Trip Ideas

The Tamal: A Holiday Tradition

It wouldn’t be Christmas in El Paso without Tamales. This holiday tradition made of masa steamed in corn husk has made its way to the dinner table for centuries. Choosing just the right place to make your holiday purchase can be nothing short of overwhelming so check out our list of top tamal picks in El Paso!

La Tapatia
La Tapatia
8941 Old Country Dr.
(915) 859-9616 

With its line of locals waiting for the days fresh tamales, this long time tamal factory won’t be hard to spot. With several options to choose from, our favorite remains the green chile chicken!

Hours of Operation

Sun: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mon: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tue: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wed: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thu: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM

La Choza Menudazo & Tamalotes
La Choza Menudazo & Tamalotes
1155 N. Zaragoza Rd.
(915) 872-1486 

Folk art & bright colors adorn this festive stop, but the tamales are certainly the draw. Their quick turnaround ensures you always get the freshest most mouthwatering tamales. Thick and bold, these homemade tamales won’t disappoint. Ask for the house salsa, it’s the perfect addition to your tamale.

Hours of Operation

Sun: 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tue: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri: 24/7
Sat: 24/7

Little Diner
Photo by Little Diner
Little Diner
7209 Seventh St.
(915) 877-9002 

Originally opened 35 years ago, this family-owned restaurant has a vast reputation for their made-from-scratch specialties. Their famous green chili cheese sauce oozes from every edge of their delicious house-made masa. The red chili pork is also not to be missed.

Hours of Operation

Sun: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thu: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tamales Lupita
Tamales Lupita
6860 Doniphan Dr.
(915) 877-2208 

Dedicated to the tamal craft, Lupita’s has long been perfecting the craft of handmade, traditional tamales. Steamed corn, spicy and rich, with tiny cubes of pork or chicken, these are sure to melt in your mouth and are most definitely worth the wait.

Hours of Operation

Sun: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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