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Tamales and tacos in San Antonio

Choosing between a tamale and a taco is easier when the focus is simply on enjoying the meal.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Grande #5 image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small family-run Mexican restaurant offers a calm, family-oriented atmosphere with huge portions and clean kitchen. It operates only on weekends and features best barbacoa and tamales in town. Few booths provide seating for a slow, relaxed meal.

Thick tamales come in generous portions and taste fresh. Pork tamales stand out as a favorite dish with rich flavor.

Freshly made tacos come to order with options like barbacoa, bean and cheese, and menudo. Tacos pack well and pair with on point salsa.

People are saying

"The barbacoa here is tender and delicious Mexican food."

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The barbacoa tacos are tender and not greasy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open on weekends.

2

Expect large portion sizes for all menu items.

3

Children receive small toys with their meals.

02
Rios Southtown Barbacoa image 1

Cozy space with artsy decor and a welcoming atmosphere feels like a family gathering spot. The place serves moist, flavorful barbacoa and fresh tortillas, often running out of popular items early. Limited seating encourages quick visits or takeout, with a separate area offering coffee and drinks.

Tamales come with tasty flavor and pair well with barbacoa. Availability can vary, sometimes limiting orders to one portion.

Chicharrรณn and barbacoa tacos stand out with rich, savory flavors. Sitting down to enjoy these tacos pairs well with a latte, especially for a relaxed Sunday morning.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the barbacoa, is outstanding and not greasy."

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The barbacoa tamales are outstanding, not greasy, and have great flavor."

Good to know

1

A pound of barbacoa costs over $20, which some may find expensive.

2

No corn tortillas or salsa come with the order; they cost extra.

3

Barbacoa and menudo often run out by 10:30 A.M., so arrive early.

03
Los Hermanos Barbacoa image 1

Tamale shop offers big, flavorful tamales and spot-on barbacoa with a quiet, early closing atmosphere. Customers often preorder to avoid sellouts, and the place includes free beans with meat orders. The vibe is calm with no lines, reflecting a steady, prepared service.

Tamales come packed with generous meat fillings and rich flavors. They taste like homemade versions and stand out as very flavorful and enjoyable.

Three taco special offers more variety than other spots. Tacos come with good fillings, though the meat quality is just OK.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and fresh."

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

"I thought the tacos were really good."

Good to know

1

They offer free beans with a pound of meat or a regular portion.

2

They do sell out of tamales, but preordering in person is available.

3

They close at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

04
Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory image 1

Spacious takeout spot with a few tables and a small parking lot, often crowded with a fast-moving line. Atmosphere is busy and efficient, with a dedicated pickup line that eases wait times. Known for affordable prices, exceptional tamales and barbacoa, and a clean, well-organized environment.

Pork tamales stand out for their excellent flavor and quality. The tamales consistently pair well with barbacoa and flour tortillas, making them a popular choice for breakfast or any meal.

Breakfast tacos stand out with chorizo and egg, bacon and egg, and barbacoa options. Corn tortillas hold fillings like barbacoa and carne guisada, while chicharrรณn tacos offer a rich, savory bite.

People are saying

"These tamales taste homemade and are delicious."

"The salsa here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"I thought their barbacoa tacos were the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

The place is a stop-and-go spot without a seating area to dine in.

2

The price of $11.50 a dozen is very affordable.

3

Pickup is easy with a dedicated line and no wait.

05
La Calavera Garbancera image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful, vibrant decor and authentic atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City and traditional kitchens. Music adds to the lively, welcoming vibe that feels like stepping into a scene from a Coco movie. Regulars enjoy refreshing micheladas and delicious, authentic dishes like tacos and pozole.

House-made tamales stand out with red pork and green tamale options. They come with a variety of salsas and are served in generous portions.

Birria tacos stand out with crispy shells and rich consommรฉ. Fish tacos rank among the best in South America. Quesabirria and vampiro tacos offer bold, savory flavors with house-made ingredients.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tacos and tamales."

"The tacos here are huge and bursting with flavor."

"The tamales here are amazing and made in-house."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 5 PM and runs until closing.

2

Mixed drinks are available after 5 PM.

3

The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food made from scratch.

06
Olgitas Molino image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining space with just a few booths and tables creates a cozy setting. Loud fans contribute to a lively, bustling atmosphere as many linger and take up tables. Known for fresh handmade tortillas and exceptional barbacoa, it draws steady crowds despite limited seating.

Tamales have a buttery masa that stays moist and flavorful. They pair well with barbacoa and enchiladas, making them a popular choice for special holidays and year-round meals.

Breakfast tacos come with tender tortillas and are packed with more ingredients than typical chains. The Chilaquiles and Carne Con Chili tacos stand out for their rich flavors and generous fillings.

People are saying

"You have to try their homemade tortillas; they're so fresh and soft."

"The tamales here are great tasting, with masa like butter."

"I thought the tacos here were delicious and generously stuffed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.

2

Parking can be scarce, so arrive early or consider alternative options.

3

You order before you sit down, which speeds up the process.

07
Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant offers authentic barbacoa and tamales with generous portions at affordable prices. The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with no English spoken, emphasizing a traditional experience. It operates only on weekends and attracts early crowds due to fast sales.

Tamales come fresh and packed with flavor, often served alongside barbacoa and chicharrones. Options include pork and beans, and they pair well with corn and flour tortillas.

Barbacoa stands out in the tacos here, with options like meat and morning tacos available. Staff ask how many tacos are needed, making ordering straightforward and quick.

People are saying

"These tamales are some of the best I've had in years."

"I got a great deal with my barbacoa, including salsa."

"I loved the barbacoa tacos; they were the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open on weekends.

2

Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales opens early on Sundays.

3

Parking is available in the back with security cameras.

08
Tortilleria La Grande image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican restaurant with an authentic, handmade tamales focus and excellent barbacoa. Atmosphere feels simple and nostalgic, with great prices and a limited menu. Salsa is spicy and flavorful but served sparingly.

Handmade and hand rolled tamales come in pork and chicken varieties with authentic, flavorful fillings. They pair well with barbacoa, chicharrones, and pinto beans seasoned with chili pepper.

Breakfast tacos stand out with barbacoa ala mexicana offering rich, savory flavors. Tacos here are cheap and consistently delicious without any fancy frills.

People are saying

"The barbacoa here is really good Mexican food."

"The tamales here are authentic and flavorful."

"The breakfast tacos here are freakin delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers pork and chicken tamales, barbacoa, and corn tortillas.

2

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

3

Salsa is included with a dozen tamales; extra salsa incurs a charge.

09
Tortilleria Los Reyna image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican eatery with affordable prices and freshly made masa offers an assorted selection of tacos and tamales. The atmosphere stays friendly with a few tables for dining in. Popular dishes include barbacoa, chicharrรณn, and menudo.

Barbacoa and chicharrones tamales stand out with affordable prices and a great size. Masa quality supports the delicious flavor consistently.

Offers an assorted selection of tacos with barbacoa and carnitas among the options. Tacos come out delicious and hard to pick just one favorite.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are amazing and a great size."

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

Good to know

1

The prices are very affordable for a meal.

2

Tortilleria Los Reyna offers a variety of tacos and Mexican food.

3

They have a selection of basic choices like carnitas and beans.

10
Tacos El Jarocho Veracruzano image 1

Mexican taco stand offers authentic flavors with juicy, well-seasoned tacos and homemade salsas. Family-run setup has a friendly atmosphere but no seating, focusing on takeout. Prices stay affordable while serving traditional Veracruzano dishes like birria and tamales.

Tamales veracruzanos come with rich flavors and sometimes include Acuyo leaves for extra taste. They pair well with street tacos and offer a solid, flavorful option.

Tacos here feature juicy, flavorful meat like tender carnitas, savory al pastor, and perfectly charred carne asada. The quesabirria tacos come with a rich consume and fresh toppings like roasted jalapeรฑo and diced onions with cilantro.

People are saying

"The Birria tacos here are delicious and packed with flavor."

"These mini tacos were the best I've ever had."

"I found the tamales with Acuyo leaves to be very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices for tacos are around $14.99 for five with charro beans.

2

There is no seating available; it's primarily a takeout option.

3

They offer a variety of authentic Mexican flavors, including birria.

11
Pepe's Barbacoa image 1
Tamale shop

Small take-out spot with a family-owned and homey atmosphere. Known for fresh barbacoa and tamales served with corn tortillas and hot sauce. Cash-only and accessible, it draws those seeking authentic flavors in modest portions.

Tamales come out delicious and on point here, especially the barbacoa tamales. Many find them the best compared to other spots.

Tacos come with generous portions and cost about $3.50 each, including sliced avocado and salsa. The menu stays simple with barbacoa, chicharrones, tortillas, and basic toppings but lacks onions and cilantro.

People are saying

"I thought the barbacoa was the best Mexican food I'd had in years."

"I thought the tamales here were the best."

"The taco price went up, and the portion size is small."

Good to know

1

Pepe's Barbacoa accepts only cash; ATMs are available nearby.

2

They open as early as 6:50 AM on weekends.

3

The price is $10 for half a pound and $17.95 for 1 pound.

12
La Ideal Molino image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant offers a quiet atmosphere with affordable prices and homemade corn tortillas. It draws a popular crowd that fills limited seating, especially in the mornings. Barbacoa stands out as meaty and flavorful, often considered the best in the area.

Masa quality stands out as the best here. Tamales come smaller than expected but pair well with menudo on weekends.

Barbacoa tacos come with plenty of meat and are not greasy. Breakfast tacos before noon offer affordable and flavorful options with a decent size for the price.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and always fresh."

"I found the breakfast tacos to be affordable and flavorful."

"I tried their barbacoa tamales; it was the best I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 7:00 am and closes at 2:30 pm.

2

Expect limited seating during busy mornings.

3

Prices are affordable, especially for barbacoa.

13
Con Amor Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with cozy decor and a family-oriented vibe. The space feels quiet and welcoming, with ceiling fans helping to keep it comfortable despite some warmth. Self-seating and fast casual setup create a relaxed, unpretentious environment.

Pork tamales come with rich filling and pair well with coffee. They often arrive alongside stuffed chilaquiles, making a hearty combo.

Tacos come in huge portions packed with flavor, especially the breakfast tacos like papa chorizo and potato egg. Barbacoa and chicharron tacos stand out for their soft, delicious texture and taste.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and amazing."

"I thought the breakfast tacos here were the best."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front of the restaurant and along the side street.

2

They charge a fee for credit card payments.

3

All food is made fresh daily, so expect some wait time for orders.

14
Papi's Barbacoa And Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a lively, friendly atmosphere and a focus on family-owned community spirit. Known for excellent barbacoa and menudo, it operates mainly as a takeout spot with reasonable combo deals and a welcoming vibe.

Chicken and pork tamales have a sweet taste and come alongside barbacoa and menudo. They offer a tasty option that pairs well with other dishes like carnitas.

Barbacoa and lengua tacos feature rich, flavorful meat with tortillas warmed fresh. Tacos come with small sides like pico de gallo and beans, and the meat is generally tender without excess lard.

People are saying

"The barbacoa here is outstanding Mexican food."

"I thought the barbacoa and tamales were delicious."

"I found the barbacoa tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

You can get a pound of barbacoa, 1 liter of soda, and tortillas for 20 dollars.

2

They offer a family deal that includes a pound of barbacoa, a liter of soda, and tortillas for 20 dollars.

3

They sold spices and salsas in mild, medium, and hot varieties.

15
Magy's Tamales & Barbacoa image 1

Simple Mexican eatery offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with a homemade, authentic flavor. The space feels like a hidden gem with affordable prices and a lively yet relaxed vibe. It serves highly recommended tamales and barbacoa with options for customization and both dine-in and takeout.

Tamales here are consistently moist and delicious, with two distinct types that stand out. They pair well with barbacoa and tacos, making them a solid choice for any meal.

Breakfast tacos stand out with great flavor and texture and larger size than expected. Homestyle options include carne guisada, bean and cheese, barbacoa, tamales, and menudo.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the barbacoa and tamales."

"These tamales are delicious and moist."

"The barbacoa taco here is mouth-wateringly good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

3

Takeout is available, and the restaurant is good for quick meals.

16
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cafeteria style seating and a clean, well-organized environment. It offers efficient service with a focus on highly regarded tamales and barbacoa. Lines move quickly even during busy times, and prices remain reasonable despite recent increases.

Fresh pork and jalapeno tamales stand out for their flavor and quality. Chicken tamales also offer great taste, with all tamales available early in the morning and priced reasonably.

Breakfast tacos feature bacon and egg options and barbacoa varieties. Prices range around $16 for a taco and menudo combo, with tacos generally described as good to excellent.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fantastic, truly home-style and delicious."

"I thought their tamales were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, so check for the best deals.

2

The early bird special offers great value for breakfast.

3

Expect long lines during the holiday season, especially around Christmas.

17
TAQUERIA ELRANCHERO DE JALISCO image 1

Tex-Mex restaurant offers quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with creative table artwork enhancing the dining space. Food arrives quickly and features generously filled tacos and an extensive menu from breakfast to dinner. Cleanliness and bilingual staff contribute to a well-kept, welcoming environment.

Tamales come with pork or chicken fillings and hold up well in flavor. They taste better than many other options and stay delicious even after some time.

Tacos come generously filled and freshly made with options like carne with cheese and beef fajita. Breakfast tacos and crispy chalupas also stand out for their stuffed and delicious quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was genuinely authentic and tasty."

"The tacos here are stuffed and delicious."

"I heard the tamales here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Plenty of parking is available, but the area can be congested.

2

Food arrives quickly after ordering.

3

The menu features a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

18
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa Factory image 1

Tamale shop offers freshly made tamales with authentic flavors and a friendly atmosphere. The place stays busy, especially on Sundays when barbacoa and Big Red are available. Walk-in only with ample seating, it serves a variety of tamales and other traditional foods at reasonable prices.

Handmade tamales stand out with a perfect masa to meat ratio and well-balanced spices. The pork and jalapeรฑo tamales are especially notable, served warm and ready to enjoy.

Breakfast tacos and tamales offer delicious flavors. Barbacoa tacos cost $3.89 each and taste okay but not natural.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be the best in San Antonio."

"I found the Mexican food tamales to be the best in San Antonio."

"I thought the food was amazing."

Good to know

1

Tellez is walk-in only and does not take reservations.

2

Prices for a dozen tamales range from $16.50 to $17.50.

3

Barbacoa and Big Red are only available on Sundays.

19
Tamalitos image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and beautiful interior offers a relaxing vibe enhanced by music. It serves authentic Mexican food with large portions and reasonable prices. The place stays clean and well kept, creating a comfortable dining experience.

Tamales here are big, moist, and flavorful, not the typical skinny style. Bean tamales stand out as fantastic and delicious, often served in a plate with cheese enchilada, rice, and beans.

Soft, yummy tortillas hold the tacos, making each bite enjoyable. The barbacoa tacos stand out for being juicy and a bit greedy, adding to their flavor. Bean and cheese tacos come out very good and satisfying.

People are saying

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

"The homemade tortillas are soft and fluffy."

"The barbacoa tacos here are so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tamalitos is limited, which may be a drawback during busy hours.

2

Tamalitos offers daily specials that are posted on a board.

3

The restaurant has a reputation for cleanliness, including well-maintained bathrooms.

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