Side-by-Side: Chipotle or Moe’s?

In this issue, Bailey Weber and Kyle Harper debate which fast-casual restaurant is best if you’re hungry for a burrito and nachos. 

Forget the Controversy: Chipotle Is Steps Ahead of Moe’s
by Bailey Weber

Chipotle Mexican Grill is the far superior Mexican fast-food alternative. With the wide variety of meal options, proteins, and toppings, there are a plethora of combinations that can be created at Chipotle.

Chipotle offers limited-time proteins as well, which allow the restaurants to test possible replacements on the menu. In the past, they have had smoked brisket and a plant-based chorizo as options.

Another plus for Chipotle customers is that they can see the food they are going to eat being prepared in front of them. The grills and cutting stations right behind the counter gives a great visual for how fresh the meat and toppings are. 

The argument against Chipotle’s prices can be argued as well. Their prices are higher than Moe’s because of the quality of their ingredients. Higher quality avocados, tomatoes, and meats cause the price jump. 

Although Chipotle lacks the everpresent “Welcome to Moe’s” energy, they look for the “13” when interviewing possible employees of the company. The 13 are distinctive qualities in a person, like motivation, enthusiasm, and honesty. Walking into a Chipotle and being greeted with their calm and cool energy makes for a pleasant experience, compared to being yelled at across the store. 

To be completely frank, Chipotle’s guacamole makes the entire trip worth it. The same cannot be said for Moe’s version. 

Chipotle is the blueprint for Mexican fast-food restaurants. The easy, made-to-order style allowed Moe’s to follow suit and become successful. Without Chipotle, Moe’s would never have opened their doors. 

Remember why guac is extra: because it is delicious. 

You Deserve “Moe” For Your Money
by Kyle Harper

While Chipotle Mexican Grill may have more restaurants across the country, Moe’s Southwest Grill has the burrito business beat in quality.

There are a number of reasons why Moe’s is the superior restaurant. For starters, Moe’s has a larger variety of menu options. At Chipotle, you have your burrito, your bowl, and your tacos (quesadillas too, but only if you use the app).

Moe’s has these but also has nachos and the “stack,” which is their version of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. These menu options diversify the offerings a casual fast-food restaurant goer can pick from and encourages people to come back and try more food.

Moe’s not only has more dishes on their menu but more ingredients as well. Ingredients at Moe’s that you won’t find at Chipotle include cucumbers, fresh jalapeños, and a chipotle ranch dressing.

Additionally, Moe’s has a salsa bar! Salsa is made fresh daily from signature ingredients to ensure customers have a sensational taste experience. There’s up to six different salsas at the serving station. How many do Chipotle have? Three and some Tabasco sauce.

Also, Moe’s isn’t stingy with their premium items like Chipotle can be. Guacamole and queso may be extra, but you should expect to get what you pay for. Chipotle doesn’t always fill the containers all the way with your choice of condiments. 

In this regard, Moe’s is more than fair. If you order nachos, you can expect to get at least four healthy ladles full of queso. The best part: no extra charge.

Pricing is the one key difference between the two of these locations. A steak burrito bowl with chips, queso, and a drink at Moe’s only costs you about $11 on average. At Chipotle, this combo would be burning a $20 hole in your pocket.

Next time you’re craving some southwest cuisine, pick Moe’s. You won’t regret the taste, and you’ll have money leftover to come back another day.