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Asian fusion tacos, dirty cocktails and a family-friendly atmosphere are all on tap for Patchogue this fall.
Dirty Taco and Tequila, a family-owned restaurant, is coming to Main Street at the site of the old Indigo Restaurant and Bar.
Inspired by owner Tom Cataldo Jr.’s time in Los Angeles, the restaurant offers an updated take on the Mexican dish Americans have come to love.
“I was living in LA for a short time and emerged in this whole Korean concept in tacos,” Cataldo said.” And I thought there was a huge need for something unique and different. Not the Americanized Mexican taco. This Asian fusion concept really grabbed me when I was in LA. I brought that concept back to Long Island.”
Cataldo said he expects the new restaurant to open this November. At that time, villagers can feast on Asian-infused creations like the Korean short rib or kung pao chicken tacos, and Mexican and Spanish delights like Mexican street corn and churros. And — as the name suggests — there are plenty of tequila options, plus house-made margaritas and dirty cocktails.
It will also serve dirty bloody marys and mimosas alongside dishes like tres leches French toast and chicken and waffles on Sundays for brunch.
Cataldo, along with his mother and father, Tom Sr. and AnnMarie, own three Dirty Taco and Tequilas out west. They opened their first location in Wantagh in 2018 and have since added restaurants in Rockville Center and Woodbury.
“We are aggressively growing the company,” Tom Jr. said, adding that the family plans to venture into northern Suffolk areas next.
The family likes Patchogue’s atmosphere, but the owners say this establishment will deviate from the bars and restaurants that define a Friday or Saturday night on Main Street. He stresses that Dirty Tacos are family first and will not adapt to transform into a club-like space with live music.
“We play a great dale reggae fusion style music mix at all times,” he said. “It’s a very upbeat and a very lively spot, absolutely, but it’s definitely not a night atmosphere in any way shape or form.”
Top: Tacos from Dirty Taco and Tequila (credit: Facebook).
