Highland Falls has a new place to eat

Tikal
(Photo by MJ Pitt) - With friends, family, other business owners and officials looking on, Tony Arroyave and Henry Morales cut the ribbon signifying the grand opening of their new Main St., Highland Falls restaurant, Tikal Grill.

Tikal Grill celebrated its grand opening last week

On September 15, 2021, Tony Arroyave took a leap of faith and opened a restaurant on Main St. in Highland Falls.

On September 15, 2022, he took another leap of faith and opened a second one — this time with partners Henry Morales and Amparo Giron — on Main St. in Highland Falls.

The first one, Delizia’s Pizza Kitchen (287 Main St.), has become well-known for its delicious Italian cuisine. The new one, Tikal Grill (505 Main St.) is a little more of a mixed fare, with everything from burgers to authentic Mexican food to wings to pizza. Like Delizia’s, Tikal Grill offers dine-in, take-out and delivery food. 

In addition to good food, one of the most exciting things about both restaurants is that both are bilingual — they’re happy and willing to take orders in both English or Spanish. 

The ribbon-cutting for Tikal Grill was held on the day it opened. It was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, with President Charlene Yehl helping cut a sparkling red ribbon; Mayor Joe D’Onofrio assisting in the ceremony; friends and family on hand; and fellow local businessmen Eamon and George Fallon (the restaurant shares a building with the South Gate Tavern and is owned by the Fallons; it formerly housed Tony’s Pizza for decades) and Kevin Pozo from The Park Restaurant.

Tikal Grill will be closed on Mondays, and open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. the other six days of the week. 

Because they are co-located with the South Gate, they are proud to offer some  typical ‘bar foods’ in addition to the rest of the menu. 

When asked why the restaurant will have good food, Morales noted two reasons — one, his mom will be in the kitchen with him, and two, “everything is prepared with love”. 

At the grand opening, Arroyave took a minute to thank his first partner in the restaurant business, Neftaly Monroy, for encouraging him to open Delizia’s. He also thanked Rudy Aguilar at Andy’s Restaurant for his support, and The Park Restaurant for theirs. 

“This town and community have shown they will support restaurants with different styles of food,” he said. “We are happy to provide another choice for everyone.”

Tikal Grill can be reached at www.tikalgrill.com or 845-859-4115.

Delizia’s can be reached at www.deliziaspizza.com or 845-446-7437.