Green Cactus Serves it up Fresh and Fast

Open in 11 locations around the island, can be counted on for fresh, tasty Mexican food when you’re looking for a satisfying meal but don’t have all day to wait. Their made to order meals and self serve drinks and salsas are great solutions for families, especially on busy weekdays. They are available for ordering ahead of time by phone and customers can choose to eat their meals inside the restaurant or have it packed up to go.

Décor: The Wantagh location, on the corner of Wantagh Avenue and Jerusalem Road, is large and airy, with plenty of tables of varying sizes. Music is always playing and you can usually hear the conversations of families around enjoying their meals. With two large windows making up the outer walls, the sunshine pours in, making it a great place for a midday meal. In the evening, customers enjoy their food under bright but not glaring lights.

Appetizers: When choosing an appetizer at Green Cactus, the clear favorite for families and other groups is the “Sombero” a Mexican pizza special to the restaurant, with beans, sour cream, guacamole, and jack and cheddar cheese (4.49). Another easy choice is the jalapeno poppers ($4.99), served with a side of sour cream. Nachos ($2.50) are also a classic choice and the Green Cactus nachos are loaded with beans, sour cream, melted jack and cheddar cheeses and guacamole and served while the chips are still warm.

Entrees: Guests can choose from tacos of several varieties like their fish taco (2.79), with lightly breaded filet, pico di gallo, and their signature dressing. Another option is the taco ranchero ($4.99), served with a choice of chicken or steak with beans, guacamole, sour cream, and jack cheese, available in hot or mild flavoring. There are also a number of quesadilla meals, like the vegetarian version ($6.69) with bell pepper, mushrooms, onions, and jack cheese. The Green Cactus combo (8.99) is popular with hungry customers, offering a full meal of chicken or steak strips with sides of rice, black or pinto beans, guacamole, and pico di gallo.

Sides: The extras at Green Cactus are great compliments to any of the meals, especially the chips and salsa ($2.99). Another choice that’s favored by those extra hungry customers is the pinto or black bean side, both of which are $1.99. If you're a big fan of guacamole, it's available in a large side for $4.99.

Desserts: Green Cactus offers a short dessert list for those still hungry, including their flan (1.49) and their churros (1.00). They also make xangos, which are fried tortillas filled with a cream cheese filing, a traditional Mexican dessert that’s not often found in Mexican restaurants.

Service: All meals are freshly made to order so after placing your order, it’s generally ready within 5 to 10 minutes. The staff is friendly and helpful, keeping a close eye on the salsa and condiments counter, ready to refill anything that runs low.

Signature Dish: The burrito "One Foot" (12.29) is a must try. A choice of chicken or steak is served with rice, black or pinto beans, onions, pepper, jack cheese, and sour cream with pico di gallo. All this is rolled tightly into an extra large tortilla and served hot. A favorite of customers who want an extra filling meal.