Adventure 57: Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill (website)
658 State St.
3 Adjectives: Fast, filling, tasty.
Price: burrito (7)
Authenticity:
Atmosphere:
Overall:
Other Opinions: yelp, madisonatoz...
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One of two fast food giant burrito stops on State Street (the other being Qdoba), Chipotle seems to be the better and closer one.

Upon entering the restaurant, the entree is dished out in a walk-up counter in assembly-line fashion. You basically choose a protein and move down the line as the staff adds the toppings you would like in your burrito. My favorite is the grilled chicken, corn salsa, and pinto bean burrito since the flavors go together well, and the chicken is not overly chewy, which is what I think fails in the beef burritos. Other options include tacos and naked (sans tortilla) but just don't seem to be worth it. My biggest problem with Chipotle is that in order to add guacamole to your burrito, you need to pay an extra $2 for a very measly amount. In the end, the result is a giant burrito that takes approximately two meals to finish. Additionally, the burrito is ridiculously unhealthy - don't even think for one second that lettuce is somehow going to counter the fat and calories in one of those things. In terms of in-restaurant dining, the seating area consists of various booths and high mushroom head-like stools and tables. The overall theme is an urban silver-tan color which is not particularly inviting. However, most of the time I prefer to take it home anyway; Chipotle is perfect for those periods of crunch time where you don't feel like cooking at your apartment.

I would recommend Chipotle as a place to buy something that you can eat quickly and that is decent tasting when you don't feel like making food yourself. Also, sometimes during the semester, Chipotle will hand out or mail out coupons for a free burrito at large campus events, so look out for those deals.