An inner rumbling from deep within my belly – almost as vivacious as the Earthquake and aftershocks to strike our beloved island on a sunny Friday in April – brought me to a small oasis nestled in the heart of the Big H Center in Huntington, NY. It was none other than Tommy Tacos.
Now nearly a four year staple of the Huntington community, this seemingly nonchalant taqueria packs quite a punch of flavor. Even at the off hours between 2pm and 3pm, a steady bustle of patrons mixed with delivery service pick-ups kept Bella and the kitchen crew steadily busy.
The inspiration and love affair of Chef Tommy Stein – a man with decades of experience from giants like the Tao Restaurant Group to the tutelage of Michelin-starred chefs, Tommy has learned from some of the best.
The meal began with Tommy’s Street Nachos with added ground beef. Layered with cheese, jalapeños, guacamole and a myriad of toppings, these nachos were the Colosseum of snacks – monumental and awe-inspiring. I was the gladiator and the chili queso my sword.
We moved on to the “Lambda Lambda Lambda” taco of the month. It’s a Trojan horse of taste, sneaking flavors past your defenses until your taste buds surrender to its dominance. One can imagine a Spanish sailor retracing the path of Odysseus – only to crash off the coast of Mykonos, wed a native, and instead of having a baby they gave birth to a taco. Born of the Mediterranean.
The shrimp taco is a maritime marvel and a seafood symphony dancing in mango pico de gallo. The Smashburger taco – Imagine a taco that captures the soul of a Big Mac, an audacious culinary fusion where the spirit of the classic American burger collides with the traditional Mexican taco in a spectacular flavor explosion.
But the true highlight of the meal was Tommy’s Birria tacos – a crescendo that elevates the humble taco to the realm of the divine. It is crystal clear why they sell out each day. Imagine tender, succulent meat, slow-cooked to perfection, its fibers soaked in a rich, aromatic stew that whispers tales of ancient recipes passed down through generations.
This meat, a treasure trove of flavors, is then lovingly nestled within the embrace of a fresh tortilla, each one a golden canvas awaiting the masterpiece it’s destined to cradle. These tacos are then graced with a kiss of fire, crisped to perfection on the griddle, their edges charred to a delightful crunch, encasing the molten treasure within. A sprinkle of finely chopped onions and a handful of vibrant, fresh cilantro are the final flourish, like jewels adorning a crown, adding a burst of freshness to the rich, complex layers beneath.
Dipping these celestial creations into the consommé, the very elixir in which the meat was transformed from mere ingredient to sublime delight, elevates the experience to a ritual. Each bite is a communion with the soul – a moment where time stands still, and the world fades away, leaving only the ethereal joy of flavors dancing upon the tongue.
For dessert, the churro funnel cake doesn’t just tickle your sweet tooth; it serenades it with a love song written in sugar and spice. Imagine a churro and a funnel cake had a baby – and they doused that baby in chocolate and caramel.
Let’s not forget the “Throat Punch” cocktail, a drink with muddled jalapeños that doesn’t just dance on your taste buds; it throws a full-blown fiesta. It’s as if your drink is gently whispering, “I dare you,” with each sip, a blend of heat, sweet, and a punch of flavor that’s both a warning and a welcome.
The decor is a patchwork quilt of cultural icons, with pictures of Bob Marley, Biggie and Eminem watching over you as you dine, guardians of the vibe. The definition of tequila hangs behind the bar: “a thing that probably won’t fix your life, but it’s worth a shot.”
It’s a reminder that while Tommy Tacos might not have all the answers, they’ve got enough tequila, tacos, and charm to make you forget the questions. So, saddle up your taste buds and tell them they’re going on an adventure – it’s Tommy Tacos or bust.
Tommy Tacos is located at 821 New York Ave, Huntington, NY.
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Disclosure: Mr. Madden received a comped meal for his review, but no other compensation was received. The reviewed restaurant did not receive an advance copy of the review and receives no editorial control of the copy.
