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Candid Restaurant Review

Qdoba Mexican Grill
Locations in: Upland, Moreno Valley and now in Redlands ... plus 400 other branches Nationwide.


(909) 798-8884

Candid Restaurant Reviews - The Wright Gourmet
Qdoba Mexican Grill - Redlands & Upland, Ca.

 a Qdoba Mexican Grill
9990 Alabama St; Suite C
Redlands, Ca
(909) 798-8884

Qdoba Mexican Grill
1902 Campus Ave; Suite A
Upland, Ca.
(909) 932-0090


“Qdoba Mexican Grill” throws an interesting twist on the no frills, go through the line and “Make it Your Way” eatery craze. This "Quick-Food" trend has seen numerous similar restaurants popping up all over Southern California with varying levels of success and acceptance. Most of these “Grills” and “Point and Order” venues have proven rather, should we say it… pricey and disappointing. Our reviewers constantly receive requests to review chain store restaurants and really have not found much positive to say about them… until we tried “Qdoba.”

The term “Quick-Food” is one we are using to describe a serving style allows diners a much better, customizable menu choice without time being wasted as with order by menu venues. Like “Fast-Food” drive thru and walkups, “Quick-Food” is designed to be served quickly also… either take-out or sit down to work around our busy lifestyles; "Quick-Food" is also made with an eye towards healthier lifestyles and taste. This is a good thing! With the primary, defining difference being “Quick-Food” is served using a “Point and Order” buffet line style rather than “there is our menu; order quickly” type service. "QUICK-FOOD" is FAST, provides semi-customizable “choices," and Customers Love It!

The Qdoba Chain of restaurants excells in this "Quick Food" marketing nitch with an emphasis on using "Fresher Ingredients" which at Qdoba equates directly to "Fresher Flavors." These are many of the same Mexican Inspired recipes that only the more expensive restaurants present at double and triple the prices Qdoba charges; offered in a stripped down “Quick-Food” style.

    With over 400 restaurants nationwide “Qdoba Mexican Grill” has developed a signature style for their “Point and Order” menu of Tacos, Burritos and Salads that are bound to leave even the most finicky smiling. Mexican inspired flavors are the high point of Qdoba’s "Point and Dine" menu, with some extremely well thought out combinations suggested by their attentive staff. 

Qdoba's "Design Your Own" concept of "Quick-Food" Dining provides a much needed, healthier lunch time, and even great dinner alternative for those trapped in a Fast-Food Lifestyle.

                          
Click Here to read article about "Quick-Food" Restaurants

Qdoba Mexican Grill
9990 Alabama St; Suite C
Redlands, Ca

Total
Possible

Total
Awarded

Taste

10

10

Ambiance

10

7

Service

10

8

Cleanliness

10

10

Table Comfort

10

7

Menu Selection

10

8

Serving Sizes

10

8

Perceived Value

10

10

Enjoyment

20

20

Total
Points Awarded

88



     The quality of the menu offerings is well above the typical chain restaurant offerings… with everything made fresh, and served up on a buffet style line as the diner walks through and requests all their favorites.

Not your typical greasy ground beef  or artery clogging deep fried fillings; Sl
ow cooking and citrus marinades  dramatically increase the flavors of Qdoba’s succulent shredded pork and beef, while grilling intensifies the flavors of their marinated chicken. Any of these meats can be added, or in the case of vegetarians left out in any combination with an impressive array of other ingredients.

   Freshly made salsas, sauces and grated cheeses can be added to build up truly inspired burritos, tacos and taco salads, with or without meats. During our most recent visit to Qdoba’s new Redlands eatery we built up combinations of pork, beef and chicken that everyone in our group rated as favorites.


Other of our review staff have visited the Upland Qdoba’s and returned with rave reviews of their Quesadillas and salads, but were even more impressed with how fast the service was. We agree, fast, friendly service is a real plus when you are rushed with your lunchtime schedule… but still want healthful, quality dining options.

    We particularly enjoyed Qdoba’s “Mexican Style BBQ Sauce,” an ingredient that can be added to just about any menu item but is especially good on their pork, beef or grilled chicken burritos. This BBQ sauce adds a slightly sweet, but delightfully spicy little kick to the layers of flavors; and makes Qdoba’s signature “Ancho Chile BBQ Burrito” a taste sensation. This is a must try item... we liked the shredded pork version best.
 
The burritos are just about the perfect size if you are moderately hungry; We do wish it was possible to order a slightly bumped up bigger sized burrito, but this would be our only negative point, if it is one.

One of the key elements to all of Qdoba's layers of flavors are their signature sauces... Poblano Pesto, Ancho BBQ Sauce (a must try item) and the very tasty Ranchera Sauce. These sauces combine with a selection of 5 freshly made salsas. Combined, they are assured to light your mouth up to whatever level of afterglow you desire; from pleasantly warm to full meltdown (for the brave only). Just point and ask!

Also deserving of mention, and sure to ratchet up both the calorie content and flavor levels would be Qdoba’s 3-cheese Queso Sauce and freshly made guacamole. Both Mexican style favorites are pleasant departures from the typical chain restaurant offerings, kicked up with fresh ingredients and just enough seasonings to make these favorites also.

Dine-In or Take-Out; The restaurants were both exceptionally clean with the seating being a bit on the Spartan, but comfortable side. Noise levels have been moderate with all of our reviewers candid visits making the Qdoba Mexican Grill a great place for a casual business lunch on a budget.

Beverages include the typical self-serve soda fountain selections with free refills, an assortment of Cold Beer... Domestic, Microbrews and Mexican Beer, plus bottled Margaritas, Teas, Juices and water at reasonable prices.

Believe it or not… Qdoba is part of the family of “Jack in the Box” franchise opportunities; who knew Jack had such good taste?

    As a side note for office meetings and parties… Qdoba offers a very interesting catering menu at budget friendly prices that are sure to kick up the flavor of any bland meeting fare. The burritos and taco combinations are exceptional.