spicy chicken or pork, blending the bright flavors of tomatillo and green chilies. Some also love the herbal touch found in tamales made with plantain leaves, offering a unique taste that stands out.
What is a tamal vs tamale?
A tamal is the original Spanish term, derived from tamalli in Nahuatl. It’s a traditional dish made with seasoned masa, wrapped and steamed with various fillings like meats, cheeses, vegetables, and chilies. Tamale is the anglicized version of the word, but both refer to the same delicious food with diverse preparation and taste.
What are the two types of tamales?
The two main types of tamales are sweet tamales, filled with fruits, and savory tamales, which are often packed with meat or vegetables. The most common tamales are made with nixtamalized corn dough, and some can even be enjoyed plain, without any filling at all.