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.
Photo via Curra’s Grill
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 (To go) | 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! Tomales will be available Dec. 22, 23, and 24, and you can choose from Chicken Tinga, Black Bean & Cheese, or Guajillo Pork Shoulder. More info here.
Galaxy Cafe
1000 West Lynn | 8127 Mesa Drive | 9911 Brodie Lane
Now through the end of the year, Galaxy Cafe will be offering their signature Zocalo recipe — handmade, heat & serve pork, chicken, or veggie tamales (and mix and match options) — by the dozen. Give them 24 hours’ notice, and your tamales will be ready for pick up at your most convenient neighborhood Galaxy Cafe. Tamales will have reheating instructions included. Pre-order from the holiday menu.
Lick It Up
2421 Webberville Rd.
For tasty holiday vegan tamales, you can pre-order and pick them up on Dec. 22 at Lick It Up’s Austin location (2421 Webberville Rd). Available options include red chile, black bean with cheese, and green chile with cheese.
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 bar gives you a choice of two tamales, a choice of beans, Mexican rice, and salsa ranchero. Available for dine-in, take-out, and catering, check them out here.
Rosie’s Tamale House
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 pork tamales here.
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, their main kitchen on Manor Road, Dia’s Market, or opt for delivery.
Tamale House East
Choose from four different filling options — including vegan tamales — and select from sauce options like verde, mole, ranchera, or queso to spice up your little bundles of corn goodness. These tamales are always moist and fresh! Open for dine-in, or pre-order for the holidays.
*This round-up of tasty tamale spots was originally for Do512 by Kelly McComas
