Battle of the Burrito (Bowls)

I’ve loved Chipotle since sometime in high school, in college, I was introduced to Qdoba, and about 2 weeks ago my sister and I went to Panchero’s for the first time, here’s my analysis.

Chipotle, a crowd favorite, with tons of locations, and a menu you probably know by heart.

I love how cheap it is, especially since I take their food to go so often.

Qdoba the place to go for free extras and a great, distinct flavor. They have nicer restaurant’s than Chipotle.

Panchero’s has an interesting niche. They stir the ingredients together before they hand you a finished product, plus they do have fresh tortillas but I usually get salads now so that’s not a huge selling point for me. They have the nicest restaurants from what I can tell as well. I didn’t like the flavor overall though.

If you have all three locally here’s the breakdown, if you want guac for sure in your order (as well as wontons strips) go to Qdoba, it’s included, but their entrees are slightly more expensive for it but cheaper than adding it at Chipotle or Panchero’s.

If you want to sit down and enjoy your meal there, Pancheros takes the lead, it was a nicer ambiance overall.

If you want the best burrito for you money, classic great flavor, and you don’t care where you sit, Chipotle.

My personal overall pick *drumroll*

Chipotle.

I’m good at making quick guac at home, and I’m all about budget lunches to take home or to the office. I love the Chipotle flavor, and I know how to get the most out of my order.

That being said, here’s how to get the most for your money at Chipotle: order a salad and ask for a tortilla on the side (just be warned it’s said to be 300 extra calories), ask for both rices and both beans, add chicken, add as many free options as you have inclination to as you pay for them all with an “entree” order, ask for extra lettuce on top if you want, I don’t believe they’ve ever charged me for it. Making your entree as big as possible means you can avoid add ons like chips, or guac, or pop, order water to go with it instead.