5 Local Spots To Stock Up on Tamales This Winter

Tamales are a traditional Christmas meal, and it wouldn’t be the holiday season without my aunt steaming a batch for our family’s celebration. Whether you’re looking for some for Christmas or just a way to warm up this winter, here are a few spots to snag them—from classic pork with red chile sauce to sweeter masa-wrapped fillings like strawberry and pineapple.

Elvira’s Cakes (3838 Independence Ave, KCMO, orderelvirascakes.com)

Elvira’s off Independence Ave. has one of the most extensive tamale menus in town, and sells them throughout the year. Call anytime to place your pick-up order for pork with red sauce, chicken and salsa verde, jalapeno and cheese or strawberry with raisins. Tamales are $2 each.

Yoli (1668 Jefferson St, #100, KCMO, eatyoli.com) 

The James Beard award-winning tortilleria has several flavors of tamales available in its West Side retail shop like beef barbacoa, pork, chicken, peppers and cheese, butternut squash and pineapple. But you can also snag ready-made masa (with shortening, baking powder, sea salt and vegetable broth) to make your own tamales at home, or a bag of fresh masa to prepare yourself. 

Yoli’s sister business Art’s also sells masa by the pound as well (Art’s is my go-to for masa).

Don’t forget to snag a jar of the Taco Stand salsa at Yoli, my favorite.

Red Kitchen Cien Por Ciento (7926 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS, @redkitchenkc)

Unfortunately, Chef and Red Kitchen owner Alejandra Fuentes will not have any tamales available for Christmas. However, she says there will be chicken and pork tamales available the following week, and they won’t be any less delicious in this cooler weather. 

Reyna’s (727 Kansas Ave., KCK)

Luckily Reyna’s in KCK sells tamales year-round and they’re always in stock, along with sweet breads like conchas. They only make one flavor – pork – but they’re excellent. 

Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio (830 Kansas Ave., KCK)

Sold by the dozen, Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio makes mostly classic pork tamales. Feel free to freeze them if you’re not able to eat them quick enough, although I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

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