Chipotle is to Regina George as Qdoba is to Cady Heron.
In the first corner we have Chipotle: the crazed, desirable, Mexican grill that everyone and their mother wants to get for lunch. Basically Regina George. I've never been a huge fan of Chipotle, but in recent years I've finally found my go-to order - which means I've tried about everything on the menu.
In the other corner we have Qdoba: overlooked...like Cady Heron. In my town, Qdoba is five minutes away where as Chipotle is at least 30. Sometimes we will make the drive, but other times we would much rather have more variety. Though it's not as popular as Chipotle, in my opinion Qdoba has a few more qualities that Chipotle lacks, which essentially puts them above Chipotle.
Here are five reasons why I would pick Qdoba over Chipotle:
1. Queso
The queso is my favorite part about Qdoba! You can put queso on anything you order (I love to put it on my quesadillas) and you can even get it to go. For a limited time, they're even offering "buffalo bacon" queso and "queso verde" - just another reason for you to locate your nearest Qdoba and go try it out.
2. Guacamole Is Free
You heard it here folks. While you're paying $2 extra for Chipotle's guacamole you could go to Qdoba and get your same order (with a little bit more variety) and get it for less. Guac is not extra, don't you know?
3. There is More Variety
Chipotle: Burritos, bowls, tacos, salad.
Qdoba: Burritos, bowls, tacos, salad, quesadillas, soup, nachos, taco salads, and breakfast.
Not to mention Qdoba has a better kids menu...coming from the 19-year-old that still orders off of the kids menu from time to time.
4. Qdoba Is Open Later
Chipotle is typically open until 10:00 pm and Qdoba is typically open until 10:30-11:00 pm given the day. It may be a mere 30 minutes, but every minute counts when you have a late night craving.
5. Fancy Coca-Cola Drink Machines
Chipotle is so basic: traditional, but basic. They only offer like, eight drink options with their old-fashioned drink machines. Qdoba, however, has those super cool Coca-Cola 100+ drink option machines. I don't know about you, but I get really excited when I go into a fast food restaurant and they have those.
Sure, it's not a lot, but Qdoba definitely has their foot in the door. With a few more locations, could they overthrow Chipotle? I don't know about you, but that menu variety (and queso!) is pretty tempting... You go, Cady Heron.
