From colorful vibes to fresh margaritas and bold flavors, this new local spot is a must-try for anyone craving a little fiesta on the South Shore.
I’m a sucker for new local spots—especially when they combine good food, great energy, and community spirit. So when I heard that Gringo’s Southshore Cantina opened in August, I couldn’t wait to check it out. This casual Tex-Mex eatery in Sayville promised killer margaritas and fun vibes, and let me tell you—it delivered both in spades.
The experience started before I even stepped inside. Out front, a bright, bold mural instantly caught my eye. It perfectly set the tone for what was to come: colorful, lively, and just plain fun. Inside, the vibe stayed on brand with red walls, blue accents, and artwork that made me feel like I’d stepped into a coastal cantina straight out of a summer daydream.
Meet the Team Behind Gringo’s South Shore Cantina
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by one of the owners, Nikki Panzarino, whose warmth and energy made us feel like regulars. Nikki shared how Gringo’s officially opened on August 7th, after the usual hurdles of renovations and setbacks that come with opening a restaurant. But with determination (and a lot of heart), she and her partners—Greg Wright, Dave Prunier, and Phil Capobianco—brought this new Sayville hot spot to life.
Fun fact: the same team also owns The Lookout, another beloved local hangout, and their goal with Gringo’s was to create another “hometown vibe” for the community.
Sipping Starts the Story
We decided to sit at the bar to soak up the atmosphere and chat more with Nikki. While my friend went for a classic margarita, I opted for a Sauvignon Blanc—a risky move for me since I’m picky about my wine. But it was crisp, perfectly chilled, and paired beautifully with the meal to come. I wanted a second glass, but saved my calories for the food!
Nikki also shared that all the margaritas are made fresh—no batching, no shortcuts. She even makes her own syrups in-house, and plans to rotate in seasonal margarita specials. I already can’t wait to return to try the Coco Loco (made with 1800 Coconut Tequila, Pineapple Juice, and Coco Lopez) and the Hot To Go (a spicy, refreshing mix of watermelon juice, cucumber, and jalapeño with a pink Himalayan salt rim).
Tex-Mex Done Right at Gringo’s
We kicked things off with the Mexican Pizza, a cheesy, crispy tortilla topped with cheddar jack cheese, pico de gallo, black olives, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro crema. It was bursting with flavor—crunchy, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.
Next up: tacos. We tried the Birria Taco, stuffed with tender braised beef and Oaxaca cheese, and the Shrimp Taco, featuring grilled shrimp, ancho chili coleslaw, and pico de gallo. Both were flavor-packed and came three to an order—perfect for sharing (or not).
For our main, we chose The Southwestern Burrito, which we decided to make into a bowl. It featured yellow rice, Mexican street corn, black beans, queso blanco, and pico, all drizzled with lime crema and chipotle aioli. We added steak, which was cooked perfectly and tied everything together with smoky, savory perfection.
And of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert. The Churros—golden, crispy, and dusted with sugar—were the sweet finale every Mexican meal deserves.
The Vibe Beyond the Food
Gringo’s also boasts a cozy outdoor dining area, perfect for sunny afternoons or cool evenings with friends. And the fun doesn’t stop at the food. They’ve lined up weekly events that promise to make this spot a local favorite:
Taco Tuesdays: Half-priced tacos all day and night
Wednesday: Music Bingo from 7 PM to close
Thursday: $7 house and spicy margaritas from 6 PM to close
Sunday: Live music afternoons (with brunch coming soon on Saturdays & Sundays!)
Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 3–6 PM $2 off all beer (draft, bottles, cans) $2 off wine $2 off specialty cocktails
(They’re closed on Mondays—but after one visit, you’ll wish they weren’t!)
Give Gringo’s in Sayville a Visit!
If you’re searching for a new go-to for tacos, margaritas, and laid-back cantina vibes, Gringo’s Southshore Cantina in West Sayville deserves to be at the top of your list. From the welcoming owners to the fresh-made cocktails and flavorful food, it’s clear this spot was built with passion and hometown pride.
I left already planning my next visit—because when the food’s this good and the energy’s this bright, once just isn’t enough.
For more EATS on Long Island, click HERE!
Please note: In exchange for the review, Melissa received a comped meal. Gringo‘s had no editorial control over the review and we did not furnish or preview any copy before publish.
