At Chipotle, we’ve scooped on some secrets that employees might not always share. 🌶️ From getting FREE foods to insider tips on ordering, you will be surprised to learn all these secrets!
18. Ask for more, but with a catch
“You can ask for more food at Chipotle, but sometimes, they might charge you extra,” Gianna says; if you don’t get enough, you can ask nicely for a little more without paying extra. But she warns that some workers might ask if you want double, which means you’ll have to pay more.
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17. We have to give a specific amount of food
We use spoons just the right size for the portions we’re supposed to give. This means we can only give you small servings. But don’t worry—it’s not because we’re being stingy. We have rules about how much food to give, and it helps keep things fair. Plus, most of the time, the burritos are already really big!”—Gianna, who used to work at Chipotle in Rhode Island.
16. You can get more Guacamole
“If you order Guacamole to go, ask the worker to tap the container on the counter. This helps remove air bubbles and gives you more Guacamole. Just remember, you’re paying extra for it!” – Heather, who used to work at Chipotle in New Jersey.
15. Or just make the Guacamole yourself
At Chipotle, it takes around 48 avocados to make Guacamole for one batch. And with over 2,450 locations, they make thousands of batches every day! But at home, you can make guacamole just like Chipotle’s, with only two Avocados and a few other ingredients.
14. When you should stop in for the shortest lines
The shortest lines at Chipotle are usually when we open at around 11 a.m. and during quieter times between 2 to 5 p.m. But when nearby high schools have half days or days off, we get really busy during the day. Mondays and Tuesdays are the slowest days, but as the week goes on, it gets busier.” – Stephanie, who used to work at Chipotle for three and a half years.
13. They hate it when you order the Quesarito
For Chipotle workers, making a Quesarito during the busy lunch rush is really tough. Stephanie says it’s a pain for everyone, past, present, and future employees. Rolling up a quesadilla with hot cheese is not fun and can cause burns.
12. Can’t finish those chips?
Gianna says it’s a good idea to order the kid’s size chips, especially if you’re getting them with a Burrito bowl. You’ll get a smaller portion that costs less than a regular bag of chips.”
11. That’s not the only “secret menu” item
At Chipotle, you can order three types of Quesadillas: just cheese, cheese with meat, or cheese with vegetables. Stephanie also mentions that some people order nachos, where workers put chips in a bowl and add the usual ingredients on top.
10. This secret code can save you money
If you say ‘three-pointer’ or ‘new button’ at Chipotle, you can get a cheaper version of your favorite meal. Stephanie explains that Chipotle’s ingredients are priced based on a point system. Things like lettuce, mild sauce, and rice are one point, while avocados, meats, and cheese are two points. So a ‘three-pointer’ meal might have fewer ingredients like rice, beans, and tomatoes or just rice and cheese, which costs less.
9. Yes, there’s a way to keep your Burrito from falling apart
“If you like lots of salsas or ingredients, ask for a double wrap! It gives your burrito extra tortilla security.” – Quinn, who works in PR and communications.
8. Get two Chipotle tacos for the price of one
“When you order Tacos, ask for an extra soft Tortilla to be put on the bottom like a liner. After you finish your Tacos, you’ll have an extra taco made from the Tortilla and any bits that fall out.” – Matt, who works in Chipotle’s training division.
7. You can order white rice with no Cilantro
If you don’t like Cilantro, you’re in luck! Gianna says Chipotle’s white rice is made without cilantro at first, so it’s easy to get it without cilantro if you ask.
6. If you have a big order, order online
It’s tough for employees when a customer orders a lot of items, especially if they remember another meal at the last minute. To save time for everyone, it’s better to place big orders online.
5. Game changer: Sides can be free
Although ordering something ‘on the side’ should cost about $1.25, most Chipotle locations give sides of ingredients for free, except for meat, Guacamole, and Queso. Ordering a side is technically different from getting extra of an ingredient. Stephanie explains that if you order sour cream in your bowl and then get some on the side, it’s the same as just asking for extra sour cream on your meal to begin with.
4. Some locations have a Drive-thru window
You can order Chipotle through their app or website and choose a time to pick it up at a ‘digital pick-up window.’ Currently, these windows are only at locations in Alamo Ranch, Texas, Pickerington, Ohio, and Obetz, Ohio. It’s not like a regular drive-thru, but it’s handy for getting food quickly.
3. Sometimes, you can get your meal for free
“To make a customer’s meal free, we usually decide based on the situation. For example, if a customer waits five or more minutes for fajitas to cook, we might give them a free meal for the inconvenience. If a customer has a problem with an online order, we’ll note their name and give them a free meal next time they come in.” – Stephanie, who used to work at Chipotle for three and a half years.
2. It pays to be nice to us—literally
“I loved it when our regular customers were friendly and genuine. Sometimes, we’d give them free meals as a way of saying thank you for being so loyal to our store.” – Stephanie, who worked at Chipotle for three and a half years.
1. Don’t ask us to mix up the ingredients
“We can mix up the ingredients in your burrito so you get a bit of everything in each bite, but it really annoys us. We have to stop what we’re doing, grab a spoon, mix up the Burrito’s contents into a messy mush, and then wrap it. When the line is long, this is a big hassle, and it’s not nice for other customers to see because the inside of a burrito looks messy once it’s mixed up like that.” – Gianna, former Chipotle employee.
Ready to order at Chipotle?
So there you have it—Chipotle’s secrets revealed! With these secrets, you’re ready to make the most of your next trip to everyone’s favorite burrito spot. Whether it’s getting extra guac or avoiding the lunch rush, these secrets will ensure you have a delicious and hassle-free experience the next time you go to most Chipotle stores.
