Mexican food chain based in California is No. 1, USA Today says. Surprise: It’s not Chipotle

Angela Rodriguez
·3 min read
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Looking for the best fast-casual restaurant in the country? California is the place to be, according to USA Today.

California-based Qdoba Mexican Eats was No. 1 on the publication’s list of the top 10 fast-casual restaurants in the nation in 2024, published July 17.

It beat out another popular chain that specializes in Mexican food: Chipotle Mexican Grill.

“Fast-casual restaurants have become more popular than ever in the United States, thanks to their convenience and affordability,” USA Today wrote in an article titled “From burgers to bowls: 10 best fast casual restaurants in the US.”

“Diners especially love these 10 eateries ...that offer quick and easy access to food without sacrificing quality,” the publication said.

Here’s who made the list:

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Why is Qdoba the best fast-casual restaurant in US?

Qdoba Mexican Eats, which is headquartered in San Diego, landed on the top of USA Today’s list of the best fast-casual restaurants in the nation for “just about everything” on its menu.

From the guacamole to the flame-grilled steak, nearly every ingredient is prepared in-house, the publication said.

“Diners build their own Mexican masterpieces in the form of tacos, burritos, grilled quesadillas, bowls, salads, or nachos,” USA Today said.

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Which other chains with California ties made list? What’s on the menu?

A total of seven restaurant chains with locations in the Golden State earned spots of the list.

New York-based chain The Halal Guys, which serves chicken, gyros, and falafel platters in locations across the Bay Area, was No. 4 on USA Today’s list.

Georgia-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe landed in No. 5 spot. The restaurant chain offers veggie smoothies, wraps and fruit bowls at locations in Southern California.

Mendocino Farms, headquartered in El Segundo, was listed as the sixth best fast casual restaurant in the nation with a menu that includes sandwiches and salads.

Virginia-based Five Guys landed No. 8 on USA Today’s list. Across its locations in California, the restaurant is known for its burgers, fries and shakes.

USA Today named Illinois-based Portillo’s as the ninth fast casual restaurant in the nation. The chain has locations in Southern California and is well-known for its Italian beef.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is headquartered in Newport Beach, was No. 10 on USA Today’s list. The menu features burritos, bowls, tacos and salads.

What are the top 10 fast-casual restaurants in the US?

These are the top 10 best fast-casual restaurants in the nation, according to USA Today:

  1. Qdoba Mexican Eats

  2. Torchy’s Tacos

  3. BurgerFi

  4. The Halal Guys

  5. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

  6. Mendocino Farms

  7. Culver’s

  8. Five Guys

  9. Portillo’s

  10. Chipotle Mexican Grill

How did USA Today come up with its rankings?

To determine USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts nominated contenders across various categories.

Readers then cast their votes for their favorites.

USA Today ranked the nation’s best sandwiches, fried chicken and restaurants with healthy food.

The publication also recently evaluated the best dog-friendly spots and best fast-food burgers in the country.

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