Don’t let the name fool you, this place is wayyyy more than Burritos! And even if that’s all they had, would that be a bad thing???

Blink and you missed it, but about a month ago, New Wave Burrito Bar popped up almost overnight in the space formerly occupied by Radio Radio, a BBQ joint. Now I can’t say I ever got to visit this space in its previous life, but apparently, the highlight of their menu was their tacos and the owners figured why not give the people what they want??

Well as a person who loves and lives for tacos, I think I speak for many when I say, THANK YOU! I have only gotten to visit twice but I’m already planning my next trip back to eat at this cute and cozy, surfer dude meets skater boy, eclectic restaurant.

The menu is broader than it’s name suggests, including not only a delicious selection of burrito’s, but also tacos, salads, and some really tasty starter dishes that could easily become mains if you order enough! By now I hope you know me well enough that I like to have a bit of everything so here goes….

STARTERS

Now don’t go too crazy ordering these or you’ll not be able to finish your mains when they come!! But if you’re just popping in for some drinks, these options will be the perfect side dish to your margaritas! The plantain skillet is delicious, and the sweet pickled peppers are just the right amount of zest to go with the sweetness of the plantains. You can never go wrong with chips and dip right, but a trio of dips is even better! Housemade guac, roasted tomato salsa and queso arrive with an abundance of chips…PRO TIP: save whatever dips you don’t eat with the chips and add it to your burrito or taco.

The wings…ohhhh myyyy goddd the WINGS! I love spicy, but these are not your typical “buffalo” wings; they have a juicy adobo sauce that is so flavorful, and perfect even for heat haters! Also they are served with a delicious avocado ranch dipping sauce….you may want to ask for TWO (wink wink). Another tasty option is the loaded fries skillet; an Americanized version of nachos? Picture all your favorite toppings on fries instead of chips…yeah you want it right?

Lastly, let me recommend the ceviche; not technically a starter as it shows up on the salad menu, but anything is a starter if it comes out first right? This is so good…and bursting with big chunks of crab and lots and lots of shrimp. Sometimes you order ceviche and it’s seafood-weak, not here. This is a meaty delight and could easily become your main course.

BURRITOS

We’ve tried almost all of them now, but our favorites are the Low Rider (pulled pork and plantain), Big Wave Cali Style (Chorizo, Shrimp, and FRENCH FRIES-what?? great idea!) and the Birdhouse (Fried Chicken). Burritos are all served with a side of tortilla chips, and you have the option of adding guacamole, lime crema, and/or cheese to them…I always add the guac and the crema and NORMAL PEOPLE who like cheese add that as well. These are well wrapped because honestly I always worry about eating burritos because they fall apart; not these! Someone in their kitchen knows what they are doing because despite being full to bursting, these do not make a mess and a mockery of you while you eat them!

TACOS

OK first of all YUM. Your choice of 3 or 4 soft shell (or lettuce wrap) tacos…it’s hard to narrow it down! I went with Brisket, Shrimp and Fish. My favorite was the shrimp…so tasty! Brisket came with a corn relish and the sweet kernels really accented the taste of the meat. The baja fish was a little bland in my opinion, even after adding hot sauce so I also added the green jalapeno sauce as well and it was perfect! Next time I’ll have to get more. PRO TIP: ask for a side of the avocado ranch that comes with the wings, it goes SO WELL on the tacos!! Stop in on Taco Tuesday for $3 tacos all day!

Wow so after all that, you’re probably thirsty…I don’t blame you. The drink menu is up to the challenge and they specials they have are awesome! Monday=$5 margaritas. Wednesday=$5 wine (in a glass). Thursday=$5 draft beers. I mean….in HUNTINGTON, this is the equivalent of a gold mine. Take full advantage, especially of the margarita deal. To be fair, the $5 gets you a plain marg, but add $2 for flavor, and you wont’ regret it. I recommend the Watermelon and Mango flavors.

With both inside and outside seating, New Wave is sure to be popular this summer, but they do not take reservations. Also worth noting, their bar is open LATE, like 4am late on Fri/Sat. Something to keep in mind next time you’re out hounding on the weekends. Check it out and let me know your thoughts on one of my new favorites 😉