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Lunch spots for tamales

You want a lunch spot that prioritizes authentic tamales over a quick turnover.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Picante Mexican and Seafood image 1
Picante Mexican and Seafood image 2
Picante Mexican and Seafood image 3
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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.

Offers a quick work lunch option with a menu featuring tacos and coffee. Serves well for lunch appointments and casual midday meals.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and really great."

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

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.

02
D’ Cuba Soy Restaurant image 1

Cozy restaurant with authentic Cuban food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with live music. Simple, clean interior features classic, beautiful decor that creates a family-like vibe. The place draws people seeking genuine Cuban flavors and a peaceful dining experience.

Soft texture and homemade flavor define the tamales here. They stand out as a delightful dish with a rich, full taste.

Lunch here suits casual outings with family or solo treats. The spot offers a relaxed atmosphere and straightforward options for a midday meal.

People are saying

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

"I found the tamales to be the best I've ever had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is truly delicious."

Good to know

1

Live music happens on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere, perfect for families and groups.

03
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.

Lunch features fresh tamales served quickly, making it a solid choice for a midday meal. Large orders for events show it handles volume well.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

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

"This lunch spot's tamales taste like home."

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.

04
Alamo Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cafeteria-style setup with spacious seating and decor rooted in folklore and tradition creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Lively yet comfortable atmosphere fills the space with sweet and savory aromas and good music. A full bar and free salsa bar add to the casual, energetic environment.

Soft, flavorful tamales feature a well-seasoned filling and fresh, tender masa. They offer authentic Texas-style and classic Mexican comfort food with consistent quality and affordable prices.

Lively but not too loud atmosphere suits lunch with friends or family well. It balances energy and comfort for midday meals.

People are saying

"These tamales are so fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared."

"The food here, especially the tamales, is so tender and delicious."

"The tamales here are soft and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You can only order tamales in packs of 6 or 12.

2

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

The restaurant has plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.

05
Fonda Santa Rosa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with authentic Mexican decor and an open kitchen creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Music ranges from relaxing to lively, enhancing a family-friendly atmosphere that feels genuine and festive.

Sweet tamales stand out for being fresh, soft, and just sweet enough. Blackberry and cherry versions offer a delicious twist, while tamales de dulce maintain a gentle sweetness throughout.

Lunch offers delicious dishes in a family-like atmosphere that feels comfortable and inviting.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

"The lunch here is always delicious."

"The sweet tamales here are fresh and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on weekends.

2

The Sunday brunch costs about $22 per person.

3

Reservations are recommended for brunch on weekends.

06
Rincon Criollo image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy Cuban cafeteria with authentic decor and an open kitchen view creates a welcoming, family-style atmosphere. Live music and a terrace that welcomes pets add to the relaxed vibe. Known for affordable prices and standout Cuban sandwiches, it draws a crowd seeking genuine Cuban flavors.

Cuban tamales here lack authentic flavor and quality. They taste far from traditional and are considered inedible by some.

Lunch features an excellent buffet-style with a variety of dishes. The congri stands out as a filling option, and the price stays under $15.

People are saying

"This Cuban food tastes like home, reminding me of family cooking."

"The lunch buffet is delicious and a great value."

"These Cuban tamales are the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The lunch buffet costs less than $15.

2

The restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban cuisine.

3

Desserts are reasonably priced compared to other places.

07
Sabor Chapin Restaurant image 1
Guatemalan restaurant

Guatemalan restaurant with authentic decor and cozy, family atmosphere transports guests to Central America. The space feels clean and welcoming, featuring Christian music that adds to the calm vibe. Tables and details like plates and napkins enhance the genuine cultural experience.

Guatemalan tamales offer excellent flavor and a unique taste different from typical versions. They come alongside dishes like Antojito Chapin and Caldo de gallina India for an authentic experience.

Lunch features Hilachas and estofado with good options for breakfast and lunch. Frequent visits happen about twice a week, often with family.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's authentic food and natural waters were delicious."

"I'd never seen tamales with a bone inside before."

Good to know

1

The price of $13 for the quality and amount of food is excellent.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices are reasonable and offer great value for the food.

08
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.

Lunch offers tasty enchiladas that come recommended by foodies. Service includes a friendly, humorous waiter who creates a relaxed atmosphere. Prices lean toward the higher side but suit a special lunch outing.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has great food with lots of flavor."

"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.

09
Rincon Salvadoreño image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small, cozy space offers authentic Salvadoran cuisine with a quiet, humble atmosphere. Clean and spacious interior invites relaxed dining, often featuring large, flavorful pupusas that stand out in quality.

Tamales here come in different types, including bean tamales that sometimes taste bitter. Pupusas and tamales generally have a good flavor.

People are saying

"I am enjoying a delicious traditional breakfast here."

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

"The pupusas at this Lunch Spot have delicious cheese and loroco."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 pm, despite some sources stating 8 pm.

2

A large salad bar costs $10, which is higher than other local options.

3

Expect a price increase for combos; the $8 combo is now $12.

10
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.

Lunch here stays nice and quiet. The fajitas lunch special offers good taste and reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot is great and served hot."

"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.

11
The Rustic image 1
American restaurant

Open barn with high ceilings and spacious tables creates a large, versatile setting for groups. Live music energizes the space, making it lively and sometimes loud, which can challenge conversation. Outdoor patio offers a comfortable, spacious spot to relax during meals or social gatherings.

Two different flavorful preparations highlight the brisket, chicken, and carnitas tamales. They come perfectly steamed and use quality ingredients for a delicious taste.

Lunch hours stay quiet and clean with attentive staff providing excellent service. The harvest bowl offers a delicious meal option during this time.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's harvest bowl was delicious and beautifully seasoned."

"You have to try the tamales; they're flavorful and perfectly steamed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with limited menu options.

3

Parking can be challenging during peak times, so arrive early.

12
El Kiche Bakery image 1
Guatemalan restaurant

Modern setting combines with authentic Guatemalan cuisine and a bakery section offering freshly baked artisanal bread. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy, with a pleasant, homely vibe and friendly staff. Quiet environment invites relaxed dining without background music.

Offers tamales de arroz known for their good flavor. Includes Guatemalan Tamale and chuchitos varieties.

Stops for lunch happen regularly alongside daily bread purchases. The spot serves as a reliable choice for breakfast and lunch during visits.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic Guatemalan flavor."

"The tamales de arroz and chuchitos are so delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and feels like home."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect to pay around $6 for a large drink, which may differ from the menu price.

3

Salsa is charged at $0.50, unlike many other places where it's free.

13
El Tiempo Cantina image 1

Colorful interior creates a cozy yet festive atmosphere with an authentic cultural vibe. The space offers plenty of bar seating and a party room, attracting groups and families alike. The overall energy feels inviting and lively, enhanced by charming decorations.

Tender pork fills the tamales, which seem homemade, possibly by someone's grandma. The tamale plate offers a delicious mix, though the masa can be a bit heavy.

Lunch offers a choice of three menus: lunch specials, regular, and drinks. Prices stay consistent across menus, with the enchilada costing the same. Weekday lunches tend to be quiet with few diners.

People are saying

"I found the fajitas here to be the best in Houston."

"The Lunch Spot's sauces are flavorful and the chips aren't greasy."

"I thought the tamales were delicious and tender."

Good to know

1

Mondays are $5 margarita day.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, and no entry is allowed after that time.

3

Valet and street parking are available.

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