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Best of San Antonio

Tamales

A tamale that tastes like it came from a family kitchen rather than a mass-produced assembly line.

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 spot shines with best barbacoa and thick tamales. Weekend-only hours create a calm, family vibe with huge portions. Few booths invite slow, relaxed meals in a clean setting.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

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

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
Morenita Barbacoa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cluttered spot with a homey vibe and huge tamales packed with meat. Known for authentic barbacoa and flavorful menudo, it offers great value. Quiet mornings and plenty of parking make it easy to visit despite minimal signage.

Tamales come huge and very filling with lots of meat that is not blended. They offer a flavor and size close to homemade versions and provide good value for the price.

People are saying

"These tamales are flavorful and packed with meat."

"I thought the salsa was the best I had."

"The tortillas here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so stop at an ATM beforehand.

2

They are only open on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect a late-night option as they stay open after 1pm.

03
El Punto Colombiano image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy space with authentic homemade Colombian dishes and Colombian salsa music creates a warm vibe. Freshly made tamales offer nostalgic flavors that pair well with hearty meats. Casual, welcoming atmosphere feels like stepping into a Colombian home.

Freshly made tamales capture authentic Colombian flavor with a taste that feels nostalgic and reminiscent of home cooking. They pair well with dishes like llanera-style meat and caldo de costilla.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The oxtail soup was full of flavor with a huge oxtail."

"These tamales taste like my mom used to make."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Colombian cuisine, including arepas, chorizo, and catfish.

2

The menu features dishes from different regions of Colombia.

3

The restaurant prepares a limited number of servings daily for freshness.

04
Tortilleria Los Reyna image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican eatery offers freshly made masa and affordable prices. Barbacoa and chicharrรณn tamales are great size and full of flavor. Friendly atmosphere with a few tables makes it a cozy spot for tacos and tamales.

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

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.

05
Los Hermanos Barbacoa image 1

Big, flavorful tamales shine with rich, homemade taste. Barbacoa is spot-on and comes with free beans. Calm vibe and early closing keep the place quiet and steady.

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

People are saying

"The food here is really good and fresh."

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

"The tortillas here were not handmade and looked store-bought."

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.

06
La Monita Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic tamales that are perfectly seasoned and fresh. Barbacoa is a standout, served in a clean, immaculate environment. Staff singing adds a lively vibe, making pickup quick and enjoyable even on busy Sundays.

Tamales have a balanced amount of meat and are not overly salted. They taste best when hot and fresh, with excellent seasoning and consistent quality across visits.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the tamales here; they're the best in town."

"The barbacoa here melts in your mouth with fresh corn tortillas."

"I thought the BBQ here was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute to one-hour wait on Sundays due to high demand.

2

La Monita Tortilleria is a pickup-only place with no seating available.

3

Arrive early to avoid selling out of popular items.

07
B & B Tamales & Food To Go image 1

Mom and pop shop offers homey atmosphere and affordable prices. Tamales are fresh and tender with a spicy jalapeรฑo kick and plenty of pork. Known as a local staple, it draws a steady crowd and sells out fast.

Tamales come fresh, moist, and tender with plenty of pork meat and spices on point. The jalapeรฑo & pork variety offers a spicy kick, and prices stay better than most places.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food tamales to be top tier and delicious."

"I found the food to be delicious."

Good to know

1

All tamales sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

2

Prices for tamales are affordable, with a dozen costing around $15.

3

The shop has been operating for over 40 years, indicating its popularity.

08
La Calavera Garbancera image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant decor and lively music create an authentic Mexico City vibe. House-made tamales with red pork and green tamale options shine alongside refreshing micheladas. Tacos and pozole add to the rich, traditional menu.

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.

People are saying

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

"The house-made salsas are full of flavor with varying spice levels."

"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.

09
Fuentes Barbacoa image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small indoor spot offers generous portions of affordable barbacoa and well-prepped tamales with balanced masa and meat. Lively atmosphere draws many cars outside, showing its popularity. Specials provide great value for couples and families.

Tamales have a perfect balance of masa and carne, with no excess masa over meat. The pork and chicken tamales taste delicious and well prepped, and the portions are evenly distributed.

People are saying

"This Mexican food's barbacoa is amazing and never greasy."

"I finally found the best barbacoa and tamales."

"I drove from the northeast side for this OMG delicious barbacoa."

Good to know

1

Portions are generous, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

2

Great deals available that can feed a couple or a whole family.

3

The specials make dining here very affordable.

10
Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory image 1

Spacious takeout spot offers excellent pork tamales and affordable prices in a busy, efficient setting. Known for exceptional barbacoa and a clean environment, it handles crowds with a fast-moving line and dedicated pickup area.

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.

People are saying

"These tamales taste homemade and are delicious."

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

"I found the carnitas to be the best in the city."

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.

11
Del Rio Tortilla Factory. image 1

Tamale shop offers authentic Mexican flavor with best tamales that are tasty and affordable. Spotless, orderly setting and takeout-only tortilleria make it easy to grab fresh tortillas. Great parking adds to the convenience.

Pork tamales stay consistent and very tasty with a no-nonsense style. Prices come in better than most places while delivering delicious flavor that competes with any others.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best in San Antonio."

"The tortillas here are soft and tasty."

"Their salsa was so fresh and really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead is recommended.

3

Expect to arrive early as they sell out of products quickly.

12
Tacos El Jarocho Veracruzano image 1

Mexican taco stand serves authentic flavors with juicy tacos and homemade salsas. Family-run with a friendly vibe, it offers traditional Veracruzano dishes like birria and tamales with Acuyo leaves. No seating, but prices stay affordable for takeout.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

13
Olla express cafe image 1

Cozy casita coffee shop offers homemade tamales wrapped in banana leaves and tasty baked goods. Unique decor with local art creates a warm vibe. Dog friendly with table games and free samples makes it perfect for relaxing or focusing.

Tamales come wrapped in traditional banana leaf and taste homemade and delicious. They appear alongside baked goods and often inspire repeat orders.

People are saying

"I've never tasted so many amazing flavors in one coffee."

"It's a cozy spot with a warm, welcoming vibe."

"I loved trying the different Olla flavors, like orange and cardamom."

Good to know

1

Parking is across the street from the cafe.

2

They are vegan friendly and offer vegan tacos on Sundays.

3

Olla Express Cafรฉ allows dogs inside.

14
Rios Southtown Barbacoa image 1

Cozy spot with moist barbacoa and fresh tortillas draws quick visits. Tamales offer tasty flavor but can be limited. Artsy decor and a welcoming vibe make it feel like a family gathering. Separate area serves coffee and drinks for a full experience.

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

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.

15
Don's Molino image 1
Tamale shop

Small tamale shop offers fresh tamales with mild seasoning and a standout poblano and cheese flavor. Known for great barbacoa, it serves a busy crowd in a super clean space with no wait. Experience is quick and efficient, reflecting over 45 years of quality.

Fresh tamales come in traditional flavors with just enough seasoning and no spiciness. The poblano and cheese variety stands out as particularly flavorful and well made.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing Mexican food, especially the tamales."

"I loved their tamales; they were so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the food here was delicious and well worth it."

Good to know

1

Don's Molino operates on a walk-in, walk-out basis.

2

There was no wait to be seated during my visit.

3

Prices are $12.99 per dozen for tamales.

16
Pepe's Barbacoa image 1
Tamale shop

Small take-out spot shines with fresh barbacoa and authentic tamales that many call the best. Family-owned vibe adds a homey atmosphere. Cash-only and accessible, it offers modest portions with hot sauce for a true taste.

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

People are saying

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

"The barbacoa, corn tortillas, and salsa were on point."

"I thought the tamales here were the best."

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.

17
Tortilleria La Grande image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican spot shines with handmade tamales in pork and chicken, paired perfectly with barbacoa and spicy salsa. Simple, nostalgic vibe keeps prices low and menu focused. Pinto beans and chicharrones add authentic, flavorful sides.

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.

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.

18
Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot shines with authentic barbacoa and fresh tamales packed with flavor. Quiet, welcoming vibe keeps it traditional, with no English spoken. Weekend-only hours and generous portions draw early crowds fast.

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.

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.

19
Pepe's Molino image 1
Tamale shop

Barbacoa shines with exceptional flavor and pairs perfectly with fresh tamales that are well-seasoned and not greasy. Green salsa adds a distinctive complement while menudo offers a hearty, traditional taste. Prices stay affordable for great quality.

Tamales come fresh and flavorful with pork and chicarron options standing out. They are not greasy and have balanced seasoning, making them enjoyable alongside barbacoa.

People are saying

"The barbacoa and tamales here are so fresh and flavorful."

"The tamales here are so good and fresh."

"I thought the green salsa was our favorite."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

3

Parking is available on-site, but fills up quickly during weekends.

20
TAQUERIA ELRANCHERO DE JALISCO image 1

Enjoy generously filled tacos and flavorful tamales with pork or chicken that stay tasty over time. The quiet, family-friendly atmosphere features creative table artwork and bilingual staff. Food arrives quickly in a clean, welcoming space.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is 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.

21
Olgitas Molino image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with fresh handmade tortillas and buttery tamales that stay moist and flavorful. Barbacoa is exceptional and pairs well with tamales and enchiladas. Loud fans add to the lively atmosphere as crowds linger 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.

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."

"The Carne Guisada here is so flavorful, it's delicious."

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.

22
Papi's Barbacoa And Bakery image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with sweet tamales and barbacoa that locals love. Friendly vibe and family-owned spirit make it feel like home. Great for quick eats with combo deals that satisfy every craving.

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.

People are saying

"The barbacoa here is outstanding Mexican food."

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

"I thought the barbacoa and tamales were 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.

23
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa Factory image 1

Tamale shop serves handmade tamales with perfect masa and spices in a friendly atmosphere. Sundays bring barbacoa and Big Red, drawing a busy crowd. Walk-in only with ample seating and reasonable prices makes it a great spot for authentic flavors.

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.

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.

24
Delicious Tamales Factory #3 image 1

Tamale shop offers a homey atmosphere with a steady flow of locals. Tamales are packed with meat and have balanced flavors. Both regular and jalapeรฑo versions taste homemade and delicious.

Tamales come packed with plenty of meat and have good flavor. Both regular and jalapeรฑo versions taste homemade and delicious.

People are saying

"These tamales are the best Mexican food in San Antonio."

"These tamales are amazing and taste great."

"I found the food here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a dozen chicken tamales, including taxes.

2

Similar quality tamales can be found for about $13 at other places.

3

Delicious Tamales Factory #3 is a well-known local tradition.

25
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with fresh pork tamales and barbacoa that draw crowds. Cafeteria seating keeps things efficient and lines move fast. Prices stay reasonable despite busy times, making it a solid choice for tasty, quick meals.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the breakfast tacos and tamales here."

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.

26
La Luz Tortilla Factory image 1

Fresh, thin tortillas pair well with flavorful barbacoa that is not greasy. Pork tamales stand out with light masa and rich filling. Clean, simple atmosphere suits those who enjoy authentic tamales and hearty menudo with pozole.

Pork tamales have lots of filling and a great flavor in the meat. Masa is not thick, making the tamales feel lighter.

People are saying

"The tamales here are excellent, especially the pork ones."

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

"The tamales here are flavorful and not greasy."

Good to know

1

The amount of food for the price is very reasonable.

2

They took Google Pay.

3

They offer both types of tortillas.

27
Adelita Tamales & Tortilla image 1

Stone-ground corn masa and scratch-made tortillas show authentic Tex-Mex roots. Fresh tamales with a perfect masa-to-meat ratio shine, especially pork and chicken that stay firm and flavorful. Calm atmosphere and healthy options make it a spot for consistent, quality meals.

Tamales here have a well-balanced masa-to-meat ratio and come fresh with great flavor. The pork and chicken varieties stand out for being not greasy and holding together well without falling apart.

People are saying

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

"I got some bean and cheese tacos for my son."

"I loved their delicious bunuelos and wished to leave with a couple packages."

Good to know

1

Barbacoa is served daily, making it a popular choice.

2

Tamales are available for $12.25 per dozen, a reasonable price.

3

Masa for tortillas and tamales can be purchased here.

28
Los Hermanos Tortilleria image 1

Fresh, homemade tortillas and excellent masa make this shop a standout. Barbacoa and chicharrรณn tamales are very good, with tasty pork and chicken options. The clean, quiet space stays open late, offering a convenient option for late visits.

Barbacoa tamales and chicharrรณn stand out as very good options. Freshly made tamales require steaming but turn out tasty with good masa and a mix of pork and chicken varieties.

People are saying

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

"I thought the barbacoa tamales were the best."

"I found the corn tortillas to be great and tasted the natural grain."

Good to know

1

They charge a fee to use credit cards.

2

The place is very clean.

3

Pork is unavailable.

29
El Tamalero place image 1
Mexican restaurant
People are saying

"These tamales are the best ever, a great size and flavorful."

"I thought the tamales were the best Mexican food ever."

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