It’s always a good time for Mexican food. If last week’s National Margarita Day didn’t quite give you your fix of Mexican food, it’s time to remedy t
hat. For great tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice and beans, and of course, margaritas, check out these local Mexican hot spots around Massapequa. ¡Buen provecho!
Zim Zari California
Coastal Grille
4964 Merrick Rd.,
Massapequa Park
516-809-6960
www.zimzari.com
This California hotspot right in the middle of Massapequa will make you feel like the surfer dudes of Laguna Beach. The interior of this Baja-style surf shack welcomes families and friends of all ages. Zim Zari offers nightly specials, including the popular Taco Tuesday, where almost every taco on the menu—jerk chicken, tuna, volcano shrimp, fish and five more options—is $2 each. After studying the surfboard shape menu, the Chicken Avocado Sun Roll is a must-have for an appetizer, followed up by a pineapple shrimp quesadilla or a hefty fajita with all of the sides. If you want something light, try one of Zim Zari’s coastal salad bowls with fresh fruits, vegetables, lettuce, and depending on your choice of salad, cilantro, avocado, lo-mein noodles, mandarin oranges or bean sprouts. Wash everything down with a drink from the bar menu, featuring several types of tequilas, margaritas, sangrias, daiquiris and other blended concoctions. Go coastal any day during the week, but expect a bit of a wait on weekends, and of course, Taco Tuesday.
Don Juan
4899 Merrick Rd.,
Massapequa Park
516-798-1172
www.donjuanny.com
If the only time you have been to Don Juan was on your eighth grade Spanish class field trip, then it’s time to go back as an adult. Offering a quintessential family dining Mexican experience, Don Juan is perfect for large groups. Large pitchers of margaritas are a classic go-to, but you can always try a Cocotini or Dos Equis. Dim lighting and decor akin to the culture of Mexico, Don Juan offers diners a menu of popular Latin dishes. From tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas to meat (Steak Tampiquena is a must try), chicken and seafood dishes, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. Start off with a healthy helping of fresh guacamole and chips, or the queso fundido, which you may not want to share. How about a flight of margaritas before you pick your favorite? Don Juan is a little on the pricier side, but for a nice night out with great food and service from a family owned local restaurant, we say sombreros all around
El Coyote Loco
3545 Merrick Rd., Seaford
516-785-9087
www.elcoyoteloco.net
Continue down Merrick Road and you will find El Coyote Loco. Not as well known on the Latin food circuit as some other restaurants, you won’t want to pass this one up. With a wide array of selections typical to Mexican cuisine, El Coyote Loco has been family owned and operated for the past 20 years. Munch on
chips and salsa as you decide on whether or not to try the ceviche or jalapeño poppers. Make room for a combination plate served with rice and beans, or perhaps chimichangas are more your speed? The restaurant has a large menu for fish and vegetarian options as well as the perfect family-style meal, pollo loco, which can feed two to four people. Mondays and Tuesdays are BOGO nights for house wine and margaritas and any night is a good one for some hot and crispy cinnamon churros or an apple chimichanga with vanilla ice cream.
