Maoz: Good Falafel, Do-It-Yourself Toppings

Maoz

38 Union Square East [Park/Union Sq E btw 16th & 17th]

Also locations in Times Square, Greenwich Village, Columbia University, Upper West Side, and Theatre District

New York, NY

http://www.maozusa.com/restaurants/locations/nyc

Should you try? Yes, good falafel and do-it-yourself toppings.

Maoz Falafel

The falafel at Maoz is good, but the main appeal is the buffet line of toppings.  Each time I go for their falafel pita ($5.25), I end up with a portly falafel sandwich resembling a fat man in a little coat.  The setup at Maoz is pretty terrible, with lines sometimes out the door (out of necessity) and people awkwardly trying to find a spot to stand as they wait for their food.  But if you can get past the layout and enjoy adding your own toppings, this place is for you.

Maoz Union Square

They give 5 falafel balls with some lettuce in a doughy pita and you go down the line, adding whatever your heart desires.  The toppings are usually fresh and tasty since the turnover is pretty high and they’re constantly refilling the vegetables.  They do fry the broccoli and it gets oily (understandably) so just a warning.  The falafel itself has a crunchy exterior, but not the most moist inside.  I still prefer Taim’s falafel, but Maoz is a solid option and you’ll always know where it is.

Maoz Do-It-Youself Toppings (Union Square)

Maoz Falafel Pita