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Tamales and queso

The combination of warm tamales and a side of queso is impossible to resist.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacoly Moly By Ygor image 1
Tacoly Moly By Ygor image 2
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Food truck sits in a laid-back, scenic lot with tons of outdoor seating shaded by trees. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, enhanced by live music and a welcoming vibe. Offers best tacos and burritos alongside great beer and cocktails, attracting families and casual diners alike.

Mole tamales come with beans and rice and offer a good flavor. Tamales pair well with quesadillas and tacos like pastor for a solid lunch.

Queso stands out with its creamy texture and pairs well with great chips. Dishes like pastor nachos combine generous queso portions with meat and beans for a filling option.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The chips and queso were really good."

"I found the tamales here to be very good and fairly priced."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Live music and entertainment create a unique atmosphere at the event.

3

The food truck offers generous serving sizes at affordable prices.

02
The Tamale Joint image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with classical decoration and a beautiful mural creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Spanish music and multiple TVs add lively energy, making it a good spot for casual dining or watching sports. The space feels authentic and inviting, with a friendly vibe throughout.

Tamales stand out for their authentic Mexican flavor and generous portions. Plates come with three tamales, rice, and refried beans at a price lower than many fast food options.

Chips come with a generous portion of creamy queso that includes meat. The queso pairs well with tamales and has a rich, tasty flavor.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

"The salsa here is impeccable and complements the tamales perfectly."

"The queso here is delicious and creamy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers breakfast all day from 7 AM to 7 PM.

2

The price is $7.99 for 6 tamales, which is a filling lunch.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

03
Hot Tamales (Food Truck) image 1

Food truck offers authentic homemade tamales with unbeatable prices and easy access. Atmosphere is fun and lively, drawing long lines of customers. Tamales come fresh and flavorful, especially the jalapeno and cheese varieties.

Tamales here have authentic, homemade flavor with spicy pork and jalapeรฑos and cheese varieties standing out. They come with generous meat portions and are served warm from a simple food truck setup.

Queso stands out as very tasty and excellent, paired with great chips and salsa. It consistently delivers a really good flavor that complements the tamales well.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best I've ever had."

"I've been buying tamales here for decades for holidays."

"I thought the tamales and queso were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

A dozen tamales costs $12, which is $1.00 per tamale.

2

The price is $15 a dozen.

3

It's best to buy them before the Christmas rush.

04
Picante Mexican and Seafood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and homemade sauces creates a quiet, friendly atmosphere. Clean, beautifully decorated space features outstanding margaritas and fresh, flavorful dishes like fish tacos and chilaquiles.

Tamales have a good flavor and often fall right off the corn husks, especially the pork ones. Chicken tamales can stick to the husk, requiring some scraping to eat.

Queso varies here, sometimes thick and creamy with bits of vegetable seasoning, other times cold and runny with little flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be so delicious and well presented."

"The tamales here fell right off the corn husks."

"The queso here is thick and creamy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos all day.

3

The restaurant has ample parking available for guests.

05
Mi Ranchito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Counter-service Mexican restaurant with spacious indoor and outdoor seating under large heritage oaks creates a clean, cozy atmosphere. A self-serve salsa bar offers fresh, tasty options that complement meals. The vibe feels like a neighborhood family home with a relaxing, enjoyable setting.

Sweet tamales stand out, especially the strawberry tamale. The tamales pair well with mole and the salsa bar offers good options.

Chips with creamy queso and guacamole come highly recommended. The queso hits the spot as a snack and pairs well with delicious salsas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the breakfast tacos, is excellent."

"I enjoyed their tamales, especially the mole."

"You can't skip the chips and queso; it hit the spot."

Good to know

1

They offer all day breakfast.

2

Customers order at the register and get their own silverware.

3

Breakfast for two costs less than $14 with fresh coffee.

06
Casa Mia Latin Cuisine image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright lighting and loud music create a lively atmosphere that can make conversation challenging. Comfortable seating and an inviting interior complement a full bar with notable margarita options. Outdoor seating is available on a covered patio adjacent to the restaurant.

Chicken tamales come with a solid, authentic flavor. They pair well with ceviche and queso for a classic combo.

Queso comes with great flavor and covers the dish generously. It costs a bit less than most places and tastes great.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with fresh tasting dishes."

"The tamales here are delicious and authentically made from scratch."

"I loved the queso; it had great flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other local Mexican restaurants.

3

The restaurant does not currently serve lunch due to a delayed grand opening.

07
Gloria's Latin Cuisine image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Elegant, modern decor fills the space with many details, creating a classy and clean environment. Noise levels run high, making the atmosphere busy and hectic, with Latin music playing and fans on tables keeping flies away. A covered patio and a spacious bar with TV offer distinct areas for relaxation and dining.

Savory tamales come wrapped in banana leaves and include a standout Salvadoran chicken version. They pair well with fresh plantains and grilled meats, making them a flavorful choice.

Queso stands out for its rich flavor and pairs well with dishes like chimichangas and chicken fajitas. It serves as a great alternative and complements the menu with a delicious, creamy texture.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and excellent."

"These Salvadoran chicken tamales steamed in banana leaves were fabulous."

"I thought their queso was really good."

Good to know

1

Before 3 p.m., wine is 50% off.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant fills up fast if arriving around 5:30.

08
El Jalisciense Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, cozy atmosphere with welcoming decor and a slightly outdated building. It features drive-thru service and serves authentic Mexican dishes like carne asada tacos and fajitas. The vibe is inviting and well maintained, creating a comfortable dining experience.

Tamale Dinner stands out with its solid flavor and quality. It pairs well with rice and beans and ranks alongside chimichangas as a favorite dish.

Complimentary chili con queso and guacamole come with some visits. The queso flameado stands out as a popular choice. The queso overall is described as really good and often shared on the house.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and very reasonably priced."

"I loved the queso flameado; it was really good."

"I thought the tamales were the best I had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials include $5 large margaritas.

2

Online ordering is available for easy pick-up.

3

Takeout orders can be placed at the drive-through.

09
Meso Maya Comida y Copas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Upscale Mexican restaurant blends modern elegance with traditional dรฉcor in a warm, inviting space featuring a beautiful patio and courtyard. Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere where guests often gather for authentic Central and Southern Mexican flavors.

Sweet corn tamales stand out with a detectable flavor and a delicious taste. The elote tamale pairs well with pozole for a classic combo.

Queso stands out with its rich poblano flavor and creamy texture. It pairs well with dishes like ceviche and rib-eye chicharon, making it a notable choice for those seeking authentic Mexican cheese dips.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"Their queso and guacamole combo is fantastic."

"The tamales here are amazing, truly the best."

Good to know

1

Mimosas are $3 on weekends until 3pm.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 house margaritas and $3 off select wines.

3

Parking is validated for customers, but be cautious of violations.

10
Balderas Tamale Factory image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

South of the border style decor creates a festive dining room with an inviting, warm atmosphere. A Toppings & Sauce bar offers customization for tacos and tamales, which are known for being moist and authentic. The kitchen closes early, focusing service mainly on tamales in the afternoon.

Tamales here stay moist and authentic with a flavor that reminds of homemade recipes. They come at a reasonable price and the service is quick, making them a solid choice for events or breakfast.

Chips come with hot queso that has a perfect thickness. The combination is consistently delicious and pairs well with tamales.

People are saying

"These tamales have amazing flavor and aren't dried out."

"The salsa here is fresh and on point."

"You have to get the chips and queso; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 3 PM, serving only tamales afterward.

2

Pre-orders for tamales by the dozen are available during the holidays.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during holiday seasons.

11
Mexican Inn Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Midcentury style interior with Mexican tile surrounds creates a chill, old-school neighborhood vibe. The space feels cramped and busy during peak hours, sometimes loud enough to disrupt conversation. Regulars enjoy affordable, generous portions and noted margaritas in a casual setting.

Tamales come with a flavorful sauce and a spicy chile that stands out. The pork tamale offers a rich taste alongside other dishes like chicken sour cream enchiladas.

Queso comes with chips that pair well, making it a solid choice. Some find it bland, and pairing it with Fritos feels unusual.

People are saying

"I found the comfort food Mexican dishes here really good."

"The homemade chips and salsa were fabulous and addicting."

"The tamales here are flavorful with excellent chile sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6 pm; arrive before then for discounted drinks.

2

Lunch specials are available every day until 4 PM.

3

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

12
Salsa Tex-Mex - Allen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a climate-controlled patio with Latin dancing music and a lively bar area. Atmosphere is loud and festive, with a strong sense of family culture extending to guests. Food and drinks focus on authentic flavors, highlighted by top shelf margaritas and diverse menu options.

Full-size tamales deliver a Mexican taste with a hearty portion. Masa sometimes feels raw, and the tamales do not require additional sauce, even when served with sour cream.

Yellow queso and Queso con carne stand out with rich, creamy textures. White queso offers a smooth, creamy option, often paired with dishes like chicken fajitachanga and nachos for extra flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and flavorful."

"You have to try the white queso; it's delicious."

"These tamales were full-size and tasted authentically Mexican."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day Sunday through Thursday and from 3pm to 6pm on Fridays.

2

Expect generous portions for all dishes served.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available quickly.

13
Emilio's Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small venue with industrial hacienda style and tall ceilings creates a warm, upscale atmosphere. Multiple large TVs show sports and entertainment, adding to a lively yet cozy vibe. Comfortable booths and good music make it a welcoming spot for casual dining.

Sampler includes a pork tamale alongside chicken flautas and beef tacos. Tamales hold together well without crumbling when cut. Options include salsa verde tamales and others praised for their flavor.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with crispy chips. The blend with salsa creates a memorable combo that complements other dishes like brisket tacos and tamales.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The queso here is totally amazing."

"The tamales here are amazing, with a thin masa jacket around moist, well-seasoned pork."

Good to know

1

The restaurant now serves breakfast from 7 to 10:30.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with half-price margaritas.

3

The restaurant has a game night every Wednesday at 7pm.

14
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with loud music and quirky Mexican-themed decor including wooden plates, long horns, and cowboy hats. The space feels packed and intimate, with tables close together and a busy bar area. Outdoor seating provides a breezy, vibrant patio experience.

Tamales come with a chile-based brown gravy that stands out from typical sauces. They hold their own as a menu highlight and pair well with other dishes like cheese enchiladas.

Creamy queso features a pickled Jalapeรฑo kick that warms the palate. It pairs well with enchiladas and fajitas, complementing the overall excellent food.

People are saying

"I loved the chicken enchiladas verdes; they were amazing."

"I enjoyed the Chile con Queso."

"I found the tamales to be delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be tricky; expect limited spots during busy hours.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

15
Tamale House East image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lush tropical garden surrounds indoor and outdoor seating, creating a beautiful patio with plant-filled greenhouse vibe. Atmosphere stays lowkey and chill, perfect for casual gatherings. Margaritas and mimosas stand out among drink options, complementing authentic Mexican dishes.

Massive Texas-sized tamales come packed with flavorful pork and chicken. The bean and cheese tamales pair well with spicy habanero salsa, creating a warm, inviting taste that feels like home.

Queso comes with gently scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy taco pieces in the Mom's Migas. The queso fundido and chips with salsa offer excellent flavor and pair well with tacos and tamales.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is like a lush tropical garden filled with plants."

"I thought these tamales were the best I've ever had."

"The migas with queso were the best in Austin."

Good to know

1

They validate parking for two hours with a restaurant receipt.

2

Tamale House East is only open on weekends.

3

There is lots of free parking available in front and at the rear.

16
Mom Alone Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a down home feel and dark, quiet atmosphere offers a fun and authentic decor despite a dated and run-down interior. Known for phenomenal margaritas and top-quality TexMex enchiladas, it attracts those seeking flavorful, reasonably priced meals in a family-owned setting.

Tamales come in a dozen for $13.99 to go. They taste authentic but use old corn flour in the dough.

Free queso comes with chips and salsa, making it a unique offering. The queso is buttery and delicious, pairing well with light, airy chips.

People are saying

"The cheese enchiladas here are the best I've ever had."

"The fajitas here are so flavorful and tender."

"The tamales here are outstanding and the service is friendly."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available until 4 pm.

2

The $12.99 taco plate daily special does not include the $2.99 fountain drink.

3

Prices are reasonable for the amount of food received.

17
El Caudillo image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with quality furniture and authentic Mexican food creates a family-friendly atmosphere. Loud mariachi and DJ music often fill the space, making conversation difficult. Known for exceptional margaritas and lively energy during visits.

Savory goodness defines the tamales here. They come served cold, often paired with eggs.

Queso here stands out with the queso flameado, often served with beef fajita and known for being addicting. The Chile con queso with beef comes in a large portion but can be a bit watery.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The queso here is addicting and surprisingly large."

"These tamales are pure savory goodness."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great prices on margaritas.

2

The breakfast buffet starts at 9 AM on weekends.

3

Sundays feature a beautiful buffet with a variety of dishes.

18
El Fenix image 1
Mexican restaurant

Classic Mexican decor with vintage photos and a family-friendly atmosphere creates a nostalgic vibe. The space feels clean and comfortable, with a calm energy that suits relaxed dining. A bar area offers notable margaritas and draft Modelo beer, enhancing the casual experience.

Tamales come out very good and pair well with refried beans and rice. They stand alongside other solid dishes like crunchy tacos and flautas.

Queso stands out with its creamy texture and balanced flavor. Chips paired with queso make a solid appetizer choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be tasty and wonderful."

"I loved their classic tamales, just like the old days."

"I loved their chips and queso."

Good to know

1

El Fenix offers a Wednesday Enchilada Special for $7.49, including rice and beans.

2

Expect quick service on Enchilada Wednesdays, usually within 5 minutes.

3

Parking can be challenging during busy times, so plan accordingly.

19
Rosa's Cafรฉ & Tortilla Factory image 1

Colorful interior with Mexican decoration and Mariachi-style music creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. A fresh condiment bar and visible tortilla-making add interactive elements. The space feels casual and energetic, with families and children often present.

Pork tamales come with selected toppings and a salsa bar. The tamale meat has a wonderful flavor but can sometimes be dry or have little pork inside.

Large portions of queso come with chips and salsa. The queso pairs well with fajitas and beef dishes. Both queso and salsa satisfy cravings with their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good for the price."

"I found the pork tamales to be very good."

"Their queso and salsa were perfect."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a platter for $5.95, including three tacos, rice, beans, and tortillas.

2

Expect busy lunchtime hours with limited seating available.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment and hygienic conditions.

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