It’s officially the best season in the Borderland: tamales! While we know that we can get some of the best tamales ever here in El Paso, it would seem as though no one let Yelp know.

We’re not mad. We’re just… confused.

Yelp recently released a list of the Yelp Elite Squad’s Top 25 Tamale Spots in the United States, highlighting restaurants they say are worth traveling for. And while the list did include a couple of Texas cities like Dallas and Houston. But, El Paso? Nowhere to be found on that list!

Yelp Named The Best Tamales And Left El Paso Out

According to Yelp, the list was based on ratings and volume of Yelp Elite Squad reviews, with all restaurants verified as open and meeting health standards as of November 2025. While I’m sure Dallas and Houston have some great tamales, it’s kind of hard to believe that El Paso didn’t make the list at all! I mean, one of our tamal shops has its own day!

READ MORE: Only One Texas Tamal Shop Has Its Own Official Day

Why El Paso Belongs On Any Best Tamales List

I guess it’s hard to rate the tamal lady in the Food King parking lot on Yelp- but that doesn’t change the fact that El Paso has some truly great tamale spots.

And that’s kind of the point.

El Paso’s tamal scene doesn’t always fit neatly into an app-based ranking system. Some of the best tamales in the city come from longtime family-run kitchens, nuns, pop-ups, and word-of-mouth favorites that locals have been loyal to for years. Not every great tamal comes with a polished Yelp profile, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy.

READ MORE: These Famous Texas Tamales Fly off the Shelf Every Year

Beyond the parking-lot legends, El Paso is packed with well-established restaurants and beloved local spots that consistently earn praise from locals and visitors alike. From traditional red and green chile tamales to chicken, cheese, and specialty fillings, the variety alone makes a strong case for inclusion.

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Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba