“The green corn tamales at Crisol Bar were even better than I’d expected. Made in-house, the harmony of authentic Mexican flavors woven into the tender corn masa was stellar. And paired with a side of beans, they were somehow even more exceptional.”

“This family-owned spot is always warm and welcoming. They’ve got a bunch of excellent vegan options to choose from, including green, red, and dessert tamales! Also, if you’re vegan or dairy-free and craving cheesecake, look no further.”

In 2022, El Charro Café celebrates its 100th Anniversary. As America’s oldest Mexican restaurant continuously run by the same family, El Charro has created a legacy. This long-time success is due to the hard work, passion, and creativity in the kitchen — the tamales are a must-try whether you live in Tucson or an out-of-towner stopping by for a few days. Plus, El Charro and Si Charro Restaurants have a “tamale of the month” club online.

All year, El Sur has tamales on the menu but during the holidays, they really get in the spirit with their homemade red and green corn tamales. Heck, if you’re super hungry or feeding an entire football team, the restaurant sells them by the dozen.

The chalkboard menu features Latin-inspired dishes, owner and chef Wendy Garcia’s signature vegetarian and vegan options, an expanded latte menu, and tamales, of course. The menu is always changing — giving “regulars” something new to try from time to time.

La Indita, a Tucson classic specializing in Mexican, Tarascan, and Tohono O’odham food, got its start back in 1985. They spent years on Fourth Avenue and recently moved over to Stone Avenue in 2021. Next time you stop by, grab one of their chicken or green corn tamales.

From the outside and the name, one might assume that La Mesa Tortillas is just another tortilleria (tortilla factory), but it’s also a restaurant where you can get full plates and bulk food to go. Did you know they’re now shipping tamales again? Well, ’tis the season!

“La Olla (The Cooking Pot) is a family-owned restaurant operated by husband and wife Ken and Diane Gallardo, who have both been in the food and beverage business for right around 40 years. You’ll find them both working in the kitchen, which is a passion they share. If you don’t frequent Marana very often, the tamales are something that’ll convince you to come by more often.”

Every recipe at Little Mexico Restaurant is a cherished creation from the families of Yolanda Palomarez and Socorro Estrada. There are a lot of dishes on the menu like chile con carne and birria, but set your sights on the Green Corn Tamales during your next (or first) visit.

“This little gem is located just off Broadway on Sarnoff Road. What it lacks in size, makes up in classic Sonoran Mexican cuisine. Their red chile beef tamale breakfast plate, enchilada style, with rice and beans and their hot salsa, is a great way to start your day!”

Although the red chile is most popular in the burros at St. Mary’s Mexican food, it’s also available inside their bountiful tamales. Green corn tamales are also available. How to Get: Call one day ahead for freshly prepared tamales, or stop by for frozen dozens.

If the monstrous burritos are what first led you to Tanias, make sure you go home with some tamales to-go. Beef tamales, green corn tamales, vegan tamales, you name it! Be a champion at your next family gathering with a bag of these tasty tamales.

“We have a lot to be grateful for from Tucson Tamale. They are putting Tucson on the map nationally, selling hundreds of thousands of tamales in grocery stores around the country with the name of our city stamped on every single tamale. Their origin story is legit and their products are delicious.”

“My nana’s tamales are hard to beat, but Tumericos’ vegan red chile jackfruit tamales come really close! I make sure to grab a couple dozen every year to bring to all of the holiday dinners.”