Foodie 15: Our Favorite Tamales in Tucson

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. From Dec. 5-24, all three Tucson El Charro Café locations and Charro Chico offer a bundle of six 6-ounce tamales with sides of rice, beans, and sauce for $25.

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!

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.

Perfecto’s Mexican Restaurant offers a casual neighborhood setting with bright colors and a welcoming, lived in feel. Come here for cozy classics, such as enchiladas and tamales to order by the dozen.

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.