Made from masa, or ground corn, wrapped in either corn husks or banana leaves and filled with meats or cheeses, tamales are a texturally comforting Mesoamerican staple. Whether it be for the traditional Christmas Eve fare or for an everyday portable treat, San Francisco is stuffed with plenty of classic places to grab some both authentic and more modernly made.
See also: Unwrapping The Stuffed History Of San Francisco's Distinctly Original Mission-Style Burrito
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2128 Mission St / (415) 621-5446 / Website
La Oaxaqueña has an expansive menu filled with traditional flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. Their highlights, however, are definitely their tamales, particularly the ones wrapped in banana leaves. Providing a more nuanced flavor profile than the corn leaf ones, the distinct banana leaf tamales come in chicken, turkey, tofu, or veggie and are served with a deliciously rich mole sauce, collard greens and green salsa. They are open daily from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m.
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2884 24th St / (415) 647-1500 / Website
First opened in 1953 in the heart of the Mission District, historic La Palma is dedicated to providing fresh ingredients throughout their large menu. They offer tamales in the classic chicken, beef, and pork, but they stand out with their options in Salvadorian and Nicaraguan style, as well as even sweet dessert tamales!
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75 Yerba Buena Ln / (415) 985-2264 / Website
Tropisueño is both a casual and quick Taqueria in the daytime, and a elegantly upscale Mexican restaurant for dinnertime. This place is the perfect stop within the museum district for not only their unique cocktails, like the Jaliscan 75 topped with Spanish Cava , but also for their wide variety of tamales, such as the smoky Chicken Tinga, recommended with their mole poblano.
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3690 18th St, 306 Broderick St / Website
With two locations, one right between the Panhandle and the Painted Ladies on Broderick, and the other as a pop up window beside Dolores Park, Nopalito has established themselves in the city for thoughtfully crafted Mexican food. Not only do they provide complimentary spiced garbanzo beans, but their Tamal De Rajas is a must-try, filled with jalapeños, carrots, potatoes and Oaxacan cheese.
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3161 24th St / (415) 829-3569 / Website
Donaji on 24th street, just three blocks from the BART station, is known for their daring food combinations, Instagrammable art venue, secret menu Fridays, and tamale preparation lessons. They locally source their ingredients from other small business such as Arcadios Produce and Alma Semillera to provide the best tamales in Chicken en Salsa Verde, Pork Cochinita, Vegan Soyrizo and Pumpkin Spice with whipped cream cheese.
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300 19th Ave / (415) 752-9274 / Website
A landmark in the Richmond District since 1963, this lively spot is beloved for their cozy atmosphere, genuinely kind service, and deliciously trendy margaritas. Here, the tamales are fluffly, fresh, and absolutely filled with eather shredded chicken or beef. You can also sample one in their generous Combination Plate along with two other staples like a whole enchilada or burrito. Tia Margarita also has another heartwarming reason for you to imbibe here, as they are celebrating 60 years of providing delicious food to their community from April 21-23, complete with games, live music, and plenty of their signature cuisine!
Wherever you are in the city, these premier portable pockets of comfort are sure to nourish both your stomach and soul!
See also: Where To Get The Best SF Taco Tuesday Specials
Photography by: Courtesy of Juanmonino/Getty Images
