Qdoba

    Familiar with nearly all AHS students, the Chipotle restaurant, located all over the metro area, is one of the most popular burrito joints around.  They are known for their monstrous size burritos and fresh chips and salsa…but have they encountered a new competitor? 

    As described by a few frequent customers, the Mexican grill, Qdoba, is just like a “Chipotle on steroids.”  Their burritos are almost exactly on par with Chipotle’s but there is a hitch –they came first!

    It was founder Anthony Miller who opened the first Qdoba in 1995 in Denver.  Chipotle opened four years later.  Today there are over 400 restaurants stretching from Pacific to Atlantic, with our most accessible being in the city of Washington, D.C.

    So it is a bit of a hike but it is definitely worth the extra money for a metro ticket.  It is easy to enjoy while spending the day in the city.  From personal experience, while hanging out on the National Mall, the nearest Chipotle is an easy 30 minute walk.  Spare yourself and head to Qdoba, which is a more convenient and heartier option.

    When entering the restaurant, it is the same setup as Chipotle.  A line is formed starting at the door and you travel down the counter, choosing your favorite toppings from their line of fresh ingredients.

    An extremely friendly atmosphere, there are lots of fun and bright colors that fill the walls, and old-school pop songs can be heard in the background, which is entertaining for those who grew up with the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez.

    Aside from all of the extra décor, the most important excuse to go to Qdoba is for their plethora of food.  Yes, they have their signature jumbo-size burritos and fresh nachos but it is the rest of the menu that sets them apart from all of the others. 

    First and foremost, they do other five signature burritos, but there is no limit to what can and cannot go on your individual plate.  You can fasten your eyes on your meal as it is being prepared and cooked right in front of you, to assure each meal is ordered accurately and to each customers wish –this  include the quesadillas, nachos and salads.

    Qdoba is a fairly new chain to hit the east coast, with its establishment originally on the west coast.  In Colorado it was named one of the top 15 inexpensive restaurants, and it was named the “Best Burrito” by the Denver Post.

    The nachos Qdoba has to offer take the nachos of Chipotle to a new level. They are covered with every vegetable and topping, with your choice of meat. They are piled high on fresh made tortilla chips, and are a very filling choice for the hungry D.C. adventurer.

    As your burrito is made before your eyes, a galnce upwards offers a glimpse into the fiery kitchen of Qdoba. The chefs grill and sautee the ingredients of your food as you watch, then hand it down to the “burrito artists.”

    The service is speedy, itent on getting you out of line and eating your food as soon as possible. Should you come to Qdoba and see a large line, don’t fret; the wait is never too long, and the food is definitely worth the wait.

    Just two blocks from the Metro Center Metro stop, the restaurant is easily accesible from all over the D.C. area. A short walk towards the Capitol from the Mall will have you feeling as though you have just walked into Little Mexico. Also nearby is the ESPN Zone, a great place to hang out and play games as you wait to digest the giant portion of food you have just consumed.

    Qdoba is reasonable price for the quality of food you are recieving.  Prices are the same, if not better than those of Chipotle’s, about $5 for a burrito.

    Rumor has it, there will be a new store opening in the Fairfax area very soon.


Location:
3303 M Street NW
Washington, DC  20007
202-342-3360