The fiesta of halal eateries on Long Island continues to grow, with the opening of Ronkonkoma’s Guac Island Mexican Grill. The takeout-geared eatery opened this fall in the space that was formerly Portion Kitchen on Portion Road.
Owner Ali Mehti runs the spot with his wife, daughter and nephew. He said his inspiration for the concept was “introducing our community a different flavor and different way to eat halal,” he said.
The menu includes build-your-own bowls, burritos, quesadillas and crispy or soft tacos (all $9.99). There’s comfort food, such as wings ($13.99 for a dozen boneless) and cheeseburgers ($10.99 with fries and a soda). A “kids’ corner” serves tacos and cheese quesadillas ($6.99). Have a slice of tres leches cake ($5.99) or churros ($3.99) for dessert. The 1,000-square-foot space has seating for 16.
Guac Island’s name is a wink to the loyalty Mehti feels for Long Island.
“I tried to move to a different state, and it didn’t work out because mostly I spend my time here,” Mehti said. “I feel like it’s home, and that’s the reason I picked that name. I love Long Island.”
Guac Island Mexican Grill, 279 Portion Rd., Ronkonkoma, 716-666-2318, guacislandmexicangrill.com. Open 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
Melissa Azofeifa is a restaurants reporter with Newsday’s FeedMe team. Having grown up on Long Island, she loves talking about food and its impact on culture. A graduate of Stony Brook University, she joined Newsday in the fall of 2024.