“I like Mexican food. But I love Chipotle. Naturally, when I heard one was opening in Akron, I was excited. So I drove down Market Street and spotted it right across from the Highland Theater. And … Two Amigos. Crap. How was I going to be able to go into Chipotle when a locally owned Mexican restaurant was right across the street? Well, I know I could do it.”
“

I like Mexican food.

But I love Chipotle.

Naturally, when I heard one was opening in Akron, I was excited. So I drove down Market Street and spotted it right across from the Highland Theater.

And … Two Amigos.

Crap.

How was I going to be able to go into Chipotle when a locally owned Mexican restaurant was right across the street?

Well, I know I could do it. God, the thought of one of those burritos is making my mouth water already. But I digress.

I honestly don’t know that I could eat at Chipotle with a clear conscience.

What is so great about Chipotle anyway?

Well, for one thing, it has the best freakin’ burritos ever. Oh my God!

But I digress.

Chipotle is also trendy, quick and cheap. The cheap part is important. Walking out of there with a burrito that could practically feed a family of four for under $6 is the greatest gift a college student could ever receive.

With Two Amigos across the street, though, Chipotle’s simple menu – burritos and tacos, period – could turn out to be both a blessing and a curse.

What’s Two Amigos got to offer that Chipotle doesn’t?

A lot, actually.

So I decided to check the place out.

A friend and I had a late lunch, determined to stand in solidarity against the corporate burrito beast.

I sat near the window and was able to see Chipotle.

Chips and salsa arrived. Chipotle doesn’t give you that for free!

It was not quiet, as music was pumping through the speakers, but it was private. Private is good. You wouldn’t sit in Chipotle and discuss personal matters. But in Two Amigos? You bet.

Then I looked at the menu. Oh crap. It looked like I would be paying about double for my burrito at Two Amigos.

I looked out the window at Chipotle. Then I changed chairs so that my view was obstructed.

And I ordered a margarita. Ha! You can’t get these at Chipotle!

I got a chicken burrito, which is what I would order at Chipotle. At Two Amigos, though, my black beans are served on the side. I can deal with that.

This lunch was going to cost me roughly $20, including a tip. Oh boy.

We preferred the atmosphere at Two Amigos to that of Chipotle. The waitress talked to us. The people in Chipotle never talk to you, except to ask what you want in your burrito.

We also people-watched and spotted a woman playing a ukelele. That’s Highland Square for you.

Then the food came.

The prices on the menu seemed far less important all of a sudden. We gazed at the piles of food before us and laughed. You don’t get all that at Chipotle, that’s for sure.

We didn’t finish all of it, needless to say. Score another point for Two Amigos.

Heading out of the restaurant, we felt satisfied. All the way around.

“