Bites Nearby: Get a Mexican Food Fix at Green Cactus

You may be taking your chances if you arrive at during typical lunch or dinner rush hours, as its proximity to Stony Brook University almost guarantees an influx of hungry college kids. Then again, if it's huge helpings of fast-casual Mexican food you're craving, probably little is going to get in your way of getting it.

Appetizers: A small selection essentially limits you to nachos ($6.49) or jalapeno poppers ($4.99). The nachos, though, come loaded with the usual toppings, which you can supplement with two kinds of hot sauce or mild to hot selections at the salsa bar.

Entrees: All the usual – tacos, quesadillas, burritos. If you can't make up your mind, the Green Cactus combo ($8.99) comes with a little bit of everything, which you can eat fajita-style or straight-up with a fork. If you want to leave possibly regretting the amount of food you've just eaten, try a burrito ($5.59-$7.99). The cactus salada ($7.59) will satisfy salad lovers, but for a salad, it's not exactly a light option – according to the chain's online menu, it still contains more than 800 calories. Calorie counters may want to stick with a pair of chicken or shrimp tacos ($2.59-$4.99), which average less than 200 calories each.

Side Dish: You can't go wrong with rice, beans, or chips with guacamole. Most side dishes are around $2.

When to Go: Try to hit Green Cactus ahead of or in between the usual lunch and dinner rushes; otherwise you may end up eating your burrito in your car. There's outdoor seating in the summer if you're lucky enough to grab a table. Not a great place to take a date, but perfect for a big lunch with friends.

Green Cactus
Address: 1099 N Country Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone: 631-751-0700
Price: $