A skillfully crafted queso has the power to elevate any dish instantly. This beloved cheesy sauce, commonly found in Tex-Mex (and occasionally Mexican) eateries, typically combines various cheeses—given that “queso” translates to “cheese” in Spanish—and sometimes incorporates extras like tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and chopped chilies.
Whether as a dip for tortilla chips or alongside dishes like burritos and quesadillas, queso consistently adds a flavorful touch.
Tex-Mex restaurant chain Tijuana Flats traces the origins of this renowned sauce back to the Aztecs. Excelling in farming and dairy, the ancient culture created “chihuahua cheese” or “queso chihuahua,” akin to today’s queso blanco. Many years later, queso remains a beloved culinary delight.
Indulge in the delight of dipping your chips into a luscious queso available at various well-known restaurant chains.
Whether you crave a classic rendition or prefer a more inventive twist, like queso infused with diced peppers or adorned with pico de gallo and house-made guacamole, there’s a perfect option for every taste. Explore our list to discover 10 restaurant chains renowned for serving exceptional queso.
1. Tijuana Flats
CHIPS & QUEST (1 ORDER): 690 cal, 37 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat), 1850 mg sodium, 84 g carbs (4 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 8 g protein
Kick things off with Tijuana Flats’ signature gold or blanco queso that’s made from scratch each and every day. This tasty starter, which joins other options on its menu, like guacamole and salsa, is served with a side of tortilla chips. If you can’t decide which queso you’d like, the chain also offers a Dueling Queso option, which comes with a serving of each one. Tijuana Flats was founded in 1995 and currently has over 130 locations throughout the country.
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2. Qdoba,
THREE CHEESE QUESO (2 OZ): 80 cal, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 340 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 3 g protein
If you like options, head over to Qdoba to try out one of its tasty quesos that can be ordered alone or with freshly-made sea salt and lime-seasoned tortilla chips. First, there’s Qdoba’s signature Three Cheese Queso, made with a mixture of American cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. There’s also Qdoba’s Diablo Queso, which is a spicy queso with some kick to it. “Queso is the best out of all the chain Mexican places,” one Yelp user proclaimed about the chain’s offerings.
3. Moe’s Southwest Grill
QUESO (1 CUP): 568 cal, 46 g fat (30 g saturated fat), 2059 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 26 g protein
The queso at Moe’s Southwest Grill’s is famous for a reason—it’s so delicious. It’s prepared with a blend of white American and pepper jack cheeses combined with heavy cream and diced jalapeños. It tastes fantastic with tortilla chips or slathered on tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. That’s not all, though. The chain currently has a limited-time chili con queso side, which is the restaurant’s signature queso mixed with ground beef and jalapeños. Use the chain’s location tracker to find the closest Moe’s to you.
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4. TGI Fridays
Nutrition information unavailable.
For a queso that has some kick out to it, order TGI Fridays’ recently released Loaded Cheddar Poblano Queso. The delicious shareable appetizer features a creamy queso made from three cheeses, topped with fresh pico de gallo and house-made guacamole. It’s served with crispy tortilla chips and should be enough for two to three people. You can also customize it and add bacon bits, sour cream, or ranch dressing if you’d like.
5. Del Taco
3 LAYER QUESO NACHOS (1 SERVING): 330 cal, 15 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 730 mg sodium, 44 g carbs (7 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 10 g protein
Del Taco has been serving top-notch American-style Mexican dishes since it opened nearly 60 years ago. It’s known for its eclectic menu, which features popular Mexican and American options, like fresh house-made guacamole, loaded grilled chicken burritos, double cheeseburger meals, and tasty chips and queso, of course. Del Taco’s version is a creamy queso blanco prepared with cheese, milk, jalapeños, and heavy cream. Try it with plain tortilla chips or as part of the chain’s 3-Layer Queso Nachos or Queso Loaded Nachos.
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6. Chipotle
QUESO BLANCO (SIDE, 4 OZ.): 240 cal, 18 g fat (12 g saturated fat), 490 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 10 g protein
Chipotle’s new Queso Blanco has been getting so much love from customers, and it makes sense why people find it incredibly delicious. First, it’s made with a mixture of flavorful ingredients, including aged Monterey jack cheese, white cheddar, farm-fresh dairy, tomatoes, chopped yellow onion, and garlic. It also features a medley of peppers, like chipotle, poblano, and serrano, that give it some edge.
This well-loved queso hits the spot, whether served with tortilla chips or drizzled over burrito bowls. “I can’t think of anything better than chips and queso blanco from Chipotle,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another shared, “That queso blanco from Chipotle has me in a CHOKEHOLD!!!”
7. Buffalo Wild Wings
HATCH QUESO WITH CHIPS (1 SERVING): 1110 cal, 59 g fat (28 g saturated fat), 2370 mg sodium, 119 g carbs (11 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 28 g protein
Delicious queso may not be the first thing you think of Buffalo Wild Wings, but as it turns out, the sports bar chain offers a lot more than wings, including a queso that you can’t pass up. Served with a generous portion of crispy tortilla chips, the chain’s Hatch Queso is made from creamy, melted cheese and spicy peppers from New Mexico’s famed chili-growing Hatch Valley.
“My family and I ate dinner here a few nights ago, and the queso dip on the appetizer menu was fantastic!” declared one TripAdvisor reviewer. “We had a great dinner.”
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8. Baja Fresh
QUESO & CHIPS (3 OZ. EACH): 720 cal, 40 g fat (17 g saturated fat), 2320 mg sodium, 68g carbs (12 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 21 g protein
Fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain Baja Fresh also serves an A-plus queso you’ll want to pour on absolutely everything. This spot’s variation is made from three kinds of spicy peppers and melted cheese, and it’s plated with crunchy tortilla chips. Order this with one of the restaurant’s featured menu items like its Nashville Hot Chicken Taco, or a classic like a Chicken Baja Burrito, for a truly memorable meal that is both flavorful and won’t break the bank.
9. Chevys Fresh Mex
CHILE CON QUESO (PER SERVING): 260 cal, 19 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 1170 mg sodium, 68g carbs (9 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 13 g protein
Founded in the 1980s in Alameda, Calif., Chevys Fresh Mex is the casual dining chain known for its made-from-scratch dishes, hand-crafted drinks, and feel-good ambiance. It also has a pretty awesome queso you don’t want to miss. Chevys’ menu features a chile con queso appetizer, which is prepared with chili peppers and served with tortilla chips. While you’re at it, try out the newly launched limited-time NFL player Fred Warner collaboration menu, which includes offerings like the Third Down Dip Trio and Touchdown Tots, both featuring Chevys’ cheesy sauce.
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10. Chuy’s
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Last but not least is Chuy’s, a beloved Tex-Mex chain that claims to make every one of its dishes from scratch daily, using carefully selected produce and ingredients. At Chuy’s, you can expect a decadent queso made using a blend of melted cheese, green chili sauce, and ranchero sauce. The best part? You can also customize it and add exciting touches to it, like seasoned ground beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
What makes queso a popular choice at restaurant chains?
- Queso’s popularity stems from its creamy texture, rich cheesy flavor, and versatility. It’s a favorite for dipping chips and complements various dishes, making it a sought-after menu item at many restaurant chains.
Are there variations of queso offered at these restaurant chains?
- Yes, restaurant chains often offer a range of queso options. Some may provide classic versions, while others introduce innovative twists, incorporating ingredients like chopped peppers, pico de gallo, or house-made guacamole for added flair.
Can I expect consistency in queso quality across different restaurant chains?
- While the quality of queso can vary, restaurant chains renowned for serving the best queso prioritize consistency. They maintain high standards in terms of flavor, texture, and additional ingredients to ensure a satisfying experience for customers.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options for queso at these restaurant chains?
- Many restaurant chains strive to accommodate dietary preferences. Check with specific establishments for information on vegetarian or gluten-free queso options, as some may offer alternatives or modifications to cater to diverse needs.
How can I find restaurant chains that serve the best queso?
- Researching online reviews, food blogs, and customer testimonials can guide you to restaurant chains known for their exceptional queso. Recommendations from friends or family who share similar taste preferences can also be valuable.
Are there regional variations in queso styles at these restaurant chains?
- Yes, some restaurant chains may incorporate regional influences into their queso recipes. This could include specific spice blends, cheese variations, or additional ingredients that reflect the culinary preferences of different areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey to discover the finest queso leads to these ten remarkable restaurant chains. From classic renditions to inventive variations, each establishment offers a unique and flavorful experience for queso enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a fan of the traditional or crave a more innovative twist, these chains have mastered the art of crafting exceptional queso, earning them a well-deserved reputation as go-to destinations for this beloved and indulgent treat.