On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Carson + Spencer is hosting the SONO Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl! You'll have the chance to hop from bar to bar in South Norwalk in one fun-filled evening. Tickets start at $20.
Mezon in Danbury is throwing the biggest party of the year in honor of Cinco! Cocktail competition. Live DJ. Drink specials + delicious food featuring the @eatjustice food truck. Sunday May 5th. Doors open at 7.
Ordinary New Haven will be offering an $8 Margarita Special in honor of Cinco de Mayo on Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 (the bar is closed on Sundays). The drink special includes Hacienda Blanco Tequila, Blood Orange Shrub, Citrus and Dehydrated Grapefruit Salt.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Bartaco Portchester! From 3:30-6pm, listen to live music by Rick Reyes & The Pasofino Social Club. From 6:30-9pm Tangled Vine will take the set. The night concludes with DJ Teofilis.
The Acoustic Café welcomes the Cosmic Jibaros for their Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Evarito's is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long! Visit them for happy hour on Friday and then enjoy $7 Margaritas and food specials on Saturday & Sunday. Their Saturday Night party will feature DJ Mercado and Sunday they’ll have Latin Band Quimbombó from NYC.
Chef Dan Kardos (Liberty Rock Tavern, Oar & Oak) is rolling out something new for CT taco (and lobster) lovers. Kardos has bought himself another truck, and this time we’re talking tacos. Flaco Taco is the name, and Kardos is in the process of getting it ready for the summer season. The truck will be serving up $4 tacos and some tasty sides…but wait, there’s more…there will also be an epically delicious $24 Lobster roll (ya know…just ‘cuz).
Let’s talk about them tacos. CTbites have seen a preliminary menu, and Kardos admits things may change by June, but here is the basic situation. Tacos range from Crispy Fish with spicy slaw and lime, to Southern Fried Chicken with buttermilk ranch, and Braised Beef Shank with spicy tahini. Yes please. Sides will likely include classics such as street corn, Guac’ and his famous watermelon and cucumber salad (think Liberty Rock Truck).
Chef Matt Storch is at it again, this time with a concept that waxes nostalgic to his humble beginnings in the kitchen of the much loved Tex-Mex joint, "Tacos Or What?" in Westport. Tacos Or What was the local spot where Storch learned to love the business of food, and now, Match Taco is his latest venture going into the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport.
Storch plans to get back to his roots (yes, his grandma actually owned a restaurant in Mexico City) and get his hands into some serious tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas...all the Tex-Mex food you could want. Additionally Match Taco will be filling those weekend morning comfort food cravings with a full menu of breakfast sandwiches. Intrigued? Read on...
SoNo’s biggest recent mystery involved the space where Washington and N Main streets meet. Stacked piles of wood blocked all hopes of peeking inside. A fox shaded on the ends of the wood made passersby more curious. What stumped a bunch of us even more was another fox that popped up in the windows, this time in emoji form, accompanied by the hashtag #Hola.
What was this riddle? A restaurant? Another bar? In SoNo, that’s what it usually is. But definitely something with a Spanish cuisine theme, right?!
I was puzzled. I posted about it many times. I asked around to no avail. People asked me what it was. I had no freaking clue. Eventually, I heard it would be a Mexican restaurant concept by the good folks at Skal Restaurant Group, who run things at The Cask Republic locations and The Ginger Man Greenwich. All of this was later confirmed (sort of) by a fittingly odd Instagram account that tagged me in a lot of posts as they did food and drink research in Mexico.
It’s a secret no longer! Evarito’s is now open in South Norwalk!
We are happy to share this exciting burrito news from Connecticut Magazine.
The opening-night crowd filed into the postcard-worthy red building that was once a railroad station but had just officially become Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery. Eight-hundred pints of beer were poured as people thronged around tables, overflowing into the aisles and then outside onto a patio area.
Many, like me, were intrigued that a new brewery had opened in the Greater Danbury area. But that wasn’t the only reason we left work early and endured long lines and unintentional, mosh pit-like jostling.
There are a lot of good reasons to head to Hartford. I’m particularly love with the collection at the Wadworth Atheneum Museum of Art and its former director’s hoax-house mansion—two of the many things to do in Connecticut’s capital city where you can visit the home of quirky American satirist, Mark Twain.
No less unusual but equally inspiring is Chango Rosa a pan-Latin fusion restaurant in downtown Hartford situated within walking distance of State Capital Park across from Union Station.
Featuring an eclectic pan-Latin inspired menu and vibrant, fun décor Chango Rosa is less about authentic Latin foods and more about creatively using Latin ingredients and cooking methods as inspiration.
“We want our cooks to be cooks and our mixologists to be mixologists. We want them to explore their creativity first,” says David Gilmore, Chango Rosa’s Executive Chef, formerly of Infinity Bistro. “For me that’s about experimenting and finding unique ways to get the best out of the ingredients and flavors.”
Located at the former site of Wilson’s Barbecue, the Fairfield favorite of a dozen years, Tequila Revolucion features authentic Mexican/Central American fare in a vibrant atmosphere.
The brainchild of Ryan Gillespie as general manager and Mauricio Guevara, head chef who worked together at New Canaan’s Tequila Mockingbird, Tequila Revolucion is the co-owners’ first independent restaurant venture.
“We collectively have over twenty years experience in the business and Tk years together at Tequila Mockingbird,” says Gillespie. “Each of us had a dream of owning our own place and when this opportunity came up we decided to go for it.”
Gillespie was a manager at the New Canaan eatery and Guevara worked his way up to head chef from a dishwasher.
At the pair’s new venture the focus is on seasonal food and, says Gillespie, they look forward to the growing season when they hope to source as much local food as possible. Since freshness is a hallmark of the Tequila Revolucion approach, very few items on the menu come premade, canned or frozen, down to the handmade tortilla chips, salsas, beans, and sauces.
Josh Liva is no stranger to the restaurant business. He found his passion as a teenager, traveling over 2 hours to work at his uncle’s restaurant. It was there starting out as a dishwasher, that he developed his work ethic and style. It was through those efforts that he learned an important rule: “Treat everyone like family,” just like in Mexico.
With that in mind, Liva went on to open his first food truck – – Crazy Taco Mex– – almost 5 years ago in Stamford, a second food truck followed about a year after that …. and now, a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the heart of Stamford Downtown. Crazy Taco Mex Taqueria and Tequila Bar. Following the same rules of the truck by pairing quality foods with quality service.
The restaurant takes over space previously occupied by another long standing Mexican restaurant, Tacos Guadalajara. The space was outdated and in need of a bit of a face lift. With that, Liva and his family spent about 120 hours over 6 weeks renovating. The new space is colorful and playful, offering seating for about 50.
This ain’t your average taste of Mexico. We’re talkin’ a two-pound, 12-inch marvel—ay, Chihuahua! Look no further than Margaritas, with local outposts in East Hartford and Mystic. A crispy shell, light as air, is piled with everything under the sun: seasoned chicken, ground beef, pork carnitas, bacon, cheese, lettuce, refried beans—let me catch my breath here—Mexican rice, salsa fresca and queso, topped with hacienda and picante sauces, crema and pickled jalapeños.
The challenge is, can you finish it in one serving? We failed, but enjoyed the Taco Gigante even as leftovers the next day. Want to give it a try? Put yourself on the wall of fame (or is that wall of shame?!). But you’ve got to get there quickly. Taco Gigante rides into the sunset when October ends, amigos.
Margaritas is located at 350 Roberts Street in East Hartford and at 12 Water Street in Mystic.
Here's our list of our favorite Taco Restaurants & Trucks in Connecticut. Feel free to add your favorites to the list below.
Rincon Taqueria (493 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk) From the owners of Bistro du Soleil in SoNo comes a menu that includes Huevas Rancheros, Burritos, Chilaquiles, Tacos, Empanadas, Tamales and a Chicken Quesadilla. All of their dishes pack great flavors. Mix and match the tacos, from Baja fish to pork, empanadas, generous portions. Fresh ingredients and complimentary yellow rice and beans. Pretty small deli-like space and BYOB.
Tacos Mexico (82 Fort Point St., Norwalk) Enchiladas, grilled specialities, lots of shrimp dishes, chipotle chicken tacos and the hot sauce is HOT-consider yourself warned, so you made need an Orange-Ginger Mojito (muy bueno). Plain from the outside, but pleasant inside, and very reasonably priced. Parking can be tricky. http://tacosmexicollc.com
Chango Rosa (1 Union Pl, Hartford ) This fun casual restaurant and cocktail bar serves a fusion of authentic Latin American street foods and the popular smoked meats from Bear's Smokehouse. The menu features foods such as empanadas, enchiladas, arepas, and tacos! The meats are divine. https://changorosa.com/
If you love Bartaco’s signature margarita we have great news… the tequila used to make their cocktail is now available for purchase in liquor stores across Connecticut! Libelula tequila made its official debut in the Connecticut market in January 2017, but as the summer months approach it’s becoming more and more visible on shelves throughout the state.
“This is the exact tequila used to make Bartaco’s world famous margaritas!” says Curt Goldman, the Executive Importer of CNI Brands, longtime partner of Bartaco group. “No change whatsoever!”
The web site "Best Things Connecticut" published this list of 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in CT. We were pleased to see a few CTbites favorites on this list. Check it out and tell us what you think? What's missing? Anything you would leave off this Top 10 list?
Joy’s Mexican food is impressive, hearty, and flavorful. The menu is packed with traditional favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and tortas, but the stand out is really their tamales. The tamales are perfectly cooked, savory, and super affordable at under $3 each. Joy’s also serves breakfast, typical American dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, and salad, and more. Do be sure to dine at Joy’s Restaurant.
Uno, dos, tres… the countdown is on to Cinco de Mayo! On Friday May 5, Connecticut restaurants like Bodega, Taco Loco, and Bartaco will put on fabulous fiestas featuring food specials, live music, tequila, signature cocktails, and more. There is even a cinco inspired cupcake making class and a benefit to support Dollars for Scholars.
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, East Hartford & Mystic: Through May 4, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant will host Cinco Days of Goodwill, where 20% goes to Goodwill Industries. Plus, visit them for $5 specials as part of the countdown to Cinco de Mayo.
Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven: Geronimo will have celebrations at both locations. In Fairfield, an outdoor pig roast starts at 11:30am and an outdoor Taco Cart hits the streets at 5pm. The New Haven location will also have a pig roast, and later a street party complete with a donkey!
Are you ready for food truck season? With summer right around the corner you can bet on seeing the Taco Loco Party Trucks cruising through your town. If you are hosting a party this year the Taco Loco Party Trucks are a must have! Imagine not having to worry about shopping, setting up, cooking, or cleaning. All you have to do is invite your friends and family and we will take care of the rest!
The first thing to do when you sit down at a sturdy wood table at El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant is order an agua fresca. These icy fruit drinks are made to order; the grinding blender drowns out the Mexican t.v. and music, and soon you’re sipping the most refreshing beverage. My favorite is the melon or watermelon, depending on what they have in the kitchen. Mango is sweeter. I haven’t tried the tamarindo.
El Paraiso is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Bridgeport. It’s on Madison Avenue, near Capitol. The white gates covering some of the windows make it look closed, but inside, especially on weekends, El Paraiso is bustling and welcoming, the room filled with families with children. The waitresses smile. Speaking Spanish is an advantage, but by no means necessary.
Located in the heart of historic South Norwalk,Zapata Mexican Restaurant crafts authentic Mexican cuisine in an area rich in history and vibrant in color, Zapata Mexican Restaurant proudly contributes to this energetic environment. This is our second location, the original is located in Palisades, NY where our family-owned and operated restaurant has thrived for over 20 years. Many of our customers come in and ask why SONO? The answer is simple, SONO lacked an authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh ingredients, amazing margaritas, and smiling faces. Freshness is what we believe in and what we thrive on. We personally choose all our produce, and all of our ingredients. We are in a society where fresh and healthy is key! To ensure the highest quality, we also cook all of our products with olive oil to keep it healthy and always tasting delicious.
Recently the CTbites team previewed the menu at El Segundo in South Norwalk, the newest restaurant from the talented partners who created The Spread just up the block. The concept: Eat the Street. Intersect some of the world’s tastiest street food at the corner of Washington and North Water in SONO.
What began as a tasting quickly turned into a party ... a coming out party for Carlos Baez, Executive Chef of The Spread, one of the region’s most versatile, yet unheralded, chefs.
The menu flaunts Baez’ extraordinary range -- a gastronomic tour de force featuring over 3 dozen dishes curated from the boulevards and back allies of 27 countries on all seven continents, including barren Antarctica. (More about that selection later)
It’s time for a bit of trivia! What was Bridgeport’s first Mexican restaurant? What was the first Mexican food truck in the state?
The answer to both questions is the same and it might surprise you: Taco Loco! The restaurant, which now lies on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, opened its doors in 1982 by bothers Miguel and Louis Tomasio. Originally, Taco Loco functioned as a small taco shop located on Main Street. It served inexpensive Mexican Food late into the night. As demand grew, the business transformed from counter service to a full scale restaurant. In 1985 Miguel added a food truck and they moved to their present-day location in 1989. Taco Loco currently seats 100 guests, has a four season patio, and a coveted food truck.
Now, in 2016, Taco Loco is about to undergo another evolution! Miguel, along with his son Zachary Tomasio, are releasing a brand new menu aimed at “authenticity and quality.” With a background in marketing and a fresh perspective, Zachary is ready to explore the latest trends and additional avenues of business.
Step through the door at Sayulita in South Glastonbury, and, right away, you’ll see: this is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. Clean and simple, with lots of wood and natural light, Sayulita features what’s fresh and local from the farms of South Glastonbury to the shores of Stonington. A poster of a surfing contest with a sugar skull, a thick turquoise glass bottle for the water that’s brought to your table. On my last visit, ’50s music played in the background. It’s casual. It’s comfortable. It’s a departure from most Mexican you’ve ever had before. Named after the seaside surfing town north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is the most recent restaurant endeavor of Adam and Bill Driggs, owners of 2Hopewell and Birch Hill Tavern. With Chef Van Hurd, of Hell’s Kitchen fame, at the helm, you’re in for a uniquely tasty adventure here.
Sometimes the most excellent feasts can be found at the beginning and end of the menu—appetizers and desserts. Add quality cocktails and out-of-the-ordinary tacos to round it out and what you’ve got is my favorite way to enjoy a meal at Sayulita.
After 3 successful years in South Norwalk, the team fromThe Spreadhas just announced that they have signed a lease in the SoNo Ironworks complex. In early 2016 an exciting new restaurant concept will be coming to CT diners. The name is El Segundo and the idea is simple. Spread owners Christpher Hickey, Christopher Rasile, Andrey Cortes, and Shawn Longyear alongside Chef Carlos Baez have created a menu that features street food from around the globe that everyone loves to eat: tacos, arepas, ceviche, Asian bao, light salads and a little comfort food thrown in for good measure. The setting is casual and fun, with a price point that will make diners in South Norwalk smile. And the bar? Let’s just say these guys know a thing or two about bartending.
Directly across from Harlan Publick, El Segundo is poised to deliver a uniquely fun dining experience to Fairfield County. The restaurant features an open kitchen with bar seating, allowing diners to watch Chef Carlos as he re-creates dishes from his childhood, including his father’s recipe for Tacos Al Pastor. Large windows make this space light and airy and garage doors will open up to the Ironworks courtyard in the warmer months.
