(Photo: Cassidy Dawn Graves)
The consistently affordable prices at Carrera’s were a welcome comfort in the midst of a neighborhood that seems to be getting pricier by the day. Chips and salsa were free, chips and guac were $5, and their generously portioned entrees typically ran in the $7 to $11 range.
And then, there was the Super Taco. Billed as a taco-burrito fusion and a beacon of light for the indecisive, the Super Taco was my personal go-to. Costing a measly $5, it consisted of a grilled flour tortilla stuffed with pico de gallo, your choice of meat, lettuce, and fresh white cheese. It was slimmer than the average burrito and you could easily eat it with your hands. But do not be deceived, a slimmer product did not a lesser meal make.
Carrera’s holds a special place in my heart. I stumbled upon it about a year ago and since then I have remained steadfast in my patronage. I’ve brought many friends to their colorful storefront and have always been impressed by the quick service (I once ordered food to go and was out of there in under seven minutes) and consistent quality.
Despite shoutouts from blogs like Bushwick Daily, Serious Eats, and New York Shitty, the taqueria at 915 Flushing was usually fairly empty inside. Perhaps the lack of customers finally got the better of them.
When I noticed they were closed during their typical hours some weeks ago, I chalked it up to a vacation, but they’re listed as permanently closed on Google. The restaurant hasn’t returned our requests for comment. It seems to have departed quietly, closing its doors without notice and leaving several devoted Yelp users wondering what happened.
“Please Carrera’s! If you are closed, I hope I can get the recipe for your Ranchero soup!” writes Yelper Jaclyn B. “I don’t know what to do without it.”