The fact of the matter is, chipotle is as integral to the suburban pop-culture as Starbucks is to the stereotypical Caucasian female. It’s the go-to restaurant chain due to its advertised freshness, accessibility, and overall tastiness. As successful as it is in the 203, is there a new taco-sheriff in town?

Step aside Chipotle, and meet Tomatillo Taco-Joint, now operating out of downtown Stamford as well as Cos Cob, Greenwich, and New Haven. Both offer Mexican style menus, revolving around a “build-your-own” type atmosphere. With Tomatillo now attempting to dethrone the Tex-Mex kind Chipotle, how exactly do they size up?

Location: Tomatillo

Tomatillo is located next to the Ferguson Library, conveniently 5 minutes away from Stamford High (with access to a car). If you’re ever leaving long period to grab a quick bite, would you rather drive to Darien/ Greenwich for chipotle or drive downtown and get the same type of food?

Variety: Tomatillo

Less is more? False. MORE IS MORE. Yes, Chipotle has many options and flavors that you can choose, but Tomatillo reigns victorious in this category. Tomatillo has all the options Chipotle has, but includes shrimp, fish , chili, pineapple salsa, olives, jalapenos (both canned and fresh), banana peppers, and a variety of sauces. IN ADDITION, they have other items on the menu besides cafeteria-style dining, like Churros, Enchiladas, Quesadillas,  Deserts, and Mexican imported sodas.

Guacamole: Tomatillo

Yes this is its own category. Chipotle is simply TOO stingy with their guacamole, AND I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT! Although Chipotle’s Guac is sub-par to none, Tomatillo’s is comparable and they give you much more for 75 cents less. Win.

Price: Toss-Up

Both locations are pretty inexpensive, Tomatillo offers superior guacamole for 75 cents less but Chipotle supplies peppers & onions for free.

Value: Tomatillo

The bowls are much larger, and the employees at Tomatillo are less likely to skimp you on their spoonful’s of meaty goodness.

Freshness: Chipotle

Every time I walk into Chipotle, there is either more chicken being cooked on the grill behind the sneeze guard, or employees replacing the vegetables. Whereas at Tomatillo, is feels like the ingredients only go through a couple cycles a day.

Taste: Chipotle

Although Tomatillo is generally what Chipotle tastes like, when you’re craving the taste of Chipotle, only chipotle can tame that hunger.