If you’re familiar with Qdoba or Chipotle, then you understand the concept at HWY1. The Food Fight restaurant replaced Mike Poke this summer and didn’t have to change much of the interior.
Now instead of poke bowls, you can make your own Baja-inspired bowls, salads and burritos using a combination of bases (white rice, brown rice or lettuce), beans (black beans, pinto beans or lentils), proteins (including cauliflower), vegetables, toppings (including red cabbage claw), salsas (mild to hot) and sauces (including cilantro lime crema).
I chose items from the House Favorites section of the menu, which still allows you to customize them if you want. In the carne asada marinated steak bowl ($13.50), I liked the tangy and spiced fried Basa crisps, the grilled corn and the spicy pickled jalapenos. The cubed steak was very dry, so you will need whatever sauce you picked to save it. The salsa roja went well with this bowl, so consider that as an option.
I also enjoyed the al pastor burrito ($11.95), which was very juicy from the pineapple pico de gallo, though it didn’t add much sweetness as described. With the romaine and the California blend of veggies (red and yellow bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini) I picked, the burrito was quite vegetable-forward, and I would have liked a little more of the tender and delicious al pastor. The lentils didn’t add anything, but it was nice to have an option besides beans.
The Tijuana chicken Caesar salad ($10.95) was excellent. I enjoyed the warm, juicy chicken and the aforementioned Baja crisps on top. The salad, which you can get in wrap form, also had cotija cheese and a tasty Caesar dressing.
Though it doesn’t have a bar, HWY1 does serve a few cocktails and beer, with half-off drinks from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays.
HWY1 is open every day for lunch and dinner.
Tags: near west, Southwestern
