Ah, Chipotle – that magical place where burritos are born and guacamole dreams come true!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned regular, navigating the assembly line can be an art form.
Let’s explore how to maximize your Mexican fast-casual experience without becoming that customer everyone secretly rolls their eyes at.
1. Know Your Order Before Reaching The Counter
Standing frozen at the counter while a line forms behind you? Major burrito faux pas! Decide on your protein, rice, and beans before it’s your turn to order.
What if I told you that employees secretly rate customers on their ordering efficiency? Quick decisions keep the line moving and earn you invisible brownie points with staff and fellow diners alike.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Go Half-And-Half On Proteins
Torn between carnitas and chicken? You’re not doomed to a single-protein existence! Chipotle happily serves half portions of two proteins for the price of one meat.
However, be aware this protein-splitting superpower doesn’t work with guacamole or queso. Those precious add-ons still come with their full upcharge regardless of how you split your meats.
3. Don’t Hog The Salsa Bar
Lingering at the salsa station while meticulously filling 15 tiny cups? Not cool, amigo! Grab what you need efficiently, allowing others their turn at hot sauce heaven.
How about preparing your strategy before approaching? Quick moves show consideration for fellow diners who are equally excited about that smoky chipotle tabasco.
4. Respect The Assembly Line Flow
Jumping ahead or asking to go back for forgotten items disrupts the sacred Chipotle assembly line rhythm! If you forgot to request fajita veggies, wait until reaching the end before politely asking.
Hence, the importance of following the natural progression from tortilla to protein to toppings. The system works beautifully when everyone plays by the rules!
5. Mix Your Bowl Before Eating
Wanna know a secret Chipotle hack? Take a moment to thoroughly mix your bowl before diving in! This prevents that sad situation where you eat all the guac first and finish with plain rice.
If you’re taking your bowl to-go, put the lid on tight and give it a gentle shake. Voilà! Every bite becomes a perfect harmony of flavors rather than sad, segregated ingredients.
6. Skip The Double-Wrap Unless Absolutely Necessary
Though tempting to request a double-wrapped burrito, this calorie bomb adds an extra 320 calories to your meal! Single wraps work perfectly fine for most orders.
Ever wondered why your burrito keeps exploding? Perhaps it’s not the wrapper but overfilling that’s causing the structural integrity issues. Practice restraint with toppings instead of doubling up on tortillas.
7. Clear Your Table When Finished
Abandoning your tray of burrito debris like some sort of fast-casual crime scene? Absolutely unforgivable! Chipotle isn’t a full-service restaurant with bussers waiting to clean up after you.
Where would we be if everyone left their mess behind? In a mountain of guacamole-smeared napkins, that’s where! Take that extra ten seconds to dispose of your trash properly – future diners will silently thank you.
8. The Art Of The Online Order Pickup
Zooming in, grabbing any random bag from the pickup shelf without checking the name? Recipe for burrito disaster! Always verify your name before snatching that precious package.
Though it might seem obvious, countless hungry humans have accidentally taken Madison’s carefully crafted bowl instead of their own. Double-check that receipt and save everyone the heartache of misplaced Mexican food.
9. Ask For Extra Rice And Beans (They’re Free!)
Want more bang for your buck? Extra rice and beans cost absolutely nothing! Simply request a generous scoop when the server reaches those stations.
Meanwhile, don’t try this strategy with guacamole or meat – those will definitely cost you. But loading up on those free fillers means more delicious Mexican goodness without emptying your wallet. Smart Chipotle veterans know this trick well!
10. Never Complain About Guacamole Prices
Yes, guacamole costs extra. No, complaining won’t change this fundamental truth of the universe! The staff has heard every guac joke imaginable and they’re just doing their job.
What if I told you Chipotle employees have a secret eye-roll reserved specifically for the “but guac is extra?” crowd? Accept the avocado upcharge with grace or simply skip it – either choice is better than becoming a fast-food punchline!