Bell Boulevard is well known for its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, ranging from Chinese to Greek. Mexican food, in particular, is a commonly served cuisine in Queens, available everywhere from large chain restaurants to street food in Flushing.
Mexican food has always been a staple in New York, but it has reached an even larger surge in popularity, especially from online promotion on social media. Many new locations have started to emerge to cater to this. For example, burrito bowls have existed for decades, yet have recently been integrated into mainstream culture through popular chains like Chipotle.
Moho’s Mexican Grill is a gem in the neighborhood of Bell Boulevard, serving bowls, burritos, and tacos in a Chipotle-style assembly service that is customizable to each individual taste. Students can visit via the Q20A/Q20B/Q44 and Q12 or the Q88 and Q27 buses, or by taking the LIRR to Bayside after riding the Q44. Among the wide range of restaurants available in Queens, Moho’s Mexican Grill seems to be an exciting, cheaper alternative to its expensive chain restaurant counterparts.
The restaurant has a fresh and minimalistic design, and while entering, I noticed about four long booths with a few single tables. The wood tables and walls gave a homey feel with the decorations in the establishment, and the workers were very welcoming and enthusiastic. The prices are shown very clearly right by the front counter. It’s worth noting that drinks, like water and soda, cost from $3-5, so it’d be wise to bring your own. Anyways, not only does the restaurant offer custom bowls and tacos, but they also offer churros and birria pies that seem very popular. During our visit, we decided to try their build-your-own bowls.
Bowl #1: Spicy chicken, guacamole, shredded cheese, corn, lettuce, brown rice, salsa, queso ($13.85)
Critic Rating: 9/10
In the vibrant world of fast and casual dining bowls, the ability for customers to customize their own bowls allows them to satisfy their taste buds and soul. This delightful combination features a generous serving of spicy chicken perfectly cooked to achieve a juicy tenderness, while delivering a bold kick of heat that dances on the palate. The addition of creamy guacamole provides a luscious counterbalance, enriching each bite with its velvety texture and rich flavor, all topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
The attention to detail in this bowl is commendable as it not only pleases the eye, but satisfies the appetite. This combination proves to be a must try for anyone seeking a flavorful and fulfilling meal.
Bowl #2: Spicy chicken, guacamole, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, salsa, white rice ($13.72)
Critic Rating 9.5/10
The second bowl we ordered was also a bowl with spicy chicken, with an added charge for extra toppings. All bowls have a set price of $10.95. As you add more toppings, this price can increase depending on the choice of toppings, though they didn’t weigh too much on the final price. We were given extremely generous portions like in the first bowl as well.
In this bowl, the pico de gallo had a perfect slight crunch to it that paired well with the soft texture of the chicken. The smoky spices and pepper added in with the citrusy combination of pico de gallo and guacamole weren’t that strong, though the occasional kick was subdued with the shredded cheese. This bowl had perfectly balanced flavors, and the chicken, again, tasted fresh, as well as the rest of the ingredients. As a more umami bowl that adds onto the spicy kick of the chicken, this combination perfectly caters to customers looking for stronger and spicier flavors.
For almost an hour, the two bowls stayed warm and filling, especially with the cool breeze on this day. The homey atmosphere of the restaurant also added to the experience, with people coming in and out and having pleasant interactions with the workers, creating a familial-like atmosphere.
Moho’s Mexican Grill embodies harmonious fusion of flavors that melt together seamlessly, making a culinary triumph through its bowls. All the ingredients used are fresh and the colorful melody of corn and crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. While the brown rice serves as a wholesome foundation that ties the entire dish together, each ingredient complements the other, creating a balanced experience that is both satisfying and invigorating. The location is able to give people of different preferences something to cater to them with their customization and diverse menu. Definitely visit if you’re looking for a filling and flavorful meal!
