Mole Mole Mexican Grill

Stopped by for lunch since we were right in the neighborhood and also due to their high marks on Unilocal.We got here right around noon today (a Sunday) and there was just one guy sitting there eating and watching whatever was on TV (they have 2).
First impression was that it was a generally clean and roomy spot but that was mostly due to their open concept. There are really only a few tables and some bar seating at the front window area. As we walked over to where the food is prepared, we realized it was very Chipotle-​esque. The menu is similar to Chipotle but had some notable differences as well. The food prep area was spotless and attractive, no doubt aided by the fact that there was no lunch rush at that time. Everything was nicely topped off and clean/​attractive.
I had the chicken enchilada platter which was basically 3 chicken tacos in corn tortillas, rolled up and laid side-​by-​side in an aluminum tray and placed in a toaster oven to heat up. Once taken out from the oven, they ladled on the sauce of my choice and added a little cilantro for accent. As a side dish, I got rice and beans. While the food all tasted fresh and not unhealthy, what it was all missing was a punch of flavor. Even the red sauce failed to render much help in that department. The rice and beans, too, were fairly bland. It all looked pretty good though…
My wife, however, thoroughly enjoyed her barbacoa tacos which she finished off my squeezing fresh lime juice on top. I think she may have remarked that she thought it was better than Chipotle but I didn’t try her food to support or deny that. My son said his chicken quesadilla was «fine» as well.
Once we sat down with our food, another couple of parties entered to dine in and carry out respectively. It never was super-​busy in there but perhaps that’s on par for lunch in this area. Parking was easy to find and, if you know this area, you know that’s not always the case as this is pretty bustling thoroughfare.
High marks though for their generally clean environs and the pleasant staff. Prices are also reasonable, especially for a restaurant in this area.

My teenage son is a regular now, and when they see him enter, they immediately make his favorite burrito. I usually switch between the spicy chicken, pulled pork and pulled beef burritos. They usually load it up with anything you want, but I didn’t realize you had to pay extra for guacamole, even if it was another «side» within the burrito and not a side order for chips. Some preparers load up with too much rice though, so keep an eye on that. I think my son eats there at least 5 days a week now.

The place started out good but it seems like the staff are turning over too quickly and that is making it a mixed experience. I have gone there a few times now and the food was fresh and to order.
A typical pick your own creation type of place where you can order one of the few things on the menu and customize it as you like by picking the various ingredients on display there. That’s great and works well. Its a very organized and easy to get what you want via this method of ordering.
The problem is the staff working there sometimes don’t know what they are doing. I had a clueless young woman working there, who didn’t seem like she knew anything about cooking Mexican food and really messed up a simple order. All I ordered was a cheese quesadilla with a few toppings in it and some chips on the side. The quesadilla was raw and barely cooked when she wrapped it up and gave it to me to go. I didn’t realize this until I got home to open my order to see that the cheese was barely melted and it was unsuitable for consumption. No I didn’t go back to complain as I’m sure they would have done it again. Just was annoying that it becomes like that just due to getting an untrained person behind the counter who has no place being there.
I have tried the place again and the food was a little better when I got someone else serving me. But it really is hit or miss. You never know what you are going to get when you bring your food home and having so many different people working there all while. It would be nice if the place had a little less turnover and more continuity with how its food is being made. I like the idea of this place a lot and its definitely needed as there aren’t enough good Mexican take out places in the area. But I would rather go to Taco Bell where you always get the same exact thing when you order it, then taking chances with uncooked or wrong prepared food that too often happens here.
As far as the food, (when cooked right) it is good and always seems fresh. I think the one main complaint I have is the tortilla chips they use. Very hard and too tough to eat. I am used to soft chips at these type of places. Not sure why they went with such a hard to eat corn chip here that really makes ordering nacho’s or chips and salsa a chore to eat.
I would advice checking it out and giving it a chance. Just realize results may vary depending on who you get serving you there and that some will like the type of food here more than others as its not your typical Mexican place that has the same taste as all the others. The food is very specific here in the type they use and that’s either a good or bad thing. I won’t go as often as I used to due to my bad food experiences but it is nice to have a Mexican food place close by to go to when the need arises.

Food was very fresh! And great friendly service! I highly suggest the bowls! I got the steak and it was so fresh right off the grill! We also decided at the last minute to order the papusas (since they looked good in the prep bar) the lady behind the counter said it would be about 5 minutes, which I was surprised cause they were right there, but I didn’t question it and we waited. She then told us that she wanted to give us fresh ones, and next time we should call ahead so we wouldn’t have to wait. (Not that we minded) but I was very impressed with that. Great service and great food! Guacamole was also excellent! The only thing I wasn’t that impressed with, was the queso dip. Other then that I highly recommend everything else!!!

11÷20÷15 lunch. Clean, yummy food. Each item is prepared right in front of you. Kinda like going to a Subway, as you get to choose what you want as you compile your food. I had 2 soft Tacos, warmed taco shell, Chorizo on one, spicy chicken on the other, with grilled onions, cheese, pico de gallo, red sauce. Go, but as they make each item, things could be slow when they’re busy.

Very good food. I would give it five stars but it was my first visit and I need to try it again before I do. I will tell you this, I cannot wait to go back again.