South Swell is open once again on the water in West Babylon

They’re here to stay!

The owners of Swell Taco are coming off a wildly successful — and unexpected  — first summer with their South Swell concept in a former longtime deli spot for boaters in West Babylon.

The 2024 season got underway May 3.

“We’re going to keep going with the flow,” said co-owner Brooke Jankow, who started Babylon’s Swell Taco in 2012 with her brother Steve Zoerner.

South Swell operates at 605 Bergen Ave. on Bergen Point.

In April of 2023 she and her team got to work bringing that Swell Taco feel to the water, and outfitting the place for their cooks. They opened before they even expected.

“We were still working inside and people were knocking on the door,” she said, “so we decided to wing it.” Even with no computer systems in place, people were OK with some fits and starts and the oft-erratic hours of a soft opening.

“Everyone down there is on island time,” she said.

The place absolutely took off from there.

“It was well received,” she said. “Everyone was stoked we were there and doing something different and offering a place where you can enjoy the water with yummy eats, cocktails or cervezas, whatever.”

South Swell is a bit different. You won’t find an extensive Tex-Mex taco and burrito menu like you will in Babylon, but you’ll find more authentic Mexican options, such as the Shredded Steak Tacos and Chicken Barbacoa. There’s also a Not Tacos menu.

Then there’s the breakfast, with the place opening at 8 a.m. and serving egg sandwiches, a breakfast burrito, the Churro Waffle, avocado toast and more. Click here for the full breakfast menu

There’s room for over a dozen boats and parking is free, or go by car and park.

The building is small and take-out only, but there’s room outside to eat.

All photos courtesy of Swell South.