For years, Chipotle on Main Street has had a reputation for being a powerhouse when it comes to late night burritos. You could point out that California Tortilla (CalTor, colloquially) has superior quality, as well as queso, and as a “burrito elito card” carrier, I will admit that they know how to hit the Tex-Mex spot occasionally. However on March 20th, El Diablo opened it’s doors on Main street - across the street from Chipotle. This growing chain of Mexican restaurants that started in Wilmington DE has made an impact like a meteor hitting the town. With this new player on the street, I wanted to investigate these places of frequent drunk-munchies to see which place reigns supreme!



Science

As someone who has been through many science classes for my Nutrition degree, I know that the fundamentals of how to get to the answer of which is best. I will consume the food during similar circumstances. I have eaten at both places before, but I will try to evaluate each place based on certain criteria, such as flavor, mouth feel, temperature, atmosphere, and the all important X-factor that comes into play with anything subjective. My notes will be made accessible to the public as well as any disclosure of potential biases I possess. Such as the potential bias that my brother is a manager at Chipotle and I worked there over the summer. However, before that and for long after now, I have been and will be a lover of food.

Chipotle

I went with three soft tacos, two chicken one Sofritas. The line went fast and the staff was friendly. I sit down for this early lunch and begin taking notes.

Slightly askew, but undeniably photogenic.





The meat was seasoned and grilled well. There was a bit too much lettuce, leading to the middle cooling off faster, but this could have been fixed by me removing it. The corn salsa was chewy and sweet, but I’d have liked it better cooked savory and smokey. Overall, for the price of 6.50, it was well worth exploring main street before the noon rush.

El Diablo

The Devil. I’ll note that there was nothing damning about the food; I ordered three tacos as well, but given the option for flour or corn. This was the first of many more choices available at El Diablo.





At first I was concerned; had I made the right choices? Two chicken and one pork taco with lettuce, spicy pico, and goat cheese? What if the flavors don’t go well? What if I wanted something different. Alas, I open my prize.

At first, I was a little concerned that everything smashed together, seeing as it was curious to fold the tacos I had planned to be eating inside the restaurant, but lets get too it.

With the side extra spicy salsa applied to the first taco, I knew I would be in for a fight. I can generally hold my own against Jalapenos (Med- low spiciness), but the pineapple Habenero salsa (VERY high spiciness) that had been whispered in my ear (from credible sources) had seemed to be fighting back in a grand way. The meat itself, both chicken and pork, seemed to be filler, for the sheer amount of flavor in the pico, cheese, and salsa. Glutton for pain that I am, I pile on more of the salsa and extra Habenero, falling in love with the creamy goat cheese and the pain of the pepper. Did not fall in love with the 9:50 price tag, although I could have just got water, so again that’s a null point.

Comparing and Contrasting

Both were excellent meals, and I can understand why both sides feel so passionate on the matter. I believe that the two are strikingly good at what they are good at: Chipotle has invested it’s time and money to make the organic goodness and natural flavors shine. This combined with spice-marinated meat and grilled outside make the meats at Chipotle well on top.

The sides, however, are where El Diablo pulls ahead. The many different cheeses, pickled peppers, variety of meats and fish and veggies on their menu is outstanding. Could go every day for a week and still find new food ideas to try for next time. They also have the magical elixir known as Queso, which seems to be Chipotle’s weakness.





THE FINAL WORDS

They are both fantastic, and to say one is better is like comparing apples and oranges. I know you may say this is a cop out answer, you truly need to learn more about food. There is no bad food and good food; there is food you enjoy sometimes and food you do not. If you truly want the BEST BURRITO EXPERIENCE MAIN STREET HAS TO OFFER, get your favorite ingrediEnts from each side of the street (Steak and chicken from Chipotle, Pepper jack, feta, queso and pineapple salsa from ELD) and enjoy your creation with some cervezas and tequila with your friends in your backyard sticking your feet in a kid’s pool filled with sand watching the sunset. Or whatever you usually do on a Monday night. Happy 420 all!