Real Latino fast food we love more than Taco Bell & Chipotle

With Taco Bell  serving breakfast and testing a new menu dubbed “Cantina Bell”, it looks like fresh Mexican food giant Chipotle may be in for some competition. But when it comes to the truly great and authentic Latino options for quick meals, neither can really satisfy our needs.

If you’re looking for fast food options that are more delicious and just plain ol’ better than Taco Bell and Chipotle, here are a few delicious joints around the country that you just can’t miss.

  1. El Pollo Loco: With more than 400 restaurants in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, Connecticut, Oregon and Utah, this citrus-marinated, flame-grilled-to-perfection chicken is as delicious as it is cheap with their new $5 combos.
  2. Rubio’s Fish Tacos: Known for the amazing takes on a classic taco (like the new beer-battered Avocado Corn Fish Taco featuring sustainable seafood), they have locations all over California with more in Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado.
  3. Baja Fresh: Their “eat well, live fresh” motto is inspired by the use of all-fresh ingredients prepared by hand every day. They have locations all over the country, Canada and Mexico and even have party platters for your fiesta needs.
  4. Pollo Tropical: Famous all over Florida, with a few locations in Georgia and New Jersey, they feature dishes with fresh (never frozen) grilled chicken that’s free of hormones and trans-fats and is marinated in Caribbean-inspired flavors.
  5. Freebirds World Burrito: They stand for the “freedom of choice” with many options to custom build your food in locations all over Texas, along with some in Oklahoma and California, and “pot brownies” that are served in a black pot (and aren’t illegal).
  6. Pollo Campero: One of the only international Latino fast food chains, they have locations in Spain, India, Costa Rica and a few others along with locations all over the country. Their grilled, fried or even whole chicken are great options.
  7. Tijuana Flats: With 72 locations in states like Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, their menu includes all the classics along with some specials and a “happy endings” dessert to die for: the cookie dough flautas.
  8. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Located all over the US, their menu emphasizes health (like allergen facts) with details on vegetarian options, learn pork and beef, low-sodium light sour cream and delicious seasonal options like Mexican Gumbo.
  9. King Taco: From delicious Mexican food that grew out of the first food truck in the 70’s, there are now 20 popular locations all over Los Angeles County. With all of the classics (including traditional sopes), no wonder they’re a SoCal favorite.
  10. La Salsa: Nothing can be better than the wide range of salsa options at these popular joints located in Mexico and South Western US. Some of their options include fire-roasted tomato, caliente, mango, verde and several other great flavors.

What’s your favorite Latino fast food option that isn’t Taco Bell or Chipotle?

Image via jimg944/flickr