Farid’s Middle Eastern Grill Food & Pizza

In the last few years, this location has been home to many handles (Il Gusto Italiano, Pita and Pizza Lovers, Empire Pizza II, etc) with one very distinct thing in common: mediocre Italian food and subpar Middle Eastern fare. As the latest incarnation in Farid’s, the trend continues from a line of predecessors that have all done the same thing, albeit rather poorly.
Could it be the same owners /​network of folks? It’s hard to conceive that a prime spot in the East Village could undergo so many makeovers but continually feature the same theme. There are a dime a dozen pizza spots, but with Middle Eastern flair? I suppose that’s where the niche comes in but not really (#1).
The pizza is best eaten drunk. Flimsy crust and bland sauce + cheese doesn’t account for much in this city, save for the dollar slices that open late. If only these slices were just as cheap. I’ve gone for the more decorated slices (white pizza, meat lovers, etc.) in hopes the toppings would save the slice, but to no avail.
Another attempt was for their gyro, which despite the limited portion, was actually semi-​decent. The meat was charred nicely and was juicy, tender to the bite. There just wasn’t enough of it. And for close to $ 10, I was hoping for sustenance but that’s a tad too optimistic for this spot.
The good news is they’re open late. The bad news is that the rest of the block doesn’t seem to have many other competing options. If one can stomach a couple more blocks (#2), there is hope on the late night eats horizon.
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(#1) Exhibit A:
(#2) Drunk stumble if you must. Just look both ways as you cross.