If you drive through the wooded forest and found yourself on the main street of Farmingdale, you…read morewill find a Mexican restaurant that is a small town staple.
Website: 8/10
It was easy to navigate within the vibrantly colored site. It provides an abundance of information in terms of the business itself, the menu items, the table reservations, the interactive Google map section, and the mobile app QR code.
I did come across typos, defunct images, and I admit I questioned the authenticity of the testimonials.
Brand: 8/10
Taco House and Grill's brand has a standard orange, black, and white color scheme, giving off the vibrant Mexican aesthetic, along with the minimalist symbol of the taco-and-knife. The interior of the establishment manages to evoke a warm, cozy environment with its plants and its black painted tables keeping up with the color scheme.
Concerning the logo, it was barely discernible on the website icon with so much detail on it. I could barely see it on the top bar of my screen.
Ambiance: 10/10
The wood tables had enough space for six customers throughout the establishment, with a few outside on the porch. While we became the earliest customers with no one reserving a seat inside yet, I can still clearly see how the ambiance would not be disruptive. If it would get disruptive, I can see how reservations can be made either in front of the counter or outside. The establishment had plenty of space.
Service: 10/10
We had no issues with the staff, since we managed to receive our orders with no problems.
Wait Time: 10/10
Although we came a couple minutes early, we managed to walk inside and wait while reading the menu. Our orders also came on time. No interruptions occurred as we talked and as I wrote.
Food: 10/10
I ordered the ham, egg, and cheese burrito with sides of tortilla chips, green salsa, and an orangeade. The breakfast burrito was one of the best breakfast plates I ever ate. It had a warmness both in taste and temperature, for every smooth and inviting taste complemented the soft yet sturdy burrito wrap. It was further complemented by the hot sauce and the poppy seeds, giving the wrap its warm, inviting flavor. Their site argued that their food has "an explosion of taste of culture"--and I could not agree more.
Worth The Money?: 10/10
Aesthetics-wise, Taco House and Grill could improve, while substance-wise, it helped me restore faith in my community. The owners care about the well-cleaned establishment and its unique place in a small town.
I love spicy food and Taco House and Grill definitely delivered well on its menu items.
The establishment relies on locally sourced ingredients and authentic generational recipes, which I always support. Local businesses should always source locally, because the money circulates throughout the community; and authentic recipes sets this business apart from larger chains like Chipotle. In terms of metaphorical price, such a business model is priceless, and in physical price, I would say that the establishment itself is worth it.
Pertaining to the website, the accolades such as its awards and 5-star reviews would help solidify its ethos if the site specified them or had links leading to the specific awards and reviews worth noting. I believe them when they say they locally source their ingredients, and I would like for them to list the local farms they source from.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
To say I have hope for Taco House and Grill would be an understatement. I give this establishment an excellent rating and hope that it will continue to exist in Farmingdale.
Recommend To...
Anyone who lives along the main street of Farmingdale who wants to try authentic Mexican food. Since I overheard the owners speak Spanish, I could also recommend this establishment to anyone trying to practice speaking Spanish. Due to the cozy interior, I would highly recommend catering Taco House and Grill during the autumn and winter seasons.
