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Tamales lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that treats tamales as a main event rather than an afterthought.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 1
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 2
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 3
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Butcher shop deli combines fresh meat grilling with a small seating area serving authentic Mexican dishes. The space feels modern, clean, and welcoming, with an airy layout that invites browsing. Friendly energy fills the room as customers enjoy both shopping and eating on-site.

Fresh tamales come with a variety of dry and canned goods, veggies, and cheeses available. Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to grab a satisfying dinner.

Freshly made meals come from a kitchen that cooks food perfectly for lunch. The birria stands out as a great meat option and the spot is convenient for a quick midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I had a fantastic lunch here; the birria tacos were the best."

"I found the tamales here delicious and wonderful."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide selection of fresh meats and Mexican products.

2

Prices are considered very low for the quality of meat available.

3

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

02
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, renovated Mexican restaurant offers covered patio with live music and comfortable outdoor seating with heaters and misters. Atmosphere feels authentic and fun, with a clean and cozy interior. Known for top-notch margaritas and standout dishes like chilaquiles and carne asada tacos.

Tamales come with red sauce that enhances their flavor. Options include Beef Tamales and tamales with eggs, all served with rice and refried beans.

Business lunches happen here with a great atmosphere. The spot works well for a midday meal before traveling.

People are saying

"The food here is great and a fantastic value."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and fresh."

"I found the tamales here to be just delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1.99 taco specials on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour runs from 2:00 - 5:00 with $5 margaritas.

3

Live music is featured on Thursday nights.

03
AMELIAS MEXICAN KITCHEN image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate, modern space with arts-inspired decor and maximum seating capacity. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, enhanced by salsa and merengue music and a busy, energetic crowd. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed option for seating.

Tamales come in several varieties like beef, red, and tamales con huevos with perfectly cooked eggs. Mini chimis and the bira tamales also stand out for their flavor.

Lunch offers enjoyable and tasty meals with fast, attentive service even during busy times. Staff like Karla provide friendly, smiling service that adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food to be wonderful and delicious."

"The birria ramen combo is a unique and delicious dinner spot."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Taco Tuesday to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour features buy one get one half off deals on select drinks.

3

Expect a busy crowd during Taco Tuesday; arrive early for the best experience.

04
Plazita México Café image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy, homey atmosphere with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, filled with locals who seem like regulars. It stands out for authentic, fresh Mexican food and a variety of margarita flavors.

Fresh tamales appear daily as specials, often paired with eggs, beans, and tortillas for breakfast. The tamales stand out for their excellent flavor and consistent quality.

Lunch features delicious birria and a menu that satisfies for both lunch and dinner. Options offer rich flavors that work well any time of day.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is incredible and delicious."

"This lunch spot has the best Mexican food I've ever eaten."

"I loved the tamales here; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner on select nights.

2

The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday through Sunday.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

05
Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor and shaded outdoor seating featuring traditional clay dishware and warm wood finishes creates a homey vibe. Soft traditional Mexican music plays, adding a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The space welcomes diverse diners with vegan and gluten-free options and a dog-friendly patio.

Tamales here taste homemade and come in freshly made varieties like chicken, beef, and sweet green corn. Vegan options stand out as authentic and well-crafted, with all sauces made fresh too.

Known for its tamales, this spot serves solid options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It draws people looking for a straightforward, satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"Their vegan food was amazing and high quality."

"The green corn tamales here are special and delicious."

"This lunch spot's tamales are moist, flavorful, and remind me of childhood."

Good to know

1

They offer all-you-can-eat buffets every Thursday and Saturday from 9 to 11:30 am.

2

The restaurant has a diverse vegan menu with many options.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

06
Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos image 1

Butcher shop combines clean, friendly atmosphere with an open salsa bar and small restaurant inside. Customers find high-quality seasoned meats alongside produce and tortillas, creating a lively spot for authentic Mexican flavors. Self-serve ordering and ample parking add convenience to the experience.

Authentic tamales come in a half dozen for 14 dollars. They taste excellent and are available to go.

Marinated meats stand out as a fun lunch option here. The carne al pastor is a popular choice for a satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"I've never had better birria or al pastor tacos."

"The carne asada and al pastor tacos at this Lunch Spot are amazing."

"I emphasized how authentic the tamales were."

Good to know

1

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos is open from 7am to 8pm every day.

2

There is plenty of parking available, making it convenient to get a quick bite.

3

Tamales are priced at $14 for a half dozen.

07
Maria Bonita Mexican Kitchen image 1

Mexican restaurant with traditional and modern decor creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere enhanced by live Mariachi music at times. The space feels like a small piece of Mexico, quiet enough for easy conversation and welcoming to all.

Green corn tamales stand out with their rich flavor and come with good sized portions of rice and beans. They appear on combination platters alongside items like chile relleno and fajitas.

Small minis served at lunch fill you up quickly, making it easy to skip a full meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and full of authentic flavor."

"I found the green corn tamales to be the most delicious I had ever eaten."

"You have to try the green corn tamales; they're the best lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The mariachi band performs every Friday night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

2

Parking can be a little challenging.

3

Seating can get limited, so it's best to call for reservations.

08
St. Mary's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot with no dine-in seating and several chairs to wait. Atmosphere feels clean and lively with a busy, inviting vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food with standout tamales and burritos.

Tamales feature moist and tender masa with chunks of sweet corn and melted cheese that create a rich texture and flavor. The green corn tamales offer a unique sweet taste that stands out.

Minimal wait times appear even during the weekday lunch rush. Food quality stays consistent across meals, making it a reliable spot for lunch.

People are saying

"I ordered a dozen tamales and they were very good."

"You have to try the green corn tamales; they're sweet and unique."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, especially the green chili."

Good to know

1

St. Mary's Mexican Food is a takeout-only restaurant with no seating available.

2

To order 2 dozen or more tamales, place an order in advance.

3

Tamales will be ready when you arrive if ordered in advance.

09
Tanias 33 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a simple, old school atmosphere and family-style seating that feels cozy and relaxed. Large tables accommodate groups, while Disney movies and dinosaur art add a casual, welcoming touch. The vibe is down to earth, making it a comfortable spot for quick bites or gatherings.

Corn tamales come from a Heaven's own recipe and stand out for their incredible deliciousness. The green chile tamales offer a notable flavor and are available to take home.

Lunch features a barbacoa lunch burrito and vegan Mexican options. Meals come at a total price around $50 for two before tip, making it a solid choice for a regular midday stop.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious, homemade breakfast burrito with the best tortillas."

"This lunch spot has so many fantastic vegan options."

"These corn tamales are made from Heaven's own recipe."

Good to know

1

Tanias 33 offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Reservations or online orders are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Prices at Tanias 33 are generally affordable for the portion sizes.

10
El Sur Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor dining area with a recently remodeled, bright, and comfortable space featuring roll-up windows and a bar setup. Atmosphere feels cozy, friendly, and festive, with occasional loudness due to size. Outdoor patio offers ample seating and a pleasant environment even in warm weather.

Fried green corn tamales stand out here, even when not on the menu. Juicy, hot tamales come from the tamale lady at the front door, with sweet corn tamales also noted as delicious.

Exceptional service stands out during lunch, especially for large groups. Staff like Maria Luiza provide attentive care, making it a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and packed full of flavor."

"Maria provided exceptional service at the Lunch Spot."

"I've never eaten a Molcajete as incredible as this one."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs from 9:30 pm until 2:00 am on Sundays.

2

Happy hour features discounted margaritas and free chips and salsa.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

11
Mi Nidito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with warm, cozy decor resembling a traditional casita and festive, colorful atmosphere. Offers authentic Sonoran cuisine and renowned margaritas, creating a friendly, quiet space ideal for conversation.

Tamales here have a substantial size and flavorful beef with excellent seasoning. Masa texture is perfectly soft, though one version contains only potato and jalapeno without beef.

A moderate wait often happens around lunch, especially on weekends. It serves as a reliable spot for after-church meals and has been a family ritual for years.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be amazing."

"This lunch spot serves truly authentic and delicious Mexican food."

"The tamales here are flavorful with excellent masa texture."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait, especially on weekends or evenings.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for some vendors.

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