Hand-rolled with love, slow-cooked to perfection, and served with the warmth that's made Shorty's Tamales a Fort Smith institution since day one.
Shorty's Tamales wasn't born in a restaurant — it was born at a kitchen table, with a family that believed food was the language of love. What started as weekend gatherings for neighbors and friends grew into something Fort Smith couldn't ignore.
Every morning, our kitchen opens before dawn. The masa is mixed by hand, each tamale is wrapped with care, and the pots are set to simmer for hours. We don't rush it. We don't cut corners. Because the taste of tradition can't be manufactured — it has to be earned, one batch at a time.
Our rotating specials keep things exciting. Here's what our kitchen is pouring into this week.
A deep, complex mole made from charred chilies and a hint of chocolate. Wrapped and slow-steamed for an unforgettable depth of flavor.
Limited Batch
Pull-apart carnitas in a vibrant tomatillo-cilantro sauce. Bright, herbal, and deeply savory — a crowd favorite all week long.
Customer Favorite
Poblano strips, sweet corn, and heavy cream folded into masa. A vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on richness or flavor.
Vegetarian
I drove 40 minutes just for these tamales. The pork is so tender it falls apart, and the salsa has this smoky depth you can't fake. Shorty's is the real deal.
They catered my daughter's quinceañera and the tamales were the first thing gone. Everyone kept asking where we got the food. Best decision we made all day.
The breakfast tamales changed my life. I'm not being dramatic. I stop here every Saturday before I do anything else. The chorizo tamale is unmatched.
| Monday – Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday – Thursday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Walk-ins welcome, catering available. Call ahead for large orders and event bookings.
