Tacos always seem to be deemed as a Mexican dish, and maybe that’s where they originated, but here in American and on Long Island we’ve certainly made them our own. Sure, you can get the basic kind: ground beef with lettuce, tomato and cheese. But the world of tacos has expanded beyond what you can find at Taco Bell. Restaurants are now serving up fish tacos, even falafel ones, so they’re sure to appeal to more than just beef lovers. Try out the Best Taco on Long Island and see for yourself why this dish is not often given the credit it deserves.
2024: Long Island Voted Dirty Taco and Tequila – Multiple Locations Best Taco!
Dirty Taco and Tequila – Multiple Locations
3261 Merrick Road, Wantagh
(516) 785-5300 – dirtytacoandtequila.com
At Dirty Taco and Tequila, the quest for the perfect taco reaches new heights on in Wantaugh. Offering an eclectic array of flavors, from traditional street tacos to innovative creations like Asian Sloppy Joe and Thai Meatball tacos, their menu is a testament to culinary creativity. However, it’s not just variety that sets them apart; it’s the unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Each taco bursts with bold flavors and textures, tantalizing the taste buds of patrons. For taco enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, Dirty Taco and Tequila stands as the ultimate destination for unparalleled taco perfection.
2023: Long Islanders Voted Smok-Haus Best Taco!
Smok-Haus
7 12th St., Garden City
(516) 400-7100 – smok-haus.com
Some of the tastiest tacos on Long Island can be found at Smōk-Haus, a Garden City restaurant and bar that is best known for its American barbecue dishes, cooked low and slow for the more flavorful eats around. Despite its dedication to barbecue, Smōk-Haus has gained a reputation for serving truly delicious tacos; in fact, the menu lists 14 different taco dish options! From pork to chicken, shrimp to fish, beef or pastrami, Smōk-Haus has taco offerings that will please mostly anyone!
2022: Long Islanders Voted Dirty Taco + Tequila Best Taco!
Dirty Taco + Tequila
Multiple Locations
dirtytacoandtequila.com
Dirty Taco can best be described as a unique combination of a Los Angeles taco truck and a Miami liquor stand. What more could you want out of a restaurant? Dirty Taco does not just delve out typical Mexican cuisine but also incorporates Asian elements into the menu for a meal you won’t forget. As you can guess from the name, Dirty Taco’s menu mainly consists of tacos. But don’t just think chicken and beef — they also offer fish, pork, and veggie/vegan options so there’s truly something for everyone. From a Thai meatball taco to a short rib taco, no one taco is alike and each contains unique toppings, such as carrots, pineapple salsa, and sushi rice. Between Dirty Taco’s menu and reputation, it is no wonder why it was selected as Long Island’s number one pick for the best tacos!
2021: Long Islanders Voted Dirty Taco & Tequila Best Taco!
Dirty Taco & Tequila
Multiple Locations
dirtytacoandtequila.com
DIrty Taco can be best described as a unique combination of a Los Angeles taco truck and a Miami liquor stand. What more could you want out of a restaurant? Dirty Taco does not just delve out typical Mexican cuisine but also incorporates Asian elements into the menu for a meal you won’t forget. As you can guess from the name, Dirty Taco’s menu mainly consists of tacos. Don’t just think chicken and beef — they also offer fish, pork and veggie/vegan options so there’s truly something for everyone. From a Thai meatball taco to a short rib taco, no one taco is alike and contains unique toppings including carrots, pineapple salsa and sushi rice. Between Dirty Taco’s menu and reputation, it is no wonder they were selected as Long Island’s number one pick for the best tacos!
2020: Long Islanders Voted AVO TACO Best Taco!
AVO TACO
2340 Jericho Tpke, New Hyde Park
(516) 373-2340 – avotaco.com
For the best taco on Long Island, you’re going to want to go to AVO TACO in New Hyde Park. At AVO TACO, they serve up artisanal tacos with a variety of fillings. The Calypso Steak taco is topped with pineapple soy marinated skirt steak, sour cream, guacamole, corn salsa crèma, cotija cheese, and cilantro. A taco called El Jefe will have your mouth watering — it’s honey chipotle chicken, caramelized pineapple, cilantro, and avocado poblano crèma. Seafood tacos? They have them! Try the Coco Loco — coconut breaded shrimp, slaw, sweet chili, toasted coconut and cilantro. Feeling like a veggie taco? ACO TACO has got you covered (and with some quick modifications, the veggie tacos can become vegan). Stop by today for lunch or dinner.
Taco Bell (National Winner)
Multiple Locations
tacobell.com
Taco Bell is Long Island’s favorite Mexican fast food eatery for a reason – they simply stuff the best taco around. Whether you’re in the mood for beef, chicken, grilled steak, or some of everything, Taco Bell has your fix. Open 24 hours a day, the restaurant offers favorites ranging from the Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Chalupa Supreme to the Fiesta Taco Salad and Nacho Cheese Dorito’s Loco’s Tacos. On a budget? Order from their value menu to satisfy your craving without breaking the bank. And if you’re celebrating something special, be sure to pick up a few of their delicious taco party packs. Head to Taco Bell for an unbeatable combination of crunch, spice and everything nice!
2019: Long Islanders Voted Maracas Southwest Grill Best Taco!
Maracas Southwest Grill
1142 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon
(631) 940 8409 – www.maracasgrill.com
Mexican food is on the rise in America and on Long Island. You won’t be disappointed at Maracas Southwest Grill in North Babylon, where well-prepared eats and delicious drinks rule the menu. Having trouble finding that family-friendly restaurant everyone will love? This restaurant serves all ages, so little ones are welcome to come along, too. Enjoy wifi here free of cost. Dining out isn’t your only option at Maracas Southwest Grill as pickup is available, too. Drivers will love the easy parking options just steps away from Maracas Southwest Grill. Get the delicious Mexican food that you and your entire family crave at Maracas Southwest Grill in North Babylon. It’ll hit the spot every time!
Taco Bell (National Winner)
Multiple Locations
www.tacobell.com
Burrito, Gordita, Chalupa, Nachos, Salad or one of those new Crunchwrap Sliders—they’re all great, sure, but a straight-up Taco from the Bell is just way too tough to beat. Drive-thru or eat-in, these puppies go down smooth and almost always lead to another.
2018: Long Islanders Voted The Gourmet Whaler Best Taco on Long Island!
The Gourmet Whaler
111 Main Street
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
(631) 659-2977 – www.gourmetwhalerny.com
One taste of the fish tacos at The Gourmet Whaler, and you’ll be hooked. The original taco features Panco-breaded flounder, signature cole slaw, chipotle mayo, and peach/mango salsa. But don’t skip the grilled shrimp taco or the Baja-style fish taco featuring the day’s fresh catch seared with cilantro lime crema. There’s a veggie version, too. And lots to love elsewhere on The Gourmet Whaler’s menu, from burgers to sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Everything is made with care–and the freshest ingredients. Save room for dessert: fresh baked goods, ice cream, and fudge.
2017: Long Islanders Voted Habaneros Tex Mex Best Taco on Long Island
Habaneros Tex Mex 310 Main St., Holbrook. 631-737-TACO. habanerostexmex.eat24hour.com There’s just something about eating a taco filled with fresh, flavorful ingredients in a festive atmosphere with great company. At Habaneros Tex Mex, that’s exactly what you get when you walk through the door. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or steak tacos, this Holbrook restaurant is the place to be when you start to crave these Mexican treats—they even offer mini ones—and will make you wish that every day is Taco Tuesday!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Caracara Best Taco on Long Island
Caracara 354 Main St., Farmingdale. 516-777-2272 caracaramex.com There’s a moment when contemplating whether or not to order tacos for lunch or dinner when your mind considers all the possibilities: Will it be steak today? Chicken? No. perhaps it is a fish day today, or maybe even some crustacean. After settling on the main component, you are once again confronted with the joyous potential offered by the accompaniments: salsa, guac, cheese, onions—pineapples? At Caracara, no creation is too adventurous and no quantity is too many. Long Islanders have weighed all the options, and once again they have voted “More! More! More!”
2015: Long Islanders Voted Caracara Best Taco on Long Island!
Caracara 354 Main St., Farmingdale. 516-777-2272. caracaramex.com Fish, chicken, steak or marinated shrimp—it’s up to you to pick which of these succulent choices you wish to comprise the underbelly of Caracara’s various taco creations. Onions, lettuce, salsa, cheese, even pineapple, amid ultra-fresh tortillas that are bound to leave you shouting: “More! More! More!” National. Taco Bell Multiple Locations. tacobell.com Burrito, Gordita, Chalupa, Nachos, Salad or one of those new Crunchwrap Sliders—they’re all great, sure, but a straight-up Taco from the Bell is just way too tough to beat. Drive-thru or eat-in, they go down smooth and almost always lead to another.
2014: Long Islanders Voted Green Cactus Mexican Grill Best Taco on Long Island!
1. Green Cactus Mexican Grill Multiple Locations. greencactusgrill.com 2. Bubba’s Burrito Bar 513 Main St., Islip. 631-650-6333. bubbasburritobar.com 3. Besito Multiple Locations. besitomex.com NATIONAL Moe’s Southwest Grill Multiple Locations. 877-MOES-411. moes.com