Here’s Where to Find the Best, and Most Authentic, Tamales in San Antonio

With a large hispanic and latino community in San Antonio, there’s no doubt that the search for authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is a large part of this Texas atmosphere. Tamales are a traditional dish made by many members of the Mesoamerican community and have become a staple of this southernmost state. We have compiled a list of five authentic and family-owned Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants that serve tamales among other traditional dishes. If you’re looking for the real deal and the best places to buy bulk tamales then look no further because one of the restaurants on this list is bound to tickle your taste buds!

Know someone who needs a gift card to buy a tray of one dozen tamales? GiftYa can help make this happen by purchasing an electronic gift card that can be immediately texted to someone’s phone. Simply choose the place to purchase the gift card, enter the information, and send it directly to their phone. However, restaurants are only one option -- choose from retailers, automotive, personal, and pet services, hotels, recreation and attractions, and more! To make this even better you can choose from these options at over 1.5 million locations across the United States. This is a perfect option for giving a gift to someone who lives in a different state or maintaining safety procedures during the Covid pandemic!

1. Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales 

Bulk Tamales and Barbacoa Specials Served Three Days a Week 

728 Fredericksburg Rd | San Antonio | facebook.com/Martinez-Barbacoa-Y-Tamales

Martinez Barbacoa Y Tamales is a family owned business serving homemade cuisine. But the catch is, they are only open three days a week and early too, from 6 am to 2 pm. The three days they are open are Friday-Sunday -- however, if you’re up for the challenge of waiting this long for tamales, you will be rewarded. Your possible rewards are takeout tacos, barbacoa by the pound, tamales by the dozen, and a tub of menudo or charro beans! 

They offer a variety of tamales to choose from -- pork, chicken, bean, bean and jalapeno, and pork and jalapeno. If you’re in the mood for a variety, they offer barbacoa specials that include a number of other delicious sides. Be sure to stop in early and see why the week wait is worth it!

“Just walked to my vehicle with a dozen tamales..... I had to try one right away! It was delicious! I'm super picky with tamales..... these are great..... I'll be back for more next time I'm in town! And service was excellent!” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Martinez Barbacoa & Tamales

2. Adelita Tamales & Tortilla Factory 

Over the Counter Service for Tamales, Masa, and Meats

1130 Fresno Dr | San Antonio | adelitatamales.com

Since its beginnings in 1938 -- yes, 1938, Adelita’s has been a family tradition that is now celebrating over seven decades of service. They offer four types of tamales -- pork, pork jalapeno, chicken, and bean jalapeno. They also sell bulk chips, masa, tortillas and more. They are partnered with schools, hospitals, churches, and other restaurants! They offer a wide variety of meats sold by the pound. So, whether you want over the counter food or large quantities of chips delivered for your next events -- Adeltia’s is there to get the job done!

“These folks have been making superlative tortillas for decades. They also make amazing tamales, barbacoa, and other goodness. Their prices are rock bottom, the quality is tip top. Use them.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Adelita Tamales & Tortilla Factory

3. Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 

Early Bird Gets the Tamales At This Location

1737 S General McMullen Dr | San Antonio | facebook.com/Tellez-Tamales-Barbacoa

Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa is classified as a Tex-Mex restaurant that has been family owned since 1975! They offer handmade tamales, barbacoa, menudo, and more. If you want to try the delicious tamales and other offerings, be sure to show up bright and early as they open at 5 am and close between 1-2 pm everyday! Lines are long and the food goes quickly, but customers say it’s worth it! 

Don’t worry, if you get up early to visit this location -- you can be rewarded with their early bird special. This comes fully loaded with one pound of barbacoa, one pack of tortillas, one avocado, two salsas or pico, one bag of chicharrones or pint of beans, and a two liter of Big Red. If you’re not up for the special, be sure to check out their tamales by the dozen because you won’t be disappointed -- customers often leave with ten dozen, or more!

“We drive from New Braunfels to pick up these tamales. They are by far the best tamales- pork, chicken & bean not to mention the steam table with fresh food to offer your tastebuds.. worth trying once.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa 

4. Tamale Boy Taco & Tamales

A Wide Variety of Tamales, Tacos, Barbacoa Specials, and Sides 

5300 S Flores St | San Antonio | satamaleboy.com

Tamale Boy serves to-go only food, and that was even before the pandemic! With over 20 years of cooking experience, the chefs at this location are passionate about food and prepare fresh, top quality food daily. All of their food is homemade to ensure every customer is satisfied with a delicious meal. 

They offer an extensive list of tamales to choose from -- your basic beef, chicken, and pork to bean and cheese with jalapeno and cream cheese, chicken, jalapeno, and spinach! However, the deliciousness doesn't stop there because they have a taco menu as well as barbacoa specials and side orders of the essentials -- rice and beans. This location has everything you need to indulge in tamales and other staples. 

“They have the BEST tamales ever! I especially love their Kadillak tamales. They have chicken, cream cheese and jalapeños inside them...delicious!!! Also, their carne guisada is very tender.  Excellent customer service.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Tamale Boy Taco & Tamales

5. Magy’s Tamales & Barbacoa 

Tacos, Tamales, Barbacoa, and Breakfast Options 

5721 W Commerce St | San Antonio | facebook.com/magys.tamales

Magy’s Tamales & Barbacoa is much like the other restaurants on our list. However, while they offer bulk tamales, tacos, and barbacoa -- they also serve breakfast! That’s right, they serve breakfast tacos and breakfast plates, with a wide variety of tacos to choose from. Saturday and Sunday breakfast has been served! They open early -- at 6 am and close mid afternoon, so be sure to get there before the lines. 

Customers rave that Magy’s has been around for years, is family owned, and family friendly and comes with affordable prices that you can’t beat. Many reviewers say special #1 is the way to go! The bulk barbacoa and tamales also leave customers feeling satisfied and pleased with the delicious food. 

“Decent prices for good food. Tamales were cooked very well, had a bit of spice aftertaste but defiant a good flavor. Barbacoa was really good, I'd go back for sure. Enjoyed the corn tortillas.” - Yelp Review 

On your journey to find the best tamales in San Antonio -- one or all of the locations on this list is sure to be a hit! If you’re in the mood for another authentic dish, many of these restaurants have more to offer than just tamales.

Delicious Tamales Factory

Hot or cold tamales are perfect for any occasion!

If you are interested in eating some delicious tamales no matter if they’re hot or cold, make sure to check out Delicious Tamales Factory! Image courtesy of Instagram. 

3500 S Presa Street | San Antonio | delicioustamales.com

Are you looking forward to trying out some of the best tamales in San Antonio? If so, then you need to go to the Delicious Tamales Factory as soon as you possibly can! This is one of the best places to go to because they have the freshest hot corn and flour tortillas, and their signature hot sauce is something you can’t miss out on.

Come to Delicious Tamales Factory right away where you can try out everything from jalapeno and pork tamales, chicken tamales, the classic pork tamale, and some of their amazing barbecoa that you certainly can’t miss out on. Don’t miss out on Delicious Tamales Factory in San Antonio right away!

“Got some tamales and barbacoa this morning.... delicious. The hot sauce is so amazing too! The service is fast and I’m definitely coming back!” - Yelp Review 

Ruben’s Homemade Tamales

Stop by for some of the best homemade tamales in San Antonio!

Sometimes there is nothing better than a hot tamale, so why not grab one at Ruben’s Homemade Tamales! Image courtesy of Instagram.

1807 Rigsby Avenue | Eastside | facebook.com/rubenshomemadetamales

We know that trying out some of the best tamales in San Antonio is exactly what you need right now. No matter what you’re doing, make sure to come to Ruben’s Homemade Tamales as soon as you can! Ruben’s has some of the best homemade tamales in the San Antonio area where you can pay $9 for a dozen. There’s no better deal than that!

Why not stop by Ruben’s Homemade Tamales right now so you can try out everything from homemade authentic Mexican tamales, pork tamales, chicken tamales, bean tamales, and many other varieties that you need to come and try out. Stop by Ruben’s Homemade Tamales right now!

“They had pork and chicken freshly made and others available frozen. You can see the staff making them in the back - clean operation. They were a hit with my crowd! - Yelp Review 

Tamahli

If you love tamales as much as the next person, make sure to check out this place!

814 West Rhapsody Drive | San Antonio | tamahli.com

There is nothing better than Tamahli when it comes to enjoying some amazing homemade tamales in San Antonio to try out! Tamahli is the perfect restaurant because it is locally-owned and their main focus is creating some of the best tamale flavors that will excite your taste buds to keep you coming back again and again.

At Tamahli, you need to stop by and check out pork and mild tamales, chicken and corn masa tamales, the poblano, bean tamales, Texas poppers, cowboy tamales, flautas, veggie tamales, cinnamon tamales, and so much more. Try out the sweet and savory tamales at Tamahli where you can enjoy only the best in San Antonio!

“The holidays are over, but I can't stop thinking about the tamales I had at Tamales! Holiday Festival at Pearl back in December. One tamale vendor stood out above all the rest - Tamahli.” - Yelp Review  

Alfonso’s Tamales

Try out some homemade tamales for something new and tasty!

Are you interested in trying out some tamales that you will be coming back for again and again? Come to Alfonso’s Tamales today! Image courtesy of Instagram.

20000 S East Loop | San Antonio | alfonsostamales.com

If you’re craving some delicious homemade tamales at a local shop in San Antonio, then you need to stop what you’re doing and go to Alfonso’s Tamales right away! Alfonso’s Tamales is the perfect place to go to when you’re looking for some of the best tamales in San Antonio that are all authentic and made fresh daily.

At Alfonso’s Tamales, you need to stop by and try out their classic pork tamales, beef, tamales, chicken tamales, bean tamales, pork jalapeno tamales, and some other incredible flavors that you need to try out ASAP. Come to Alfonso’s Tamales in San Antonio right away for something incredible!

“Decided to give this place a try finally and omg I'm glad I did!" - Google Review 

Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory

Tamales, BBQ, and other Mexican-fare cuisine is just what you need!

At Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory, you need to come and try out their signature tamales and other Mexican favorites! Image courtesy of Instagram.

737 Division Avenue | San Antonio | lavictoriafactory.com

If you are searching for some incredible tamales in San Antonio, then you need to stop by and check out Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory right now! This is an amazing restaurant where they serve everything from tamales, BBQ, and even some other delicious Mexican dishes that are perfect for any occasion.

Check out Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory right now to try out their all meat barbecoa, pork and jalapeno tamales, chicken tamales, bean tamales, menudo, refried beans, and lots more. Don’t miss out on Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory for their amazing tamales and other Mexican cuisine!

“Yes!!!!! This place was delicious. We got the dozen pork tamales with green salsa. They were a good size, they weren't dry and the slice was just right. Definitely coming back!!!” - Yelp Review 

On your journey to find the best tamales in San Antonio -- one or all of the locations on this list is sure to be a hit! If you’re in the mood for another authentic dish, many of these restaurants have more to offer than just tamales.