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Update: Barito is now open in Port Jefferson.
Watch: Greater Port Jeff tours the new Barito Tacos & Cocktails
Original story: Four men with extensive bar and restaurant experience here on Long Island are joining forces in Port Jefferson to open Barito Tacos & Cocktails in the old Arden space.
The 4,200-square-foot second floor location with views of Main Street and the harbor will feature Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican, a creative drink menu and vibrant nightlife, the owners tell GreaterPortJeff.
The team includes Steven Scalesse and David Prunier, who own and operate the highly regarded Tullulah’s in Bay Shore.
They are joined by Tullulah’s general manager Sean Nolan, and Matthew Murray, one of the original owners of the popular Public House 49 in Patchogue Village.
Murray left Public House recently and was looking for a new endeavor. He started talking with the Tullulah’s team about a new restaurant this summer.
After agreeing to join forces, they quickly zeroed in on Port Jeff.
They got control of the old Arden space, which was previously Port Jazz, just last month. The Arden opened in 2014 before closing earlier this year.
“We’re going to have really cool food and it’s going to look great in here,” said Murray. “We’re in the process of changing the interior now and making it our own.”
For example, the owners are bringing in a known tattoo artist to paint some Mexican-themed scenes on two walls.
The goal is to open the 120-seat restaurant later this year.
Prunier and Scalesse, who is a chef, opened Tullulah’s in Bay Shore in 2005, then expanded in 2013.
The full menu at Barito won’t be revealed until the restaurant is closer to opening.
“It’s going to be a taco-based menu, but we’ll have some dishes, too,” said Scalesse, who lives in Port Jeff. “One of the big things we’ll be doing, which you’re not seeing on Long Island, is tacos al pastor, which uses traditional meats but roasted on a spit.”
“We’ll make it in-house, marinate it ourselves … Then you put a pineapple on the top of the meat, and an onion and just let those juices cook into it all day.”
“We’ll be changing things up and keeping it fresh all the time,” he continued. “We want to appeal to people who like to go out and get good food without getting slammed on the prices.”
Murray said the team is especially excited about being in Port Jefferson. They hadn’t looked anywhere else.
“I love everything about the town,” Murray said. “Growing up, we always came down here and had fun. It seems like more of a year-round destination now. And just being on the street and looking out the window; there’s people outside all day.
“They see us and keep yelling up through the windows asking, ‘What’s happening?’”
Now they know.
SNEAK TASTE
For those looking for a sneak taste of Barito, Scalesse will be cooking on behalf of Barito Tacos & Cocktails during The Taste at Port Jefferson Saturday night at the Village Center.
To purchase tickets click here.
Top: Looking out at Port Jefferson from the future Baritos Tacos & Cocktails at 201 Main Street. (Michael White)
