Faz’s Makes It Consistently Tasty

Tex-Mex ground beef served over rice with cheese and onion ($9.90) is one of Faz’s specials. Long Islander News photos/Connor Beach

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

As other restaurants come and go, Faz’s Tex Mex Grill has remained a staple in Huntington for over two decades.

The Long-Islander first interviewed Faz Esmizadeh in July 1993 soon after the experienced chef first opened his casual Southwestern eatery in Huntington. Esmizadeh said he just wanted to “make healthy, high-quality food at a fast pace for a good price.”

Over 25 years and two moves later, Faz’s original mission hasn’t changed.

Faz’s Tex Mex moved to its current location at the corner of Wall Street and Gerard Street in Huntington village five years ago, but continues to serve quick, tasty food in a laid back atmosphere.

Over the years Faz’s has developed a loyal following of regular customers who frequent the restaurant to sit down for a casual lunch or take out a quick bite on the run.

Faz’s manager Mark Mangaya says consistency is the key to Faz’s 25 years of success in Huntington.

The key to success is consistency, according to Faz’s manager Mark Mangaya.

“We have a lot of repeat customers, and they keep coming because the food is consistently good,” Mangaya said. “We see a lot of people who used to come into Faz’s when they were younger, and now they bring their kids here to eat.”

The recipes haven’t changed much since Esmizadeh first opened the restaurant, and Mangaya said people like to know that the food is going to have the same great taste every time they order.

“The food isn’t overly complicated,” Mangaya said. “It’s simple, casual and it always has the same flavor.”

Faz’s has made some changes to keep up with the times. The restaurant recently began accepting all major credit cards to accommodate those customers who often find themselves without cash.

Mangaya also said the restaurant has a curbside pick-up option for customers who call ahead to place their orders.

Faz’s menu has plenty of items, from traditional hard and soft shell tacos to Tex-Mex pizza, for hungry diners to choose from.

Tex-Mex Tostada Salad ($9.21), featuring ground beef served in a crisp flour tortilla with lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, salsa ranchera and a mix of cheeses, taste great with a Jarritos ($2.00), a popular Mexican soda.

Mangaya said Faz’s special ground beef is what gives many of the dishes on the menu a uniquely Tex-Mex flavor.

The Tex-Mex Tostada Salad ($9.21) features ground beef served in a crisp flour tortilla with lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, salsa ranchera and a mix of cheeses. The ground beef is full of flavor, and gets just a hint of spice from the jalapenos. The crispy tortilla “bowl” is perfect to scoop up the contents of this salad when broken apart into smaller pieces.

One of Faz’s specials is the Tex-Mex ground beef served over rice with cheese and onion ($9.90). This traditional Southwest fare is simple, yet all the flavors work well together. The saffron rice soaks up the flavor of the beef, while the cheese melts over the dish for a taste of cheesy goodness.

Whether waiting to pick up your favorite Tex-Mex dish or sitting down to enjoy your food at one of Faz’s tables, customers are sure to catch a few minutes of whatever soccer match happens to be playing on the T.V.

The casual atmosphere, friendly service and consistent cooking makes Faz’s a go to spot for many Huntington locals.

Faz’s Tex Mex Grill
28 Wall Street, Huntington
631-271-4333
faztexmex.com
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Atmosphere: Casual
Prices: Tacos and Quesadillas: $2.77- $10.96; Burritos and Enchiladas: $8.29- $9.67; Specials: $7.83- $10.96
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 10 p.m.