I often feel the need to remind people Panda Express exists.
They don't pay me to say that. They just give me a big ass plate of tasty food for a decent price and it's simple enough for my American brain to order it.
Almost anywhere that you can find a Panda Express, you can find a mom and pop Chinese takeout restaurant that offers basically the same dishes (and more), but will be tastier, cheaper, and give you a ton of food for the money.
I don't care that Panda Express exists because there's no need for it to.
Panda's also gone down hill a lot since the pandemic. Their portion sizes are smaller now and the quality isn't there. Like it's ok but literally every Chinese place I've eaten at has better food.
I very much dislike Panda Express, it's just American themed Chinese food. I find their food generally bland and a little overpriced. But a lot of people love it, so I guess they're doing something right.
Mexican food is also generally pretty good for portion sizes. Find a smaller establishment and get a burrito, and you'll probably have leftovers. Don't go somewhere like Costa Vida (they're fine, but kind of bland), find a mom&pop that's well lit and it'll probably be pretty American friendly while being decently good. The non-well lit places are my favorite because they're often more authentic (instead of having to ask for lengua or cabesa, it's right on the menu) and usually have soccer games playing, but the counter staff's English may be a bit more rough. Look for a well-stocked salsa bar and jugs of differently colored liquid on the counter and you'll know you've found the right place.
Yeah, I've been there like 2-3 times, and have been disappointed every time. Costa Vida is way better and still pretty mediocre imo, but it has that "Subway" style ordering you'll get at Chipotle, and I guess some people like that.
If you want Mexican, find a place with a well stocked salsa bar, counter service, and jugs of differently colored liquid on the counter, bonus points for multiple TVs playing soccer viewable from anywhere in the seating area. You'll get much better food for the same or less than Chipotle and you'll have to make an effort to finish everything.
When I want Mexican, I just go to a Mexican restaurant. Or the taco truck at the end of my street. Taco truck is the best deal, shitpoltle is around the same price as a real Mexican joint.
Any local Mexican place will make a much better burrito, and probably for less. I have like 5 within the same range as my nearest Chipotle, so it's not like they're hard to find...
Will they make fun of me for ordering a barbacoa burrito bowl with extra lettuce? Getting rid of the burrito shell removes a good chunk of calories, and I always feel like local places look down on me when I customize my order to shave calories 😕