Fine Dining in Forty Minutes: Evanston’s 10Q Chicken

By Charlotte Geyskens Staff Writer

Located in the heart of Downtown Evanston, near Fountain Square, 10Q Chicken is beloved for its unique and delicious chicken-based menu options. Right when I walk in, I’m impressed by the casual, welcoming atmosphere and the way that the restaurant is filled with lively locals—Evanstonians and Northwestern students alike.

Because I’ve never been to 10Q before, I decide to order the signature 10q sand -

Chipotle

By Finch Shewfelt Staff Writer

Founded in 1993 in Denver, Colo., Chipotle is arguably the most well known and well loved Mexican/American fast food chain in the country. Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells with the goal of serving quality food made with quality ingredients very quickly. “Steve founded Chipotle more than 23 years ago with a powerful vision to use great ingredients prepared skillfully by hand, but served very fast,” said the lead director on Chipotle’s board. The chain has since grown to be one of the largest in the U.S., with over 2,200 stores across five countries.

Although the menu is not extremely diverse, Chipotle is successful because of the wich, their most well known menu item. The sandwich is composed of a crunchy panko fried chicken breast on a soft, buttery brioche bun. What really brings this sandwich together is the thin slice of radish on the bun, which, along with the spicy togarashi mayo compliments the sweetness of the bun nicely.

Following the theme of ordering menu items that I’ve never tried before, I order a side of buffalo nacho fries, not sure what to expect. What I receive is a plate of french fries covered in nacho cheese topped with buffalo sauce drizzle and jalapenos. Whether you’re a nacho enthusiast or a fries enthusiast, this side offers the best of both worlds. many diverse variations on their relatively few menu items, the most popular being their burritos, burrito bowls and tacos.

If you’re feeling less adventurous and are looking for more classic menu items, 10Q also offers staples like tenders, jumbo wings and Korean BBQ, all at modest and affordable prices.

The service at 10Q is as excellent as the food. My meal comes out so quickly that I feel the need to check that I’m not accidentally taking someone else’s food.

It’s also worth mentioning that while the portions are generous, they’re perfectly sized, and I don’t leave feeling like I ate too much or too little.

I spent this whole week summoning all of my self-control so that I don’t run back to 10Q Chicken to order that sandwich again. With its delicious food, casual atmosphere and efficient service, 10Q Chicken stands out as one of Evanston’s best.

Ordering at Chipotle is not as simple a process as it is at other restaurants. You first tell the employee making your food what kind of meal you want, (i.e. burrito, taco, quesadilla) then what protein you want, then you proceed to tell a different employee who completes your order with whatever other toppings you might want (things like cheese, lettuce, gua, or salsa). After toppings a third employee will help you check out. This is the person you ask for chips or a drink. Although this might seem intensive compared to other fast food restaurants in the same market, the process seems to noticeably decrease the time it takes to get your food, as per the goal of creating a higher quality, faster fast food experience.

The Chipotle location in Evanston sits at 711 Church St, near the main branch of the Evanston Public Library. This location in central Evanston is a valuable tool, since one of Chipotle’s largest markets is people who just want a quick lunch or dinner. The speed and customization based model that Chipotle does business through is ideal for ETHS students looking for a quick lunch during the school day.

The inside of the Evanston Chipotle is quite small, with about 10 or so tables, a soft drink machine, an area with stools facing out of the window and the counter where your food gets made. “The lights, tables and even walls are made of exposed metal which is kinda weird,” freshman Spencer Barbato says.

Luckily, the unusual styling of the interior is more than made up for by the scrumptious fast food. In regards to his burrito, freshman Francis Lang says, “mine was wrapped questionably, but the steak was great, it tasted delicious.”

Chipotle is not very old in the scheme of major food chains, but they’ve been around long enough to have found a market and perfected a business model. The Evanston location is a prime example of what Chipotle as a chain is. Fast, quality food and the perfect place to go during your lunch break.

Photo courtesy of Sadie Dowhan