Several weeks ago, we reported the arrival of Sammy’s Halal, a chicken and rice cart from 73rd and Broadway in Queens, here in Morningside Heights. In a truly bizarre coincidence, the cart disappeared the day we reported its arrival. Several visits to the original Sammy’s Halal and a few phone calls to one of the partners involved in Sammy’s expansion plans later, we are sad to inform the Columbia community that the partners at Sammy’s are vacillating on the decision to return to Morningside Heights. They expressed concerns over the traffic they could get serving up their award winning Chicken & Rice around our campus.

As a result, we here at The Hungry Lion would like to attempt to mobilize the Columbia community to convince Sammy and his partners to bring back the delicious! Please read the following open letter and, if you feel as we do, leave your name and a comment. We’ll continue to stay in touch with Sammy and, hopefully, send along this letter with hundreds of signatures.

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Location: 3431 Broadway (btw. 139th and 140th)
Hours: 11am - 2am, Everyday

Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the food. I got my tacos dorados and horked them down so fast I didn’t even realize I was up in Harlem on assignment for the Lion’s Den. What was the assignment? Find the best tacos within a reasonable distance of Columbia.

Well, I found them and they’re just two subway stops away. Yea, it will cost you $4 to get there and back (unless you want to walk, it’s only 20 blocks). But, this place still won’t leave your wallet feeling empty. Tacos are but $2 and ,while some entrees can go in the $8-$12 range,  they all come in serious portions. The burritos gigantes are…. quite gigante. And, the tortas are nearly big enough for two meals (at least a meal and a snack).

The rice and beans here are tasty, if a little bit bland. And, of the entrees that I have tried, they are all made quite well. The tacos, however, are the true standout. The al pastor has little chunks of pineapple.  Carnitas are rich and delicious. And, heck, even the chicken isn’t bad - just the right amount of chew while still being tender. They heap it on here and you’ll be glad each taco comes with the traditional two rounds of tortilla.

I should note that the proprietors of this little taco hole don’t speak much English. Ordering is probably done best by pointing, but the place has great pictures all over the place so you’ll never be at a loss for something to order.

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