Dirty Taco and Tequila Brings Fusion Flair to Bayside

The Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant chain has opened its seventh location in Bayside, New York.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:00am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a Mexican-Korean fusion food item, such as a taco or burrito, in a grid pattern with bright, neon-like colors and heavy black outlines, capturing the energy and creativity of the restaurant's fusion cuisine.The vibrant, fusion-inspired menu at Dirty Taco and Tequila is celebrated through a bold, pop art-inspired illustration.Wantagh Today

Dirty Taco and Tequila, a restaurant known for its Mexican-Korean fusion cuisine and lively atmosphere, has officially opened its seventh location in Bayside, New York. The new restaurant features a vibrant, two-story space with decorative greenery, graffiti-clad walls, and a large mural, as well as a menu filled with tacos, wings, burritos, cocktails, and more.

Why it matters

The opening of Dirty Taco and Tequila in Bayside represents the continued growth and popularity of fusion cuisine, as well as the demand for unique dining experiences that offer a fun, energetic atmosphere alongside high-quality food and drinks.

The details

The Bayside location features decorative greenery, graffiti-clad walls, and a larger-than-life mural of a woman in a kimono. The menu offers a hefty selection of tacos, wings, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and nachos, all served à la carte. Signature items include habanero tequila-marinated pineapple chili ribs, watermelon basil and midnight blue margaritas, and a variety of taco options featuring beef, pork, fish, chicken, and vegetables. The restaurant also sells its own merchandise, allowing fans to proudly proclaim themselves as 'dirty girls' or 'dirty guys'.

  • Dirty Taco and Tequila officially opened its Bayside location last month.
  • The restaurant chain has expanded to seven locations across Long Island and New York City since opening its first location in Wantagh in 2018.

The players

Tom Cataldo

Co-owner of Dirty Taco and Tequila and husband of Ann Marie Cataldo.

Ann Marie Cataldo

One of the owners of Dirty Taco and Tequila.

Tom Cataldo Jr.

The son of Tom and Ann Marie Cataldo, who came up with the idea for the Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant after being inspired by Korean street tacos while attending Arizona State University.

Christina Cataldo

The wife of Tom Cataldo Jr.

Dirty Taco and Tequila

A Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant chain that has expanded to seven locations across Long Island and New York City since opening its first location in Wantagh in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“I really think from what we're hearing, they're all saying the same thing — Bell Boulevard needed this. They needed something different, something with excitement, something that's unique and different from the culinary standard and different from the bar.”

— Tom Cataldo, Co-owner of Dirty Taco and Tequila

“A huge part of our success has been that we're a family unit and family-run restaurant. We touch every table. As a family, we offer service, service, service. Everything tastes better with great service.”

— Tom Cataldo, Co-owner of Dirty Taco and Tequila

“Tom is just a rah-rah guy — he loves what he does. My son came up to us with this idea and we all just ran with it.”

— Ann Marie Cataldo, Co-owner of Dirty Taco and Tequila

What’s next

The Cataldo family plans to continue expanding Dirty Taco and Tequila, with the next location set to open in Westchester County or Connecticut.

The takeaway

The opening of Dirty Taco and Tequila in Bayside highlights the growing demand for unique, fusion-inspired dining experiences that offer a vibrant atmosphere and high-quality, creative cuisine. The restaurant's expansion across Long Island and New York City demonstrates the popularity of its Mexican-Korean fusion menu and family-run, service-focused business model.