A staple in the Phoenix area since 1999, Jalapeño Inferno owners Terry and Laura Craig know how to please locals and out-of-town visitors. Green corn tamales include a blend of green chiles and Mexican cheeses steamed in a husk. Or for meat lovers, there are beef chile tamales, with tender, slow-cooked meat. Tamales are available for pick-up only and cost $38 per dozen, but with each order, patrons can score six additional tamales.

Barrio Queen is debuting its seasonal menu showcasing its tamales, which are legendary (and subject to copy-cat iterations). But this green sauce might be hard to recreate for even the most skilled cook — made with a special blend of tomatillos, garlic, paprika, onions, and poblano peppers. Tamales here are available either frozen or cooked with a selection of red or green sauces. Pick your favorite tamale — pork, chicken, or vegetarian options. A dozen tamales costs $36, while a half-dozen is priced at $20. Order online or at participating stores — at least 24 hours are needed for all orders.

With a name like the Tamale Store, the assumption is that tamales are taken seriously at this spot. And it’s true. Martha Castillo’s family-owned business is all about having choices for tamale lovers. Try the best seller which is the red and green chile pork tamale, as well as the green corn and cream cheese tamale made with New Mexican hatch chiles. There are at least seven selections for vegetarian and vegan diners, as well as gluten-free options. Most tamales come in a pack of two and a half-dozen costs $23, while a dozen is priced at $35. You can sample a two-pack for an affordable $8.

Who can resist getting a tamale and dessert fix in one stop? Celebrating 36 years in business in December 2021, La Purisima Bakery, couched in Glendale, carries baked goods like bread and tortillas as well as tamales. A few things to note — La Purisima is closed on Mondays and only accepts cash. Also, get there early, there is usually a line.

Some people are picky about their tamales and Los Sombreros knows how people prefer to mix and match their favorites. Choices include green corn, tomatillo chicken, rajas, carnitas, and red chile beef tamales. Also, Los Sombreros offers a tamale Phoenicians won’t likely find elsewhere in the area — a dessert tamale containing pineapple, brown sugar, and raisins. Orders can be placed by the dozen and there is an option to mix and match tamales. One dozen costs $40; orders can be placed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. now until December 24. Last pickup is at noon on December 24. Most orders need 24-hour notice.

The colorful array of vibrant pastries greet customers at the family-owned Azteca Bakery. A staple for three decades, this bakery is known for its homemade pastries, but tamales are also a fan favorite, especially around Christmas. Beef with red chile, green chicken, or green corn tamales with cheese are $2.50 for individual servings and $24 for a dozen.

Someburros knows sometimes people don’t plan their menu in advance. And, happily, tamales are there for those who wait until the last minute. A tamale platter is $59 and includes either 15 beef tamales topped with red enchilada sauce or 15 green corn tamales with cheese and green enchilada sauce. Dine-in option includes tamales as a part of a combo plate.

At Old El Paso Tamales, choose from five different varieties of tamales — green chile chicken, green chile and cheese, sweet corn, shredded red beef, and shredded pork. The cost for a half-dozen is $15, while a dozen is $30. Complement the tamales with a bowl of menudo, a warming soup made with tripe and red chile.