In a continued effort to offer something unique at each location, Lucharitos in Mattituck is expanding in both size and offerings.
The Mattituck location of the popular taqueria and tequila restaurant is being transformed into a bold-colored, sit-down experience with the familiar flavorful fare Lucharitos is known for. The renovated spot will soon feature a full bar, expanded seating and menu items that expand beyond the west coast burrito bar offerings it’s become known for.
“We wanted to increase the seating and improve the experience,” said owner Marc LaMaina. “We’re seeing how the restaurant changes and morphs. It’s going to develop [organically]. I don’t want to take away the vibe that we have here.”
But the changes don’t stop there as the food and entertainment options at the neighboring Mattituck Cinemas, which are operated by the restaurant, will also expand.
In addition to the “Lucha Express” concession at the theater, LaMaina is set to open Flour & Butta with North Fork Flour Shoppe owner Meghan Saccone, offering movie-themed pastries and coffee.
“A lot of times you come in for a movie with your kids and you just want a coffee,” LaMaina said.
The other major development at the theater is a bit of a surprise — an axe-throwing room.
The Axe & Smash Axe Throwing Lounge, named after a popular pro wrestling tag team, will take over Theater 5, which has been dormant since the pandemic. There will be a woodland theme, complete with 3-D trees and themed walls by All Island Graphics.
With the expanded restaurant and its connection to the theater, LaMaina hopes it will become a place for people of all ages to enjoy, with birthday party packages and other deals.
“My goal is to have people come here and hang out for four hours,” LaMaina said of the Mattituck expansion. “Have dinner, shoot some axe, watch a movie — or vice versa.”
Look for Lucharitos Taqueria and Tequila Bar (10095 Main Road, Mattituck) to re-open in the next few weeks, and keep an eye out for axe throwing and pastries in the months that follow.
There is also a seventh Lucharitos brand restaurant in development in Mineola, LaMaina said.
