Tacos are versatile, portable, and oh, so tasty. They just might be one of the world’s most perfect foods. So, if you find yourself on the North Fork and craving a quick meal, here are some of the best tacos between Riverhead and Orient Point.
Funchos
Riverhead
Founded in 2001, Funchos has become a go-to spot in Riverhead. The recently expanded seating area and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to kick back. The first place taco here is the West Coast crispy fish, which is battered and fried to perfection, then tucked in a corn tortilla with lettuce, pico, and jalapeño cream sauce.
If you choose the El Taco Truck style it comes with rice and beans. Pair that with a cerveza or finish off with a churro and your meal is complete. Funchos is open every day from 11am to 9pm. 631-369-7277
Lucia
Mattituck
Tucked into a cozy corner of Mattituck, Lucia exudes an authentic, cozy vibe. They have a huge selection of imported and homemade drinks, an extensive breakfast menu, and menus in both English and Spanish.
Three tacos in corn tortillas come with a wide selection of sauce. This number one for Lucia is the steak taco, which is seasoned to perfection and covered in raw onion and cilantro. A close runner-up is the veggie taco, served American style with shredded cheese. The shrimp is also a good bet. Rice and beans are extra. Lucia is open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. 631-315-5165
Lucharitos
With multiple locations on the East End, Lucharitos is an accessible, easy option for people looking for delicious, quick fare. Some locations do have seating, but the Mattituck location is geared towards take-out and has a choose-your-own fillings bar. You pick your fillings and toppings and the server creates a custom order just for you.
The favorite taco here is the mushrooms, which are deeply seasoned and go well with corn, cilantro, and guac. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30am-8:30pm, Friday 11:30am-10pm, Saturday 11:30am-9pm, and Sunday 11:30am-8pm. 631-315-5444
Mattitaco
Mattituck
Mattitaco takes Latin flavors and infuses them with a beachy aesthetic. Many of the tacos have local and sustainable ingredients. There is also a large selection of beers to pair with your favorite offerings. While the interior of Mattitaco is set up for take-out, there is generous outdoor seating, both in front of the patio and in the tiki bar around back. In addition to the brick-and-mortar location, Mattitaco also has a food truck available for booking.
There are many tacos to choose from here, but the best of the best is the shrimp. The “El Patron” is a great choice, made with flavorful shrimp and sharp cheese balanced with avocado and salsa roja. Mattitaco is open 12pm to 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 12pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday. 631-298-7826
Taco Bout It
Riverhead
Nestled behind Haiku sushi in downtown Riverhead, Taco Bout It boasts an authentic Mexican menu. There is limited seating inside, but the patio has a number of tables to accommodate larger parties. Top of the list here is the birria, a slow-cooked, pulled beef that is brimming with flavor. Get them “authentic” style, with cilantro and onion, or “americano with lettuce and cheese.
If you are feeling adventurous, consider trying the lengua, an unexpectedly tender cut of beef, or the cecina, a dry-cured meat. The sides are extra and the restaurant is cash only. Taco Bout It is open Monday through Saturday 11am to 9pm. 631-574-8787
Tikal
Greenport
This spacious Greenport restaurant has a wide selection of food and drink. The tacos come in threes and are served with a generous helping of a fantastic green sauce. From the corn tortilla to the traditional toppings of cilantro and raw onion, all the offerings are top notch. The carnitas come out the winner here, followed closely by the al pastor and chorizo tacos. Sides are extra.
Tikal is open Monday and Wednesday 11am-9pm; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-10 pm. 631-333-2018