Tamales are a classic delicious and portable crowd-pleasing dish with an endless variety of fillings, that has become a tradition in households all over the southwest during the holiday season.
In a city where tacos, burritos, and queso are more than plentiful, Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine is a staple in Austin, but you might not find tamales quite as easily, due to the amount of time and work required to prepare them. Unlike other Mexican favorites, tamales are not a dish that can be prepared in a few short minutes, but for those with cravings that go beyond the holidays, here’s our guide to find the best spots for tamales in Austin.
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1707 E 6th St. | Tamale House is a go-to standard for excellent tamales in Austin since 1958. The East 6th location opened in 2012 and is plus with quintessential Mexican style decor boasting a full bar and outstanding stick-to-your-ribs tamales making it an Austin favorite for generations. Preorder your tamales for the holidays, as they tend to sell our rather quickly if you sleep on it.
What started as a tamale stand in a farmer’s market, has emerged to become one of the go-to-tamale makers in Austin. You can now preorder your tamales for pick-up at one of their kitchen or in speciality food stores in the city.
1924 S. First | La Mexicana Bakery makes some of the best tasting and authentic Mexican tamales in Austin. Buy them by the dozen daily and order them a little early as they tend to sell out quickly.
614 E Oltorf St. | Curra’s tamales are made in house and come in multiple flavors and varieties whether you’re vegetarian or you prefer the meaty stuff. Order by the dozen for dine-in or pickup and stuff your face.
2219 Manor Rd. | El Chilito will be offering holiday tamales by the dozen or half dozen at all three locations. Buy the frozen and heat them up at home with easy-to-follow instructions. Order them online for delivery or curbside pickup.
1412 S Congress Ave. | Gueros is more commonly known for their taco plates but their regular menu also offers plates made with 3 handmade tamales, topped with chile con queso, tangy tomatillo salsa verde, sour cream, and with a side of rice and refried black beans. Get your choice of tamales with chicken, pork, beef or beans.
The 12 Days of Smoked Meats ends with their annual HOMEMADE HOLIDAY TAMALE DAY available for pick up. Tamales include SMOKED BRISKET (by the dozen) or SMOKED PULLED PORK (by the dozen). Pick-up will be designated over three days – Thursday, December 21st thru Saturday, December 23rd during Regular Business Hours. All orders must be placed online. Orders can be made starting online
4807 Airport Blvd. | We are offering homemade pork, chicken or black bean tamales. Each order comes with a pint of red or green salsa. Sold by the dozen until we run out. Price: $20 Book online for pickup.
It’s tamale season in Texas. Making tamales is a holiday tradition that has been passed through multiple generations. For December only, pre-order a dozen of Huckleberry’s shrimp tamales today.
Nothing says holidays in Texas like Tamales (well, and BBQ). LeRoy and Lewis is once again offering a Christmas pre-order lineup of meats and treats including Red Chile Barbacoa, Green Chile Pork, Turkey Mole, and Sweet Corn (all served with Smoked Jalapeno Salsa, $30/dozen); 44 Farms Barbacoa (served w/ onion, cilantro and salsa), Akaushi Brisket, and Pulled Pork Whole Hog.
The restaurant is taking pre-orders and pick-ups will be on December 22, December 23 and December 24 at the South First location only, at 1703 S. 1st St, 78704. Patrons can order online at fresaschicken.com or by phone at 512.915.0362. Holiday Tamale Meals includes One Dozen Tamales served with Charro Beans, Mexican Rice, Salsas and Queso or Guacamole. Black beans and white rice are also available. Chicken Tinga Tamales $32; Black Bean and Cheese Tamales $30; Just Tamales served with salsas – Chicken Tinga $22 doz and Black Bean and Cheese $20 doz .
Let El Chilito bring the tamales to your home for the holidays this year. Orders include a half dozen tamales (choice of black bean and cheese, puerco rojo, or pollo verde). Tamales are frozen and heating instructions are included. $10 per half dozen. Order online now through the holidays or until supplies run out at elchilito.com for contactless curbside pickup during business hours at the El Chilito location you ordered from. Level up the party with El Chilito’s Topo, Aqua Fresca, Single Beers or Frozen Sangria To-Go. Prices vary.
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