A delicious discovery has brought one of the Hudson Valley’s best-kept secrets to light.

When it comes to authentic Mexican food, there are plenty of options in New York’s Dutchess County. Dozens of small, independent shops from Poughkeepsie to Beacon quietly serve delicious tacos, burritos, and other truly authentic Mexican dishes.

However, one of these places simply blew me away and has become my new favorite place for tacos.

The small Mexican restaurant Wappingers Falls offers the “best taco”

Last year I published a list of the 13 best restaurants in the village of Wappingers Falls. Almost all of the village’s restaurants were represented except for one. There was a small Mexican joint that was a constant disappointment. The burritos were bland, the tacos had even less flavor, and the service was always inconsistent. But then new owners came along and this forgettable joint suddenly became one of the Hudson Valley’s best-kept secrets.

New owners took over Loco Garibaldi about six months ago. This small restaurant on East Main Street is easy to miss. The unassuming storefront next to the barbershop across from Grinnell Library may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’re surrounded by bright colors, festive Mexican music, and an intoxicating smell from the kitchen that lets you know you’re in for something real.

Loco Garibaldi in Wappingers Falls does not disappoint

To say that the tacos at Loco Garibaldi are mind-blowing is an understatement. I love simple food that is carefully prepared with only the finest ingredients, and that’s exactly what you get here. The steak taco is bursting with flavor. The prime beef has been seasoned to perfection and topped with only the freshest onions and cilantro. You can order the tacos individually and mix and match as you wish. I usually get the chicken and al pastor tacos too. Both are juicy and tender and full of flavor.

The tacos come with three different homemade sauces, from a cool guacamole sauce to an incredibly spicy one. I personally use a little of each for an explosion of flavor.

More than just tacos

After the tacos at Loco Garibaldi blew me away, I started exploring the rest of the menu. The guacamole and chips were some of the freshest I’ve ever tasted. The chips were piping hot and the smooth and creamy guacamole tasted like it was made just before serving.

The restaurant also offers authentic aguas frescas, waters infused with fresh fruit. This refreshing and cool drink will make you feel like you’re actually in Mexico. Flavors like pineapple, strawberry, mango, passion fruit, and more are released daily. The fruit waters are the perfect way to cool down your taste buds after a taco with Loco Garibaldi’s hot sauce.

Here you can also find lesser-known dishes from Mexico, prepared authentically with great attention to detail. On the owner’s recommendation, I tried the quesabirrias. This popular dish consists of deep-fried tortillas filled with melted cheese and marinated beef. The result is a crispy outside, tender meat inside, and an explosion of spices and salty cheese. The birra-style tacos are served with a broth that’s designed for dipping, but is also delicious by the spoonful.

There is even a delicious Tres Leches cake. The huge piece is ice cold and soaked in three different types of milk and garnished with a thick portion of whipped cream.

Word of mouth begins to spread

Although Loco Garibaldi’s new owners have only been in business for six months, word is already spreading about the restaurant’s remodel, so if you’re a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll definitely want to give it a try before the rest of the Hudson Valley finds out about this hidden gem.