Tommy Tacos opens in Sayville
A carnitas taco at Tommy Tacos, which has opened in Sayville. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Talk about a quick pivot: A mere month after Tommy Tacos shuttered its Syosset location, chef-owner Tom Stein opens his takeout-only spot in Sayville today at 371 Lakeland Ave.
With no indoor seating, the new location is entirely focused on takeout that blends traditional and modern elements of Mexican street food. Tacos ($4.75-$7.50) range from Stein’s killer birria ($19.50 for three) to long-simmered steak and grilled shrimp varieties, plus rice bowls ($11-$18), nachos, quesadillas ($11-$18), salads and desserts, including Churroreos ($7), dough-fried Oreos. Stein also offers monthly specials, a seasonal veggie taco and a vegan offering to satisfy the meatless.
Tommy Tacos owner Tommy Stein at the Huntington restaurant. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Stein said that "with any great sandwich, it’s the bread that makes it great, and with tacos, it’s the tortillas." As such, he has long sourced nixtamlized corn tortillas from Tortilleria La Milpa de Rosa in Westchester County. He also makes most everything else daily, including carnitas that take hours to braise. Kids will go for the masa-battered fried corn fritters served with an addictive chile-queso dip, chips and guacamole, street corn, and rice and beans on the side, and a new dessert: churros fries.
The location shares space with Keith Lombardo, chef-owner of The BBQ King and One Three Catering. Lombardo was also in the midst of his own pivot when he and Stein — friends through the industry — decided to timeshare the Sayville site to suit both their needs. Previously, Lombardo ran a retail BBQ operation, K. T. O, out of the space, but is shifting focus to his catering business. "Keith's doing catering during the day, so he needs a kitchen in the morning. We open at 4 p.m. each afternoon, so it works out well," Stein said. Fittingly, Tommy’s Taco of the Month for Sayville is an ode to the BBQ King featuring chile and coffee-rubbed beef brisket, chipotle cream, grilled pineapple salsa, crispy onion and cilantro.
Come summer, the Sayville spot will have an outdoor seating area, live music on weekends and a beverage program featuring those killer margaritas that patrons at his previous locations have come to love.
Tommy Tacos, 371 Lakeland Ave., Sayville; 631-431-2409, tommylovestacos.com; Open Tuesday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The BBQ King: 371 Lakeland Ave., Sayville, 631-218-4604, thebarbequeking.com; Open Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.
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