Queens Tribune

61-40 188th St., Fresh Meadows
(718) 454-9400
CUISINE: Mexican
HOURS: Sun-Thur 11am to 10 pm; Fri & Sat 11am to 11 pm
PARKING: Lot
CREDIT CARDS: Yes

Open for a couple of months in the Fresh Meadows Shopping Center, Qdoba Mexican Grill is beginning to build a fan base that is likely to explode once summer kicks into gear.
The assembly line-style of ordering belies the quality of the meals that Qdoba offers, from gigantic quesadillas and overstuffed burritos to tacos, nachos and salads.

Upon entering the corner restaurant, which sits right along the alley leading to the parking lot behind it, the colors of the place hit you as strongly as the rich smells of the delicious food. The slender blue glass lampshades direct warm light on to the tables and booths that fill the restaurant.

Don’t expect table service here, though. There is a very free “Serve yourself” attitude to the place this is quite refreshing.

Once you pick out your seat take a short walk over to the line to decide what it is you want, but if you step in you had better be prepared to order – they come at you quick.
The counter is divided into sections. To the far left you place your order, and the worker either steams a tortilla, grabs a taco bowl or prepares a tray for a different dish.

From there your order passes to the second station where the assembling begins. Did you order a Fajita Ranchera Burrito? Then cilantro lime rice and your choice of either black or pinto beans gets added first. Then on goes the cheese, your choice of chicken or steak, and seasoned, grilled peppers and onions. The whole thing gets topped with a zesty Ranchera sauce.

From there you are slid over to the third section, where you get to choose from Mild (Pico de Gallo, essentially diced tomatoes), Medium (Salsa Verde, with chopped green chiles or Roasted Chile Corn), Hot (Salsa Roja) or Extra Hot (Fiery Habanero) salsa. Roll it up, add some sour cream and you’re done – well, they are. They do all the work, you get to watch, eat and savor.

The same routine applies for quesadillas, taco salads, nachos, soups, tacos and a handful of other Mexican specials. The prices are great, and Qdoba offers a reward card that allows you to earn points toward free meals at a later date – though you get free chips and salsa just for signing up.

In addition to coming by and standing in line to watch your meal get made, you can also fax in orders in advance and come by to pick it up at a designated time. To learn more about the service call or go to www.qdoba.com.

In the warmer weather expect that the ally connection 188th Street and the parking lot will be filled with outdoor diners enjoying a beautiful summer’s day, a dollop of sour cream and the best new Mexican food in Fresh Meadows for some time. Enjoy!