If you've ever visited Chipotle, you're well aware of the abundant choices available for personalizing your meal. The innovative 'build-your-own' approach alongside authentic Mexican cuisine has captivated millions of devoted fans. To order like a seasoned pro, familiarize yourself with the ordering process and explore all your options for your next Chipotle outing.
Steps
Navigating the Standard Menu
Decide on your preferred 'base.' Opt for a burrito wrapped in a large flour tortilla, crispy or soft corn tacos, or a salad bowl. If you're eschewing tortillas altogether, consider ordering a burrito bowl or salad instead.
- You can indulge in a 'double-wrapped burrito' at no extra cost, featuring two flour tortillas for added durability or if you're planning a particularly hefty filling.
- A standard order of 'tacos' will net you three tacos, with your choice of soft flour or corn tortillas, or crispy corn shells. Alternatively, you can request a 'single taco' or 'two tacos' by specifying at the start of your order.
Choose your rice. When it comes to burritos and burrito bowls, you'll have the option of brown or white cilantro-lime rice, which you can opt out of if you prefer. Opting for brown rice offers a healthier choice with a slightly heartier texture and a nuttier taste compared to white rice.
Decide on black or pinto beans. While black beans contain slightly fewer calories than pinto beans, the nutritional value between the two options is generally comparable.
Decide if you'd like a serving of the fajita vegetable mix at no additional cost. Comprising bell peppers, onions, and fresh oregano, these veggies contribute color and delightful flavor to your dish.
Choose your protein. Feel free to request a bit more or less protein if the standard 4 oz serving doesn't suit your preference. However, keep in mind that requesting a double serving of meat will incur an extra charge, and opting for less than a full serving will still result in a charge for the standard 4 ounces.
Indicate your preference for salsas, sour cream, and cheese. Personalize your order by specifying whether you'd like a generous portion or just a hint of these toppings. Chipotle offers several salsa options, so select based on your desired level of spiciness:
- Fresh tomato salsa (mild)
- Roasted chili-corn salsa (medium)
- Tomatillo-green chili salsa (medium)
- Tomatillo-red chili salsa (hot)
Consider adding guacamole to your order, but keep in mind it incurs an additional charge. Some Chipotle enthusiasts suggest that ordering it separately results in a larger portion, although the quantity should technically be the same, around 4 oz.
Opt to include fresh cilantro, onions, hot sauce, lettuce, or extra toppings on most items. These toppings are complimentary. You'll select these additions when your order is halfway assembled, and a Chipotle staff member is adding fresh ingredients to the top before wrapping it up.
Add a side of freshly made chips and guacamole. This incurs an extra charge with any order. Chips typically cost around $1.27, while chips and guacamole together are priced close to three dollars.
Explore the kid's menu options. There are two choices available. All kids' meals come with the option of a small bag of chips or fruit on the side, along with organic milk or juice to drink.
- A small cheese quesadilla with two sides. Chipotle staff may automatically include rice and beans as your sides, but you have the option to choose anything from the selection. You can also add meat or guacamole to the quesadilla for an additional charge.
- A build-your-own kit. This includes two soft or crispy taco shells, one choice of meat, and any two toppings of your choosing.
Conclude with a regular or large fountain soda, or opt for a bottled beverage. Some locations offer margaritas or beer for prices ranging from $4 to $7.
Exploring Special Orders
Try out a quesadilla. Similar to traditional quesadillas, it consists of cheese on a large flour tortilla. Although it's not listed on the menu, the staff will know how to prepare it.
Experience the “quesarito.” Aim to order this when the line is short as it takes some time. You'll receive burrito ingredients wrapped in a cheesy quesadilla.
- Opt for half the usual burrito ingredients with this choice, and they might dub it a “burritodilla,” as it's flatter, resembling a quesadilla.
Go for nachos. For a small extra fee, enjoy cheese, beans, meat, and salsa atop fresh tortilla chips.
Request complimentary extras. You can ask for extra rice or an additional tortilla at no charge. One trick involves ordering a burrito bowl and requesting a free tortilla. You can even have the tortilla placed inside the bowl beneath all the toppings. It's the perfect combination: the contents of the bowl along with the soft, warmth of a burrito-sized tortilla.
Opt for the burrito bowl when you're famished. It allows for more food compared to a regular burrito. Request a free tortilla to craft your own mini burrito.
Mix up your order. Try ordering both black and pinto beans, or split your protein choice between two different meats.