Penn's newest campus eatery, Qdoba, is a burgeoning franchise specializing in made-to-order burritos. Qdoba was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1995 by partners Anthony Miller and Robert Hauser. An instant success, the two men opened over 100 more restaurants before being purchased by Jack in the Box in 2003. Judging by the droves of Penn students waiting in line for up to 30 minutes for their very own burrito, Qdoba will be a lasting success in University City as well.
Start your burrito with a warm flour tortilla, cilantro lime rice and choice of black or pinto beans. Add chicken, beef or vegetables, and cheese or sour cream. Top your burrito with one of Qdoba's five signature salsas -- pico de gallo, roasted chile corn, salsa verde (medium), salsa rojo (hot) and the fiery habanero salsa (extra hot). Counting your carbs? You can order any burrito served in a bowl with or without a tortilla on the side.
Qdoba also has several signature burritos that are quite popular. The chicken mole burrito is served with marinated chicken and a rich and spicy mole sauce. Mole is a rich and flavorful traditional Mexican sauce made with dried chiles, garlic, spices and unsweetened chocolate. Don't knock it 'till you try it. Another Qdoba special is the poblano pesto burrito. Marinated chicken is topped with a sauce made of roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, almonds and pine nuts. Most burritos are in the $6 range.
Not a fan of burritos? Qdoba also has tacos, taco salads, nachos and tortilla soup.
Also try the fresh tortilla chips with guacamole, warm three cheese (Monterey Jack, Swiss and American) dip or one of the fives salsas.
Two reasons to order you burrito to go: the appalling attempt at a Diego Rivera mural on the north wall, and the unfortunate music selection circa '94 (think Seal and Sophie B. Hawkins).
Qdoba Mexican Grill is the perfect spot for cheap, fresh eats. So pass on Beijing for once and head south of the border to this hot new Penn staple.
