Alamo Tamales

Alamo Tamales is a beloved place for Lunch in the Northside area of Houston. I believe is a bit overpriced and competition around offer same quality food. Taste is great. Panaderia is part of the offerings. Place is very clean and well-kept. Ample parking, plenty of seating.

The quality of the food is satisfactory; however, the pricing appears excessive. I ordered a menudo, Chico, and found the portion considerably smaller than expected. The grande size did not align with the larger portions I am accustomed to. In conclusion, it seems that the establishment prioritizes profit over value. Some alternative venues provide comparable or superior cuisine at much more reasonable prices.

Everything is always delicious here. Been coming here for years - the prices have gone up as they got more popular but still worth it. The tamales are some of the best in town. Breakfast on the weekend is usually packed but it’s a large place so seats open up decently quick.

Usually the food here was fantastic, but I feel like in the last couple of trips it seems like the qualities getting worse and worse. I just went there today and I ordered two dozen I get home and they’re completely dried out. The meat is dried out or it’s old so I drove over 45 minutes to go pick this up and this is what I have to throw in the trash. It kind of upsets me because I have really fond memories of how good the food is here but it seems like it’s starting to go downhill. I take no pleasure in making reviews like this either, but I am highly disappointed on the amount of money that I pay versus what I get.

Have tried only tamales here so far and they are not the best but we like them. My wife thinks tamales we have had in Houston were small-ish and dough was overly seasoned for her taste. Friendly staffers. Nice atmosphere. It is sort of cafeteria-style; want to try more of their offerings like tacos or empanadas. They have a bakery, too; it would be nice if more of the bakery foods were labelled, or maybe we just need to learn more about those offerings, ha.

Came here on Thursday morning and the barbacoa tastes nasty and had a lot oil dripping. Called them and the manager wanted me to bring it back so she can inspect it first and determine if I can get my money back. For them to be busy on the weekends they should refund then money back for their mistake.

This location is nicely and traditionally decorated which was a pleasant surprise. There was a line but the wait was reasonable. The staff treated me nicely . I bought the 1/2 dozen frijoles tamales . And I picked out dessert from the bakery. Here is where I took off stars. My caramel Empanadas had something with the texture of paper inside of them. That was very disturbing because I feel I could have eaten some of whatever it is before realizing. The pecan cake I picked out however was good.

We went to this restaurant for the first time and overall I wouldn’t return to this place. It was overcrowded and when ordering it was somewhat chaotic, we stood for a while and had several workers helping us with our order. Since we were new we weren’t sure what to order since we didn’t know what food was up ahead. There were quite a bit of people ahead of us. Several workers took our orders but we waited about a minute or two in between each worker to help us. After ordering and paying, we sat down to eat and I discovered my taco was extremely greasy my tortilla was soaked in grease and made it impossible to eat in a taco. I spoke to a manager if I could have another tortilla as I did not feel comfortable eating a soaked tortilla. She said I would have to pay to receive another tortilla. I let her know that I was not aware the taco would soak up that much grease, she insisted that I purchase another tortilla , which meant I had to stand in line that was up to the bakery entrance to buy another tortilla. My family spent a good $70 to buy breakfast I believe I could have been given another tortilla to compensate my overly greased taco. Customer service needs to be reevaluated at this place of business. We will no longer be spending our money at this restaurant.

I can't believe I waited this long to post a review for Alamo! We used to live around the corner from here, and then we moved out of state and I totally forgot to post a review. In a nutshell, this is your place for excellent quality (and very affordable) tamales north of the 610 in Houston. Yes, everything here is clean and good, but I really only come for the spicy pork and the cheese and jalapeño tamales. Whenever I come back in town I pick up a couple dozen. The first dozen I eat fresh, then rest get frozen and I bring them home to share with family and friends. It's a great value. 5 dozen will run you about $80. They throw in lots of their homemade salsas (green and red) with each dozen. One "complaint" that I've heard from lots of people is that the tamales are small. My response is "well yeah...but the flavor is on point and for the price...you can't beat it". Here's the dilemma...homemade tamales are about 1-2 times larger...but each one is made by hand. Here...you have your option of hand made and machine made. In a blind taste test, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. Usually, when I see people selling los tamales de mi tía out of their house, yes they're larger but they usually charge $25/dozen...just over $2/ea (if you're lucky). Here, you're spending like $1.35/each...and you can honestly fill up on 5 tamales. That means a delicious lunch cost you only $9. Last thing...every employee I've ever interacted with was super nice...big smiles...and made me feel like my supporting the business was appreciated. Every time I come back to Houston, Alamo is on the short list of places I need to visit.

HOUSTON, TX 77022 / MEXICAN / MON 02-19-24 / LUNCH +Lots of variety to choose from, but definitely get the tamales. +The pork tamales were delicious. -Not many fresh juice options available during the lunch rush. -The tacos were pretty salty. What we ordered: 1 carnitas taco $2.99 2 small rice $3.99 each 1 Everfresh juice $2.99 1 chicken tamales (1/2 dozen) $8.50 2 carnitas tacos $5.98 2 empanada (1 beef, 1 chicken) $5.98 1 pork tamales (1/2 dozen) $8.50 Total: $46.46 post tax

I was craving some tamales and I'd never been to Alamo Tamale & Taco, so I decided to give it a try and ended up meeting a friend there. I have heard a lot about this place, and truthfully the reviews were mixed. We ended up going close to closing time because I didn't know that they closed earlier than most restaurants. So, take note of that if you're planning on going. In my opinion, the tamales where very good. I ordered the cheese and jalapeno, the bean and the pork. I liked all of them but my favorite was the cheese and jalapeno, and I don't usually like cheesy things. But these had just the right amount of cheese and spice. I'd order them again for sure. The pork were also good, but I think on the next trip I'll try the beef tamales. The bean wasn't awful... it just wasn't my favorite. So, next trip, I'll most likely skip the bean all together. I am hoping to return soon because writing this review has made me crave some good tamales!

I'm writing this review from line...This is like a well-oiled machine at this point. I know the rundown, arrival time etc. and I'm here to school you. I'm grateful it's only 64° and not in the 40s, as in years past. This review is solely based on my annual Xmas Eve tamales run. Xmas Eve is their Super Bowl and they come to play. "They" being customers and staff alike. If you think you can arrive @ opening time (6am) and get a decent place in line, it ain't happening bro. (haha...see pics) As I speak, I have one of the best places I've ever had in line. I'm only about 20 people back from the front and the lot is filling up fast. (The line tripled after about 30ish minutes) On to the star of the show: Best in show: Rajas (peppers and cheese) and the pork. Chicken tamales are dry to me because of the white meat chicken Military precision: they have us queued inside with stanchions a la TSA check-in - keep the customers dry, warm and cheery so they happily fork over the $$$ for the masa gold Dearly departed: they used to have breakfast tacos, etc. as part of their early morning Xmas Eve offerings but now they cut that out; I assume because it slowed the line down Be ready so you don't have to get ready: Be ready when you get to the front of the line! I say again, be ready. There are "expediters" who work the line and by the time you get to the register, they deliver your box of goodies to you as you pay Blame Inflation: since 2010, tamales have increased in price - about 41% increase Houston natives and visitors alike...come through, it'll be worth your while

I love this place! The tamales are always on point especially the sweet corn tamales. We also enjoy their breakfast tacos and it's always fun popping over to the bakery. The ladies working in the cafeteria area are so sweet and try so hard to get your order right despite the occasional language barrier. The lines also moves pretty fast even though it can sometimes look a little overwhelming.

I ordered 2 dozen handmade pork tamales through the drive-thru a few days prior to Thanksgiving. This is my first time having them from Alamo Tamales, but they were highly recommended online and I'm so glad I ordered from here. They were delicious, and for a decent price from a restaurant. I will definitely be repurchasing and highly recommend anyone to come try them!

We always buy the homemade chicken tamales and they are delicious. They have the right amount of chicken and the sauces are good too. Whenever you are in Houston it is worth the drive and price.

I wanted some authentic HOMEMADE Mexican food and thought I would stop here. As soon as you walk inside you are shown new menu items and to form in a cafeteria style line. However, do not let that discourage you the line moves SWIFTLY and always have plenty! There are also staff that collect big or to go orders so you do not have to waste to much time in the line. They're very well known for their DELICIOUS Tamales. Do not let that stop you if you do not have a Tamale craving. They also have a variety of dishes from Chile Rellenos, Menudo, Guisado, Enchiladas to Tacos. So, you will not miss a beat. They have many different meats for your tacos such as Barbacoa and Carnitas. Now, the Tortillas are a staple, very fluffy, and TASTY. It can be eaten by itself or to dip in your Menudo. The Fideo is my go to and FULL of FLAVOR! Once you finish ordering there is a salsa station to pick up your fave salsa to enjoy with your meal. There is plenty of seating and you can choose between a booth or a table. By the way, after your meal enjoy the Pan Dulce. They have cookies, conchas, empañadas de piña, flan, and many other Mexican sweet bread choices. You can also order your cakes and cupcakes for any party or event! You just have to come see and try the bread for yourself. Come with an empty tummy and try this scrumptious food!

Chicken tamales were hard, ordered a dozen and only got 2 salsas. The cheese and jalapeño were ok.

I love there spinach and cheese tamales. I can eat a whole dozen. The restaurant is big.

The food here is selectively good, some items are mid and others delicious. I usually like eating the Carnitas, very flavorful and cooked just right. The tortillas don't taste the way they used to. A very fake flour taste to it, which makes the tacos not that enjoyable. The Tamales are amazing but be sure to order the HANDMADE not the machine made. I usually order by the half dozens and mix them up chicken, pork, beef...etc. Barbacoa here isn't too flavorful the way it once was back in the day. There's an awful lot of fat on the meat when your eating almost like chewing on slime...yuck! The service is wonderful, no one waits too long even during holidays or weekend morning rush hours. The ambiance carries something of Mi Tierra in San Antonio, doesn't really have an authentic be yourself vibe it reminds me of MI TIERRA! lol but none the less it looks nice, there are tables to sit and eat. And a cute little bakery next door which the baked goods are delicious and very creative. I have no complaints about the desserts that they are whipping out. -ALAMO LADIES & GENTS!

AVOID THIS PLACE. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. UNKIND PEOPLE. I sought this place out because of the great reviews. I ordered 3 dozen tamales to bring back to Boston. 2 of the dozen were the wrong kind. I simply called this AM to get a refund on the 2 dozen that were wrong, but they told me that I would need to bring the tamales back in order to get a refund. I explained that I live in Boston. They asked me to freeze the tamales and bring them back next time I am in town! I COULD NOT GET A REFUND UNLESS I BROUGHT THEM BACK. The ladies played pass the telephone on the phone, pretending to not speak English then hung up on me!

We went to get to go tamales for lunch and ending up getting pork and chicken tamales. We also had the best drive because of the helpful staff. They convinced us to try multiple types of tacos as well as so barbacoa and dried pork which were both seasoned well. We hadn't been to Alamo Tamale & Taco in over 25 years and the restaurant was nice with a bakery, restaurant and what appeared to be a hall for events. The facility has an overall feel that you could get it all here and the atmosphere was very inviting.

Went around 9:30am for breakfast and decided to give the drive through a chance. Waited about 45 minutes in line only to find out they were basically out of breakfast tacos. We order fajita tacos, carne guisado tacos, chicken and pork machine made tamales and carnitas tacos. The pricing is great and the food is plentiful. All the fillings and meats were delicious! Salsas were tasty but needed a hint of salt. I'd say its worth a try maybe go inside instead of waiting at the drive through.

I've been here in the past for tamales but never for lunch. Today was my first lunch trip. Line was not long at all. Ladies serving plates spoke both English and Spanish. They had a nice range of options from stuffed peppers, Enchiladas, tacos, mole and so much more. You enter and walk up like a Cafeteria line, grab a red tray to hold your stuff and just tell them what you want. Your asked if it's dine in or to go. Which means plate or box. We are there and it was clean and not too loud. Food was good but felt portion size was a bit on the small side. I'll be going back to try other items.

Handmade brisket tamales are delicious! The barbacoa is okay but the salsas really could have a bit more to them

Flavor was 6/10 Texture.. ehhh.. I was hungry so i tore it up... BUT............ I have the massive shits cross contamination or food poisoning . I had the jalapeño & cheese tamales half dozen

This place used to be great for tamales. last year I bought handmade tamales and it was a lot of masa. I bought the machine made tamales this year and they are normaly very tasty but not this time there wasn't much taste to them and hardly any meat. I won't be buying their tamales anymore.

On tamales alone, I think I found me another banger. So yeah it's in East Houston and the commute alone will make you turn around, I say nay. On todays visit, I got the chicken, cheese & jalapeño, and bean tamales. Just perfect. The masa and the flour mixture is so moist yet firm. The chicken could've used some more seasoning, but I'm not bothered. The cheese & jalapeño was magical. I loved the strips of cheese. I was too full to eat the bean, but we'll make space. I highly recommend you get their jalapeño green salsa. One of the best I ever had. Thank you, Alamo Tamale. I'll be back for that and mas!

Alamo Tamale & Taco used to be in the second ward/east end neighborhood, but they relocated to their very own large plaza - complete with their panaderia and banquet hall - on Berry Road in The Northside. I never made it to the East End location, but went to this location a few weeks ago. Tis the season for tamales, am I right? (If you're Latino or a Texan, then ya know what I'm talkin' about.) Right now, they are only doing takeout and drive-thru window service - no indoor dining. For takeout orders, just walk inside, hop in line, and order machine made or handmade tamales, along with items from a looooong display of foods. Custom order your tacos and hot plates to go. Beans, rice, carnitas (meats), papitas (potatoes), calabasita (squash), enchiladas, entomatadas, chile rellenos, menudo... We ordered two dozen chicken, pork, and bean/cheese/jalapeno handmade tamales... they also sell sweet tamales, Salvadoran tamales, and holiday tamales with turkey. Now, they may not compare to my mom's tamales (nothing compares to mom's right?), but at least we didn't slave over making them. ***My only issue: The staff and production line manager didn't know if the bean tamale masa is made with pork lard vs crisco oil. Important for customers to know, especially the non-pork eating, vegetarian (and possibly vegan) diners.

Here we go. I decided to run away from the cold here during the holidays and went to Texas. Without fail, the weather followed, and it was COLD but no fear Houston has some good food. Normally good tamales. I drove about 2 hours total to get to this place because I was told the tamales were the bomb. That is a negative. You can find better and please do and save some gas. So now you ask why the 3rd star? La Canasta bakery right next door. That's bread was really good and earned this place that extra nudge. Will I go back for the bread then? Hell no. It was far from where I was staying, and it's Houston, PLENTY od other places to try.

This has been one of my go to favorites for a very long time. Alamo tamale and Taco are some of the best in Houston. They have some of the best tamales in town that are homemade. Yesterday for Christmas Eve they serve 3000 guest. Can you imagine that. He did such a great job too. I mean I was in and out of the line within 10 minutes. These people know exactly how to run a business. They get you in and out no matter how long the line is. They have a great system in place and they really know how to make great food. Food: the pork and beef tamales here are some of my favorites in town. They're homemade and they taste like something your grandma would make. Very flavorful and very tasty and very fresh. Also their breakfast tacos and regular tacos are simply amazing. They have some of the best breakfast tacos in town. Look at my picture and you'll see all the different meat offerings that have during lunch and breakfast. They also offer several different Tamale options. I stick with pork and beef. This a a north side classic. I will continue to support them for years and years to come.

One of the best Mexican restaurants around Houston. The tamales and birria tacos are the truth! Great place to grab and go as well with their pick your plate and pay method they have.

This place can get very busy. There is lots to choose from. Went there to get Tamales and Tacos to go. Choose an off time to avoid long waits. You can select handmade tamales or machine made (slightly cheaper). Ordered handmade Pork and Beef tamales, Carne Guisada and Asado de Puerco tacos. These tacos were tasty... will definitely order again. Drive thur is limited friendly and fast but the menu is limited.

Tacos are phenomenal! Mole is exceptional, carne guisada is wonderful, and the chorizo is freaking good. One word for the handmade pork tamales... BAM!!!! Go there if you want your socks knocked off. Tamales may cost you your first born child, but there is no where else you can get these superb pork and bean tamales. Delish!

I purchased 3 dozen pork tamales on December 23, 2023 (recently) my wife and I both got food poisoning. This is sad to report but important for the public to know - food poisoning is serious and with the high volume of sales unfortunately many of you will become sick too. At least for this season avoid buying any tamales otherwise expect to be running to the restroom every 10 minutes. Better to unwrap your Christmas gifts than to unwrap Alamo Tamales.

Awesome service, great breakfast tacos. I got 3 doesn't tamales for the holidays. The port tamales are the best. If you're looking for a tamale place this is a must go to. there other food is absolutely awesome as well. The green salsa is the bomb go check them out. You will be happy that you did..

Very good, great ambience. Food options galore. Freshness all around. Friendly staff very helpful. Plenty of parking. Busy

If you don't mind paying $17 a dozen and 60% is nothing but Masa then they are very good . I had to peel it twice before I got into a good layer with meat . Yes they are very good but not worth it. After years of going won't be returning. I understand the prices go up but to justify it, please don't add more mass. Just leave it as good as they were years ago.. we all understand prices are highly.​

The tamales are good and spicy but the parking is horrendous. The place moves pretty quickly and the employees are friendly enough. Ambiance is chaotic and loud. I would definitely recommend this place if the parking situation would be less chaotic

Excellent customer service. GREAT tamales pork chicken brisket. Panaderia attached also has a great and tasteful selection available daily freshly done. Mornings are best because of the smells coming from both places always make me buy more than I need but it ALL gets eaten

Amazing tamales, my favourite ones are the handmade pork and the handmade cheese & jalapeño. The place is normally packed, therefore expect to be in the line for only few minutes, it moves quickly.

It has been forever since my last tamale at Alamo Tamales. Not sure if they were related to the former location on Navigation Blvd., but finally decided to try this location and was happy, yet not. I'll explain... I read and heard that the handmade tamales are way better than the machine made. Price: $8.50 machine made / $14-15 handmade My craving took over and out of the six flavors offered, I ordered four. The masa itself had that beautiful dark orange grease, making it moist and easy to peel off the husk. -Bean: The beans inside were okay. -Cheese & Jalapeño: I could eat an entire dozen. These will make you say, "Wow." -Bean, cheese, & jalapeño: Thought these would blow my mind, but no--the beans made them mushy. -Pork: Lack of flavor. Surprised because usually pork tamales have the most flavor and are the general go-to. *I did not order the beef or chicken. The two women working the counter were gracious. Bakery area and offerings were extensive and quite appealing. Will I be back? Yes! Would like to try the beef and chicken tamales next time and to order more "Cheese & Jalapeño" tamales!

The food was delicious. We got the recommendation for a local Uber driver. The meat was well marinated for the tacos. I had menudo- it was very tender. I'm not sure what the white bean thing was, but it was great in the soup. I don't think they were use to tourist asking about the food. We didn't know what the food on display was and we were asking about all the different items. We went at 4 pm when there was no one, the woman serving us was trying to be patient with us and explain what the food was but we were very indecisive. The space was large and we were able to sit outside. After our meal we went to the bakery right next to it. Definitely great food and good people. Make sure you know what you want if you are going early, we were told the lines can be real long.

Food is delicious! Wish they would've kept the 2nd ward location. It's closer and we used to go more often.

Hand made chicken and pork tamales are great! Their tamales also freeze surprisingly well and reheat with ~1min the microwave wrapped in a moist paper towel! It's good to have for a quick meal!

Checked the reviews for the holidays. Looked like it was the best bet in town for picking up a couple dozen tamales. Made sure to ask for the bigger ones, mucho lleno. They were not mucho lleno :( flavor was okay. I guess we're truly spoiled with our friends' abuela's homemade tamales, because these don't come close, unfortunately.

Tamales were dry and hard. Eggs were undercooked in my taco. There were gnats in the bread case in the bakery.

Hands down the best tamales I've tried in Houston! Those jalapeño & cheese are literally to die for. In fact they're so good I bought 2 dozen to bring to work next week (meal prep lol). I also tried the chicken tamales and bean tamales and those were amazing too. They were sold out of spinach tamales, but I will definitely be trying those next time. They pretty much have everything else you could ever want if you love Mexican food... chiles rellenos, alambre, barbacoa, carnitas, carne guisada, enchiladas, breakfast tacos, and so much more! Even though I live 40 minutes away from this place I will be back soon.

Best tamales in Houston!! Hands down!! I lived in and around Houston my entire life and until now have never been impressed with any restaurants tamale. We are going to have tamales for Christmas so I figured I try this place out. So glad I did! Sadly what most people probably think of a tamale at a restaurant it's probably not handmade and they pour some kind of chili con carne sauce on top, the texture, taste of the masa is way off. Honestly the tamale gets a bad rep at most places. These are IMO true authentic northern Mexican tamales. Like the ones my grandmother and aunts would make in Mexico. Do yourself a favor get these! I got the Handmade Pork Tamales snd the handmade cheese and jalapeño.

In my personal opinion, these are the best tamales I have got from anywhere in Houston. The only tamales I ever eat are my grandmas, moms, and Alamo's so that should say something. They have a drive thru which makes it really convenient and they have fast service.

This place was highly recommended to me by a coworker for years and finally went. I took the 30+ minute drive just to not love the food. The place was very clean and the staff very helpful and friendly but the food was bland. I got carne guisada and it tasted like nothing but bay leaves no Chile flavor at all. The beans flavorless and the rice. Got 2 tacos and also very flavor less. I couldn't even smell the aroma of tamales so didn't even bother to try those. I would only recommend to go if you like bland food.

This place is a houston institution and there is a reason why. Good food and good prices. Had a few tacos for lunch that were delicious. Picked up some sweet bread that was also very tasty. And of course, picked up a whole bunch of tamales. The spicy tamales are not really that spicy though.

First time enjoying breakfast here, today! I'm definitely going back and pilling on the pork tamales. I'm glad I was invited here For a business meeting, I highly recommend. Tons of space for you to have a formal meeting or just breakfast with family. I'll be coming back with family to enjoy their variety of food.

They have ok tamales not to much masa in their tamales and their tacos are ok also. The place is good to eat at.

Great environment good food and authentic Mexico feeling will never stop coming back quick and you Alger a bang for you're buck you can either eat in or outside they have there own bakery and store even a banquet hall on the side this place is good for events of any kind !! .:Estilo.De.Vida:.

If you're coming here for tamales, great, but if you're coming here for tacos.... You'll be GREATLY mislead. Fajita tacos aren't even fajitas. Carne guisada isn't carne guisada, it honestly just looks like the so called fajitas. Don't waste your money.

How can the same business do so great at one location (not closed) and not the other? The changes happened way before Covid so don't think that the pandemic made matters worse. The Navigation location had far more regular offerings and amazing service. The carnitas were available daily and not just on Saturdays. What happened to the fajitas? Not fajita anymore. There's so many differences between the two locations that I gamble when I go to the Berry Rd location on what might be offered on any given day. It's a nicer location but give me the friendliness and choices from the navigation location any day. I doubt I'll go back.

At Houston Rodeo they charged us $19 for $8 tamale pie and $5 diet coke. Wanted us to bring credit card statement to them in person. Refused to allow it to be emailed. And not the first time they've done this. :( credit card company made it right but point is how many others did they over charge?!?! $1-$6 times thousands of cc users is a lot of money.

Great tamales from the back of a food truck that has been continuously selling in the same spot for several decades.