New Qdoba Mexican Grill is on Broad Street downtown across from Jack's Alley. Click to enlarge.
photo by Janet Wilson
We were anxious to try the new Qdoba Mexican Grill, which opened earlier this week at 414 Market Street. Having never been to a Qdoba before, it wasn’t what we expected. It has a completely different set-up. In fact, I later told the General Manager it was like a “Mexican Subway”.
When you enter the restaurant, you get in line and place your order. You then follow it down the line, watching as it goes through the different stages of preparation and telling them what you want on it (or with it). You can order any of their items the way “you” want them. That little tidbit caught my attention in regard to the Burritos.
I am not a Burrito fan. I do not like that huge “wrapping”. It seems like you can’t really taste what’s inside because there is so much outside. Well, at Qdoba, for all of us who feel that way, we can order our Burrito “naked”! That means your Burrito will be served in a bowl with an optional tortilla on the side
The most important thing we learned while at Qdoba is that EVERYTHING is made fresh, right there. Their Guacamole is delicious – and it is prepared with fresh Avocado – no pre-mixed, or powder base starters. Also, along the serving or preparation line, you will notice timers. Nothing is allowed to stay there after a certain length of time. It must stay fresh and appealing – so when the timer goes off – that item is replaced.
According to the folks at Qdoba, all Burritos start with cilantro lime rice and your choice of black or pinto beans (unless it’s Fajitas, then there are no beans). It is then topped off with your choice of salsa and cheese or sour cream. Their signature Burritos include Chicken Mole, Grilled Vegetable, Seasoned Shredded Beef, Pablo Pesto, and Fajita Ranchera. Of course, there are also the standard Burritos – Chicken, Steak, Fajita Classica, Ground Sirloin and Vegetarian. Qdoba also has Tacos, Salads, Nachos, Soup and Quesadillas.
Wayne ordered the Seasoned Shredded Beef Signature Burrito with Pinto Beans, which he thought was delicious. He was also pleased that it was “stuffed” full since the majority of Burritos are more wrapping than stuffing. We also shared an order of the Homemade Chips and Salsa. (Yes, you do have to pay for your chips here – this is fast food) I tried the Warm Ranchera Sauce (tomatoes, red onions, garlic, lemon juice and poblano peppers) while Wayne went with the Fiery Habanero Salsa (garlic, tomatillos and spices, plus, according to the menu, one of the hotter peppers on the planet). I did taste it – and, yep, it was certainly “fiery” and, can you believe it, he ordered it to be put on his Burrito! He decided the Burrito was as good as any he has eaten in Chattanooga.
I ordered the Steak Quesadilla and one Taco. It was one of the better Quesadillas – and I liked the way they toasted the outside, giving it that extra body and a little crunch. I also liked the Taco since they put what you want on it. Have you ever noticed how most of the Mexican restaurants give you meat and cheese – and that’s it (except for Taco Bell where you get the best Taco Supremes)? At Qdoba they will put what you ask – I had lettuce, tomato (actually Pico de Gallo Salsa), sour cream and cheese – what a good Taco!! I’m sure that’s not “real” Mexican, but, hey, that’s what I want!
We left Qdoba feeling as though we had eaten Mexican food “our way”. It was deliciously tasty, fresh, and quick. If they can outlast the construction mess directly in front of their restaurant – and everyone spreads the word - they could be a big “hit” in Chattanooga. Good, fresh food and reasonable prices.
The only thing I noted was that the Sweet Tea I got wasn’t sweet. I don’t know if it just wasn’t that sweet or if it got mixed up with the Unsweet Tea. It was no problem, it just wasn’t sweet.
Hours for Qdoba are Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.
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