Restaurants

My husband swears there’s a big difference between Chipotle Mexican Grill and Moes Southwest Grill besides the extra money Chipotle charges at its cash register. His loyalty lies with Moe’s — but where did I come down on this vital life question?

<shrug> I can’t say I really give a rip, but I do recognize a good challenge when I see one. So we ate at both chains in one week, the better to help me make my comparisons.

His burrito

For starters, it’s a given that wherever we order burritos, my husband’s will be a colorful work of art, and mine will be monochromatic. That’s just how it goes when you order meat, black beans and cheese rolled in a tortilla while the other half throws in red peppers, salsa and God knows what else in that thing. It’s also standard operating procedure for him to buy chips and salsa and for me to say I don’t want any but then snarf down half his order.

So with that foundation,

here’s how the Chipotle v Moe’s Southwest Grill match-up played out:

Atmosphere: Tie. It irritates me to no end to hear that chorus of bored, “Welcome to Moe’s” droned at every customer who walks through the door. I actually had a spokesperson at the headquarters tell me that greeting is a big hit with kids — yet another confirmation, I guess, that I’m an adult now.

On the other hand, Chipotle has the most obnoxious que-up for the counter. It runs tight along the side of the booths, so hungry folks can lean up against what is essentially your dinner table and stare at your food while you eat. They also use that railing to play handsies with each other, and it’s almost impossible to have a conversation with your dinner companion without shouting to be heard over these strangers.

Yes, I could take a table in the middle of the room and avoid that. And I would have if everyone else hadn’t already claimed them.

Moe’s 0, Chipotle 0

Music: Moe’s wins with its classic hits of the ’70s and ’80s, once I convinced the manager that we don’t need to hear Sweet Home Alabama at concert sound levels. They also have television sets tuned to ESPN, so I didn’t have to miss the end of the women’s billiards championships a few weeks ago. Chipotle plays some off-the-wall indie music, which is great if that’s what’s on your iPod. Mine is full of country tunes and greatest hits of the ’80s.

Moe’s 1, Chipotle 0

Bathrooms: Both restaurants offer one-holers. Another tie that advances us nowhere.

Drinks: Both are Coke pours, so no advantage here, either.

Entertainment value: Moe’s has some of the silliest, let-your-hair-down-and-have-some-fun entree names in the business. Try asking for a Joey Bag of Donuts, Homewrecker or Art Vandalay without cracking a grin. But I really enjoyed reading the various human interest stories behind the vendors/partners at Chipotle, printed on, of all places, the soda cups. And the “Unburritable” and  ”Life is Burritoful” slogans resonate with me. Finally, when I get my iPhone, the ordering application could come in handy.

I have to give this one to Chipotle.

Moe’s 1, Chipotle 1

So in the end, my decision still came down to that old price concept. At $2.40 less for the same meal, it’s Moe’s for me. That, and it will keep the peace in the family.

Chipotle

10403 East US Highway 36

Avon, Indiana 46123

(317) 271-1481

Moe’s Southwest Grill

7853 US 31 South, Suite B

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 887-2222

Photographer: Julie Sturgeon