Qdoba Mexican Eats Menu & Price Increase in 2023?

Qdoba Mexican Eats is known for its customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. The company offers a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings, and customers can create their own unique meals. Customers can further customize their meal with a variety of salsas and sauces to enhance the flavor.

Here are the updated menu prices of Qdoba in 2023. I’ve also included the different ways you can save money on your next visit.

Signature Flavors

Craft 2 Menu

Burritos

Taco Salads

Grilled Quesadilla

Tacos

3-Cheese Nachos

Kids Meal

Chips & Dips

Sides

Beverages

Ways to save money at Qdoba

Join the Qdoba Rewards Program

The first step toward saving money is by joining the rewards program here. When you sign up for the Rewards Program you immediately earn “Foodie Status” at the restaurant allowing you to accumulate 1 point for every $1 spent. When you reach 125 (or $125 in spend), you get a coupon for a free entree. If you live in Canada, you’ll need to hit 160 points to earn a free entree. 

You really start getting a good deal at Qdoba after you dine at the restaurant at least 12 time in the calendar year. At this point you reach Chef status that get you “surprise mystery offers” or coupons from the store. You also get a Signature 3-Cheese Queso and Chips valued at $2 for free any time you make a full-priced purchase of an entrée ($3 Queso and Chips in Canada). Chef status is the highest rank you can achieve at Qdoba. 

Is your birthday coming up? As a rewards member you’ll be sent a coupon for a free cookie during your birthday month. What a great way to make getting older a little sweeter.

Qdoba menu poster.

Check for Promotions and Coupons 

Keep an eye out for special promotions and coupons offered by Qdoba. These can often be found on their website, social media channels, or through email newsletters. Look for buy-one-get-one-free deals, discounted meal options, or free extras. One new promotion you can get right now is the Mango Salsa that comes free of charge with any entrée.

After a break of four years, QDOBA decided to bring back the tropical delight, Mango Salsa. This customer-favorite pairs nicely with Citrus Lime Shrimp or any custom entrée. Made fresh daily, the Mango Salsa boasts a blend of ripe mangoes, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro

Here are some of Qdoba’s past coupons as an example or the discounts you can find out there. Keep a look out for valuable coupons in your area. 

• Buy One Entree, Get One Entree of Equal or Lesser Value for Free
• Buy One Entree, Get a Second Entree 50% Off
• Free Chips and Queso with the Purchase of an Entree

Take Advantage of Military Discounts 

In November 2022, Qdoba offered 50% off any entrée to active military personnel and veterans. They just have to show their military ID. Ask about military discounts during your next visit if they apply. 

Use Gift Cards or Vouchers

Choose from Qdoba’s eGift cards or Physical Gift Cards if you want something different to give as a present to friends or family. Sometimes you can get these at a discount in advance of major holidays like Christmas or Mother’s Day. Find out more about their gift cards here. 

What does Qdoba mean?

The name “Qdoba” doesn’t have a meaning in Spanish or any other language. It was created to be a unique and memorable name. In 1999, the founders of the chain, originally named Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, had to change the name due to trademark issues. They invented the word “Qdoba” because they wanted a name that wouldn’t infringe on any existing trademarks. Pretty clever marketing strategy if you ask me. 

You can’t go wrong with Qdoba’s Citrus Lime Shrimp.

Has Qdoba gotten more expensive? 

If you’ve been craving your favorite burritos and bowls from Qdoba, you might’ve noticed a little pinch in your pocket. Well, it’s not just you! Recent data has spilled the beans on some significant menu price hikes.

Since 2018, Qdoba’s chicken entrees have seen a spicy 21.5% price jump. Their steak items? They’ve beefed up the price by a whopping 25.8%.

Related Reading: Updated Chipotle Menu Prices + Free Food Offers 

More recently a report by QSR Magazine reported Qdoba’s menu prices increased by an average of 3.2% in 2023. This is the second consecutive year that Qdoba has raised its prices.

The price increases have been met with mixed reactions from customers. Some customers have expressed understanding, while others have said that they will be eating at Qdoba less often as a result.

Qdoba is not the only restaurant chain that has raised its prices in recent months. Other chains, such as Chipotle and Taco Bell, have also raised their prices in an effort to offset rising costs.

Have a flavorful serving of Qdoba’s Cholula Hot & Sweet Chicken Tacos.

How is Qdoba different than Chipotle?

Both Qdoba and Chipotle offer Mexican-inspired cuisine in a fast-casual setting, rather than traditional, authentic Mexican food. Authentic Mexican cuisine is rich and varied, differing greatly by region, with deep historical roots combining indigenous, Spanish, and other influences.

When it comes to Qdoba and Chipotle, they both provide their own interpretations of Mexican-inspired dishes, adapted to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. They focus on fresh ingredients and customizable meals, like burritos, tacos, and bowls, that are inspired by Mexican cuisine but not necessarily authentic to traditional Mexican dishes.

Neither chain claims to offer strictly “authentic” Mexican food. Instead, they both aim to provide tasty, fresh, and quickly-prepared meals. The question of which is “more authentic” would largely be a matter of personal interpretation and might depend on which specific dishes or ingredients you’re considering.

Is Qdoba or Chipotle a larger chain?

Since it was founded in 1993, Chipotle has established over 3,000 locations in the country while Qdoba only has over 700, with 12 locations in Canada. With such a big difference in numbers, it is safe to say that Qdoba still has a long way to go to get into the same spotlight as Chipotle in the Mexican food chain industry. 

Friends and burrito are a good match.

What can you get inside a Qdoba bowl?

At Qdoba, customers can order their Qdoba bowl that can be customized with pretty much any ingredient on the menu. 

• Proteins: Options might include grilled chicken, grilled steak, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and the Impossible™ plant-based meat alternative.
• Rice and Beans: You can typically choose from cilantro-lime white rice or brown rice, and black beans or pinto beans.
• Vegetables: Options might include fajita vegetables, lettuce, guacamole, onions, fajita veggies, and/or freshly made pico de gallo.
• Cheese and Cream: Queso (a creamy cheese sauce), shredded cheese, and/or sour cream.
• Salsas and Sauce: Choices might range from mild to spicy, including salsa verde, salsa roja, pico de gallo, and fiery habanero salsa.

With this wide variety of options, you’ll be able to create a bowl you truly enjoy. 

Picnics made better with Qdoba nachos.

What company owns Qdoba?

Qdoba was acquired by Butterfly Equity in 2022. Apollo Management Group agreed to sell the chain to the parent company of the Modern Market and Lemonade brands. The big move was made after Qdoba spent 15 years as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jack in the Box.

Qdoba was founded in 1995 by Anthony Miller and Robert Earl. The company was originally called Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, but it was renamed Qdoba in 1999. Qdoba has over 700 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.