Tommy Tacos opens second location, in Syosset
Carne asada and pulled chicken tacos on corn tortillas at Tommy Tacos in Syosset. Credit: Newsday/Marie Elena Martinez
The debut of Tommy Tacos, a rock-inspired taqueria that opened in Huntington in 2020, wasn’t an easy one. From the pandemic to Hurricane Isaias, there was one catastrophe after the next mucking things up. Luckily for Syosset, the brand persevered and has expanded to a second location, on Jackson Avenue, which opened last week.
Blending traditional and modern elements of Mexican street food, the menu at the Syosset location mirrors Huntington's with a large selection of tacos ($4.75-$7.50) from birria ($19.50 for three) to steak to shrimp varieties, plus rice bowls ($11-$18), nachos, quesadillas ($11-$18), salads, and desserts including Churroreos ($7) — dough-fried Oreos — and a funnel cake made from a twisted churro ($8).
The chef-driven concept is run by Tom Stein, who started as a dishwasher in his father’s Florida restaurant, rising within New York City's Tao Group before moving to Huntington with his wife, Elisa. The idea for the restaurant came during the Steins’ honeymoon in Mexico.
The Syosset location is larger than its Huntington sibling, with an even more generous bar doling out agave spirits, as well as kitschy frozen classic and strawberry margaritas. "I felt that Syosset needed a fun, new taco spot, and would appreciate what we bring to hospitality," Stein said. The space evokes the original, with rock paraphernalia, neon signage and murals.
Tommy Tacos in Syosset. Credit: Newsday/Marie Elena Martinez
Stein sources nixtamlized corn tortillas from Tortilleria La Milpa de Rosa in Westchester County and makes most everything else daily, including carnitas that take hours to braise. He offers a monthly special — for May, a collaboration with local baker Don Donneruno of The Cake Don (who contributed one of the restaurant’s graffiti murals) featuring smashed chorizo, jicama, apple, and cabbage slaw with Thai peanut sauce and bacon bits — and a seasonal veggie taco, for now filled with roasted cauliflower and Buffalo sauce. There’s even a vegan offering, plant-based steak tips, to satisfy the meatless.
Kids (and adults) will love 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, as well as a changing daily aqua fresca — watermelon on opening day. Daily happy hour takes place 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays with $7 frozen drinks, $2 off cocktails, $3 drafts and $4 bottles. Food specials change daily, with tacos for $3 on Tuesdays. Live music starts May 9, with updates on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Tommy Tacos, 98 Jackson Ave., Syosset, 516-682-8226, tommylovestacos.com; Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 8 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.
