Favorite Tamale Sources
Locals recommend these places for traditional tamales!
Cardenas Markets – An authentic Mexican Cocina where you’ll find Cardenas’ signature Mexican dishes. 1437 Freedom Blvd., Freedom https://locations.cardenasmarkets.com/ll/us/ca/watsonville/1437-freedom-blvd/
Casa Rossy – “Casa Rossy offers Tamales, Chilaquiles, Burritos, Tacos… Call ahead about tamales. 257 Center Ave. Aptos, ecarlosa@yahoo.com, (831) 661-5736, https://www.casarossyca.com/
Copal Santa Cruz We are accept preorders from October-December for six, a dozen, or more! Tamales de mole negro en hoja de platano / Mole negro tamales wrapped in banana leaf. Choice of: Chicken, Pork, Queso Fresco, Vegetarian Queso Fresco. Laurel & Mission/Hwy 1, Santa Cruz, https://www.copalrestaurant.com/, 831.201.4418, info@copalrestaurant.com
D’La Colmena Market & Catering – Amazing everything. Epic tamales. They do all the carnitas and carne asada, etc. for most of the taco trucks in the area. So when you think, “that was a great taco truck,” it’s usually D’ La Colmena. Also the potato Chorizo breakfast burrito’s awesome. Have you had an asada torta, so good. (831) 724-4544, 129 W Lake Ave, Watsonille, https://dlacolmenacatering.com/
El Herradero, They only have them on weekends and they sell out. These are the best. I usually call early and have them save me some. (831) 722-2281, 110 Pennsylvania Dr (off Main), Watsonville
El Palomar Restaurant – We make fresh tamales for you to enjoy on Christmas Eve! Pre-order in advance because quantities are limited. Pick up between 11:30AM – 6:00PM on December 24th! We offer Chicken Tinga tamales both served with a side of roasted tomato salsa. Call to order! 831-425-7575, Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, https://elpalomarsantacruz.com/
El Rosal Bakery – The green chile tamales are the best! You can’t go wrong there. They sell out all the time. Take them over to the cove to eat. “Hot and fresh out of the pot, come by to pick out your favorites or relax and take home a dozen. We offer mixed tamales: green chicken, red chicken, sweet corn, and cheese or jalapeno. (831) 462-1308, 21513 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, https://www.elrosalbakery.com/
Manuel’s – Manuel’s tamales are the bomb. Call first. 831-688-4848, 261 Center Ave, Aptos. https://www.manuelsrestaurant.com/
Mijo’s Taqueria – “We make tamales for the Christmas holiday. Pre-order for pickup. Online pre-orders will accepted starting December1st or you can swing by the taqueria to place an order. mailto:anthony@mijostaqueria.com. We only sell the Tamales for the Christmas Holidays every year. It’s a tradition for everyone in our restaurant to help prep and fold the tamales. We usually prepare about 100 dozen orders over 3 days to get them ready for pickup. Customer Favorites are Red Chile Pork and Salsa Verde chicken.” Anthony Guajardo. 408.824.4928, 200 Monterey Ave #2, Capitola. https://www.mijostaqueria.com/
Soquel Meats – Chicken, pork and veggie options. My fave is the veggie. The masa is light and airy. Really good price too! https://www.soquelmeats.com/ , 4623 Soquel Dr, Soquel
The Tamale Factory – “We prepare the richest tamales daily, Pork, Chicken, Jalapeños with cheese and sweet corn. The holy day comes soon and we give thanks for all the beautiful things that happen to us. We ask all of you who are waiting for tamales to make your orders for the holidays early. Come visit us! “(831) 724-7214, 611 Main St, Watsonville, https://www.facebook.com/thetamalfactory
Vallartas Super Market – The “Cocina” inside every Vallarta Supermarket offers a variety of traditional favorites from Mexico and Central America, 1702 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-232-8100
