For generations of San Antonio families, Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa has been the go-to destination for authentic handmade tamales and traditional Mexican comfort food. This family-owned Tex-Mex institution specializes in tamales made fresh daily, tender barbacoa prepared in the traditional style, and soul-warming menudo that locals crave every weekend. With two convenient locations and hours that start before dawn, Tellez has built a devoted following by honoring old-school recipes and serving up flavors that taste just like abuela used to make.
The Restaurant Menu at Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa
The restaurant menu at Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa revolves around their signature handmade tamales, which customers have been raving about for years. Priced at $16.50 per dozen, these tamales come in a variety of flavors that cater to every preference: classic pork, tender chicken, vegetarian beans, spicy jalapeño pork, jalapeño chicken, and spicy jalapeño beans. The masa is consistently praised for being flavorful and perfectly textured, with just the right ratio of meat to masa that makes each bite satisfying. During busy holiday seasons, expect long lines as families stock up on dozens for Christmas Eve and special gatherings.
Beyond tamales, Tellez is equally famous for their traditional barbacoa – slow-cooked beef cheek meat that’s tender, flavorful, and authentically prepared. Available by the pound (around $16.50 per pound for all-meat), barbacoa is especially popular on Sundays when both locations open early for what locals call “Barbacoa Sunday.” Customers can order barbacoa tacos ($2.89 each) or take home pounds of meat with fresh corn or flour tortillas to make their own tacos at home.
The breakfast taco selection is extensive and budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $1.19 to $2.99. Options include beans ($1.19), potato and egg ($1.29), chorizo and egg ($1.49), bacon and egg ($1.49), chicharron and egg ($1.89), carnitas ($1.99), all-meat barbacoa ($2.89), carne guisada ($2.89), and carne asada with or without chile ($2.99). Each taco is served on fresh handmade tortillas that are made in-house daily.
For heartier appetites, the restaurant menu features lunch plates and traditional Mexican dishes. The carne guisada (beef stew) and calabaza con pollo (chicken with squash) are customer favorites, served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Don’t miss the weekend menudo – a traditional tripe soup that’s perfect for warming up on cool mornings or recovering from a late night out. The cheese enchiladas are another popular choice, though some customers note that seasoning can be heavy, so don’t hesitate to ask about preparation.
Specialty items include chicharrones (fried pork rinds) served with green salsa, buñuelos (crispy fried dough with cinnamon sugar) for dessert, picadillo (seasoned ground beef), and fideo loco (Mexican-style pasta). The restaurant also offers daily specials that change throughout the week, so regulars recommend checking ahead to see what’s featured. Drinks include traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, aguas frescas, delicious coffee, and tea.
One important note: Tellez often sells out of popular items, especially tamales and barbacoa, so arriving early is highly recommended. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and once they’re out of an item for the day, that’s it. During the holiday season, chicken tamales may not be available as the restaurant focuses on their most popular flavors to meet demand.
Food Delivery Options and Ordering from Tellez Tamales
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa offers multiple convenient ways to enjoy their authentic Mexican food, whether you’re dining in, picking up takeout, or having it delivered to your door. The restaurant is available on DoorDash and Favor Delivery for food delivery options, making it easy to get those tamale cravings satisfied from the comfort of home.
For direct orders, you can call the S General McMullen location at (210) 433-1367 or the Bandera Road location at (210) 455-0822. Phone orders are highly recommended, especially for larger quantities or if you’re planning to pick up during busy weekend hours. The staff is friendly and happy to take your order, though service can be slower during peak times when lines build up.
Tellez also offers curbside pickup at both locations, which became especially popular and has remained a convenient option. Simply call ahead with your order, and the staff will bring it out to your car when you arrive. This is perfect for families picking up dozens of tamales or pounds of barbacoa without having to navigate the busy dining room.
For special occasions, holidays, and office gatherings, Tellez accepts pre-orders for larger quantities. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, pre-ordering is essential as tamales sell out quickly. The restaurant recommends placing holiday orders at least a week in advance and scheduling your pickup time to avoid the rush. Pre-orders can be placed by calling either location directly.
The takeout experience at Tellez is straightforward – just be prepared for potential waits during peak hours, especially on weekend mornings and Sundays when barbacoa is the star. The restaurant accepts credit cards including Visa and MasterCard, making payment convenient. Note that Tellez does not take reservations, as it operates on a casual, first-come-first-served basis.
One thing to keep in mind: some customers have noted that pricing at the counter may differ slightly from what’s listed online, so it’s worth confirming prices when placing your order. The restaurant has raised prices over the years to keep up with increasing costs, but most longtime customers agree the quality and taste are still worth every penny.
Location, Hours, and Finding Tellez Tamales Near You
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa operates two locations across San Antonio, making it accessible to tamale lovers throughout the city.
S General McMullen Location: 1737 S General McMullen Dr, San Antonio, TX 78237 Phone: (210) 433-1367 Email: telleztamales.barbacoa@yahoo.com
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
View S General McMullen location on Google Maps
Bandera Road Location (Factory): 1802 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 Phone: (210) 455-0822
Operating Hours:
- Check current hours as they may vary, with typical weekend hours from 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- The factory location occasionally opens on Tuesdays during December for holiday orders
View Bandera Road location on Google Maps
The S General McMullen location is situated on the west side of San Antonio and serves as the main restaurant. Parking is available in the lot, though it can fill up quickly during weekend breakfast and lunch rushes. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, entrance, restrooms, and seating. The casual, cozy atmosphere features comfortable seating and a friendly staff that makes everyone feel welcome.
The Bandera Road location doubles as Tellez’s tamale factory where all the magic happens. This location also serves customers and is particularly popular with locals in the Leon Valley and Northwest Side areas. The factory location is on Bandera Road near Hillcrest, making it easy to spot for travelers passing through.
Both locations open exceptionally early – as early as 5:00 AM on most days – because Tellez knows their customers want fresh tamales and barbacoa for breakfast. If you’re planning to visit, arriving within the first hour of opening gives you the best selection before popular items sell out. The restaurants close in the early afternoon once they’ve sold through their daily preparations, so don’t wait until late in the day.
Important timing note: During peak times like weekend mornings and holidays, lines can get quite long. Many regulars recommend arriving 15-30 minutes before opening to secure your spot in line. The wait moves steadily, and most customers agree it’s absolutely worth it for the quality of food you’ll receive.
Similar Dining Options in San Antonio
If you love Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa and want to explore more authentic tamale spots in San Antonio, consider checking out these nearby alternatives:
Delicious Tamales has six locations across San Antonio and two in Austin, making them one of the largest tamale operations in the area. They ship nationwide and offer a wide variety of flavors including seasonal pumpkin tamales. With longer operating hours than Tellez and walk-in availability through the holidays, Delicious Tamales is a convenient option when Tellez is closed or sold out.
Alfonso’s Tamales specializes in chicken tamales and has built a reputation for their original pork recipe since 2012. They’re available on Uber Eats and DoorDash, offer wholesale pricing for large orders, and have expanded their menu to include chicharrones and barbacoa. Located throughout San Antonio, Alfonso’s provides another excellent option for authentic handmade tamales.
For barbacoa specifically, many San Antonio locals also swear by smaller neighborhood spots that specialize in Sunday barbacoa. Ask around in your neighborhood for family-owned operations that might not have a big online presence but deliver incredible traditional flavors.
Whether you’re a longtime San Antonio resident or visiting for the first time, Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa offers an authentic taste of Texas-Mexican tradition that’s been perfected over generations. From the handmade tamales to the tender barbacoa and soul-satisfying menudo, every dish honors the recipes and techniques passed down through families. Just remember to arrive early, call ahead for large orders, and prepare yourself for some of the best traditional Mexican comfort food San Antonio has to offer.