Mexican Food Chain To Open Smoked Taco Restaurants In North Jersey

NORTH JERSEY — A Mexican restaurant chain is opening several Northeast locations that will focus on pit-smoked barbecue tacos.

The next location of Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria is set to open in the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City this Friday, and after that, at least one more location is planned for North Jersey.

There's already a Carlitos at the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, but a spokesperson for the chain said on Thursday that another location will open nearby in the future.

The new locations will feature their pit-smoked barbecue taco concept.

Founder Carlos Castillo, who grew up in Queens, introduced concept of traditional smoked barbecue on hand-pressed corn tortillas in 2017.

Castillo opened a food trailer in Jersey City that year, then added a location in the mall in Paramus.

A representative said on Thursday, "The Taqueria menus will be simple, but guests will still have difficulty choosing. As with every Carlitos location, the hand-pressed, naturally gluten-free corn tortillas are the basis, cooked to order, and the fresh corn scent will greet you."

Patrons can choose proteins including pit-smoked brisket, pulled pork, carne asada, barrio, chicken, crispy fish, or sweet plantains (for vegetarians).

Diners can also enjoy sauces and sides like guacamole.

Besides tacos, the locations will serve up bowls and desserts.

Beverages include thirst-quenching passion fruit, mango, or pineapple aquas frescos, Mexican Coke, and more.

The prices are affordable, with tacos starting at $4.

Find out more at carlitostacos.com.