I have asked myself this very same question many times since I got to Grand Canyon University, where Qdoba is a lifestyle. I had never tried, or even heard of, Qdoba until I learned it was one of the food options available to students on campus at GCU. Naturally, my curiosity spiked. I HAD to try this supposed "rival" to Chipotle and see if it was all that it was cracked up to be. For those of you who do not know what Chipotle or Qdoba are, shame on you. Just kidding, I won't shame you for your unfortunate location if you do not have these restaurants where you live, but I WILL tell you that you are missing out. Chipotle and Qdoba are like the Subways of Mexican food; you can order a bowl or a burrito (just the basics, there are more options but these are the two standard choices for each) and you can fill it with any ingredients you want. Now, I have had inner turmoil over which one is "better" so to speak, and I have asked multiple people their opinion; I have either gotten die-hard Chipotle fans who will not even consider Qdoba as a rival of Chipotle, and vice versa. So, I decided I would break it down and rank each different category based off of personal taste.
For this purpose, I will be ranking my experience with steak burritos from both restaurants, with similar ingredients.
1. The tortilla
Honestly, the tortillas are pretty similar. They are both about the same size, and they are both heated the same way. However, I do think I like Chipotle's tortillas a bit more, as I find Qdoba's to be a bit thinner. Or maybe it's just me. But, Chipotle takes the point here for me. Chipotle: 1 Qdoba: 0
2. The rice and beans
Okay, the Qdoba at GCU only offers white rice and black beans, so I don't know how their other types taste. Chipotle's rice has more flavor, as it is infused with cilantro and it tastes more lime-y to me than Qdoba's, so there is that factor. Personally, I am not a huge beans fan, so they all taste the same to me. Chipotle takes this one also. Chipotle: 2 Qdoba: 0
3. The meat
The best part of the burrito! I had steak from both Chipotle and Qdoba, and I love them both. However, I do think Chipotle's meat is a tad more flavorful. So, yet again, Chipotle, you take the win here. Chipotle: 3 Qdoba: 0
4. The vegetables
So, both restaurants basically have the same ingredients as far as veggies go. Personally, I only get the corn salsa, grilled veggies, and the lettuce. The lettuce and grilled veggies' quality are the same. I do like Chipotle's corn more, I have to admit. But, Qdoba's tastes really similar, almost identical. However, Chipotle's tastes more onion-y, and I am the onion queen so I guess that could be why (that does not sound appealing at all, I am sorry). Chipotle is killing it! Chipotle: 4 Qdoba: 0
5. Other (guac!)
Okay, I lied. Everyone's favorite may not be the meat, but rather, the GUACAMOLE! Qdoba and Chipotle both offer guacamole, however, Qdoba's guac comes with the meal and Chipotle's costs an arm and a leg for this heavenly side. I have tried both, and they are different; Chipotle's has a more buttery feel and Qdoba's is more flavorful. I like Qdoba's more. Other ingredients are cheese and sour cream, and these are basically the same. Chipotle's sour cream is a bit better, but Qdoba's free guac overrules that for me. Chipotle: 4 Qdoba: 1
6. Queso!
Okay, I lied again. THIS IS MY FAVORITE THING ON A BURRITO! Unfortunately, Chipotle does not offer this option. However, Qdoba does, and not only does it come in one option, but TWO, a regular 3-cheese option and a spicy version for all you brave souls out there. What's even better is that this add-on is also free and comes with your meal! This small fact right here just takes the cake for me. Chipotle: 4 Qdoba: 2
Did I make you hungry yet? Even though Chipotle technically acquired more taste points, my loyalty has switched from Chipotle to Qdoba and it will remain this way until Chipotle can compete with free guacamole and queso. Sorry, all you die-hard Chipotle fans, I am now officially a Qdoba girl!
