Local eatery to expand into Suffolk County

One of Nassau County’s go-to restaurants for Mexican grub and drinks, Dirty Taco and Tequila, will open a new location in Suffolk County this fall.

With locations in Wantagh, Rockville Centre and Woodbury, Dirty Taco staff are excited to bring the essence of the eatery to Patchogue, owner Thomas Cataldo Jr. said. The new location is expected to open in November. He said he met with local elected officials, who welcomed Dirty Taco to the area.

“[Patchogue] is a safe, fun, family-oriented community and that’s what we are all about,” Cataldo Jr. said. “Their culture fits with ours. It couldn’t be a better match.”

Cataldo Jr. opened the first Dirty Taco eatery in Wantagh in June 2018 after an inspiring time spent in Los Angeles, Calif. He said he wouldn’t have been able to open the Wantagh location without the support of his family. “We’ve had a massive line every day since we opened,” he noted.

Dirty Taco brings a twist on classic Mexican cuisine by incorporating Asian elements into the menu. Some well-known dishes at the Asian fusion staple include: Vietnamese shrimp with Thai peanut sauce and crushed peanuts, Kung Pao chicken tacos and Thai salmon.

The menu at each Dirty Taco location is identical and will remain the same at the new location. The only major difference between the stores, Cataldo Jr. explained, is the aesthetic design of each – all of which combine Day of the Dead-inspired art and imagery of samurais, women wearing kimonos and lotus flowers.

Wantagh store manager, Dave Bharat, a long-time friend of the Cataldo family, said that he’s looking forward to watching the Dirty Taco brand expand further east on Long Island. 

“I think Patchogue will hit it off real big,” Bharat said. “It’s going to keep up the same … great food, customer service, and excellent drinks.”

Full-time server Stephanie Twiford, who has worked at all three current Dirty Taco locations, said she’s eager to work in Patchogue and thinks the eatery will fit right in.

“The Patchogue shop is going to be a huge success. The restaurant scene is already huge in Patchogue and Dirty Taco will make it more huge,” Twiford said. “There’s a healthy balance of day-time restaurants and nightlife there and our cuisine will fit right in with that.”

Cataldo Jr. said he aims to open the Patchogue spot in November and kickoff with a grand opening party. He predicted that Dirty Taco will become a go-to spot within the area.

“It’s going to be a massive hit. It’s going to be the top spot of Patchogue,” Cataldo Jr. said. “Your favorite taco family is coming to town … and we’re ready to have fun."