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Local picks

Tacos and tamales in Houston

A plate that balances the comfort of a tamale with the ease of a taco.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
The Tamale Joint image 1
The Tamale Joint image 2
The Tamale Joint image 3
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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.

Breakfast tacos come out incredibly fluffy and light with a fast service that can handle large orders quickly. Tamales and tacos both deliver amazing flavor and freshness.

People are saying

"These tamales are fresh and delicious."

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

"The breakfast tacos here are amazing and a respectable size."

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.

02
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.

Tacos come big, hot, and fresh with strong fresh flavors. Fish and shrimp tacos stand out as delicious and yummy options.

People are saying

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

"These tacos are delicious, big, hot, and fresh."

"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.

03
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.

Tacos come huge and filling with standout options like cochinita pibil and birria. Sauces such as mole and tomatillo add rich flavor to the traditional dishes.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

04
ITACATE TAQUERIA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade corn tortillas and a mini convenience store inside offers an authentic, clean atmosphere that feels like home. The place serves fresh, traditional dishes with a strong focus on genuine flavors and quality ingredients.

Tamales come with chile con queso and chicken options. They require a 2โ€“3 day notice for preparation and pair well with green sauce and rice.

Tacos come with generous fillings and excellent flavor. Options like tender carnitas and Mexican potato tacos stand out, with fresh breakfast tacos made on request.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I had ever had."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant makes their own tortillas, enhancing the authenticity of the food.

2

ITACATE TAQUERIA also functions as a mini convenience store with groceries.

3

There are tables to sit at inside the restaurant for dining.

05
Amaris Bakery image 1

Small bakery with cash-only policy and cramped, noisy space filled with construction workers in the morning. Offers fresh, well-priced baked goods like sweet bread, tacos, and tamales that attract a loyal following. Parking lot often crowded with heavy trucks, creating a unique, bustling atmosphere.

Tamales stand out for their authenticity and being made from scratch. They taste unlike any other and pair well with tacos and gorditas.

Juicy tacos burst with flavor and melt in your mouth. They come fresh and affordable at 2 for $5, paired well with fresh bread and South Texas-style tamales.

People are saying

"The barbacoa at this bakery is not greasy and incredibly delicious."

"I thought the tamales were top notch and authentic."

"I found the tacos here to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash at Amaris Bakery.

2

Ordering well in advance is necessary to receive a hot, baked rosca.

3

The prices at Amaris Bakery are reasonable.

06
Luna's Tamale Factory & Mexican Grill image 1

Small, family-owned Mexican grill offers homemade tamales and breakfast tacos with a friendly, chill atmosphere. Prices stay reasonable, attracting locals looking for authentic mom-and-pop flavors despite nearby gas station surroundings.

Tamales come in small but tasty portions with a noticeable use of animal fat in the masa. Some batches have a pureed meat filling, which can affect texture and flavor, leading to mixed reactions.

Breakfast tacos come with freshly made to order fillings like egg and ham or chorizo and egg. Flavors are homestyle, reminding of grandma's cooking, with options including beans for added taste.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be great and tasty."

"I thought the food here was really good and affordable."

"I thought their breakfast tacos were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Vegetarians should ask staff for vegetarian modifications to dishes.

2

The tamales are made with animal fat, which may not suit all diets.

3

This place is a family-owned business, offering a homey atmosphere.

07
Sunrise Taquitos image 1

Small space with minimal seating and an updated interior creates a cozy, clean atmosphere. Nursery rhymes play loudly, adding a unique, lively background. Many orders go out for takeout and delivery, showing steady demand beyond dine-in.

Signature dish tamales come with well-flavored masa and filling. They cost $14.40 a dozen and could use a bit more meat.

Breakfast tacos stand out with chorizo and egg, barbacoa, and picadillo options. Beans, cilantro, and onions come as free toppings, and the tacos offer fresh taste and generous portions.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're fresh and flavorful."

"The tacos here are delicious and flavorful."

"The tamales here are delicious and well-flavored."

Good to know

1

Breakfast tacos cost around $4 each, with add-ons available.

2

Fresh juices and desserts have been added to the menu.

3

To-go and online orders are available for those who want to skip the wait.

08
Restaurante Azucena image 1

Strip mall setting with spacious seating and multiple TVs creates a casual environment. Warm, family-friendly atmosphere features a mix of English and Spanish music at a volume that varies from quiet to lively. Staff work with pride, adding to the authentic and welcoming vibe.

Corn tamales stand out with their tender texture and homemade flavor. Freshly made tamales de elotes y gallina offer a well-seasoned taste that feels authentic.

Tacos come in varieties like fajitas and are often paired with coffee for under $6. Some orders include pupusas and pasteles alongside tacos, but there are reports of sickness after eating them.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and hot."

"I enjoyed the Mexican Torta and tacos de fajitas."

"These tamales are tender, well-seasoned, and taste homemade."

Good to know

1

Pupusas are $2 on Mondays if eaten in, but $3 for takeout.

2

The restaurant is very clean and welcoming.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

09
LA CREMA Y NATA PASTELERIA Y PANADERIA image 1

Open bakery space with authentic Mexican bakery flavors and freshly baked goods fills the air with inviting aromas. Small seating area offers a quiet spot to enjoy soft, delicious bread and Latino sweet breads. Consistent baking throughout the day keeps the selection fresh and appealing.

Tamales come with plenty of chicken and sauce, plus extra sauce on the side for those who find them dry. They are thick and filling, sold at 3 for 7.5, which some find a bit pricey.

Barbacoa tacos have low fat and good flavor. Beef skirt tacos come with beans and taste great. Breakfast tacos and sweet bread stand out as must-have items.

People are saying

"I found the bread to be delicious and fresh."

"You have to try the fresh, authentic Mexican pastries here."

"I tried the breakfast tacos and found them tasty."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers an extensive variety of sweet breads, bolillos, teleras, and more.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for baked goods.

3

In the evenings, baked goods are available fresh out of the oven.

10
La Familia Meat Market image 1

Butcher shop combines convenience-style grocery with a butcher and taqueria in one space. Atmosphere feels friendly and neighborhood-oriented despite a somewhat worn interior. Generous portions and homemade flour tortillas highlight the food experience.

Soft and moist tamales come in cheese and rajas varieties with good flavor. The cooks offer sweet tamale samples at the steam table. Large quantities are available for purchase.

Tacos come packed and full of flavor with chorizo breakfast, barbacoa, and fajita options standing out. Prices run about $3 each, offering great value and filling portions.

People are saying

"These tacos are amazing, some of the best I've had."

"I thought the tacos here were among the best I'd had."

"I found the tamales to be exceptionally great and moist."

Good to know

1

The meat department is fairly clean and seems sanitary.

2

There is plenty of parking behind the meat market.

3

The personnel speak both English and Spanish.

11
Marta's Tortillas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers takeout only with no seating and serves super affordable street tacos and tamales. The atmosphere is often very busy, reflecting a steady flow of customers. Tortillas stand out as thin and superb, anchoring the authentic menu.

Pork tamales stand out with their strong flavor. Tamales come thin with little masa and meat, and two equal one decent-sized tamale.

Street tacos offer good value with five tacos and a drink for seven dollars. Menudo and barbacoa tacos taste authentic and delicious, but some veggie tacos come with little filling and lack flavor.

People are saying

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

"I found the street tacos and barbacoa tacos delicious."

"I enjoyed the flavor of the pork tamales."

Good to know

1

Marta's Tortillas only offers takeout and has no seating.

2

Prices at Marta's Tortillas are very affordable.

3

They are sometimes very busy, especially during peak hours.

12
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.

Barbacoa and birria tacos stand out with packed flavor, especially birria served with consomรฉ. Quesabirria tacos offer a full flavor experience. Breakfast tacos and chili add variety beyond tamales.

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, rich, and delicious."

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.

13
Classic Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Small shop with family-owned atmosphere and mom-and-pop vibe offers a welcoming, unhurried energy that feels like a home environment. The space includes a limited seating area and stays lively during morning hours only.

A huge selection of tamales sits alongside tacos and flautas. Pork tamales stand out as amazing and come in regular sizes.

Breakfast tacos stand out with a huge selection including flautas, tortas, and tamales. The tacos come alongside other tasty items like pupusas and kolaches.

People are saying

"The donuts here are from a friendly, family-owned mom and pop shop."

"The tamales here have a perfectly made dough and amazing glaze."

"I had breakfast tacos that I found to be quite good."

Good to know

1

They are only open until 2 pm.

2

Expect a strong smell of cooking pork upon entering.

3

There are only a few tables available for dining in.

14
La Imperial image 1

Bakery feels like stepping into an abuelitaโ€™s kitchen with a homey atmosphere and reasonable prices. The food features homemade tortillas, spicy red salsa, and delicious tamales that stand out. It attracts those seeking authentic Latino flavors in a casual setting.

Tamales stand out as a fantastic highlight here. They look delicious and pair well with breakfast tacos when available.

Barbacoa tacos stand out with their rich flavor. Breakfast tacos and tamales also feature as popular choices.

People are saying

"The bread here is delicious and still soft after 5 PM."

"The food here tastes like my grandma's cooking."

"I thought the breakfast tacos were very good."

Good to know

1

Prices at La Imperial are reasonable for a quick meal.

2

It's a convenient spot for a quick bite due to its location.

15
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.

Red fish tacos stand out with a fresh taste. The beef tacos feature tender meat and the fajita beef offers a smoky flavor typical of tacos al carbon.

People are saying

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

"I loved the red fish tacos; they're a must-try."

"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.

16
Tortilleria La Real #7 (La Reyna) image 1

Mexican restaurant offers fresh, flavorful tortillas and juicy barbacoa that draw a steady crowd. The atmosphere feels lively with homemade-style red tortillas and impeccable corn tortillas standing out. Regulars appreciate the affordable tacos and delicious queso fresco.

Chicken tamales come with plenty of chicken and good flavor, though masa quality varies. Pork tamales are available raw, and both tamales and tortillas show room for improvement.

Tacos come at a great price and offer filling portions, especially the lamb tacos. They deliver delicious flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious and a great price."

"I thought their tortillas were so soft and flavorful."

"The barbacoa tamales here are juicy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak meal times.

2

Prices for tacos are generally affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Consider ordering ahead during busy hours to avoid long wait times.

17
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.

Breakfast tacos stand out with chorizo/egg/cheese and brisket and egg options that are hot and reasonably priced. Carne guisada and Pastor tacos offer quick service and solid flavor, matching well with tamales and menudo.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh and on point."

"I found the breakfast tacos here to die for."

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.

18
Cafe Latino image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small, clean Salvadoran restaurant offers authentic pupusas and fresh pastries with a cozy atmosphere. Loud salsa music fills the space, creating an energetic vibe. Prices remain affordable, making it a popular spot for casual dining.

Large tamales feature authentic flavor and contain all traditional ingredients. Corn tamales come with thick, fluffy tortillas and juicy meat, especially the tamales de pollo.

Handmade tortillas and fresh fajita tacos stand out here. Meals often include refried beans and rice, with options like chicken enchiladas and beef fajita tacos.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the pupusas, is delicious."

"I love their fresh, sweet bread baked daily."

"I loved the fresh, handmade tortillas for the tacos."

Good to know

1

You order your food at the counter, and they serve you at your table.

2

Expect to wait about 10 minutes for a table during busy hours.

3

Food does take time to prepare, so plan accordingly.

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