"Moe" for Your Money at Moe's Southwest Grill

Do you know Moe?  If you've lived anywhere on the East Coast outside of Fairfield, it's likely that you've already come across one of Moe's Southwest Grill locations.  This cheery, quick-service Tex-Mex spot is part of a nationwide chain that started down South and has finally landed in Fairfield.  Located at 2267 Black Rock Turnpike in the former Rye Ridge Deli space (near Old Navy), Moe's opened its doors to the public on Thursday.

Moe's has a likeable, slightly irreverent feel right from the beginning. As you walk through the door, the staff (mostly young and smiling) stop what they are doing and  greet you with a chorus of "Welcome to Moe's." Next, you'll see from a quick glance at the menu that each menu item has a funky, offbeat name.  From homewrecker and joey bag of donuts burritos to super kingpin quesadillas, personal trainer salads, and fat sam fajitas, the offerings all make you feel slightly silly when ordering.  The food is no joke, though, and is fresh and flavorful.  It's basic stuff - quesadillas, burritos, tacos, nachos, fajitas - and it's not gourmet, but it's exactly what you want when you're getting take-out Mexican.

It's also a good bang for the buck, since you can order the most expensive item on the menu at $9.29 and still have change in your wallet.  The kids' meals (smaller-sized tacos, burrito, or quesadilla) come with a fresh-baked cookie and a fountain drink and never go above $5, so you can take the whole family and not break the bank.  No liquor - it's bottled water, iced tea (sweet for those Southern transplants), and Coke fountain products.

The space has been completely transformed and there's no sign of the original, somewhat-cramped style at the Rye Ridge. Instead, it's high ceilings, brightly-colored walls, and steel - creating a contemporary, mood-lifting atmosphere.  There's a mix of booths, tables for two, and tables for four, so it's perfect for the mixed crowd.

There's a little bit of everything here - from college students and young couples just off work to families with young kids and parents with high school-aged students.

Moe's operates on an assembly line of staff.  You order with one and then move down the line as they top and stuff your tortilla with a variety of fillings.  They are working out the kinks as they learn the ropes and the rhythm, so the staff isn't foolproof just yet, but bring a little patience, and a big appetite, and you'll be happy with the results.

Moe's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.