In a lot of Arizona homes, Christmas does not really start until someone walks in carrying a big bag of tamales. Some families still spend a whole day making them together, but plenty of others have a favorite shop they trust to do the hard work.
Those shops get busy in December, and some of them sell tamales by the dozen faster than you can unwrap one. Here are six places in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson where that tradition is still going strong.
1. The Tamale Store, Phoenix, AZ
Some families pick up tamales for Christmas dinner. Others ship them across the country as holiday gifts, and The Tamale Store on North Cave Creek Road handles both.
The compact, family-owned shop sells handmade tamales fresh and frozen. That frozen option is a big deal in December, since grabbing two dozen ahead of time takes the stress out of a holiday meal.
Flavors run from pork and chicken to cream cheese, and the menu includes full vegan and vegetarian choices too. If you want a sit-down bite, the Tamale Con Chilaquiles is a menu highlight.
Counter service keeps things moving, and the free parking lot is a nice bonus during the holiday rush. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM.
I would plan around Saturday afternoon, which tends to be the busiest time. A weekday morning visit is usually calmer.
2. Old El Paso Tamales, Mesa, AZ
Generations-old recipes are the backbone of this colorful counter-serve spot on East Brown Road in Mesa.
The menu sticks to what it does best. Beef, pork, chicken, and sweet corn tamales all have fans, and the sweet corn version is a favorite for people who stop in for a dozen or so at a time.
Holiday pricing is worth knowing before you go. A dozen recently ran about $44 during the Christmas season, though prices may change.
The dining room is simple, clean, and brightly decorated, so it works for a quick lunch as well as a bulk pickup.
Watch the schedule. The shop is closed Mondays, open 9 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends.
Sunday mornings get busy, so midweek is the easier choice for big orders.
3. St. Mary’s Mexican Food, Tucson, AZ
Here is a tip Tucson regulars already know: if you need two dozen tamales or more, call ahead.
St. Mary’s Mexican Food on West St. Mary’s Road is an unassuming counter-serve joint that sticks to traditional Sonoran classics. The green corn tamales, made with sweet corn and cheese, are the ones people talk about most.
Prices are friendly, usually in the $1 to $10 per person range. That makes buying by the dozen easier on a holiday budget.
Beyond tamales, the menu covers burritos, enchiladas, and nachos, with red salsa on the side. Many families grab tamales along with rice, beans, chips, and salsa the day before a holiday meal.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM and closed Sundays. Expect a wait on Saturday mornings, since reservations are not accepted.
4. The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food, Phoenix, AZ
Carolina’s has been part of Phoenix food history since 1968, and some customers have been coming back since the 1980s.
The original location on East Mohave Street is a landmark, family-operated spot with a basic counter-serve setup and a rustic feel. Nothing fancy, and that is part of the appeal.
Christmas tamales are a long-running tradition here. A common order pairs an assorted dozen with a green chile burrito or chimichanga.
The handmade tortillas and hot sauce are the house’s calling card, so it makes sense to add a pack to your tamale run.
Plan for an early visit. Hours are 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, and the shop is closed Sundays.
Weekday mornings are the busiest stretch, and reservations are not taken.
5. Mama Olga’s Tamales and Fine Mexican Food, Phoenix, AZ
Mango and habanero in a tamale might surprise a few relatives at the holiday table. At Mama Olga’s, it sits right next to the classics.
The tiny restaurant on West Hatcher Road makes handmade tamales in beef, pork, chicken, and green chile, plus that sweet-and-spicy mango habanero. Red chile tamales have run about $30 a dozen, though prices can change.
Party hosts often order many dozens ahead of time. That is the smart move here in December.
The breakfast burritos also have a strong following, so a morning pickup can double as breakfast.
Mama Olga’s is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM and closed Sundays. Outdoor seating and delivery are available, and Monday mornings tend to be quieter.
6. Del Cielo Tamal Restaurant, Tucson, AZ
Vegan relatives coming for Christmas? Del Cielo Tamal Restaurant on North Campbell Avenue has you covered.
The menu features signature tamales alongside a full vegan and vegetarian lineup. Red chile and green tamales come in plant-based versions, and some tamales are wrapped in banana leaves.
Groups regularly order three dozen or more for gatherings. The shop gets slammed with orders around the holidays and has been open on Christmas Eve when many others close.
Unlike most spots on this list, Del Cielo offers table service and accepts reservations. Kids get their own menu too.
Hours vary by day. It runs 8 AM to 3 PM Monday through Wednesday, 8 AM to 8 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 8 AM to 4 PM Sunday.
Wherever you end up, order early this year. Those dozens go fast, and a good tamale is a tradition worth keeping.
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