Have you ever wondered about the story behind our tamales and tex-mex food traditions? Ventura’s Tamales, our Mexican restaurant, has been serving up some good eats for years. From tamales, fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos, to salsas, queso, and house special margaritas & cocktails, we’ll have you coming back for more.
History of Ventura's Tamales
Founding In 1985
Ventura’s Tamales started back in 1985 named after Ventura Loa Gutierrez. She was the mother of owners Susan, Isdiro, and Martha, and both she and her husband built the path for the food and tastes that we have here in Victoria, Texas.
Evolution Of The Menu
At first, Ventura’s was all about tamales. However, our customers wanted more, and we wanted to expand our menu to meet more appetites! We started adding more Tex-Mex favorites to the menu such as tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas. When our taco shell supplier went out of business, Mama Ventura didn’t miss a beat. She rolled up her sleeves and made her own, one shell at a time until she perfected the Ventura taco shell.
Impact On Victoria's Food Scene
Ventura’s has had a huge impact on Victoria’s food scene. We’ve become a staple in the community, known for our fresh, delicious, and affordable food. Our Taco Tuesdays and Wednesdays are so popular that the line stretches out onto Navarro Street! We’ve also built strong relationships with our guests over the years. They’re like family to us. Speaking of family, we’ve been part of countless special events through our catering services. It’s been amazing to see how our little tamale shop has grown into a beloved part of Victoria’s landscape.
Signature Tamales
Traditional Recipe
At Ventura’s, we take pride in our authentic tamales. We make our masa from scratch, using a corn-based dough that’s the foundation of this dish. Our recipe has been passed down through generations to make sure that every bite is a taste of tradition. We carefully mix the masa with just the right amount of lard and broth, whipping it until it’s light and fluffy. This process is important for achieving that perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
Filling Varieties
We offer delicious fillings to suit every taste. Our most popular options include pork—mild and spicy. Each filling is seasoned to perfection, creating a blend of flavors with our homemade masa. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or prefer a milder taste, we’ve got a tamale for you.
Cooking Process
Our tamales are hand-wrapped in corn husks, a traditional method that gives a subtle flavor and helps keep the tamales moist during cooking. We steam them, a process that can take up to two hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tamale that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistible. When they’re done, the corn husk should peel away with a treat inside. We serve our tamales hot, ready for you to unwrap and enjoy with your favorite toppings like salsa, queso, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Tex-Mex Foods at Ventura's
Blending Mexican and Texan flavors
At Ventura’s, we blend authentic Mexican recipes with fresh Texan ingredients. This combination has a big impact on Victoria’s food scene. Our approach to Tex-Mex cuisine is all about bringing people together through food, and we take pride in offering something for everyone.
Popular Dishes
Our menu is packed with Tex-Mex classics that showcase this delicious blend of flavors. Our enchiladas combine traditional Mexican spices with a Texan twist. Of course, no Tex-Mex menu would be complete without tacos, and ours are a local favorite. We offer a variety of fillings, from seasoned ground beef to shredded chicken, all served in our homemade taco shells.
One of our standout dishes is our fajitas. We use high-quality beef or chicken, cook it with sautéed onions and bell peppers, and serve it with all the fixings. It’s a sizzling plate of goodness that bridges the gap between Mexican and Texan cuisines.
Family-Style Dining Experience
At Ventura’s, we believe in bringing people together through food. That’s why we offer a dining experience that’s perfect for families and groups of friends. Our approach to serving is all about sharing and enjoying good food in good company.
Large Portion Sizes
We aren’t stingy on portions here. Our dishes guarantee that everyone at the table gets their fill of our delicious tex-mex food. From our enchiladas to our fajitas, you’ll find that our servings are designed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Combo Platters
Our combo platters are a hit with families and groups. We offer a variety of family meal combos that cater to different tastes and group sizes. For instance, our Family Meal Combo #1 includes six enchiladas, four tacos, rice, beans, queso, and hot sauce. If you’re in the mood for fajitas, our Combo #6 comes with a pound of chicken fajitas, all the fixings, and sides.
Catering Options
We don’t just serve great food in our restaurant. We bring the party to you too! Our catering service is perfect for events of all sizes. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, we’ve got you covered. Our Tamale Platter, with four dozen tamales, is a big favorite. For a mix of favorites, try our Tulita Platter, which includes tamales, flautas, and quesadilla rolls. We even offer a Taco Bar option, letting your guests build their own perfect tacos.
Come Eat With Us!
Ventura’s Tamales has grown from a small tamale shop to a beloved part of Victoria’s food scene. The restaurant combines Mexican recipes with Texan ingredients, creating a menu that appeals to many tastes. Their signature tamales, made from scratch with a variety of fillings, showcase the care and skill that goes into every dish. The combination of Mexican and Texan flavors extends to other popular items like enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. Come eat with us soon, whether you’re by yourself or with your family, for a meal that you are bound to enjoy!
