Taco joints and Texas BBQ have been invading New York City the last few months, and I’m not complaining. It’s really insane ,and I do have to admit, some of these BBQ places are showing up some of my favorite smoked joints back in Texas. The competition here is fierce. Tres Carnes has upped the annie in this burrito/taco world by bringing in a pitmaster from Austin’s famed The Salt Lick BBQ where he is making Texas Smoked Mexican tacos, burritos and bowls. It’s basically the same concept as Chipotle, but the meat is very smoky in flavor and tender with an incredible brisket option. This brisket is as good as any BBQ restaurant in town, and it’s chopped and melts in your mouth. It’s been smoked for 16 hours plus. The Chicken Adobo is also smoked and chopped. It’s a bit thicker cut of meat, and I did really like it, but the brisket is just so awesome and reminiscent for me that I’d have to get this guy every time.
The vegetable selection is where the menu takes a creative twist and the Mexican part comes in with Street-Cart Esquites Corn made with Smoky Lime Mayo, Cilantro and Cotija Crema.The Roasted Chipotle Squash is the game changer here and my favorite topping. It’s roasted with red onions, honey and garlic. I thought the Smashed and Smoky Guacamole needed some work or a kick after my first visit. You can also choose between homemade salsas made from scratch such as: Mild, Medium Hot and XXX Hot. Go for the hot. You can handle it. Beverages include a Cucumber-Apple-Lime Agua Fresca, Mexican Sodas and Micheladas.
The blazing BBQ smell the restaurant emits is super tempting and the blaring tunes include an eclectic mix of Country and Rock like Steve Miller Band’s “Space Cowboy” Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” making your wait in line more pleasant. The design of the space includes graffiti on one of the walls reminding me of the drag in Austin and it really creates a great vibe. For about $10, you get a lot of good food here and a happy stomach. Tres Carnes = your new lunch place at your service.
P.S. Of course I had to ask, but sadly, no, they are not planning to roll out breakfast tacos anytime soon.
