MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL

I have to admit it. I have a love/hate relationship with this restaurant. On one hand, they make the meanest nachos. On the other hand, I don't like to order a "ruprict" or a "billy barou," and honestly, I'm kinda tired of the "Welcome to Moe's!" shoutouts. I've been there too many times (averaging about once a week or so for the past couple months) to really care anymore. What's even more funny is that I went to a Moe's recently on a Saturday mid-afternoon when it's dead. I mean, I can see the tumbleweeds blowing by me (cleanup on aisle 4). I was looking over the menu when the guy behind the counter walked up closer to me. When I finally looked at him, he gave a "welcome to Moe's..." in a wimpy mousy voice that tapered off...wow, he's probably embarassed to shout it out loud. I don't blame him. It's like Rusan's...people just get tired of the "irashyaimase!" that the sushi chefs yell out to you. And you know what's funny about that? They're pronouncing it wrong.

Anyway, on with Moe's. I went there just about once a week for the past few months. Why? I think Moe's added some kinda drugs in the Ruprict (for the rookies, that's the nachos without meat). It's so addictive. The chips are colorful unlike Willy's bland "mother of pearl" shade of beige. They're also thick too...they are the "Bounty quicker picker upper" of chips cuz they hold a ton of toppings without falling apart. Second, I love the queso poured all over. What's even better than queso? Shredded cheese sprinkled all over the gobs of liquid queso! Add lettuce, jalapeno and other toppings, and it's heaven on earth. In fact, I started off my New Years with a Ruprict for lunch. Best idea ever (but probably not to my waistline).

As for the rest of the menu, it's decent. I used to eat the burritos until I discovered the nachos. Now, I stick to the nachos, and satisfy my burrito craving elsewhere. It's not that it's bad (it's actually quite good), I just fell in love with the nachos here. The salsa here is decent as well, with several tasty choices like the "Kaiser Salsa." But overall, I like the salsa at Willy's much more. It has a spicy kick to it that I like. The meat options are decent as well, but I tend to like Bajaritos or Willy's meat products much more. Moe's meats are slightly less seasoned and bland. As a result, I like the Ruprict over the Billy Barou (nachos with your choice of meat).

Bottomline: be a ru(prick) and get a Ruprict at Moe's. Make sure to grab a frequent customer's card on the way out.

Rating: for nachos: Sooo Good, Sooo Cheap, Best Value

For the rest of the menu: Decent, Sooo Cheap, Good Value

Greg Factor: easy to satisfy a vegeterian. Only problem is Greg prefers Willy's.

Rick Factor: might be hard for a guy on Atkins, but I think they have some sort of naked burrito or fajita kind of dish.

Alyce Factor: she can probably find something without veggies, but it might be very bare

Jeff: the nachos should do it for a kid that likes the normal American stuff