8 Tasty Tamales Around the South

are the dozens of family-operated tamale stands scattered from state to state. One theory surrounding the origin of tamales in the South comes from the early twentieth century when the South was the world’s hub for cotton production. Migrant workers from Mexico and are our go-tos for a more classic take with their fresh, homemade masa, while ’ award-winning derivative is a shining star in the Magnolia State. is a favorite hole-in-the-wall for tamale lovers and serves some of the best tamales in San Antonio. In Alabama, created their version after the Mississippi-born owners noticed a distinct lack of tamales in their new home state. Their interpretation, along with a mouthwatering Tamale Pie, makes up a memorable menu that channels the tastes of Delta-based counterparts like . These beef-packed beauties can trace their roots to the restaurant’s inception in 1941. has a similar story as well. They’ve been cooking the same tried-and-true tamales that their founder’s close friend first developed in the 1930s. And then, there’s in southeast Arkansas, rounding out our list with their soul-food-meets-Italian-tradition tamales. Each one of these spots serves as a testament to just how significant the present-day tamales have been and always will be to the South’s food history. These are just a few of our must-try stops where you can pick up your orders by the dozen. Let us know if yours made the list.