QDOBA Mexican Eats — Restaurant in Saint Paul

My previous great visits, thanks to GM Chris, make what happened today, 9/28/25, all the more infuriating. The central issue is how Kyle and Raya handled our BOGO Entree deal and the entire experience.

When we arrived around 2 PM, Kyle was on the food line while Raya was sitting on a phone call in front of the meats/veggies. We were told the featured habanero lime steak—which we wanted—would take 5-7 minutes. After we came back from the bathroom, which both were in need of service (missing soap, loose toilet seat, dirty inside), a line had formed. Raya, who was wearing pajamas and kept scratching her hair with gloved hands, worked incredibly slowly. She seemed out of it, was overly giggly, serving the family in front of us for 15 minutes before stopping to hang out at the checkout register (even after they were done). Kyle finally took over, serving the person who cut in line ahead of us, and then rushed through my girlfriend's order after we'd waited 20 minutes, giving her mediocre portions and almost skipping toppings like the queso and fajita veggies (they were almost out and in need of another tray).

At the register, we confirmed the BOGO deal. I asked for a meal (which includes a drink) to qualify for the coupon, specifying we only wanted to share one drink. The total seemed high, but Kyle assured me the "free entree was on there." As Raya made my bowl, they ignored my question about the two drink cups we were given.

The real headache started when I tried to address the extra drink charge. Kyle and Raya repeatedly ignored me at the counter. When I finally got Raya's attention, she was laughing and told Kyle to handle it. He was dismissive, in the middle of an order, and they told me to get out of line because they were checking out other people—who were still waiting on their food to be made. When the line cleared, I returned. Kyle acted like I was stupid, rolled his eyes, and shut down my question about why a meal wouldn't count as buying a drink for the BOGO promo. He couldn't give a clear answer. Raya just stood there, staring and laughing, making me feel embarrassed over a simple, $3 refund request.

My girlfriend had to ask Kyle for his name, and he begrudgingly gave it while Raya refused, smirking and giggling the whole time. He gave her name to us, as she turned and walked away. Short staffing is no excuse for the lack of care and service from Kyle and Raya, and my core issue—the extra charged drink for the BOGO—was never solved.

Old Review:

Ashley served my girlfriend and I both times we went to this location. For a "fast food" place, we felt more welcome than some fine dining establishments that we've been to.

We were in the store at a busy time, with Ashley being the only one serving the food, putting together online orders, and checking them out. She was efficient, greeting everyone as they came in, apologizing about the wait (it really wasn't that long either), and she took her time making sure each customer got an order to their liking. When she reached us, we weren't sure of what to get. Ashley immediately went to work on offering us samples and suggestions for food on the menu, and it helped us get an idea of what to order.

I had the cheese crusted quesadilla with pork/carnitas, which was one of the best that I've had in my life. I didn't expect to have such a big quesadilla, but, it will become my dinner tonight as well, lol. My girlfriend had a bowl with the sweet and spicy chicken, which also was prepared with excellent care, and was flavorful.

Ashley deserves a raise and all the shoutouts that she can get! Chris, the GM, was also great on our first visit there in April. This is the Qdoba that we prefer out of the many we've visited....

It’s only the second time I’ve ever left a restaurant review, and the first time leaving one that’s negative and unsolicited but… If you run this place, are you staffing adequately? Are you paying these kids enough?

Because they were doing their best, but they got our orders wrong, the chips were stale, and they sent us home with brown guacamole. Kind of a bummer. Especially...

Bigger dude with the beard does GREAT WORK I did not catch his name. Always friendly and getting my food ASAP and with high quality 👌 😋...