Enjoying tamales during the holidays is a centuries-old tradition that began in Mexico and became a staple of Texan culture.  With tasty fillings from savory to sweet and wrapped in masa, this comfort food is sure to be a hit.  Many families in Austin enjoy them as a Christmas Eve meal, so we’ve rounded up the best places to snag them this holiday season.  

— Black Gold
1521 W Anderson Ln.
This holiday season, Black Gold is serving up ready-to-enjoy dishes perfect for holiday celebrations, including Brisket Tamales and Pulled Pork Tamales, each available for just $28.99 per dozen. Orders can be placed via email at [email protected] beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 8 am through Friday, Dec. 20. Orders will be ready for pickup on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at noon.

Curra’s Grill
614 E Oltorf St |4215 Duval St
Made in-house, Curra’s tamales come in nine varieties (including a variety of meats, veggies, and even a sweet option), and all are delicious. You can place your catering order here for Oltorf, and here for Hyde Park. Please note: orders must be placed eight days in advance.

Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon
915 N Lamar | 1703 S 1st St | 3600 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste A110
Fresa’s is offering pre-ordered tamales to-go again this holiday season!  You can choose from Chicken Tinga, Black Bean & Cheese, or Guajillo Pork Shoulder. Order now for pickup December 22-24. Order here.

Mi Ranchito
Pick up orders at 1105 FM 1626
Highly recommended by a Do512 reader, Mi Ranchito is a family-owned local fave serving up tamales for the holidays and all year round.  With six different varieties to choose from, their online menu offers a mix-and-match dozen options so you can try multiple flavors.  All of their tamales are gluten-free and you can order online here.

Mr. Natural
1901 East Cesar Chavez Street
Mr. Natural is a bona fide slice of Austin’s originality. Everything at this vegetarian restaurant is made in-house, down to the bread in their sandwiches – and of course, the tamales. Mr. Natural’s meatless tamale options include cheese & jalapeno, pinto beans, veggies & tofu, and tofu and sunflower seeds.  Available for dine-in, take-out, and catering, check them out here.

Rosie’s Tamale House
13436 W Hwy 71
The tamales at Rosie’s Tamale House are the real deal. Owned and operated by the Arriaga family since 1973, this Mexican spot has been serving up tamales for a long time, and they sure know what they’re doing.  Order your tamales here.

Ski Shores
2905 Pearce Rd.
Ski Shores Winter Lodge is open and they’re serving up Texas comfort food, including green chicken enchiladas. No reservations are required; walk-in only.

Tamale Addiction
Online
Austinites with dietary restrictions, never fear: Tamale Addiction has got your back. The tamales from this farmer’s market favorite are gluten-free, lard-free, and made with organic masa. They come in meat, vegetarian, and vegan varieties. We’d say Tamale Addiction probably offers the widest slew of tamale options in town, from pork al pastor to nopalitos cactus. If you want these local tamale-makers to fuel your addiction, head to their website and place an order for frozen tamales. You can pick up at several local farmer’s markets, or get free delivery on orders of more than 20 tamales. Get more info here.

Tamale House East
1707 E. 6th St.
These Texas-sized tamales from Tamale House East come in three delicious flavors: pork; chicken; bean, cheese, and jalapeno. These tamales come in packs of six, and you can get more info and order here.

---

More Places for Tamales in Austin

• Flavia’s Kitchen 
• Matt’s El Rancho