When hunger hits at the mall, the dining options tend to be a crowded food court or the hot pretzel stand, but at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, finely executed Latin American street food is being served in an expansive, transportive space—cleverly sheltered from the shopping bags and fluorescents by a grand entryway and V-shape slatted walls that bring a distinctly island feel to Rockland’s retail mecca.
Opened earlier this year with 200 seats across two levels—with towering Mesoamerican art, lush greenery, and a massive bar as focal points—Carlitos Tequileria is a sophisticated den of elegantly prepared tacos, grilled and oak-smoked meats, and craft cocktails. While the food menu is succinct (but not sparse), the lineup of agave spirits is nearly limitless.
The restaurant is the brainchild of Carlos Castillo, who was born in Honduras and raised in Queens, where he hosted barbecues in a neighborhood park for crowds of fellow teenagers, each chipping in 10 bucks to create simple meals over the grill—fueled by their diverse heritage. “It was never about the food back then,” he recalls. “It was about how it made people feel. That’s what food does; it brings people closer.”
Castillo pursued not cooking school, but hospitality management, and cut his teeth alongside big names in the culinary industry (Abigail Kirsch, Sodexo), before launching a food truck in Jersey City in 2017. A couple of brick and mortar fast-casual spots followed in New Jersey (including Terminal A at Newark Airport), though this is Castillo’s first foray into the Hudson Valley.
Carlitos Tequileria isn’t just about another restaurant; it’s about honoring where we come from and sharing the flavors and stories that mean so much to us.
“Opening in New York has always felt like coming full circle for us, and we knew it was only a matter of time,” says Castillo, who runs the business with his wife, Sabrina. “Carlitos Tequileria isn’t just about another restaurant; it’s about honoring where we come from and sharing the flavors and stories that mean so much to us.”
This translates to crispy pork belly, tender braised beef, sliced brisket, and lightly battered shrimp and fish tucked between hand-pressed heritage corn tortillas. Oak-smoked pulled pork is a must-try main, and simply grilled skirt steak, chicken, and shrimp prove just as satisfying. For something lighter, consider the ensalada, featuring a split romaine heart that’s wood-fired and dotted with crumbles of cotija cheese, walnuts, toasty calabaza seeds, and drizzled with honey Dijon vinaigrette.
Dessert includes fresh churros, filled with melty chocolate or dulce de leche, and served with ice cream (go for a scoop of rich Mexican chocolate or creamy, soul-soothing horchata). Latin American wines and New York beers round out the agave-focused beverage program, which boasts a predominantly additive-free tequila list (save a few big-name bottles).
And with an upper level that offers private dining as well as a sizeable event space with a balcony, not to mention tall wooden entry doors flanked by brick columns, diners just might forget they’re out to eat at the mall. In fact, it’s worth a special shopping-free trip—tons of parking and no purchase necessary.
