Free Birds (Rea: eat, best, area)

[johnmatrix]

Has anyone ate at this place in Westport? If so what are your thoughts?

Been reading a lot about it thinking about checking it out.

[aragx6]

^I've heard the quality is only OK, there are too many options and that makes the whole experience messy and overwhelming, and the place just doesn't seem that well run. We might try it once they've settled in a bit, but the initial reports aren't so hot. As mentioned in a recent thread i've stopped trusting Yelp for much, but their reviews seem to say almost exactly what I've heard from friends who've gone, so I give them a bit more credence.

edit: And I just looked at the reviews for the one on Metcalf, which has been open longer, and they're even worse. I think I'll stick with Chipotle.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/freebird-wor...y:free%20birds

[RadioSilence]

The place in Mission (north of S.M. Pkwy/Metcalf) is chaotic, so I haven't had a chance to try it. I see no reason to divert from Chipotle.

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

I have been twice and I would say that it is fairly good, but not great.

I do like all of the options, though I guess they could be overwhelming. I had no problem with the service. If that's a concern you can order online and pickup.

I like Chipotle, but since I eat mostly vegetarian, there really aren't many options to change up the burrito. At Freebirds, all the beans are vegetarian and there's more variety in general. However, I would still have to say that I like Chipotle a bit better than what I've had at Freebirds. I did like my second time a bit better than first - with all the different options it may take a few times to find the perfect combo for your tastes. Also, I do like how you can get a meal combo including chips with guac or queso.

[xenokc]

I tried it a couple times. Is doable. The options are nice compared to say Chipotle, like cilantro, lime, corn tortillas and a large variety of salsas. I made traditional street carnitas tacos with cilantro, onion, lime on corn tortillas and it was OK but the salsas are pretty bland. I carry Marie Sharps habenero sauce with me (car, backpack, computer bag, jacket - my personal area salsa bar) and it perked it up. Was doable, in some ways better than Chipotle but KC has a lot of great real Mexi street taco joints so a step down from those.

Much better than Chipotle in options but because of all the options, the line is very slow when busy. And they don't operate very efficiently. I counted 15 staff yet it was 3 times slower than Chipotle.

Try Cancun Fiesta in Westport or Rico's Tacos Lupe on SW Blvd. KCK is loaded with Mexi/Central American counter eats. El Camino Real in downtown KCK makes the corn tortillas in front of you, on order.

But as Cali-Mex counter gringofied joints go, it was doable. Give it a shot.

[TabulaRasa]

Underwhelming seems to be the consensus, both on here and from word of mouth from acquaintances.

I don't think anybody's counting on it being akin to authentic Mex/Tex-Mex or anything, but consistent quality for what it is would be nice.

Also, Xenokc, where do you get Marie Sharp's? I was first introduced to it at Eggtc., but haven't been able to find it for purchase. Do you just order it online?

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

When I want Mexican, I don't even think of places like Chipotle as an option. To me, they occupy two different worlds.

I usually go for fish tacos, and in my opinion, Los Tules has the best in town. If I want to stay in Midtown and go for something quicker, Cancun Fiesta Fresh and Panchos are my go-to spots.

[RjRobb2]

Westport isnt the only location, there are three now and more coming.

I enjoyed it. I love all the options.

[xenokc]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

Also, Xenokc, where do you get Marie Sharp's? I was first introduced to it at Eggtc., but haven't been able to find it for purchase. Do you just order it online?

Funny you mention Eggtc. I left a bottle there a few times a year+ ago and they liked it so started to carry it. Try their breakfast tacos... corn tortillas, egg, avocado, mango salsa, cilantro and black beans. Pretty good.

There's a Central American place in City Market that carries Marie Sharps (it's from Belize). For some reason Chinatown Market nearby carries every variety. Go for the citrus based ones like grapefruit and orange. The citrus opens the pores to allow the wonderful habanero capsaicin acid in. I use it mostly for breakfast or if running across boring food.

[aragx6]

I think my SO and I were the only people to ever have a terrible experience at Cancun Fiesta Fresh based on what I hear. We went there when we first moved to Westport because it was right across the street and it was bland beyond all repair.

I might be inclined to try again -- what does everyone suggest?