The first thing people always say when I tell them I review tacos in New York is “Really? Shouldn’t you be on the west coast?” Yea, I guess. The taco culture is bigger out there. And it’s bolstered by the fact that they’re closer to Mexico and have warm sunny days year round. I always respond with “Please, this is New York. There are plenty of good tacos here.” But secretly, they’re right. I long to saunter up to a taco stand in a bikini after spending my day riding the waves.
Enter Rockaway Taco.
Rockaway is the closest you’ll get to the west coast experience. It’s got a big surf scene and it’s easily accessible by public transportation.
I was already sold after the ride down. The A train travels on narrow tracks across Jamaica Bay. It gives the impression that you’re riding right on the water. I can’t describe how great it feels to be able to take a train to the beach. Maybe it’s being stuck in the city all day that you forget you’re right next to the water. So when you finally get out there on public transportation it feels like you’ve crossed over into another world.
The atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect. This taco stand is quite literally a shack. And the outdoor seating feels like a private backyard party. I was just hoping the food would be any good because I knew I would be coming back regardless.
I ordered the fish, carne deluxe (with guacamole) and the chorizo. Holy god, the fish taco was amazing. Best I’ve ever had on the east coast easily. I mean, this was the thing that they were not allowed to fail at. If there’s anything you would want more at the beach, it’s a fish taco and they really pulled through. The carne and the chorizo were entirely capable but they paled in comparison to the glory of the fish taco. The carne had a marinade that was too sweet for my tastes. It almost tasted like bbq sauce. But the meat was tender and the toppings were excellent. The chorizo didn’t have enough of a char. I like it to be really crispy. But again, delicious. I got a watermelon agua to wash it all down. They were supposed to have a watermelon limeade which I would have liked more but they were all out by the time I got there.
The icing on the cake was the adorable take home menus.
After my meal I grabbed what was left of my watermelon agua and headed to the beach. I’ll tell you, the thing that’s been missing from every taco experience I’ve had in New York is the opportunity to check out the ocean afterward. Sun, sand and tacos really do go together perfectly.
Rockaway Taco
95-19 Rockaway Beach Boulevard
New York, NY 11693
