Lunch Tuesday: Moe’s Southwest Grill
Posted October 26, 2010 8:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
We barely beat the rush on a recent visit to Moe’s Southwest Grill (35 Eglinton Ave. E.).
We walked in just before noon and were greeted with a cheery “Welcome to Moe’s!” from an employee who was standing on a ladder, replacing one of the pot lights. We were the only ones in the restaurant. By 12:10pm, he was one of three workers behind the counter and the line-up was six people deep.
The main draw at this U.S. based chain is the all-you-can-eat salsa bar. There are five on offer, with inventive if not particularly helpful names like “hard rock sauce.” All the chips are deep-fried in house, and come free with every order.
When you get a combo, it comes with a soft drink and a serving of either guacamole or queso. Many of the menu items are available in two sizes, original and the slightly smaller junior. We ordered the homewrecker burrito, with steak, and the buffalo chicken burrito.
On a previous visit, fish tacos were cooked to order. This time, the steak and the chicken were scooped out of warming trays and decked with standard toppings (tomato, onion, pickled and fresh jalapenos).
The best part of the meal is the chips. They’re crisp and salty and even a little bit warm.
As for the burritos themselves, it’s not that I didn’t like it, exactly – I’ve been twice, and it’s not convenient – it’s just that there are so many better options for burritos downtown.
None of the meals I tried could hold a candle to Big Fat Burrito, my current favourite, or former top wrap Burrito Boyz. The burritos at Moe’s just aren’t that flavourful. They’re completely adequate and if there’s a better alternative in midtown, let me know – I’d love to check it out.
Email me: erin.criger@citynews.rogers.com
