Chipotle and Qdoba are the two dominant brands in the never-ending competition for fast-casual Mexican cuisine. Although their menus of bowls, burritos and tacos are similar, Qdoba outperforms in flavor, price and flexibility.
First up on the menu: flavor. Chipotle is hesitant to embrace the bold flavors that Qdoba offers. They offer classic toppings like queso, salsa and protein, but they also offer spicy versions as well.
For salsa, you have five flavorful choices: Chile corn, roasted tomato, salsa verde, salsa roja and habanero. If the habanero still isn’t enough spice, you also have the option of queso diablo, although your bowels might not thank you later.
Qdoba has no trouble coming up with new ideas, from their signature queso to a wider range of spicy and seasonal salsa.
The menu is kept fresh by their rotating limited-time flavors and sauces like cilantro-lime creamy, hot Cholula and pickled jalapeños.
Qdoba offers 20 different toppings, allowing for a flavorful and colorful mixture to be created. Chipotle has half that amount, which leads to half of the potential flavor combinations.
The most staggering difference in toppings is the infamous guacamole. This leads us to the next, and most important topic — price. Adding guacamole to your meal at Chipotle will cost a staggering $2.65, but at Qdoba, a superior mouthwatering guacamole is given for free.
Even with the steep price of Chipotle’s toppings, they still grapple with serving a sufficient amount.
Chipotle has been in hot queso recently because of their noticeable decrease in bowl sizes due to strict portion patrol. Portions are something Chipotle continuous to struggle with — unless you start recording. Chipotle, despite being a billion-dollar company, cannot spare another scoop of protein.
Qdoba also tends to shine in its atmosphere and customer service. While both chains follow the same fast-casual format, Qdoba restaurants are often less crowded, allowing customers to feel more relaxed while their order is prepared.
Being in line at Chipotle is similar to being in line at TSA. You are expected to know the rules and order before entering. If you have an internal debate about adding queso to your bowl, an employee will insist on an immediate decision because there is a line around the building.
Qudoba beats Chipotle in every aspect of food service. The next time you have a craving for a burrito bowl, you know which choice to make.