The Mexican food wars are heating up…
And while Qdoba is a fantastic restaurant with legions of true fans (me included)…
Competition is fierce!
And let’s face it:
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There’s a lot of great Mexican and Tex-Mex food out there.
Get ready for some mouth-watering options.
Starting with…
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Where you’ll find them: Just about everywhere. There are 3,500 locations across the United States, so chances are good – if you want Chipotle, you can get to one fast!
Why it’s better: Great guac, huge portion sizes, solid prices. (Yes, I know prices are up – but let’s face it – their burrito is easily two meals if you get chips and guac as well.)
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Where you’ll find them: Chuy’s started in Austin and has now expanded as far west as Colorado, south to Florida, and as far north as Ohio. It has about 100 restaurants – for now!
Why it’s better: Fantastic margaritas, delicious burritos, fun atmosphere. Chuy’s is Americana married to Tex Mex, and it’s a joy to eat there every time.
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Where you’ll find them: Every state and plenty of foreign countries. Taco Bell is everywhere!
Why it’s better: I was a little scared to put Taco Bell on the list, but let’s be honest: The food tastes pretty good, and it’s an amazing value. Sorry, but that’s just the way it is! Their crunchwrap supreme remains one of the best fast food meals I’ve ever had.
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Where you’ll find them: On The Border started in Texas but has now expanded to 28 states! You can get it pretty much anywhere but the northern mountain states (think Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho), the Pacific Northwest, and the far Northeast (sorry Maine). (Ok, they’re also not in Kentucky or West Virginia, but you get the idea.)
Why it’s better: Their fajitas are fantastic (especially the pork carnitas), and I still dream about the last time I had their tacos al carbon. Everything is good, everything is heaping portions, just enjoy yourself.
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Where you’ll find them: Moe’s is in 37 states plus Washington, DC, with the heaviest concentrations in Florida, Georgia, and New York.
Why it’s better: Their stack (which is a lot like a taco bell crunchwrap) is fantastic, their bowls are great, and all the ingredients are fresh and pop with color.
Fun fact: Moe’s stands for “Musicians, Outlaws, and Entertainers.”
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Where you’ll find them: Del Taco is in 18 states, especially in the south and the West Coast.
Why it’s better: Their carne asada steak street guac’d up taco is the best chain steak taco you’ll get, hands-down, no question. Also try their fish taco – it’s better than it sounds!
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Where you’ll find them: Torchy’s started in Austin, Texas and has since expanded to over 100 locations across 16 states.
Why it’s better: Torchy’s has two great things going for it: First off, fresh ingredients (I know, that should be a given) really make their dishes pop. And secondly – they didn’t just stick with the greatest hits. They’ve got cool fusion stuff like fried avocados and blackened salmon – exactly the kind of stuff that helps you break out of the “traditional” tex-mex trap!
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• 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!
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I couldn’t leave without showing Qdoba some love.
Where you’ll find them: Qdoba is in 45 states, plus DC (the only states missing them are Maine, Vermont, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Rhode Island).
Why it’s better: The queso. Good lord, the queso is good. (And their burritos are good all on their own too! But make sure you get the queso.)
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So there you have it – seven competitors whose fans would swear up and down they’re better than Qdoba.
But here’s the big question:
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Are they right?
Or is Qdoba the best?
Let us know in the comments!
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