AG Steakhouse in Westbury served its last skewer of grilled beef on Sunday — for now, at least. General manager Long Phu said in a video announcement on Instagram, “We are embarking on an exciting chapter to a new home … down the block.”
When the steakhouse opened in 2024, it was an audacious move. The Brazilian all-you-can-eat-meat concept was modeled on one perfected by national chains Fogo de Chão (with Long Island locations in Garden City and Huntington Station) and Texas de Brazil (Lake Grove). AG, however, was independently owned. Frontman Phu, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, had spent two decades managing Fogo de Chão steakhouses in New York City, Baltimore and most recently, Garden City. Phu spoke with Newsday in December about the rising cost of beef and its impact on steakhouses on the Island. The restaurant, whose name stands for “Assado Gaúcho,” took over the 400-seat former Cozymel’s Mexican Grill.
We do know what’s taking over the sprawling building on Corporate Drive: It will be the fifth Long Island location of Patrizia’s, the rollicking Italian with spots in Hicksville, Massapequa, Hauppauge and Commack (which is a slightly different concept, called Patrizia’s Marquee). Partner Tony Luisi (who is also part of the team at Undici Pizza in Massapequa) said this newest and biggest Patrizia’s would blend the signature party atmosphere with more upscale, a la carte items. He is shooting for an April opening.
Long Islanders hungering for a nonchain meat extravaganza experience should remember this is home to a number of independent Brazil-by-way-of-Portugal “rodizio” restaurants, including Churrasqueira Bairrada (Mineola), Churrasqueira Carvalhos (Bellmore), Churrasqueira Genesis (Hempstead and Freeport) and Luso (Smithtown).
Erica Marcus, a passionate but skeptical omnivore, has been reporting and opining on the Long Island food scene since 1998.