For some of us, cafeterias are for schools. Memories though they not be fond, are nostalgic none the less. But those of us in the know are well aware of the glorious potential of cafeteria-style food outside the confines of high school walls. Relive the good ol’ days at Alamo Tamales, a Mexican cafeteria filled with terrific tamales, homemade pork, and other traditional dishes.
As the name suggests, Alamo Tamales was born in San Antonio, Texas. Using recipes from their grandmothers, Alamo Tamales was able to win over the hearts of locals soon expanding to the likes of Houston. Now with two locations in Bayou City, Alamo Tamales offers a cafeteria-style environment an attached panaderia in which customers can enjoy breakfast and lunch.
The restaurant offers both handmade and machine-made tamales. The former are largely onomatopoeia-named, with options that include the Oink Oink (handmade pork tamale), Moo Moo (handmade beef tamale), Pio Pio (handmade chicken tamale), as well as bean, cheese & jalapeño, bean, cheese & jalapeño, and sweet corn tamales.
Machine-made tamale options include mild pork, spicy pork, beef, chicken, and spinach tamales. From the bakery, customers can choose from fresh pan hojaldre (pastry bread), donas (donuts), galletas (sugar cookies), churros, pan azucarado (sweet bread), and other desserts.
Tacos at Alamo Tamales are also a big hit. If swinging by for breakfast, customers can choose from dozens of breakfast taco options. Priced between $1.50 and $3.50, options include chicken mole, fajitas with onions, and cactus.
Located on the edge of Downtown, Houston with another location on Berry Rd., Alamo Tamales is open from 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and from 6 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Their bakery is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily.