Caracara Mexican Grill Opens In East Northport: 'We're Real Excited'

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — Caracara Mexican Grill recently opened in East Northport — its second location. The restaurant is at 564-566 Larkfield Road.

Peter Rousakis and Tony Kathreptis, who founded Caracara in Farmingdale in June 2011, have teamed up with their long-time friend, John Rabie, for their second venture. They are joined by chef Brandon Wilson.

"We're real excited," Kathreptis told Patch. "We like the [East Northport] area tremendously. It's a great area. It's kind of center between the East Northport, Northport, Dix Hills, Commack and Huntington area. We can draw from a lot of areas. It looks like there's a need for Mexican in that area. We're happy about being there."

The restaurant is located in the strip center where Lidl Grocery Store and Hummel Bakery are. Caracara Mexican Grill aspires to be a friendly upscale restaurant serving modern and traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring a tequila lounge and a party room for up to 55 guests.

The ownership team had been planning an expansion into East Northport for years, but it was delayed because of some issues experienced during the coronavirus pandemic, Kathreptis said. But now, the time was right for Caracara to "go to another location and spread our magic," he said.

Wilson has been the chef at Caracara since it first opened in Farmingdale.

"He's been with us for 14 years," Kathreptis said. "He's part of our family, so we're happy to have him with us."

Kathreptis asked potential customers in the area to try Caracara at its new digs.

"We do our best to make sure that you're enjoying your experience," he said. "We have very good food in a great setting served by people who want to please you."

Caracara offers Margarita Mondays; Taco Tuesdays; Sangria Wednesdays; its Two-Course Special Menu Sunday through Wednesday; and Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m. with reduced prices on drinks and appetizers.

Caracara opened for lunch at noon on Feb. 3. It will serve brunch specials at its East Northport location on Saturdays and Sundays. There are menu choices of traditional and Mexican brunch items in addition to dinner items.

"On weekends, we'll be serving a brunch menu, as well," Kathreptis said. "There's a lot to offer now. We look forward to the opportunity to meet as many people as we can in East Northport."

Takeout is available through the Caracara website for pick up or delivery.

Caracara features more than 75 types of tequila, something for every taste. The restaurant is known for its fresh guacamole prepared table-side, trendy Mexican dishes such as shrimp tamale, paella and camarones tropical, along with signature frozen margaritas.