REVIEW

Restaurant Review: Chipotle, The Burrito Of Suburbia

Written by Deepti Lamba
Published March 09, 2006

I love burritos. Chicken, beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, and little bit of salsa all wrapped in a steamy tortilla is my idea of a scrumptious meal.

Standing in front of the server with the watering mouth and rumbling tummy, my eyes tend to sweep the spread and wonder what else to add to my burrito. How about cilantro or peppers? Or I could be a little more adventurous and try out their chili sauce and beef instead of chicken? Building your own burrito never seemed so much fun.

Chipotle happens to be my favorite anytime restaurant. Owned by McDonalds, the food is nothing short of awesome, and is reasonably priced to boot. The menu is limited but delicious - tacos, burritos, and salad combined with sauces that vary from mild to dang-it's-spicy make it a meal as filling and nutritious as any big-chain restaurants.

Chipotle has a rather upbeat bistro style decor and generally has long queues of people waiting to get their burritos made; which is why it makes sense to order online.

chipotleSince the website is user friendly and remembers my previous orders, I tend to forgive the confirmation call, which is needed because they do not yet offer online payment. A visual presentation of the menu is available on the website and all you have to do is click on the items that you'd like in the burrito or taco, as done in the restaurant.

Once the order is placed, the confirmation call made, the food is ready by the time I reach the restaurant (which is about a ten minute drive from where I stay) and the best part is that I need not stand in the food line but can go straight to the billing counter and pick up my food.

Though Chipotle has Qdoba as a close rival in terms of being in the same price range and a similar menu, my taste buds tend to crave spicy Chipotle other than the bland Qdoba food. The food is filling, the restaurant is clean and a dinner for three costs no more than $20-25, drinks included.

So, next time you get the urge to eat Mexican food but are tight on budget try Chipotle, and here is another tip - if you happen to go there with kids make sure you carry a spoon. Chipotle carries only forks and knives and my three year old has problems eating rice and beans with a plastic fork.

Deepti Lamba is an aspiring writer and an editor for Desicritics. She can be found at Things That Bang and at Suspended Moments
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Restaurant Review: Chipotle, The Burrito Of Suburbia
Published: March 09, 2006
Type: Review
Section: Tastes
Filed Under: Tastes: Food and Drink, Review
Writer: Deepti Lamba
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Comments

#1 — March 9, 2006 @ 10:34AM — Phillip Winn [URL]

When Chipotle first opened near my office, I ate there 4 or 5 days a week for several months.

My kids, however, were not impressed at all. The seats are uncomfortable for them, the menu not especially friendly, and generally kids are not in the target demographic.

Qdoba suits my mood sometimes, and I give it points for being owned by Jack in the Box rather than McDonalds, but you're right: Chipotle generally tastes better. The lime-flavored chips are the icing on that particular cake.

But here in Dallas, and in some other parts of Texas, we have another option which knocks Chipotle and Qdoba right out: Freebirds. Only five cities in Texas so far, but it'll spread. It's fantastic!

I start with a Cayenne tortilla, and... mmmm. I think I know where I'm eating lunch today!

#2 — March 9, 2006 @ 10:55AM — chantal stone

i LOVE Chipotle, its quick, inexpensive and healthier than other fast food restaurants. my kids love it also, and for a family of five, we can all eat for about $30-$35....great deal.

one problem: it's so good, you want it all the time, and a burrito stuffed with rice, sour cream, cheese, and that fabulously addictive guacamole is the key to a fat ass.

one word: Moderation.

#3 — March 9, 2006 @ 11:01AM — Aaman [URL]

I guess this is a hint where we're having dinner tonight:)

#4 — March 9, 2006 @ 12:40PM — swingingpuss [URL]

Better have Beano before the beans ;)

#5 — March 9, 2006 @ 15:28PM — -E

Oh I love Freebirds! And man are their burritos HUGE. Plus you get a few more options as to what you stick in your burrito. I've never heard of that Q place before. Chiptole is ok, but I'd probably go for the bird over Chipotle.

#6 — March 11, 2006 @ 22:46PM — Phillip Winn [URL]

Thanks for the Freebirds support, Erin! I did go for lunch on Thursday, and I did enjoy it immensely.

I would have enjoyed Chipotle, too, just not as much. :-)

#7 — March 12, 2006 @ 00:47AM — swingingpuss [URL]

Phillip, a review of Freebirds from an evident fan is in order.

Next time we're in Dallas, see you at Freebirds:)

#8 — October 9, 2007 @ 00:45AM — jamlevi

Why do different Chipotle Restaurant's have different serving sizes ? Specifically, BERKELEY serves up a FAT healthy burrito loaded with meat while PLEASANT HILL puts a ton of rice and virtually no meat !

WTF !

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