Balderas Tamale Factory

This place was introduced to us via word of mouth… (the best free advertisement, ever!) and it was absolutely, 100% worth checking out! The kid loved the crispy tacos, and his entree was enough to feed 2 people. The beans and rice, delicious! The Pastor, street tacos, perfecto! Nothing more to say about that… AND they hv a Toppings & Saucey bar 😋 I do recommend this place, it’s Faith approved ☺️

Put on your list to try! The beef tamales 🫔 😋 taste like my grandma's. Queso and chips are magically delicious.

First time visit recommended by a friend. Went for breakfast with another friend Saturday, and this was our experience. Cashier didn't acknowledge us, we couldn't locate the menus and no one offered assistance or greeted us. Menus found we decide on the breakfast tacos. I ordered Bacon & egg and added cheese potatoes and beans making it almost a $4 taco. For the price and size I can definitely say I've had better but it was decent enough however putting shredded american cheese on a taco should be a crime. I expect a Oaxaca / cotija Monterey blend but not american cheese. It made it saltier than necessary. Beans were a good addition. My real complaint is the tamales. I'm not sure why they have an up charge to mix and match when you can order them a la carte anways? But I ordered a half dozen which is normally $9.39? But because I wanted 2 of each it ended up being $4.50 for two, and thus 13.50 pretax for 6 tamales. Had the quality and portion of these been good, I would not even leave this review. But they were skimpy, mostly masa and barely any filling, and some of the smallest tamales I've actually ever seen. For a specialized tamale joint, that's pretty lame. HEB has better in my opinion, and that's a last resort? I'd recommend Grandma's Tamales in OTS. Since it was our first time we didn't know and were not advised salsas etc were open bar. So our to-go order included absolutely no salsa or napkins for some reason. The service was inadequate, the food decent and the pricing is whatever works I guess. But they should indicate mixing and matching is an uncharge and maybe do that as a flat rate and it might feel like less of a rip off. TLDR; Food mid, would not return 🤷🏾‍♀️

They always have a great tamales. Sometimes the Service can be a little crappy because they’re busy and they don’t have patience to explain the menu to you.

Even though they make Fresh n Delicious tamales what was extra special were their Breakfast Tacos made to order. Served extra Hot. I ordered 2 one sausage & egg and one ham & egg. Both delicious with alot of flavor. What surprised me was the Ham & Egg which most other places chop up the ham. Here it's two pieces with the eggs on top. They were filling. I noticed a wide selection of Breakfasts that I plan on trying on my next visit. Service was outstanding.

Great for tamales and menudo and tacos. Breakfast meals and dinner entrees not too great. So I choose the 1st 3 because they are better known for them. But last time the menudo was a miss. Hopefully better the next time I go.

Drove from the Downtown area to see what all the hype was on the tamales. Huge disappointment small for the price. Breakfast plates were decent. Parking area small. I like to support family owned businesses but it's a no for me!

This year batch December 24 2025 of tamales were disappointing! Yall are slacking on the meat inside. You barely put meat in them. When you start skimping on the products, your business will start suffering. Why is it when restaurants start getting popular & in demand, they start changing up and reducing the quantity?Bad business idea! Look like this will be my last time & I have been getting tamales for at least 15 years.

Im of Hispanic descent and I have to admit that I judge a restaurant by their Salsa! . So let's not dance around the subject! ;). I have not had this level of authentic food in a very long time. Their salsa is delicious that my taste buds were doing a salsa dance on their own! Service was prompt and courteous. Prices were SUPER affordable, I bought a plate of food, two tacos, and a snack Queso Dip for $19. Unheard of in the economy! I'm really excited to have stumbled across this little gem and plan on bringing my parents whom I know will love it more than me!!

After years of having their tacos, a situation arose about 5 years ago where they decided to forget our queso for a to go order. We ended up going back, after having already paid for it then PAID FOR IT AGAIN. Fast forward to a few days ago, we decided to try again for the first time since then. We were rudely greeted (as have for a decade) by the toothless lady. My mother and I ask for just a water cup, after buying $20 worth of queso and tacos. We were told "you can only buy the water bottles, we don't do water cups". Stupid, but no problem... I decide to go get my water cup out of the truck, then was rudely told "no outside drinks". Look guys, your queso is great but doesn't make up for your poor customer service, lack of manners, and expensive prices (oh and your tortillas are store bought trash). Will never be back here.

Great good for reasonable price. We have been going there for years . It improved a lot over the years for sure . If you want simple Mexican food then this is your place .

The food is very much like the food that I had when I was living in San Antonio. The service was fast and friendly even they were busy and I am talking about out the door line busy. But they still manage to get everyone's food including the dine in. We had lunch first kind if give it a taste test. LOL. Then after we order a bunch of tamales of different flavors, rice & beans, menudos. That was the kicker in my mind. But the tamales was good as well. So would I go back? Yea if course and I will try out their other munes items when I am there. Keep up the good food.

Balderas is in a Universe all of their own when it comes to Breakfast Tacos and Tamales. I used to live nearby and took it for granted - There is nobody even close to their quality and flavor. It's slow but perfection takes time - bring a book.

The pork tamales are great. I steam them in my crockpot for family gatherings. Grab a couple of breakfast tacos, they are delicious.

Best tamales around! I personally love the spicy ones. Both pork and beef are great. But the breakfast tacos are literally are a part of our life. We've been regulars for many years, since old location days. My boys were little when we started eating there, actually picking up from there. They didn't have a sit down area yet. Picadillo potato tacos will forever be a memory for them! Best tamales and tacos!!!!!

Paid $15.95 for a dozen tasteless chicken tamales. The place was crowded with people picking up their orders on December 22nd. I am wondering why so many people were getting them. Apparently they didn't order the chicken!

Best chips & queso!! Love their tamales & the puffy tacos!!! Gotta give it a try! Really great fresh food

I bought 3 or 4 dozen tamales to go. Chicken, Beef and Bean. My favorite was the beef. However, they were all very good and their service was friendly. But when I got home they had seriously shorted me on the amount I purchased. Be sure to count your tamales before you leave.

Great tamales, we were just passing through and seen the sign, the Pork tamales and spicy pork tamales were great, would stop if in the area again.

I have been coming here to buying tamales for years. Not sure what's happening with the recipe this year too much masa very little meat not worth the price! If I had to guess its about 5% meat. Totally not worth $12 a dozen. I will continue to buy them from Alamo Tamale Company! #yelpelitesquad

This is San Antonio style food. If you know that taste, this restaurant will be fantastic. They have San Antonio style PUFFY TACOS with the picadillo filling. They get rated a four/star rather than a five/star because the food comes out on styro plates, Mexican food has to be server on hot plates that keep food warm. Other than that, it's great!

Absolutely wonderful food! Staff is so sweet! Food to you in a jiffy! Chicken tamales are my absolute favorite and these are on point. Steak quesadillas got absolutely devoured! Absolutely love this place! Highly recommend!

Still coming here after all these years. Absolutely love everything about Balderas!! The people, the food. Huevos Rancheros on point this morning! This is a hidden gem in northwest Harris County!! Have I mentioned the fresh tamales before!!

Great food I got the enchilada plate it was really good! The service was good too. Like the other reviews it is a lot like San Antonio food so that's a plus!

Their tamales have no meat in them anymore. None whatsoever. They usesd to be the best.. Been customer for 20 years. I brought a tamale cut vertically to show them but was told it was bought at a grocery store. Did not ask for refund nor replacement only to show them.

ATTN: management you are so close to being a 5 star place. Two things you have to fix ASAP! Also if I wasn't so generous with the star you could easily be a 3 star place. 1. The green sauce. I have to drive to another restaurant when I was going home because you all don't have the guacamole based green sauce. This is a standard at all Mexican restaurants. You all have two salas: red and green. Sadly these are the watered down salsas you find at chipotle. Don't be cheap! Make the damm guacamole green sauce we all love. The salsas you have have are really bad. Just being honest. 2. My god the tamales are so thin! I mean wow I guess you all are trying to save on cost because these were some premature really rail thin tamales. Don't be cheap! We got brisket taco, care guisada and bacon egg potato and cheese. They were all really good! Lots of flavor. Best carne guisada I have had in the north west. It is missing something though. Because porras and villa arcos have this carne guisada beat. The bacon, egg, potato and cheese taco was great! Really good actually. One of the best I ever had like drake. The brisket taco was just as good. The tacos are extremely fat and big! They don't go cheap on these. That's for sure. The spicy beef and the spicy pork thalamus were just amazing. So much flavor! Very good. I am a fan. Again they are tail thin but really good! I will go back for sure.

Old style neighborhood hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. No table service, food is ordered at register and brought to the table. Diner style low level ambiance. Restaurant and restrooms are very clean. Food is classic Tex-Mex. Tamales and rellenos are outstanding. Chips are fresh fried and hot. Soft tacos and enchiladas are first rate. Restaurant staff is friendly and accommodating. This is a great neighborhood place. Never want to go back to places such as Lupe Tortilla after this style / quality food. Menu is somewhat limited and restaurant is not open for dinner. Notwithstanding these limitations this is a great place to try.

Tamale prices seem to rise often. Now $14 a dozen and they aren't that big or that good Barbacoa tacos are $3 bucks but it would have been nice if the barbacoa was actually fresh. Tasted like it was at least a couple of days old. If you know your barbacoa, you can tell when it's fresh or not. Other items are pretty good value and made well. We drive all the way from Katy.

Great barbacoa & friendly service. Always busy on the weekends in the morning. Great place to get some delicious barbacoa with plenty of salsa & cilantro/onions to go around

Literally stuck up children who are running the company their dad built into the ground, I found a nail clipping inside my hot pork tamale. returned to get a refund they told me I was lying and laughed in my face. I'd rather make my own tamales at this point. There's no reason for harassment when its the fault of the establishment to up hold to sanitary condition. . This place is a utter mess ever since the passing of the owner

Awesome breakfast tacos! I got the chorizo, egg, potatoes and cheese and they were fantastic! My hubby got the bean and cheese and they were stuffed full. Tamales are excellent! I get the pork and are the perfect balance. They are juicy and plump not dry at all. Will be back again during our next visit to Htown.

My fiance loves Balderas, she has been coming here for years and continues to place an order every year for tamales around Christmas time. I enjoy their pork tamales myself but not much else. I have tried several things here and each time I was underwhelmed by what I received. The crispy tacos are extremely greasy and not full of flavor. The beans and rice are just ok. for an authentic family-owned Mexican food establishment I expect more from the cuisine. I will stick with tamales only from this place.

This place is very close to where I live and would order or pop in more if it wasn't for the customer service being horrible. The people that answer the phone and the cashier at this place are super rude and unfriendly. Be careful if you ask a question because they will bite your head off or if they mishear you and charge you wrong. I didn't know that this place stops serving food at 3 and the cashier almost threw me out when I tried to order something. This was one of the first times I went there and most restaurants don't close at the random hour of 3

So I finally decided to come here with my fiancé since we were craving tamales and he found them listed on a top 10 for tamales in Houston list. With the holiday rush, there was a line out the door but it went very quickly. We were greeted by a sweet older man who also attended to everyone after they received their food. He ordered a few breakfast tacos, I got the migas plate and of course a few dozen tamales. First of all, the migas plate was huge with a large portion of beans and potatoes, 2 slices of hearty bacon and homemade tortillas. WOW!! AND only $5.94, it was enough for 2 easily. Absolutely delicious!!! Next the tamales, we are VERY picky when it comes to tamales and these did not disappoint!! We got pork and chicken, only tried the pork so far. Added a little of the green sauce they provide and BOOM!! Perfection!! I feel so terrible for not having tried this place after so many years but now this will be my go to instead of driving across town to Alamo.

Love the place. Very much reminds me of the great family owned restaurants I grew up with in San Antonio. Breakfast tacos,puffy tacos for lunch and people cooking and waiting on you who really care. Top notch.

I didn't know what to order so I went for the breakfast tacos . They where pretty amazing. Got some tamales to go which were very tasty . Really to go back and see what other yummy tacos I can try .

Service is exceptional. Food quality I can't rate because it was awfully disgusting. I can't believe how a company can mess up on breakfast tacos. I will not recommend to eat here. Find a Taqueria or food truck...

I used to really enjoy this restaurant. But, today not a happy customer. Hardly any rice or beans inside container and this is the 2nd time my to go order was a mess inside the container. Also, asked for corn tortillas and received dried out flour. Get y'alls act together Balderas. Won't be back

Food tasted horrible. Looked like left over food from the day before. Do not trust the reviews I came here because I saw a 4.4 review which is good right? People don't know real Mexican food and this was just garbage! I have never been to a restaurant where they charge for chips and salsa too! DO NOT TRUST THE REVIEWS!

Tamales are expensive and the tamales are not very good, well they are not good at all. Going to have to find another place to buy tamales or learn to make them myself LOL,

We used the party room for my moms retirement! The staff and owners were nothing more than amazing. I showed up an hour early to set up and prepare for the party and the owners even pitched in! Would definitely book their party room again! We order pans of fajita and tamales with all the fixings.

Balderas is a pretty good stop if you're in the area & craving a quick bite of Tex-Mex. I've tried their tacos, tamales & a few other items on the menu and all were pretty good. My foods never been cold like it's be sitting around all day so thats a plus. Their breakfast tacos are made to a pretty good size & the flour tortillas are fresh. I really like their green salsa, it has a good lil kick to it. The tamales are just ok in my opinion. Nothing to drive across town or wait in a long line for. I tend to only eat here if I'm in the area. There's plenty of seating & I've always found the service to alright. You order at the counter & seat yourself. They keep things straightened up for the most part. Never come & it's been terribly messy or overcrowded. Give them a try if you're in the area.

Great place for breakfast tacos. Lots of selections. I had the bacon and egg, chorizo, and bacon and egg. All were delicious. A lot of fresh ingredients including lime, cilantro, red sauce, and green sauce. Will definitely come back. The service was quick and staff was friendly.

Been going here for over 10 years now. Very consistent food. Not always the best wait times and sometimes people don't understand that they need to bus their own tables but the food more than makes up for it. Try to not go during the busy lunch hours and you're golden. Rest In Peace Mike Balderas. ~Ballin on a Budget~

Authentic Mexican tacos. Basic fresh ingredients. Don't come here for gourmet Mexican food. The tacos were not creative, beautiful or complex. They were fresh, hot and delicious. Even though it is not fancy, I would not call it a dive. Order at the counter and grab a both or table surrounded by Mexican tile and decorations. While it is no Casa Bonita, it is still a nice place to eat.

This place has some of the best pork tamales and carne guisada with potato!!! And their red sauce?! Amazeballs! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I've had a few other things on the menu that weren't that great. I've been told the have great menudo by a few people but can't confirm because that's not my thing. They are almost always busy and I've seen the line out the door many times. With that being said the wait time to order can be pretty long (especially when people don't figure out what they want before it's their turn to order...) but it's worth the wait!

Always delicious! You can't go wrong with the tamales. I've also had the enchiladas which are pretty good also. So good!

We've been Balderas regulars for years! This place has the best tamales I've ever had- both wrapped tamales by the half dozen and tamale plates. They do large orders of tamales around Christmas. They also have great chips and queso, but I can't speak to anything else on the menu. The staff is friendly and has our order memorized :)

What a great surprise traveling through the area. True authentic Mexican food. Huge portions, very reasonably priced, friendly service. Highly recommend this amazing restaurant.

I had thr spicey pork tamales which were delicious. However they were smaller than your regular tamales. Small but big on taste.

I really love this place. Been going since 2007 but lately the breakfast tacos not as good as they used to be. I normally get the potatoes and eggs which are always good but today someone was lazy! Big slices potatoes and little egg. Very small and tortilla was chewy, wet. Fire the new cook ya'll! No bueno!

Avoid this place !!! There was several red flags that should have made me turn away as soon as I walked through the doors (angry faces of people waiting for food, a menu board with post it notes of changes, the silence of the entire resturant even of those eating) but being optimistic I bravely stayed on course. First I grabbed 1 of 2 menus provided which both looked as if a child went at it with a sharpie covering prices and making price changes (not done by a child) so you go in ordering blind not knowing the price of anything. Once i was ready to order i ran into the cashier who was being overworked answering phone orders taking, line orders and getting most of the heat from the angry people who were waiting on their food, so I went the safe way and ordered 2 fajita tacos and 2 Carne Guisada tacos and a dozen of their world famous chicken tamales with a coke. The food came out piping hot so it looked appealing until I took the first bite of my fajita taco it tasted like a cheap knock off pepper steak wrapped in a soggy tortilla, the Carne Guisada had no flavor and finally the tamales that were super skinny little to no chicken and was just masa, i was highly disappointed in this resturant and would not recommend it.

I just wanted some tamales. They gave me some that had been obviously frozen. Can't say I'll be going back, this is the second time.

Love their breakfast tacos! Call in ahead if you're just picking up, they get super packed!

Burger basket and Queso and chips EVERYTIME!! Trust me you will not be disappointed. Also, the best Tamales in Houston.

Balderas Tamale Factory is MUY BUENO! Ok, it took awhile to get their operating hours since they have no web or Facebook site, but we made it. How can a restaurant make it with no web site???? The food is so good, San Antonio style...enchilades made with red tortillas, puffy tacos, and homemade tamales. Oh so GOOD. The only reason they get a 4 star instead of 5 star is because they use paper plates. Good Tex Mex must be on hot hard plates so the food stays warm. The chips are the best I have ever eaten. It's worth a drive, but first get the operating hours. They were closing t 2pm when we arrived at 1pm on a Sat. Good for families due to being super casual.

We've been coming here for a while now and they never disappoint. Always forget to take pictures of our orders since we come here often. The breakfast tacos are pretty good, can't go wrong there. I haven't had their lunch plates but their tamales are delicious. We usually get the chicken ones though so I can't really comment on the other ones.

Anyone who said this place wasn't 4+ stars probably didn't have the RIGHT food. No, not all the food is amazing, but when you get these, you won't be sorry: - Carne Guisada with potatoes - Pork Tamales - Breakfast tacos