Huntington Restaurants

For a refreshing take on Mexican food in a cool and fun environment, look no further than Salsa Salsa in Smithtown. The funky décor and flavorful dishes are reason enough to check out this hot spot, but throw in excellent variety and reasonable prices and it becomes a not-to-be-missed destination.

Done up in bold colors of lime green and brilliant purple, the design of this casual restaurant is as spicy as its cuisine. Brightly colored booths line either side of the dining room, while chrome café tables dot its center. Vibrant tin geckos accent the walls, as do chalk-written messages reminding diners to ask their server about the daily specials.

We were greeted immediately upon arriving at 7 o'clock on a Wednesday evening and were given paper menus as we were seated at our table. Salsa Salsa's diverse selection includes Mexican foods of all types, as well as atypical offerings such as burgers and corn crusted calamari.

I decided to sample the restaurant's take on the customarily Italian dish and ordered the calamari as one of our appetizers. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the crisply battered squid was tender and accompanied by a delightful hot cherry pepper dipping sauce. Our other appetizer choices included a spicy cup of chili con carne, and fresh house-made guacamole to go along with the chips our waitress had delivered. Those, along with the kitchen's own salsa, were fiery and delicious.

For our entrees, we decided on steak quesadillas and a grilled shrimp "hefty" fajita. The savory quesadillas consisted of juicy strips of steak, blended cheese, sour cream, and scallions. Grilled shrimp, peppers and onions, chopped cabbage, jack and cheddar cheese, and salsa Fresca were enveloped in the 12 inch flour tortilla of the hefty fajita. To quote my husband, this was the "freshest fajita" he'd ever tasted, and I can personally attest to the perfectly prepared shrimp.

Another signature touch is that from Sunday through Thursday, Salsa Salsa offers its of-age guests a complementary glass of sangria with each meal. Complete feasts range between $15-25 per person, and you simply can't beat this place for its low prices, fresh ingredients, wide variety, and fun atmosphere.