Chipotle vs. Moe’s: An epic Mexican battle
The “What should we get for dinner?” debate is a timeless classic that starts fights and for a few minutes, rips families and friends apart. A debate that seems to come up a lot with my friends is whether we should go to Chipotle or to Moe’s. People are very clear on their stance on which made to order Mexican food they like. Some are strictly Chipolte because they claim it is the “healthy option,” and some go right for Moe’s because of the “full bag of chips” portion option. For some time, I was strictly a Moe’s girl, but once I got to college and Moe’s was not in the general area I switched over and became a Chipotle eater. Personally, I think both are good. It always depends on what kind of Mexican you are in the mood for. Although some people are not as clear cut as me, these are some of the reasons there is an epic debate, as well as the similarities and differences between the two popular chains.
As you walk into Moe’s you are immediately welcomed with a loud, cheerful: “Welcome to Moe’s!!!” The menu at Moe’s is quite larger than Chipotle’s. They have more signature dishes with funny names like the “Fat Sam,” and the “Super Kingpin.” In the same style as Chipotle, Moe’s has all of the toppings and condiments spread of for you to pick and choose your favorites. They also offer deals and discounts almost every day of the week; Moe Mondays, and Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays. Moe’s has their famous queso that comes in sizes from small tasting size cups, to enough to feed all of Philadelphia size cups (not really, but you get the point). Moe’s also holds free queso day on September 18. Everyone who orders a meal gets a nice hearty cup of warm queso to drizzle on their burrito or dip their chips in. Moe’s has a fun Mexican-style atmosphere with music and vibrant colors on the walls. My Moe’s order: a chicken stack. It is a large flour tortilla with a smaller crunchy tortilla in the middle welded with cheese and toppings with another layer of crunchy tortilla and cheese, and then grilled shut.
Sometimes I think Chipotle is the “adult” version of Moe’s. Their menu is: simple and easy, which gives you more chances to customize your burrito or bowl. Their toppings and condiments are laid out nice and neat so that every bite is nice and flavorful. The workers at Chipotle are nice and helpful. A large perk at Chipotle that many like is that they grill and cut everything right on the counter so you can see how fresh their ingredients actually are. Chipotle is very active in their communities and are frequently the hosts of local fundraisers. Chipotle also does free burrtios if you dress up in a costume on Halloween! (start planning your costume now) Chipotle also did just introduce their own queso that has been in the media quite often too. Chipotle is much more subtle in their decor approach, more modern and monochromatic in their designs. My Chipotle order; a chicken bowl (sometimes a burrito if I’m feeling adventurous) with a bag of chips on the side.
Next time the debate comes up on what to have for dinner, keep in mind that Moe’s is fun, and Chipotle is modern. Whichever you are feeling you’ll still have pretty quality fast-food.
