Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Qdoba (Birkdale)

First of all, I'd like to apologize to you, the readers of this blog. I often do my best to avoid chain restaurants, and the cookie-cutter style food, decor, and service that you usually expect from them. But due to the fact that I eat at this place almost once a week, I finally need to write a review for the Qdoba in Birkdale.

For those of you not familiar with Qdoba, think of Chipotle. It's a burrito shop decorated with an urban / industrial flair -- stainless steel counter tops and tables, corrugated metal, etc. The burritos are decent. And since I love me some burrito, I happen to stop here often. But this past weekend I tried something different (GASP!). I tried the Mexican Gumbo with Pork, and was amazed by what I tasted.

The Mexican Gumbo is tortilla soup poured over rice, beans, and whatever meat you choose. I chose pork. To top-off the gumbo I added pico de gallo, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips. Once everything is mixed together, this meal-in-a-bowl is fantastic cold-weather food.

In addition, it is seriously tasty. The pork had a mixture of a cumin and sweet flavors. The tortilla soup has a nice spicy kick, the sour cream added a sweet creamy texture, and the pico de gallo added the tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Combine all those flavors together, and you've got a melody of tastes for the tongue to enjoy. It's so good, you could add a few bucks to the price, and put it in a nicer bowl and restaurant, and nobody would know the difference.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5 (The staff are friendly and helpful, but it is fast food and I have to get my own drink and utensils)
Total: 10/15
Price: $

Conclusion: The burritos here are good, but the Mexican Gumbo is great. I highly recommend it with the pork. Qdoba offers a low price, yet filling meal in Birkdale. And that is one of the draws of this typically busy fast-food style restaurant.

Restaurant Info:
Qdoba Mexican Grill
16926 Birkdale Commons Pkwy.
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-892-2818
http://www.qdoba.com/

6 comments:

  1. There are actually two Chipotle's in Charlotte, incase you're interested. One is located in Dilworth/South End and the other is in Matthews. I personally prefer the taco stand for the "real" thing though it can give you wicked heartburn if you're not careful with the sauce :-)
    - Natalie

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  2. WOW! I didn't know that there was one in Matthews! I do love Chipotle's Barbacoa Burrito. But I must agree with you, the taco stands / trucks seem to taste better, and are usually much cheaper.

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  3. Really? Mexican on St. Pats Day? Guessing your name is not Murphy :)

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  4. I agree with Laurie. No Irish on Saint Patrick's? We will expect it on Cinco de Mayo

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  5. Geez! I'm still new to this blogging thing -- gimme a break! :)

    To be honest I didn't even think of St. Patrick's Day. But I'll try make sure that I write about something that corresponds to the proper upcoming holidays. Cinco de Mayo will definately be covered!

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  6. I LOVED this place until I had a cockroach run across my food as I was paying and the owner argued with me about giving me my money back when I did not want to eat my food!!

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