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Tamales and salsa spots

A plate of tamales is incomplete without the right salsa to bring it all together.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Aguajito Meat Market image 1
Aguajito Meat Market image 2
Aguajito Meat Market image 3
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Large grocery store offers fresh meats, homemade tamales, and warm corn tortillas with a variety of spicy salsas. Weekends feature an on-site grill preparing meats bought moments before. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, attracting locals seeking authentic Mexican ingredients.

Fresh tamales come out on Tuesdays, featuring beef filled with green pepper, onion, and olive. Green corn tamales and homemade fresh corn tortillas also stand out alongside roasted chilies and red salsa.

Fresh salsas feature ingredients like tomatillo, chile guero, jalapeño, and cilantro. They offer a vibrant, flavorful heat with some spiciness that complements prepared foods like ceviche and tamales.

People are saying

"The fresh salsas here are flavorful and packed a delicious heat."

"The beef tamales were incredible, filled with moist and savory beef."

"I love their homemade corn tortillas, they're always warm."

Good to know

1

Fresh tamales are available every Tuesday.

2

Chile árbol is a specialty item found only here.

3

The store offers a variety of fresh meats and vegetables.

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.

Salsa stands out with table side preparation and excellent flavor. Chips and salsa come together for a solid pairing.

People are saying

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

"I thought the salsa was to die for, it's really good."

"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
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 1

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.

Premade salsa, pico, and guac stand out for their quality. The selection of snacks, candies, and salsas offers a great variety to choose from.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The salsa here is incredible, especially the avocado salsa."

"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.

04
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.

Music features salsa and merengue, setting a lively mood. Salsas offer a perfect blend with a slow burn kick and use real potatoes for authentic flavor.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is delicious and worth trying."

"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.

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.

Salsa comes freshly made by hand with an excellent flavor. It tastes like it was prepared just before arrival.

People are saying

"Their vegan food was amazing and high quality."

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

"The salsa here is fresh, slightly spicy, and very flavorful."

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
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.

Homemade salsa stands out with real chile sauces made from scratch. Chips and salsa come together as a delicious pairing crafted by Cristian and his family.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is incredible and delicious."

"The staff here are so friendly and make you feel comfortable."

"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.

07
Barista del Barrio image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Converted house offers covered outdoor seating with a quaint, cozy vibe and dog-friendly patios. The atmosphere feels artistic and local, with shared tables and a relaxed, breezy setting. Lines form regularly, reflecting steady popularity and a community feel.

Tamales come in unique varieties like vegan hemp and green tamale with a small piece of meat. They appear in bowls and burritos, often paired with beans, cheese, and green chilies, delivering distinctive flavors not found elsewhere.

Salsa stands out for its incredible flavor and delightful taste. It pairs well with breakfast burritos and complements dishes like chorizo.

People are saying

"These grilled burritos are crispy outside and steamy hot inside."

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be absolutely amazing."

"These tamales are delicious, especially inside a burrito."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find as it's located within a neighborhood.

2

Expect a long line during busy hours, especially on weekends.

3

The ordering system can be confusing, so be prepared.

08
Mr. Toro Carnicería image 1
Butcher shop deli

Butcher shop deli combines clean, new space with an authentic Mexican meat market vibe. Open and lively atmosphere includes a taco shop and dine-in area offering traditional soups and dishes. Known for fresh, flavorful meats and a wide menu including tamales, caldos, and salsas.

Tamales come steaming hot with no fillers except one olive. They pack plenty of beef and offer varieties like red chili beef and green corn tamales.

Green salsa stands out with fresh, vibrant flavor. Made-to-order salsas come alongside a full menu including soups and tamales, adding variety to the meat market offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"I found the tamales steaming hot and delicious."

"I really enjoyed their green salsa."

Good to know

1

They offer both eat-in and take-out options.

2

The place is very clean and well-maintained.

3

They serve a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and soups.

09
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.

Salsa here is fresh and spicy with a very good flavor. Chips come with salsa that is enjoyable, though the portion of salsa is sometimes small.

People are saying

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

"I found the salsa fresh and spicy."

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

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.

10
Carnicería el Novillo image 1

Busy butcher shop with well-stocked meat counters and two butchers serving customers. Offers a wide selection of Mexican essentials, including fresh produce, salsas, and candies. Loyalty program rewards frequent buyers with free items like salsa or tortillas.

Green corn tamales stand out with their fresh flavor. The tamales overall have a rich taste and soft texture.

Ready-made salsas come in xxxtra hot red and green varieties with fresh ingredients. The salsa pairs well with other items and is part of a rewards program offering small salsa or tortillas.

People are saying

"This meat market has plenty of fresh, flavorful meat."

"You have to try their fresh salsas; the xxxtra hot red is amazing."

"I loved their tamales, especially the green corn ones."

Good to know

1

The store offers a good selection of essentials for Mexican cooking and snacks.

2

The produce section is small but fresh and colorful.

3

They have plenty of fresh flour tortillas in all sizes.

11
Salsa Verde Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Interior offers a sit-down dining experience with a recently remodeled, lively atmosphere that contrasts with a modest exterior. Casual and laid-back vibe welcomes guests to enjoy a salsa bar and diverse margarita flavors. Outdoor seating is available and pet friendly, adding to the relaxed setting.

Tamales come moist and flavorful, often made with corn and green chili. The red chile pork tamales stand out for their rich taste.

A salsa and condiment bar offers a variety of fresh options alongside complimentary frijole dip with chips. The salsa bar stands out as a key feature enhancing the meal experience.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The salsa bar is usually well stocked with great options."

"These tamales are so flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

$5 margarita Mondays, taco Tuesdays, and $9.99 bucket of beer Thursdays are available.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to previous visits.

3

A 25% gratuity is added for groups of nine or more.

12
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.

Salsa here stands out for its homemade hot sauce and a blended red salsa that is flavorful without being too spicy. It pairs well with chips and complements dishes like burritos and tamales.

People are saying

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

"I loved the thick, meaty red chili and homemade tortillas."

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

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.

13
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.

Open salsa bar offers authentic salsa just like in Sonora. Small containers of pre-made salsa are available to take home. Salsas pair well with marinated meat and tortillas that are hard to find nearby.

People are saying

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

"The tortillas here are friendly and accommodating."

"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.

14
Rosa's Mexican Food Restaurant image 1

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and traditional decor featuring great wall art. The vibe is warm and inviting, reflecting a family-like, friendly energy. Known for excellent margaritas and consistently delicious dishes like chicken chimichangas and chile rellenos.

Green corn tamales stand out with a sweet cornbread taste. The combination plate featuring tamale, red enchilada, and taco offers a well-balanced mix that ranks among the finest. These tamales match the quality of traditional homemade recipes.

Chips come with fresh cilantro and garlic salsa that is consistently hotter and tasty. The salsa pairs well with dishes like enchiladas and burritos and stays dependably flavorful every visit.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and remarkably authentic."

"The salsa here is really nice with fresh cilantro and garlic."

"I found the green corn tamales to have a great sweet cornbread taste."

Good to know

1

The carne asada plate costs $29.99, which may be considered expensive for the portion size.

2

Prices have recently increased, with some meals exceeding $30.

3

The restaurant is located in a strip mall at the corner of Ft Lowell and Campbell.

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