Dude, I remember the first time I rolled up to Ruben's Homemade Tamales in San Antonio. It was Christmas Eve, and I'm talking a line, like, around the block. My stomach was rumbling like a freight train, and I was thinking, "No way I'm waiting this long for a snack." But my buddy, a San Antonio native who knows his tamales like I know my couch, just gave me that look—you know, the one that says, "Chill out, this is the real deal." He told me, "Bro, these tamales are the whole shebang. They're worth the wait, even if you gotta miss your favorite show." So, I got in line, and after a serious chill session, I finally got my hands on a dozen of those legendary pork tamales. The question that was burning a hole in my pocket, and probably yours too, was: How much are Ruben's Tamales in San Antonio, really? I mean, is this gourmet-level money, or more like a 'grab-a-stack-for-the-whole-fam' kind of price? The short answer? They're a total steal for the authentic, homemade goodness you get. But let's dive into the nitty-gritty because prices are always cruisin' up and down, right? You gotta be ready.
Step 1: The Cash Money Breakdown – What's a Dozen Going for?
Listen up, price is king, especially when you're feeding a crew or planning a major holiday fiesta. Ruben's Tamales is classic San Antonio, a real local gem that's been doing its thing since way back in 1952. They ain't some big, fancy chain, which usually means they keep it real on the price tag.
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| How Much Are Rubens Tamales San Antonio |
1.1 The Golden Price Point: What You Need to Budget
So, here's the skinny from what folks are saying, and this is the most important intel you'll get: A typical dozen of their famous tamales—like the classic Pork or the Spicy Jalapeño Pork—usually lands you in the $14.00 to $15.00 range, give or take a buck or two depending on when you read this.
For Example: One reliable source mentions paying around $14.25 for a dozen. Another talked about a total bill that worked out to roughly $14.62 per dozen when buying four dozen. See? It's right in that sweet spot. It ain't highway robbery; it's honest tamale money.
1.2 The Flavor Factor: Do Specialty Tamales Cost More Dough?
At a lot of places, you slap on a "specialty" tag, and suddenly, the price rockets. But Ruben's keeps it pretty straight-up. They are super famous for their traditional flavors: Pork, Chicken, Bean, and different spicy versions, like Jalapeño Pork. These are generally priced the same per dozen, keeping your budgeting nice and easy. You don't gotta do a bunch of crazy math at the counter!
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Pro Tip: If you see other fancy-pants tamale joints charging like $18-$20 for a dozen, just know that Ruben's is likely giving you a better deal for what many consider to be one of the best tamales in all of South Texas. You are getting that homemade taste without the crazy markup.
Step 2: The Tamale Varieties – Picking Your Flavor Vibe
You don't just go to Ruben's and grab "some tamales." Nah, man. You gotta know your game plan. They got a focused menu, which is honestly a good sign because it means they've perfected what they do.
2.1 The OG Classics: Pork, Chicken, and Bean
The main players are the ones that have been drawing lines for decades. These are the bread and butter of the whole operation.
Pork Tamales: This is the one that causes the most holiday mayhem. Tender shredded pork, a rich red chili sauce, and perfectly steamed masa. It's the taste of San Antonio tradition. If you're a first-timer, you gotta start here. It's not just food; it's a cultural experience.
Chicken Tamales: A lighter vibe, often made with a green chili or salsa verde. Still super flavorful, and a great option if you're not all about that heavy red chili sauce life. These are for when you want something tasty but not too aggressive.
Bean Tamales: Don't sleep on the bean tamales! They are surprisingly hearty and packed with flavor. This is perfect for the non-meat eaters, or honestly, anyone who just loves a good, well-seasoned pinto bean mix. They are truly underrated.
2.2 Adding the Heat: The Jalapeño Dimension
Listen, this is Texas. We like a little kick! You can usually get a jalapeño version of the pork, chicken, or bean tamales. They add that fresh, spicy element that just screams South Texas flavor.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
A Little Word of Warning: Sometimes, especially during the insane holiday rush (I'm talking Thanksgiving and Christmas), they might simplify the menu just to keep up with demand. That means you might only be able to snag the classic Pork. So, if you want your spicy fix, plan on going well before the major calendar holidays. This is a very key detail people forget!
Step 3: Beyond the Tamales – What Else You Can Snag
Ruben's ain't just a tamale stand; it's a whole vibe. It's a small specialty grocery store too, so you can often grab other amazing, local Mexican food items that are just as legit as their main offering.
3.1 Tacos, Barbacoa, and More!
When you're waiting for your tamales, your eyes are gonna wander to the other deliciousness they have cooking up. You might find stuff like:
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Breakfast Tacos: A San Antonio must-have. You can't be in this city and not grab a breakfast taco. It's like a law.
Barbacoa: Slow-cooked beef that is melt-in-your-mouth good. Sometimes they sell it by the pound, and man, that stuff is next level with some fresh tortillas.
Rice and Beans: The perfect side dishes to make a full meal out of your tamales. Don't skip these; they complete the whole comfort food picture.
3.2 Navigating the Holiday Rush Like a Boss
I mentioned my Christmas Eve story, right? The lines are real. You have to have a strategy, like a seasoned pro athlete.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Timing is Everything: Go early in the day, like right when they open at 7:00 AM. Seriously. If you roll up at 11 AM on December 23rd, prepare for a long hangout.
Call Ahead: While some places stop taking pre-orders during the holidays, it never hurts to check. If they are taking orders, get yours in way early to bypass the giant line of sad, hungry people.
Bring a Cooler: If you're buying a few dozen (and trust me, you will be), bring a cooler or an ice chest. Those things are hot when they hand 'em over, and you want to keep them perfect until you get them home to your fridge or freezer. Food safety first, people!
Step 4: The Takeaway – Is the Price Worth the Hype?
Short answer: Heck yeah, it is!
The price for a dozen tamales at Ruben's—around the mid-$14 to $15 range—is totally fair, maybe even a bargain, for a product that is so clearly made with love and tradition. You are paying for a recipe that has been refined over seventy years. It's not factory food; it's family history wrapped in a corn husk. The sheer volume of people who line up year after year, even in the freezing cold or pouring rain, tells you everything you need to know. Don't let a few bucks stop you from tasting a true San Antonio legend. You gotta treat yourself.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How much are Ruben's Tamales in San Antonio per dozen?
You can generally expect to pay somewhere between $14.00 and $15.00 for a dozen of the classic tamales like Pork, Chicken, or Bean. This price is an estimate and can vary slightly, so keep a little extra cash on hand, just in case.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Where is the main Ruben's Homemade Tamales location?
Ruben's is a true South Side staple and can be found at 1807 Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78210. It's not in the super touristy area, which is how you know it's authentic.
What are the best times to buy tamales to avoid a long line?
To skip the massive lines, your best bet is to go early in the morning right when they open (usually 7:00 AM) and to avoid the week leading up to Christmas and New Year's Day. The lines get bonkers during the major holidays.
Do they offer different flavors besides pork?
Yes, they usually offer the big three: Pork, Chicken, and Bean tamales. They often have Jalapeño versions of these too for that extra kick! Call ahead if you have your heart set on a specific, non-pork flavor during peak season.
Can I buy just a single tamale at Ruben's?
Ruben's Homemade Tamales primarily focuses on selling tamales by the dozen since most people are buying them for family meals or freezing. While they sell other items like tacos that might be a single portion, expect to buy a dozen of the tamales themselves.
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