Taco King

- 480 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552

Taco King is a well-established local Tex-Mex eatery located right in the heart of West Hempstead, Long Island. It has carved out a special place in the community, providing residents with an approachable and extensive menu of Americanized Mexican cuisine favorites. For New Yorkers in the Long Island area looking for a satisfying meal, whether it's a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a fix for that weeknight craving, Taco King has positioned itself as a convenient and familiar choice. The establishment is known for offering a wide variety of menu items, from classic tacos and fully loaded rice bowls to hefty fajita platters, all served in a casual, friendly setting that has earned it a loyal local following over the years.

This local spot focuses on providing a full range of Mexican-inspired dishes with an emphasis on generous portions and prompt service, making it a reliable option for those in Nassau County. The restaurant’s casual dining atmosphere is often noted for its welcoming feel, offering a nice spot for families, friends, or solo diners to grab a bite. Its menu versatility ensures that whether you're craving a simple ground beef chili taco or a full-scale combination rice platter, you'll likely find a satisfying option to match your appetite.

Taco King's long history in the West Hempstead neighborhood contributes to its status as a local staple. While some diners enjoy the traditional offerings, others have found comfort in specific unique items, such as the widely praised Burgerville Quesadilla, which speaks to the establishment's blend of classic Tex-Mex flavors and distinctive house specials. For many Long Islanders, Taco King is more than just a restaurant; it’s a nostalgic fixture that consistently delivers on convenience and volume.

Furthermore, the spot has garnered attention for its unique and challenging offer: the famous Taco Challenge. This competitive eating event adds a fun, memorable element to the dining experience, drawing in thrill-seekers and adding to the local lore of the establishment. The fact that customers who successfully complete the challenge get their picture displayed speaks to the restaurant’s playful and community-oriented spirit.

For anyone traveling through the West Hempstead area or residing nearby, Taco King provides a straightforward and comprehensive Tex-Mex experience. The combination of easy accessibility, a comprehensive menu, and multiple service options firmly establishes it as a go-to spot for Mexican cuisine on Long Island.

Location and Accessibility

Taco King is conveniently situated at a high-traffic intersection in West Hempstead, making it easily accessible for a significant number of Long Island residents. Its precise location is:

480 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA

Being located directly on Hempstead Turnpike, a major thoroughfare, ensures high visibility and ease of access by car for both locals and those passing through the area. For customers who prefer public transit or are local to the neighborhood, the location is generally considered a convenient stop for a quick meal. The restaurant’s prominence in the area has solidified it as a recognized landmark for Mexican-style food in West Hempstead.

In terms of operating hours, Taco King strives for consistency to accommodate a wide range of customer schedules throughout the week. The reported general operating hours are:

Open seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (21:00)

It is important to note that hours may vary slightly based on the day or service platform, with some delivery services listing hours until 8:30 PM. For precise information on late-night or holiday availability, customers are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly.

Services Offered

Taco King provides several service options designed to meet the varying needs of its Long Island clientele, ensuring customers can enjoy their Tex-Mex favorites with maximum convenience.

• Dine-In Service: Customers are welcome to enjoy their meals in the restaurant's casual dining environment.
• Take-Out: Ordering food for pick-up is a core service, allowing customers to easily grab their meal on the go.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers local delivery through major third-party platforms, extending its reach to the surrounding West Hempstead and Long Island communities.
• Catering/Group Orders: Given its large-format items like Fajitas by the Pound (including Chicken, Skirt Steak, and Combination options), the restaurant is well-equipped to handle larger orders for parties or family dinners.
• Online Ordering: Customers have the convenience of placing orders ahead of time through various online and mobile ordering platforms.
• Taco Tuesday Challenge: An in-house competitive eating event that allows customers to try and eat a large number of tacos in a short time to earn a spot on the "Wall of Fame."

Features / Highlights

Taco King stands out in the local West Hempstead dining scene through a few key features that its long-time patrons appreciate.

• Diverse and Extensive Menu: The menu spans far beyond simple tacos, offering a full range of Tex-Mex classics, including Rice Bowls with various protein options (Grilled Chicken, Pulled Pork, Chicken and Steak, or Shrimp), loaded Nachos, Burritos (such as Shrimp Burritos and Steamed Vegetable Burritos), and specialty Quesadillas.
• Fajitas by the Pound: A highlight for family-style meals or gatherings, these generous portions of grilled meats and vegetables are served with tortillas and sides, perfect for sharing.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes several items to accommodate non-meat eaters, such as the Black Bean Soft Taco, Steamed Vegetables with Bean Quesadilla, and the Special Mixed Vegetables side dish, which features broccoli, carrot, mushroom, onion, and pepper.
• Casual and Local Charm: Many customers appreciate the restaurant’s "hole-in-the-wall" feel and local, unpretentious atmosphere, which adds to its neighborhood charm.
• Value and Portions: The restaurant is generally recognized for offering good value for its portion sizes, making it an appealing budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
• The Taco Challenge Tradition: This distinctive offering provides a fun, local challenge that has become a memorable feature of the establishment.

Contact Information

For ordering, general inquiries, or confirming the latest hours and specials, customers can easily reach Taco King using the following contact information:

Address: 480 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA

Phone: (516) 292-6400

What is Worth Choosing

For those new to Taco King or for local New Yorkers seeking a reliable Tex-Mex experience, the choice of what to order often comes down to personal taste and appetite. However, a few items and experiences consistently stand out based on local feedback and menu popularity. The restaurant excels at providing hearty, Americanized Mexican comfort food, which is the core of its appeal.

If you are a fan of daily specials and a bustling atmosphere, planning your visit for a Tuesday is often recommended. The local buzz around their informal 'Taco Tuesday' is strong. While specific discount prices are not universally advertised in public data, customer reviews highlight that it is a time well worth visiting, often featuring popular ground beef tacos. Customers frequently describe it as completely worth the trip for the value and experience.

The menu's larger platters are perfect for a substantial meal. The various Rice Platters, such as the Grilled Chicken Rice Platter or the King Special Rice Platter (which includes jumbo shrimp, skirt steak, and chicken with vegetables), are great choices for a full dinner, as they come loaded with Mexican rice, black beans, salad, guacamole, corn chips, and fresh flour tortillas.

For those looking for a handheld option, the variety of Quesadillas and Burritos offers a satisfying choice. The Grilled Skirt Steak Quesadilla is listed as a best seller, particularly when ordered 'Supreme' to include lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and sour cream. Similarly, the generous Rice Bowls, often topped with black beans, cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, are noted as popular choices for a complete, all-in-one meal.

The classic Chili Soft Taco is also a staple, offering a straightforward, satisfying ground beef option. Meanwhile, vegetarian customers have long found favorites in the Black Bean Taco and the Steamed Vegetables with Bean Quesadilla, indicating the kitchen’s ability to cater to various dietary preferences.

Finally, for the ambitious diner, inquiring about the famous Taco Challenge offers a unique competitive element. Being featured on the "Wall of Fame" for successfully completing the challenge adds a memorable, playful dimension to the dining experience that goes beyond the meal itself. For many locals, a visit to Taco King is as much about the community atmosphere and the fun experiences as it is about enjoying a quick, hearty meal.

Taco King

480 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA