Technique & Everyday Craft
Long Island's Best Quesadilla: Shrimpy's Takes 2026 After Del Fuego Broke Chubs' Streak
A reader-driven poll that began in 2021 has now crowned three different champions, each with a distinct approach to the quesadilla.
Chubs' Four-Year Reign
Chubs Burgers Burritos & Heroes, at 625 Horseblock Rd. in Farmingville, won the annual Best Quesadilla on Long Island reader poll four years straight, from 2021 through 2024. The menu lists six quesadilla variations, from a $9 classic to the $15.99 Slash, which packs in skirt steak, onions, and cheese. The Sweet Baby Cheeseburger quesadilla combines ground beef, bacon, and creamy cheese, while the Drunken Wondo layers hot corned beef, crispy fries, sauerkraut, and two cheeses. Call (631) 880-7999 or visit chubsbbh.com to order. The ability to turn burger and deli staples into a folded tortilla kept voters loyal through the entire early run.
Del Fuego's 2025 Win
Del Fuego took the 2025 title with its Tex-Mex approach at 430 N. Country Rd. in Saint James. Diners choose between flour, corn, or whole wheat tortillas, then fill them with carne asada, chicken, vegetables, shrimp, brisket, pulled pork, or birria. For the full experience, add Mexican crema and freshly made guacamole from the counter. The bar pours margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias to round out the meal. Whether for a casual lunch or a lively evening, Del Fuego's warm environment and top-tier drinks made it a standout in the 2025 vote.
Shrimpy's 2026 Fresh Take
Shrimpy's Burrito Bar in Massapequa, at 125 Front St., captured the 2026 crown with a beach-inspired menu. The cheese quesadilla comes with melted cheese and pico de gallo, served alongside salsa and sour cream. The Veggie Good version adds sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the melted cheese, and the chicken quesadilla includes grilled chicken and pico de gallo. Everything is made fresh daily, and the dish works as a snack, a shared plate, or part of a larger meal.
What the Shift Reveals
The progression after Chubs' four-year streak shows a change in what wins over Long Island voters. Ryan Jones, the creative mind at Chubs, is known for his knack for unforgettable flavor combos, and his restaurant is described as a classic American food joint. Del Fuego, by contrast, is a Tex-Mex restaurant that emphasizes choice in tortillas and a wide range of proteins. Shrimpy's is a burrito bar that leans into fresh, daily preparation and a beach-inspired aesthetic. Over the six years of the poll, the crown moved from audacious fusion to tradition to simplicity. That shift suggests voters are now looking for versatility—whether in the number of fillings or the ease of sharing. The 2026 result didn't just name a winner; it marked a new chapter in Long Island's quesadilla culture.