Taco Island Mexican Cantina is a mexican restaurant in St James, NY. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Thu–Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (631) 933-9444. Average rating is 4.9 stars from 142 reviews. Website: https://birriatacosstjames.com/.
Taco Island Mexican Cantina
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Taco Island food truck showcasing sauces and payment options. — Taco Island Mexican Cantina
4.9 142 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Authentic Mexican Street Tacos on Long Island

Birria, al pastor, and barbacoa made right, parked at 680 Middle Country Rd in St. James.

About Us

A 4.9-star rating across 142 reviews is not luck. It means someone is getting the details right every single time. Taco Island Mexican Cantina operates out of a food truck in St. James, NY, and that format is part of the appeal: a focused menu, a tight crew, and zero filler on the plate.

The stars of the operation are the slow-cooked proteins. Birria tacos arrive juicy and deeply spiced, the kind that require a stack of napkins. Al pastor gets the char it needs. Barbacoa falls apart the way barbacoa is supposed to. Every order comes out on time, exactly when the staff says it will, because that's a promise they consistently keep.

St. James does not have a shortage of places to eat, but it does have a shortage of Mexican food done at this level. Taco Island fills that gap without pretense. Show up hungry, order more than you think you need, and plan to come back.

What We Offer

The menu is built around the proteins that matter most in authentic Mexican street food. Birria tacos and birria burritos lead the lineup, with slow-braised beef that earns every bite. Al pastor, barbacoa, and additional fillings round out the taco and burrito options, giving regulars enough variety to mix it up on repeat visits.

Chalupas are also on the menu, offering a crispier vessel for the same quality proteins. Orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately, which makes Taco Island a smart stop for lunch, a casual dinner, or anytime the craving for real Mexican food hits on the North Shore of Long Island.

Find the truck parked at the Carvel location on Middle Country Road. Check the website at birriatacosstjames.com for current hours and any daily specials before you make the drive.

Why Choose Us

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 142 reviews, one of the highest-rated Mexican spots on Long Island.
Slow-cooked birria, barbacoa, and al pastor prepared with technique that most fast-casual spots skip entirely.
Orders are ready when promised, no waiting around, no surprises when you show up.
A focused street-food menu means every item gets full attention, not a watered-down 40-item list.
Conveniently parked on Middle Country Road in St. James, easy to find and easy to get in and out.
Friendly staff who treat every order like it matters, because the reviews prove that they do.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"It's a food truck parked in a Carvel in Saint James, so I just need to assume that it's clean and tidy. The food that I got was decent at best, I ordered Barbacoa and Al Pastor Chalupas which were pretty pricey at 15 bucks for two. The meat was bland, had way too much lettuce and overall didn't impress me. They give you a bag of chips which were quite good and a few different sauces, the green one was the best. For the price that they charge I would opt to not return and go to a more formal taco spot such as Vallarta in Hauppauge or El Rodeo in Centereach."
— Rob P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Food was amazing. Nice guys!"
— Joseph Doria
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Best tacos I've had in a long time. Best burritos I've had in a long time. The staff was very nice and the food was ready when they said it was. Very convenient and an all-around good experience."
— Rb1330
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 months ago
"This is by far the best food EVER! The staff is helpful, happy, and they go out of their way to make you feel like family. Plus, the food can’t be beat! Check them out in Smithtown!"
— Kelly Tartamella
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"I went to the food truck this afternoon and there was Jeremy and Kelly greeting me in the best way. I had to try the birria tacos and they were amazing delicious best tacos I’ve ever try. When coming to customer service I’ve been to the other 2 locations. and so far this has been the best experience both Kelly and Jeremy helped trough the menu explaining everything with patience and a smile on their face after I placed the order they even delivered the food to my car."
— Mary Jane

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Taco Island Mexican Cantina located?

The food truck is parked at 680 Middle Country Rd in St. James, NY 11780, in the Carvel parking lot. It's easy to spot from the road.

What are the most popular items to order?

The birria tacos and birria burritos get the most attention, but the al pastor and barbacoa chalupas are also strong choices. If it's your first visit, start with the birria tacos.

Is this a food truck or a sit-down restaurant?

Taco Island operates as a food truck, so it's a walk-up, order-and-go experience. It's fast, casual, and perfect for takeout.

How do I find out the current hours?

Check the website at birriatacosstjames.com for the most current hours and any updates. Hours can vary, so it's worth a quick look before you head over.

Do I need to call ahead or can I just show up?

You can walk right up and order. The staff moves efficiently and will give you an accurate wait time when you order.

Is the food good for large orders or group pickups?

Yes, and the staff is known for having orders ready on time. If you're picking up for a group, checking the website for contact info ahead of time is a good idea.

What makes the birria different from typical Mexican restaurants?

Birria is a slow-braised meat, traditionally beef, cooked with dried chiles and spices until it's fall-apart tender. Done properly, it's rich, savory, and nothing like a standard taco filling. Taco Island's version consistently earns high marks from customers who know the difference.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Monday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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