They both have multiple locations in the DFW metroplex but I have not had them at other locations. ^

Freebirds! Mostly a Texas/Oklahoma chain, its what Chipotle wishes it was.

Rubio's
 

Rubio's makes a decent fish taco. Not bad!

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Just a WAG but I suspect Chipotle is pretty happy not to be limited to Texahoma ;)

I love Freebirds, but you don't go there for Tacos. I do like Taco Cabana.

Niman Ranch, are you kidding???

Ok, I haven't braved Chipotle's doors yet, though they're rapidly becoming ubiquitous here. But how can a mass market chain possibly afford to source like that?

In the name of research I'll try them soon, though this thread has me more primed for a stop at the taco truck near my health club (heh). Twenty years ago there was no credible Mexican food in NY, but the situation has improved dramatically.

Im the OP......

If the tacos atm Cozymel’s are as good as other stuff on the menu, they have to be among the best.

Rubios does indeed make a good fish taco, and their other food is darn good too for a chain. The one I'll throw out there is Jimboy's. Started in Sacramento, then Roseville, CA and Lake Tahoe. Lot's of them in No.Cal now. A different take on tacos, and made like BamaVol's. We have been duplicating them at home for 30 years.

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http://www.qsrmagazine.com/issue/76/another_option-1.phtml. From our friend, The Google.

Wow, who would have thunk? I'll have to try those carnitas. Pork I can eat without thinking about feed lots...

Carnitas....... scary stuff but reminds of Durian without the foul smell.... :D

♫ On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of carnitas, rising up through the air ♫

Taco Cabana. You hit the salsa bar and add as much heat as you can stand.

Not really a chain but an off-shoot of El Torito here in SoCal is El Torito Grill. Tuesdays is 'Taco Tuesday' and you get your choice of chicken, beef or pork delivered by the chef, hand cut on two soft tacos that are grilling on a rotating grill right in front of you. You add you own toppings and, I'll tell ya', one of each of those choices will fill you for the evening. You have to leave your table for a few minutes to go over to where these are being prepared but it takes less than 5 minutes and and you get to tell the chef exactually how you want the meat cut.

Cost: $1.50 each in an upscale, sit-down restaurant! Add a drink and you're outa' there for about $7.50 - $9.00 plus tip. And it's a fun crowd too. I go to the one at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.