Calexico Carne Asada

Calexico Carne Asada launched onto the city's taco scene after a huge win at the 2008 Vendy Awards. Now, the long-awaited transition to a full-blown Brooklyn taqueria in the former Schnaak space is complete. Peter Oleyer, a longtime cook, and his three partners (brothers from Cali), are sticking with the classic tacos, burritos and quesadillas that won them acclaim and throwing in a few new twists like Anson Mills grits with shrimp, pork or tofu. The famous crack sauce has made the trip to Brooklyn, as well as a salsa bar with a handful of rotating gratis toppings. Owner Oleyear speaks for a lot of transplanted Californians, and taco addicts of all stripes, when he says "you think there aren't any niches left in New York dining, but good tacos is one of them." We're pretty sure the oft-neglected BQE-area denizens will agree.

See more: Carroll Gardens restaurants, Red Hook restaurants, Mexican restaurants, Tacos/burrito restaurants