There’s a new competitor for Chipotl: Tocabe. They serve up “Indian Fry Bread” (sometimes called Bannock). This is a popular meal introduce to many outsiders at pow-wows or state fair type events, but is essentially dough that’s deep fried with the typical burrito ingredients either laid on top (taco style) or stuffed inside (sopapilla style).

The style of their location at 44th and Lowell near Denver’s Highlands neighborhood is very well finished. The beautiful stone wall and nice tables and hanging art create an atmosphere that feels almost too professional. It feels a lot like a chain even though it’s the only location. We left guessing that they plan for expansion and wanted to solidly set the corporate style from the very first location.

Tocabe’s take on frybread

The Tocabe take on frybread is to serve it up with the customers choice of delicious fresh ingredients. One particular bonus is buffalo - either ground or braised and shredded like the Chipotle barbacoa meat - which is both delicious and a lot healthier with lower fat and cholesterol.

Westword did an article about Tocabe a while ago including this video:

Indian frybread health information

There is not nutrition information on the Tacobe website, but it doesn’t take a nutritionist to figure out that deep fried white-flour isn’t healthy. The wikipedia entry on Bannock claims that they can be 700 calories, though that’s not always the most reliable source. I expect that Tacobe’s meals are on par with the relatively calorie intense Chipotle meals. Given that the typical total at Tocabe is a little higher than a typical “fast food” restaurant that might be ok: buy one meal and split it for a solution that is better for both diet and pocket book.