In a lot of Florida homes, the holidays do not really start until someone brings home a big bag of tamales. Some families still spend a whole day wrapping them by hand, but plenty of others leave the work to the pros and order by the dozen.
From Mexican tamales in Orlando and Jacksonville to Cuban tamales in Hialeah and Colombian tamales in Deerfield Beach, the Sunshine State has more styles than most people realize. This list covers seven local shops where you can grab tamales to go, fill the freezer, and still have time to enjoy the party.
1. Grocery Los Hermanos | Taquería & Meat Market, Orlando, FL
Grocery runs and tamale runs can happen in the same stop on Curry Ford Road. Grocery Los Hermanos pairs a Mexican grocery store and meat market with a full taquería, so you can pick up supplies for the holiday table and a dozen tamales on the way out.
The kitchen turns out traditional tacos, burritos, and tamales, along with carnitas and al pastor tacos, chimichangas, caldo de res, cesina, and chilaquiles rojos or verdes. Pozole is on the radar here too, which makes a solid pairing for a cool December evening.
Tamales travel well by the dozen, and this is a spot where ordering a full batch to go is a normal move.
Hours run from 8 AM every day, until 9 PM most nights and 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend afternoons get busy, so a weekday morning is the calmer time to stock up.
Parking is free, and there is usually plenty of it.
2. Tamale Factory, Plant City, FL
A name like Tamale Factory sets expectations, and this Plant City counter-service spot leans into it. The doors open at 5 AM Monday through Saturday, which makes it one of the earliest tamale stops on this list.
The menu covers a tamale plate and a tamale platter, plus a torta de tamal for anyone who wants their tamale tucked into bread. Chilaquiles, gorditas, quesabirria tacos, and carne asada plates round out the breakfast and lunch lineup.
The shop has also handled tamales for big events, including a fall wedding, so a holiday party order is right in its wheelhouse.
Plan ahead on timing. The kitchen closes at 3 PM daily, and Sunday hours start at 7 AM.
Takeout and outdoor seating are available, but delivery is not, and reservations are not accepted.
3. Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food, Orlando, FL
Some people drive two hours round trip just to restock their freezer from this place. Tamale Co. on Curry Ford Road built its whole identity around tamales, and that kind of loyalty shows it.
Carne asada tamales and chicken tamales are on the menu, and the kitchen also offers a full vegan menu. That matters at the holidays, when one guest always asks what they can eat.
Beyond tamales, you will find birria quesatacos, Mexican street corn elotes, churros, and fish fajitas. Counter service keeps things moving, and table service is available on request.
Catering is offered, which helps with bigger orders. The shop opens at 11 AM on weekdays and 10 AM on Sundays, when it closes at 6 PM.
Friday evenings are the busiest stretch, and dogs are welcome inside and out.
4. Tamales Donde Francy Los Mejores Tamales Tolimenses del Sur de la Florida, Tamales Colombianos, Deerfield Beach, FL
Forget the dining room, because there isn’t one. Tamales Donde Francy is clear about it: this is not a restaurant, but a Colombian tamale operation that brings orders to your door or has them ready for pickup.
The specialty is the tamal tolimense, a hearty style from the Tolima region of Colombia that is usually wrapped in banana leaves. If your holiday tamale experience has been mostly Mexican, this is a fun way to switch things up.
The Latino- and women-owned business advertises special pricing for bulk orders, which fits the by-the-dozen theme perfectly. Deliveries and pickups are listed for Fridays and Saturdays.
Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Calling ahead is the smart move, especially in December.
5. Los Mejores Tamales, Hialeah, FL
Cuban tamales get their own spotlight in Hialeah. Los Mejores Tamales specializes in homemade tamales and traditional Cuban staples, served in a clean, mercado-style setting with an espresso bar.
The standout is the number one Cuban tamale, topped with chicharrón, avocado, and lime. Even folks who usually pass on tamales tend to change their minds after that one.
The menu also includes yuca hervida and lechón asado sold by the pound, which makes it easy to build a Nochebuena spread around a stack of tamales. Catering is available too.
Doors are open 7 AM to 7 PM every day. Parking can be tricky to find, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Delivery is not offered, but takeout is.
6. Pepe’s Hacienda & Restaurant, Jacksonville, FL
Size is the story at Pepe’s. The tamales here run notably large, and the portions across the menu follow suit.
This Jacksonville spot pairs an unassuming Mexican restaurant with an attached grocery that carries a strong selection of Hispanic products. That combo makes holiday shopping simple.
Barbacoa tacos are a natural partner for the tamales. The menu also includes pozole, caldo de mariscos, chicharrón, and a street taco trio, with full vegetarian and vegan menus available.
Pepe’s is open 8 AM to 10 PM every day, and weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Catering and delivery are both on offer, and parking is free.
7. Azteca Mexican Store II, Fellsmere, FL
Fellsmere is a small town west of Sebastian with deep agricultural roots, and Azteca Mexican Store II fits right in. It is a neighborhood market with a bakery, prepared foods, and fresh produce under one roof.
Red tamales are the ones to ask for. The beef burrito has fans too, so it is easy to grab lunch while picking up your holiday order.
The store opens at 5 AM and stays open until 9 PM every day, which makes an early-morning tamale run possible. Visits tend to be quick, and parking is free.
Sunday mornings are the busiest time, so a weekday afternoon is a good bet if you want to beat the line.
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