Central Taco & Tequila in Westmont, NJ

Central T&T is a 150-plus-seat brand-new concept in design, décor, as well as cuisine for PJW. Previously The Irish Mile, PJW has created a spacious environment featuring plenty of natural light through numerous skylights. Developed by Stokes Architecture, the outcome is stunning features exposed wooden beams and rafters, in which string lights help create a relaxed, festive feeling.

PJW Restaurant Group’s culinary director, Rich Friedrich, along with the assistant culinary director, Jacky Platzer, created the menu after six months of tastings, research, and trips to Mexican establishments all-around the country. “We committed early on to embracing true, authentic, and fresh Mexican flavors through traditional preparations like dry-roasting chiles, braising meats over long periods, and layering delicate flavors,” said Rich Friedrich.

The Food: The menu consists of starters such as a Shrimp Coctel, perfectly chilled shrimp in a spiced tomato sauce along with avocado and cucumber, $8 as well as Mexican Street Corn, sautéed off the cob with jalapeno, epazote, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili and lime, $5; two soups Chicken Tortilla, $5 and Pozole Rojo, a smoky red broth with tender pork and hominy, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, radish, cabbage, oregano, and onion for $6. Also included are chips and dips with traditional salsas and guacamole; salads such as the Mercado Ensalada made with a blend of roasted vegetables, farro, arugula, goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a chipotle vinaigrette, $9. Burritos are available with several proteins and the option to serve in a bowl, $11; ten varieties of tacos from $3-$4 each, the main feature; and traditional Mexican sides and desserts – Churros with dipping sauce, $4, and a Shortbread Skillet Cookie with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon sugar, $5 – round out the menu.

The Bar: Central offers an extensive and extraordinary tequila list, the beverage menu, and beer and wine lists, selected by PJW’s beverage director, Jake Karley, and opening general manager, Remo Croce. You will find 118 agave-based spirits available to you at Central: 91 tequilas, 26 mezcals, and one sotol. Tequilas range from $8 for a two-ounce pour of Espolón Blanco to $130 for two ounces of Gran Patrón Burdeo, a luxury añejo produced the most beautiful blue agave and aged in Bordeaux wine barrels. Five flights are offered: a Mexican Spirits flight highlights a tequila, mezcal, and sotol for $18, while the Single Village flight features three mezcals by Del Maguey, $27. The mixed drink menu comprises ten margaritas ($8-$11) and nine cocktails ($7-$9.50). The beer list remains true to its theme, boasting several Mexican lagers, a tap devoted to various regional South Jersey beers by Tonewood, Double Nickel, and King’s Road.