Holiday Tamales

Photo by John Anderson

Every year since the revered Green & White Grocery stopped selling tamales, readers have contacted me asking about places to buy their traditional holiday treat. Some years, I've discovered tamale sales at church or school holiday bazaars, but there was no luck on that front this year. However, several businesses responded to my calls for tamale info, and they're eager to fill your orders. Ordering in advance is your best bet in most cases. Feliz Navidad.

Gardener's Feast (100 E. Parsons, Manor, 512/278-1775) offers several varieties of authentic, Mexico City-style tamales (meat, vegetarian, and vegan) at its retail store and at booths at eight farmers' markets around the area.

Central Market (both locations) Pick up eight-packs of chicken-tomatillo, pork-beef-poblano, or bean-and-cheese tamales from the deli case to steam at home, or get ready-to-eat individual tamales from the Chef's Case.

Guero's Taco Bar (1412 S. Congress, 447-7688) Preorder beef-pork, black-bean-and-cheese, or turkey tamales by the dozen, and pick them up frozen (with cooking instructions) or hot and ready to eat.

Santa Rita Cantina (1206 W. 38th, 419-RITA; 5900 Slaughter, 288-5100) Preorder chicken-tomatillo or pork tamales by the dozen or half-dozen with distinctive sauces at either location.

El Meson (5808 Burleson, 416-0749; 2038 S. Lamar, 442-4441) Preorder dozens of pork, chicken, or poblano-and-cheese tamales at either location.

La Sombra Bar & Grill (4800 Burnet Rd. #200, 458-1100) Preorder dozens or half-dozens of authentic Peruvian-style green chicken or pibil pork tamales with sauces.

Berryhill Baja Grill (3600 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 327-9033) Preorder beef, pork, chicken, bean, or spinach-and-corn tamales in packs of three, six, or 12.

Rosie's Tamale House (13436 Hwy. 71 W., Bee Cave, 512/263-5245) sells dozens of spicy or mild pork tamales on a first come, first served basis.

Mr. Natural (1901 E. Cesar Chavez, 477-5228; 2414 S. Lamar, 916-9223) Preorder dozens of vegetarian or vegan tamales at both locations.

La Mexicana Bakery (1924 S. First, 443-6369) Preorder dozens of pork, chicken, or poblano-and-cheese tamales.

La Hacienda Market (9717 N. Lamar, 339-4773) Preorder dozens of pork, chicken, or corn tamales.