San Antonio Riverwalk Tamale Cooking Class: Make & Learn

Roll tamales at a table overlooking the Riverwalk while a guide walks you through the tradition.

A hands-on tamale and guacamole cooking class in San Antonio's Test Kitchen overlooking the Riverwalk, led by a guided instructor. You'll make your own tamale with pork or chicken, learn the cultural history behind the dish, and enjoy house-made salsa, an El Jefe Margarita, and fresh guacamole. The class runs two hours and welcomes ages 14 and up.

The experience

You start by making tableside guacamole with fresh ingredients, then move into the main event: rolling and assembling your own tamale. The instructor guides you through each step while sharing why tamales have anchored Latino family gatherings for centuries. That context, the history woven into the technique, is what the class leans on to make the food mean more than just the flavors on the plate.

The kitchen sits above the San Antonio Riverwalk, so you're working with a view while you work with your hands. A short presentation on tamale traditions breaks up the cooking itself, and you'll taste the house-made salsa as you go. The El Jefe Margarita arrives fresh to order, made with lime juice, agave, and Rita's barrel select Patrón Reposado. By the end of two hours, you leave with the technique and the confidence to make tamales at home, which is the whole point of the class.

What’s included

• Guided cooking instructor.
• house-made salsa.
• El Jefe Margarita made fresh to order.
• fresh guacamole.
• one tamale made with your choice of pork or chicken filling.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rita's on the River

Is this one for you?Two hours leaves room for other stops on your day in San Antonio without committing to a full-day itinerary. If you want to pair this with a walk along the Riverwalk or another meal elsewhere, the timing works.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I make in this cooking class?

You prepare tableside guacamole with fresh ingredients and craft a tamale from scratch, choosing either pork or chicken filling. The instructor walks you through both, so you leave knowing how to do it yourself.

Is the El Jefe Margarita really included, or is that extra?

The El Jefe Margarita is included with your ticket. It's made fresh to order with lime juice, agave, and Rita's barrel select Patrón Reposado.

How long is the class, and will I have time for other things that day?

The class runs two hours, which fits easily into a morning or afternoon without eating up your whole day in San Antonio.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No. The class is interactive and hands-on, and the instructor guides you through every step. You just need to be 14 or older.

Where exactly is the Test Kitchen, and how do I get there?

The Test Kitchen overlooks the San Antonio Riverwalk. Public transportation options are available nearby, and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible if you need that.