My son and I got pretty hungry finishing up our Christmas shopping this year, and twice now we have eaten at the newest restaurant at the Hanover Mall in Hanover, MA.

What Style is Moe's Southwest Grill?

Moe's is a fast food Mexican restaurant. You stand in a line and order your food as you move your tray along the order line. A row of food preparers on the prep side put together your order of tacos, burritos or fajitas with all the toppings you choose. At the end you pick up your order, pay for it, and grab your cups for the fountain sodas. The process takes about 10 minutes (at least during Christmas shopping peak hours).

Decor / Cleanliness

Nothing fancy here, tables and booths provide a place to sit and eat. We found the place clean. The Moe's at the mall has no particular "theme" that I noticed. The restroom was also clean.

Service

The servers behind the counter guide you through every step asking what kind of meat you want (or tofu for vegetarians) whether you want pinto beans or black beans (or no beans), guacamole, etc. etc. The order is prepared in front of you, not grabbed from under some heat lamp prepared from last week.

Food Selection / Quality

It is called Southwest, but to me it's Mexican. Whatever you call it there are a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and fajitas. You can choose between steak, chicken or hamburger (no fish tacos here). All the good toppings are here, pinto or black beans, rice, picante sauce, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, black olives and shredded cheese. You can pick soft or hard shell tacos. The cheese sauce that comes with the tostito chips is excellent too. At the end of the ordering bar, there is a self serve extra sauce bar for your chips. You get more cheese sauces and taco sauces from mild to oooooh God, wow that's hot! I know, because my son insisted I try the hot sauce. They don't skimp on the guacamole either, if you choose it, you get a good portion on your meal.

My son and I have been twice so far, and would go again. The food is prepared fresh, portions are excellent, and the food is very tasty. The food is as good as a regular Mexican restaurant, you just have the more limited selection and of course the fast food style. This place is much better than the Baja Grill and Taco Bell is a joke compared to this place. I have had their tacos and burritos and chips. My son has tried the soft shell tacos and hard shell tacos.

Liquor What's Mexican without Margaritas?

Although it is primarily a family menu, you can also get frozen margaritas with your meal in two flavors, strawberry and lime. I had a frozen margarita, it was okay, but I've had much better. A small variety of beer and wine is also available.


Price / Value

Both times we have been, I have paid less than $20.00 for both of us. First visit, we each got a taco combo. Each of us got two huge tacos, a large fountain drink and a side of tostito chips. The second time, I opted for a large burrito with a side of tostito chips and fountain drink. I could barely finish the burrito, it was stuffed full! My son, who is 12 and has a 12 year olds appetite was also satisfied and full with his meal. Having been to places like McDonald and Taco Bell and getting their fattening bleah food for not much less, I have to say that the value at Moe's Southwest Grill is outstanding. You get a filling meal quickly and inexpensively.

Final Thoughts / Summary

If you are at the Hanover Mall, this Moe's was a great place to fill up with tasty southwestern fare, if that is what you are in the mood for. Now I have no reason whatsoever to eat at Taco Bell ever again. The food here is good and a good value. The lack of variety in the menu and the overall decor is the only thing that keeps me from giving five stars.



Recommended: Yes