moes food
Southwestern cuisine has been a part of the American foodscape since before the Mayflower hit the shores of Massachusetts and is said to be America’s oldest indigenous cuisine. Fast forward to 2013 and Southwestern food is as much a part of the American dining experience as hot dogs and apple pie.
Moe’s Southwestern Grill opened its first restaurant in Atlanta just over a decade ago with the goal of providing custom-made Southwestern food, using only the freshest ingredients, in a fun and casual atmosphere. It wasn’t long before Moe’s brightly colored signs began to appear all over the country, welcoming customers to try their signature burritos and other Southwestern favorites that can be customized with more than 20 fresh ingredients.
But Moe’s is so much more than your typical burrito joint. When you walk through the door you are immediately greeted by their genuinely friendly and enthusiastic staff with shouts of “Welcome to Moe’s!” While they are known for their burritos, fajitas, tacos and nachos, what may surprise you is the quality of the ingredients used in these delicious Southwestern staples. Cage-free, white breast meat chicken,; steroid-free, grain-fed pulled pork, grass-fed sirloin steak and organic marinated tofu are offered, as well as ultra fresh vegetables and additions such as house-made guacamole and roasted corn pico de gallo. Moe’s has a strict no freezers and no microwave’s policy, which means no rubbery meats or watery sauces. And because you pick what ingredients you want as your food is made, your order is perfect every time.
In spite of my serious taco addiction, on my most recent visit I decided to go with their signature burrito, the Homewrecker. I customized this behemoth with delicately seasoned rice, rich black beans, shredded cheese and their roasted corn pico de gallo (which is so good I could eat it all by itself). As the burrito went down the line I had them add shredded lettuce, house-made guacamole, pickled jalapenos and a hit of their secret smoky Chipotle Ranch sauce for an added kick. Once rolled up, this burrito was almost as big as my head, which perfectly matches my oversized burrito cravings. Every bite of this masterpiece of burrito goodness was a festival of flavors that didn’t become monochromatic in my mouth. I could taste each ingredient individually, yet the combination became a taste all its own that is as addictive as it is delicious.
As I worked my way through my mountainous burrito, I found my head bobbing along to a classic rock soundtrack and enjoying the cool and colorful paintings of classic rock artist lookalikes on the wall. The fun and casual atmosphere in Moe’s extends from the decor and music to the menu itself, where the items are named after pop culture references from “Seinfeld,” “The Hangover” and “The Three Amigos,” among others.
Not only can you get your Southwest food fix at the Gunbarrel, Highway 153, and UTC campus locations, but Moe’s catering can bring their tasty, fun and funky flavors to you. Moe’s catering brings the same hot, irresistible burritos, delicious tacos and mouth-watering fajitas from their portable fajita bar to your party, church event or even your wedding! They even take care of the plates, napkins and utensils so you can focus on your guests and the barrage of compliments for your superb choice of food.
For larger crowds or just for that added wow factor, you can book Moe’s bright yellow, customized food truck, the MoeMobile, to come to your location and throw down the same fun and funky flavors as you get in their stores. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they see the Moe’s food truck at your event, passing out their crispy tacos, mammoth burritos and cheesy nachos with reckless abandon.
With so many choices for Southwestern and Mexican food, Moe’s stands head and shoulders above the rest. I’m getting some queso dip and guacamole to take home and see if I can bribe my fiancé into having Moe’s cater our wedding. Wish me luck!
Michael Thomas loves burritos, his beard and craft beers. Catch him eating everything but the kitchen sink in and around Chattanooga.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Hamilton Place • 1820 Gunbarrel Road • (423) 553-6930
- UTC Campus • • 615 McCallie Ave.• (423) 425-4200
- Hixson • 5510 Hwy. 153 • (423) 875-8757
Moe’s Mobile Food Truck & Catering • 1-800-905-2632 • catering@moeschattanoooga.com