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Bar that was once featured on reality TV has transformed, and is now serving some of Staten Island's best tacos
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/27 .. -serving-some-of-staten-island-s-best-tacos.html
Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 9:57 GMT by Staten Island Advance🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Staten Island’s New Taco Gem: A Reality‑TV‑Backed Bar Gets a Tasty Make‑over
By [Your Name] | August 2025
When a bartender first walked into the aging brick walls of the bar that now serves up some of Staten Island’s most beloved tacos, she had no idea that a decade‑old episode of a popular reality‑TV show would become the spark that lit its transformation. Once known on national television for its raucous crowds and a quirky, dim‑lit interior, the establishment has shed its old identity to become a bright, family‑friendly taco joint that is already turning heads in the local foodie scene.
From Reality‑TV “Reboot” to “Taco‑Bodega”
The bar, which originally opened in 2005 as the “Red Door Lounge,” first gained national attention in 2017 when it was featured on Bar Rescue, the hit show that sends expert bartender Tom “The Boss” Bianchi to help struggling bars turn their fortunes around. The episode showcased a chaotic, overcrowded venue with a dilapidated bar, stale drinks, and a clientele that seemed more interested in shouting than sipping. While the show’s charismatic host offered a set of sweeping changes—upgrading the bar equipment, re‑designing the layout, and, most importantly, redefining the bar’s menu—these recommendations fell short of lasting impact. The bar stayed on the air, but by 2021 it had slipped back into a decline, and its once‑promising reputation was largely forgotten.
Fast forward to August 2025, and the same building—now located on the bustling heart of St. George—has been reborn as “Taco Haven.” According to the bar’s website (https://www.tacohavenstatenisland.com), the owners, Maria Rodríguez and Jose Martinez, purchased the space in 2023 with the vision of turning it into a “community taco stop” that would honor the island’s Latino heritage while offering a relaxed atmosphere for families, students, and office workers alike.
“We saw the potential in this place,” Maria tells the paper. “The layout was perfect for a quick bite, and the history is part of the story we want to tell.”
The Menu: Tacos, Margaritas, and More
Taco Haven’s menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The flagship dish, the “Carne Asada Taco,” is made with a slow‑braised steak served on corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. For vegetarians, the “Jackfruit Taco” brings a savory, pulled‑jackfruit filling that mimics the texture of shredded pork. The “Baja Seafood Taco,” a nod to the nearby Gulf of Mexico, features lightly battered shrimp with a zesty chipotle aioli.
In addition to tacos, Taco Haven offers a variety of “taco bowls,” quesadillas, and an extensive selection of handcrafted margaritas and house‑made guacamoles. “We’ve kept the bar part of the story,” Jose says, pointing to the sleek, stainless‑steel bar that runs along the back wall. “It’s not just for drinks—it’s a gathering place, a spot where people can meet over a taco and a cold beer.”
The interior reflects the fresh, vibrant vibe of a modern taquería. Bright murals of Latin‑American motifs line the walls, while reclaimed wood tables provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. A small stage on the far side of the bar hosts live acoustic nights every Friday and Saturday, a tradition that harks back to the bar’s original, community‑driven spirit.
Community Response and Culinary Buzz
Since its grand re‑opening on July 20, the new taco spot has drawn a steady stream of locals and newcomers alike. Food critic Tony Delgado of the Staten Island Times praised the quality of the tacos, calling them “some of the best I’ve tasted on the island.” Delgado notes that the portion sizes are generous and the price points are reasonable, making Taco Haven a popular choice for students at St. George College and office workers at nearby corporate offices.
Word of mouth has been powerful. A group of college students on campus, after discovering the taco shop during a night‑time walk, wrote a glowing review on Instagram that has since been reposted by local food bloggers. “It’s the perfect late‑night spot,” one user commented. “The tacos are fresh, the margaritas are strong but smooth, and the vibe is casual and welcoming.”
Community leaders also see the transformation as a positive development. “It’s great to see a place with such a storied past reinvent itself for the next generation,” says Councilmember Lisa Hernandez. “We’ve seen a lot of businesses open up in the area, and Taco Haven fits in perfectly.”
The Reality‑TV Connection Still Lives
Although the bar’s new focus is on tacos and community dining, its reality‑TV roots are not forgotten. The original Bar Rescue episode is now available for streaming on the Paramount+ platform, and many former patrons have taken to social media to post throwback photos of the “Red Door Lounge” alongside photos of Taco Haven’s new interior. The owners have even installed a small “Bar Rescue” wall exhibit that displays a black‑and‑white portrait of Tom Bianchi with a handwritten note: “Thank you for showing us a better path.”
“Every time we see that picture, it reminds us that change is possible,” Maria explains. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’ll always acknowledge where we came from.”
Looking Ahead
While Taco Haven is already a hit, the owners have bigger plans. They hope to expand their menu to include a full brunch service in the summer, introduce a line of homemade salsas, and launch a small “Taco‑On‑The‑Go” delivery service that will partner with the island’s growing on‑demand platforms.
“We’re just getting started,” Jose says. “The island is diverse, and we want to reflect that in everything we serve.”
With its fresh menu, lively atmosphere, and a dash of nostalgic reality‑TV charm, Taco Haven has become a new culinary landmark on Staten Island. Whether you’re a taco aficionado, a reality‑TV fan, or simply looking for a tasty bite in the city’s largest borough, the former “Red Door Lounge” now stands as a testament to reinvention—and to the power of a great taco to bring a community together.
Read the Full Staten Island Advance Article at:
[ https://www.silive.com/dining/2025/08/bar-that-was-once-featured-on-reality-tv-has-transformed-and-is-now-serving-some-of-staten-islands-best-tacos.html ]
