Tommy Tacos closes in Syosset, heads to Sayville
A shrimp taco at Tommy Tacos in Huntington. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
New year, new beginnings: Just six months after Tommy Tacos opened at 98 Jackson Ave. in Syosset, the restaurant has closed, and is pivoting to open a takeout-centric spot in Sayville later this month.
"It was very fast and unexpected," said Tommy Tacos chef-owner, Tom Stein. The Syosset shop, which had become more full-service, less fast-casual, "wasn’t on the market, nor were we looking to close," Stein said. "We just got an offer on the restaurant unexpectedly that we couldn’t refuse. That’s the only reason."
That offer came from SmartWich, the Hicksville shop owned by chef Michael Guerrieri that churns out killer artisanal sandwiches, like mozzarella, sweet peppers, tomato and arugula; homemade pickled sardines with pickled onions and tomatoes, cilantro and olive oil; and octopus with diced red and green peppers and onions. Guerrieri confirmed the acquisition, but declined to comment further.
As for Tommy and his tacos, the new Sayville location will be at 371 Lakeland Ave. While there will not be seating, as in his Huntington shop, there will be handcrafted Mexican takeout.
Blending traditional and modern elements of Mexican street food, tacos range from birria to steak to shrimp varieties, plus rice bowls, nachos, quesadillas, salads, and desserts include Churroreos — dough-fried Oreos — and a funnel cake made from a twisted churro. Stein also offers monthly specials, a seasonal veggie taco and a vegan offering to satisfy the meatless.
Come summer, an outdoor seating area will have live music on weekends. Stein plans to be open by the end of the month.
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.
Most Popular
Top Stories
