Craft Tacos and Tequila opened last week in Mohegan Lake. The casual sit-down eatery occupies the space that recently housed the Dog Haus and Biergarten. The restaurant officially opened on Friday, March 22nd. When we visited this past Sunday afternoon for lunch they were still in their soft opening and working out the kinks.
This is a seat yourself eatery. There were a limited number of physical handheld menus and using the QR code menus located at the tables was encouraged. We were notified prior to ordering that there was an approximately 30-40 minute wait for food. The kitchen wasn’t quite ready for the crowds. It was a nice gesture to have the staff alert guests of the expected wait time so we could manage our expectations appropriately. My husband and I were willing to stick it out. Service was on point with friendly and attentive staff. They were constantly checking in with us and clearing plates.
The restaurant still has the same layout of the former Dog Haus restaurant. However, the walls are now adorned with bright murals and cute sayings like “Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty” and “Tequila may not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot.”
If you wander further into the restaurant closer to the bathrooms, you will see art hanging on the walls. The art, including paintings and photographs, are created by local area artists and has been curated by the owner. The pieces are available for purchase. (Please go see these photographs in person! The glare from the lights (and my reflection!) does not do them justice.)
My husband and I shared the following menu items:
Shishito Peppers – Cilantro Lime Crema, Cotija Cheese, Tajin.
The peppers themselves were very good. We felt the flavors of the toppings were a bit overpowered by the heat of the peppers and the Asian dipping sauce didn’t quite meld well with the Mexican flavors.
Mexican Caesar Salad – Romaine, Cotjia Cheese, Crispy Tortilla Strips, Pumpkin Seeds, Caesar Dressing
This salad is large enough to share and we did! It was still a challenge to reach the bottom of the bowl. It’s a pretty standard Caesar with a few twists but was tasty nonetheless.
Classic Baja Taco – Beer Battered Cod with Cabbage Slaw
A classic fish taco. The tangy slaw was a nice addition.
Bang Bang Shrimp Taco – Bang Bang Sauce, Fried Shrimp, Cabbage Slaw, Sriracha.
The Bang Bang taco was surprisingly spicy and flavorful! You could tell that the tacos are made with quality ingredients and care. Both tacos came on corn tortillas which unfortunately didn’t survive getting picked up without falling apart.
Although I am not a meat eater, online reviews note that the Korean Short Rib Taco and Birria Tacos are winners. They also offer wings in a variety of flavors.
The day of our visit the restaurant was out of several items like the Kung Pao Dumplings and the Mexican Street Corn. They offer two desserts: a Tres Leches and Churros. I had seen pictures of the churros online and was excited to end our lunch with an order, so I was a bit disappointed that they were sold out.
Since we are not big drinkers, we can’t comment on the tequila or cocktails. However, the large bar that was in Dog Haus remains. There are 12 beers on tap and they offer fountain drinks and also sell bottles of Jarritos.
Craft Tacos and Tequila is a welcome new addition to the Mohegan Lake restaurant scene. In a Facebook group post, one of the owners Andrew Hamerling noted that they are working out all of the kinks. They hope to be adding takeout soon and their goal is to give guests “a great and enjoyable experience.” However, they don’t want to take on too much, too fast. As a new restaurant, customers must give the business time to find their footing. Please be patient and give Craft Tacos and Tequila a try! We will be back soon so I can try the Mexican Street Corn and the churros!
The Details:
Craft Tacos and Tequila
3137 E. Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(845) 915-4387
Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Friday and Saturday 12 PM – 11 PM
