Qdoba vs Chipotle

In the United States, the Qdoba vs. Chipotle debate can be fierce because each brand has its loyal following and each one offers among the best Mexican-inspired cuisine adapted for the American palate. There’s also the matter of the quality of the food, atmosphere, and customer service delivered by the chains, said aspects of which are considered as the measure by which any chain worth its salt are judged.

Menu and Food Quality

Qdoba Mexican Eats began as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill in 1995. While its tacos, quesadillas, tortillas, Mexican gumbo, chile con queso, and fresh guacamole are, more or less, made according to Mexican traditions. But the menu’s star is the San Francisco-style burritos, also known as Mission-style burritos, which are characterized by their larger size and extra ingredients like rice.

The sheer size alone makes the Qdoba burritos a meal unto itself! Each bite emphasizes the meatiness of the pork, the creaminess of the rice, and the softness of the avocado slices, all punctuated by the crema’s cooling freshness. The burritos can also be made according to the diner’s personal preference by the addition of rice, meats, queso, beans, and salsa, as well as the free creamy guacamole.

While the Qdoba Mission-style burrito isn’t the best in the country, it can be considered as among the best, especially when you ask its ardent patrons. But while the flavors are relatively delicious, the freshness of the ingredients aren’t up to par in comparison with Chipotle’s ingredients.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is giving its competitors a run for their money, even those that aren’t in the same Mexican-style cuisine niche like McDonald’s. The main reason: Its emphasis on the use of only fresh, organic and quality ingredients, as well as on its generous portions, personalization of options, and satisfactory service.

Just as with Qdoba, the menu features Mexican-inspired items like tacos and burrito, among others. The wide range of toppings is just as impressive with pork carnitas, barbacoa, steak, sofritas, chorizo, and chicken, as well vegetarian choices. The availability of rice and beans, salsa and sour cream, and a few cheese choices is also one of the reasons for its increasing – and, in the future, enduring –popularity among customers.

How does Qdoba and Chipotle stack up against each other in terms of food quality? We have to say that Chipotle has the clear advantage – and it shows in the delicious flavors of its ingredients as individuals and when mixed together. We also want to point out that Chipotle makes it a point to be transparent about the sources and processes by which their ingredients are handled.

But when it comes to variety in the menu, Qdoba has the edge because of the addition of more items like kids’ meals, breakfast items, and nachos. Chipotle has a simpler menu but it also works in its favor because diners don’t’ have so many choices to confuse them.

As for serving sizes, both Qdoba and Chipotle will likely put you into a food-induced coma, even when you don’t put on more toppings. You shouldn’t come to any of these restaurants if you’re on a strict diet either although there are ways to eat healthier in these restaurants.

Service Quality and Atmosphere

Qdoba restaurants are usually staffed by customer-friendly employees so customers leave the establishments happy with the overall service. Many of the restaurants are also open 24 hours a day although their catering services are limited to certain hours only.

Chipotle restaurants are known for their dedication to satisfactory customer service, especially as the food orders are assembled in an assembly line process. The counter staff members are friendly without being chatty so diners can get their orders as soon as possible without feeling rushed through the line.  The catering services are also characterized by the staff members’ friendly and efficient attitude.

Ultimately, the Qdoba vs. Chipotle debate will boil down to personal preferences. Many even go back and forth between the two restaurants just to add variety to their dining choices.