Yo quiero tacos.

Those were the words that I said last week when I scouted Harford County for the perfect taco.  My quest for the best taco took me to Qdoba, La Tolteca and Chipotle.  I graded each taco based on specific components of the taco: the amount of ingredients in my taco, the messy factor, and most important, the amount of breakage in the shell.

I always seem to get my food in a timely fashion when it comes to Mexican cuisine, especially at La Tolteca. In a matter of 15 minutes I had been seated, a waiter had taken my order, and I received my anticipated dish. I ordered the Combination Dinner #10, which included 2 hard beef tacos, Spanish rice, and fried beans all for $8.50.

Although La Tolteca excelled in the quality of the taco shell and earned an A+ for the lack of mess that it made, the taco fell short as far as the quality of the ingredients found inside the taco. Beef and cheese were the only ingredients in my taco. I wish that La Tolteca sold cheese by the wedge so that I could sprinkle some Mexican flavor over my food.

I gave La Tolteca a 7 out of 10 for their mess-free and timely prepared tacos.

Never go to Chipotle for tacos.

When I went to Chipotle, I was shocked at how terrible the tacos tasted and how expensive they were. The only toppings on my taco were lettuce, tomato and cheese because another extra topping would cost me another $1.25.

There was nothing special about the tacos because of their lack of ingredients. In addition, I bit into them and the shells shattered. I should have just ordered a taco salad instead.

I give my tacos at Chipotle a 3 out of 10 for their outrageous prices and lack of taco toppings.

Lastly, I ordered a taco at Qdoba and it was absolutely delicious. I went wild; I picked as many ingredients that I wanted in my taco. My taco consisted of a hard shell, grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, and medium salsa.

I took my first bite and I swear I could hear a Mariachi band playing in the background. The ingredients, especially the medium salsa, gave the taco its heat, and the chicken was fresh and easy to chew. Furthermore, this meal did not burn a hole in my wallet. I went on Wednesday, student discount day, and got 2 tacos, nachos, and a free drink for only $3.17. Qdoba’s only flaw was that the taco was filled so much that it started to dribble down my hand and onto my white uniform sleeve.

Putting the messiness aside, I gave Qdoba a 9 out of 10 for the quality and price of the meal.

Maggie Cassidy can be reached for comment at [email protected].