While many are familiar with Chipotle as a major chain restaurant, today we look at the Chipotle frequented by many located on the East Bank side of campus. This is the Chipotle located on 800 Washington Ave SE, among a litany of other restaurants such as Raising Cane’s, Domino’s, and Stub and Herbs. 

I have personally never had any issues with this Chipotle, and ingredients are consistently fresh and available. Rarely are they ever out of items or are ingredients not prepared. As far as portions go, they seem consistent to say the least. If I go to this location, I can be sure of what I’m getting. 

However, what is characteristic of this Chipotle and what many have likely noticed is how busy they are. For a quick serve restaurant, they consistently have lines to the door or a steady flow of mobile orders and delivery drivers coming to pick up orders. Once you’re at the beginning of ordering your item, they’re rather quick and efficient, but I have consistently had to wait an additional 10 to 20 minutes merely standing in line due to their high demand. This is particularly noticeable during common lunch and dinner hours.

In my experience, other restaurants adjacent to this Chipotle are not inferior or of poor quality. On top of this, I have not experienced the same wait times during these same peak hours. 

The location itself is convenient for many students who commonly frequent or attend classes on East Bank. The next closest Chipotle is located on the other end of West Bank, past the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Despite that location not being the focus of this article, they’re still quite convenient and accessible. 

Seating at this location is okay, but it’s exacerbated by high demand and a large customer base. This is to be contrasted with the Chipotle located on West Bank, which has excellent seating and expansive interior. 

Ultimately, there are two takeaways to be had from these observations in my opinion. One possibility is that this location continues to serve excellent food and quality service despite high demand. While this can result in excessive wait times, it seems many may be willing to tolerate that in order to get their burrito bowl. Alternatively, there are a variety of other convenient options around this location. For those unwilling to tolerate such a wait or in a rush, I definitely advocate checking out a variety of quality restaurants adjacent to this Chipotle. There are surely many who share this sentiment and one can only imagine the amount of business this Chipotle loses due to these painful wait times.

One factor that may continue demand for this location (and other Chipotle restaurants) is their mobile app. Customers are able to place their orders ahead of time and earn reward points which can later be redeemed for free food or other merchandise. However, despite this convenience, online order times often reflect this same demand. Placing a mobile order for pick up may require one to order well in advance before they’re able to pick up their meal. 

Recently, Chipotle offered a Halloween promotional discount which generated an intense amount of business but highlighting these previously mentioned issues such as long wait times or long mobile order pick up times.

Overall, in my opinion, this Chipotle continues to be a staple of East Bank and a quality restaurant. One can be sure of good service and great product visiting this location. While this is a great go to on campus, people should also try other great restaurants adjacent to this Chipotle. Hopefully this location continues to refine its service and improve wait times during peak hours.