Chipotle is amazing, with its fresh ingredients and make-it-in-front-of-you assembly line.
But while Chipotle is technically Mexican, it’s kind of its own thing (just like McDonald’s isn’t really “just” a burger joint).
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
And let’s face facts – times have changed, and loads of Mexican chains have stepped up their game.
(I personally hardly ever go to Chipotle anymore just because there are so many great choices out there.)
With that in mind, here are the seven Mexican chains that may satisfy your cravings better than Chipotle…
Shutterstock
Vibe: It was an Austin, Texas secret before it expanded to about 100 restaurants. The inside of this sit-down restaurant is kitschy and colorful.
How it beats Chipotle: The ambience sets the tone and then the food is truly great Tex Mex. Chipotle certainly doesn’t have the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo!
Shutterstock
Vibe: Moe’s actually stands for “Musicians, Outlaws, and Entertainers,” but it’s a fast casual restaurant that tries to have a little personality. Over 600 locations.
How it beats Chipotle: The burritos are good, but why Moe’s is on this list is the queso. SO GOOD! And, sorry to say, Chipotle’s queso is its Achilles heel.
Shutterstock
Vibe: Local Northern Virginia chain (i.e. DC suburbs) where you can sit down or take away.
How it beats Chipotle: If you can get to the DC area, Anita’s is a local legend. Its best thing is its breakfast burritos (Chipotle doesn’t even serve breakfast yet). If you get there early (they open around 5 in the morning!), you’ll see construction workers taking away large sacks full of them for the crew.
Shutterstock
Vibe: Pretty similar to a more colorful Chipotle, including the assembly line. Over 700 locations.
How it beats Chipotle: The burritos look pretty darn similar to Chipotle’s. Whether it’s salsa differences or particular ingredients, the Qdoba fans just like theirs better.
Shutterstock
Vibe: Fast food!
How it beats Chipotle: Okay, yeah, we get it. You’re either down with Taco Bell or you’re horrified it’s on this list. I’m sorry, a Taco Bell crunchy taco or a bean burrito can really hit the spot in a way Chipotle can’t. Plus, not to harp on it, but Taco Bell serves breakfast and is open late night.
Shutterstock
Vibe: Exactly what you’d expect from a fast casual taco chain that started in Austin, Texas. With all the talk of high-quality ingredients that you’d expect from a Chipotle alternative. Over 100 locations.
How it beats Chipotle: It’s the variety and inventiveness of Torchy’s tacos that you’ll love. They’ve got anything from the classics to fried avocados to blackened salmon to green chile pork to fried shrimp to smoked beef brisket. And even chicken tenders for the kids.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
Vibe: Higher-quality fast food, open 24/7. Del Taco has almost 600 locations across 18 states.
How it beats Chipotle: Del Taco’s carne asada steak street guac’d up taco is legitimately the best fast-food taco I’ve ever had, and I love their fried fish tacos too. They’re also more than “just” tacos or even tex mex – their burgers are solid (I mean, they’re no In-N-Out, but they’re still pretty good!), and their shakes are excellent. You get a lot of good options at a great price point.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
Vibe: Chipotles are clean and modern. You don’t feel like you’re in a fast casual place sometimes. 3,500 locations!
How Chipotle beats the rest: We have to give Chipotle its due. Its massive burritos really hit the spot, and it has so many imitators even beyond Mexican food.
And now the big question:
Shutterstock
So there you have it – seven Mexican spots whose fans are confident they’re better than Chipotle.
Each has a reasonable argument to make…
But are they right?
Shutterstock
Who did we miss?
What’s your favorite Mexican food place?
Let us know in the comments!
Shutterstock
