Tamales are a classic dish, dating back to the time of the Aztecs, and are the main event on many New Mexico dinner tables during the holidays. When our brokers are looking for the best tamales for their holiday dining, they head to these great restaurants around Albuquerque. 

• Garcia's Kitchen - 6390 Coors Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
  In 1975, Andy Garcia opened his first namesake restaurant, not far from Albuquerque homes for sale. Nearly half a century later, his family carries on his tradition at Garcia's Kitchen. The business may have grown, but its goal continues to be providing moderately priced meals made with fresh ingredients. Garcia's pork tamale plate comes with your choice of red or green chile and sides. Smaller appetites can opt for the a la carte tamales, with or without chile. Hours are 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• La Guelaguetza - 816 Old Coors Dr. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
  What happens when five food-loving brothers want to share the flavors of their homeland with the community? You get the culinary delights of La Guelaguetza, a festively-colored restaurant serving authentic Oaxacan cooking. Their traditional tamales Oaxaqueño are filled with chicken and mole negro sauce. In contrast to other tamales, this version is wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn husks, which keeps them moist and flavorful. Customers rave about the warm and welcoming service, which adds to the experience. La Guelaguetza is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Los Cuates - 4901 Lomas Blvd., Albuquerque, NM 87112
  When it comes to Mexican and New Mexican food, many people immediately associate it with "hot." At Los Cuates, satisfying flavor profiles take precedence over heat. Their signature salsa, featuring a welcome note of sweetness, is so popular that the restaurant sells it to-go. The salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, sopapillas, and many other items are made in-house daily using the freshest ingredients. A tamale plate is served as one of the weekday specials, with a larger portion on the dinner menu. Los Cuates is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• El Modelo - 1715 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
  The handmade tamales from El Modelo have been legendary for generations of families in Albuquerque. The restaurant's modest beginning dates back to 1929, when Carmen Garcia woke at 2 a.m. to start making tortillas by hand in her own home. As tortilla sales boomed, Carmen hired Petra Vargas to teach the family how to make tamales. Today, El Modelo stands on the site of the Garcias' original house. Tamales come in pork with red chile or chicken with green chile. If you want to try your hand at making your own tamales, El Modelo sells masa and corn husks in bulk. Hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Buen Provecho - 2500 Central Ave. SW #3, Albuquerque, NM 87104
  Buen Provecho is the Spanish equivalent of "bon appetit," making it an appropriate name for this unique restaurant. Owner Kattia Rojas incorporates the flavors and styles of her native Costa Rica. Her pork and chicken tamales are wrapped in plantain leaves rather than corn husks, and the filling includes achiote rice, garbanzo beans, peas, and carrots. There are vegetarian and vegan options for those following a meat-free diet. Hours are 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Albuquerque's local businesses and traditions shine all year long. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Legacy to learn more about living in ABQ.