Chipotle Mexican Grill
1644 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO, 80210
Chipotle Mexican Grill Menu
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Burrito
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Burrito Bowl
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Salad
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Tacos
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Tortilla Chips
Healthy Meal suggestions for Chipotle Mexican Grill
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Burrito
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Burrito Bowl
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Salad
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Tacos
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Tortilla Chips
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Address :
1644 E Evans Ave
Denver, CO, 80210 - Phone (303) 722-4121
- Website https://www.chipotle.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
- Mon : 11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Yas K.
I used to eat soft tacos every day.
(4)Penelope W.
Like everyone Knows, Chipotle is QUITE well known.
(4)Zack A.
It blows my mind to see that this place has JUST 61 REVIEWS! Well here's number 62: Last Late April, ;) , me and my buds decided to take a trip out to Denver and Las Vegas. We stopped at Denver first and enjoyed the city but soon got hungry. We were on our way to some burger spot when it hit me like a ton of bricks. Denver is home to the original Chipotle! Back in NYC this stuff is what fuels the city that never sleeps. We used to have a war on drugs, but Chipotle has become the new crack. The IPO doubled the first day it went public, and still trades strong. Chipotle is the best thing to ever happen in food. What you get is a Mexi-Cali dish made within seconds that's incredibly delicious and cheap--the fast food killer. Lines are insanely long in NY and it takes half an hour to get to ordering. Then there's finding a table; I'll tell you like they told Liam--Good Luck. Now, stumbling upon the original Chipotle is like finding a dog walking upright. Hehe actually more like finding a blast from the past of something you love. As we pulled up, I honestly thought it was going to be packed, and we'd have to park blocks away, because that's what we're used to back home; however, parking was as open as the front door of a vacant lot. We parked up our rental car, and made our way to the front. What you'll see is a huge arching Chipotle boomerang style sign above head with unfamiliar logos and color ways. I love that. They kept it the way it's always been. It's like truly witnessing history before your eyes. Inside, the seating is simple, and the ambiance is like a mom and pop food shop. There's nothing corporate about it. It's vindictive of what it really is, or was anyway, a young kid's first run of serving his town with the food he enjoyed in California. It shows the simplicity of the Chipotle brand and elegance at the same time. It shows a dream, and grass roots, both of which I think are inspirational to anybody who opens a restaurant and one day hopes to go big. You don't see the typical assembly line here like you do in the newer corporate stores. It's a few people behind the counter, who put your burrito or bowl together on minimal equipment and serve it up. It's true to it's grass roots, and that's why it's the best Mexican food out there. The quality here is just the same as any other Chipotle, which is how it should be, absolutely delicious.
(5)Darrelle G.
I am on the Whole30 lifestyle (for my health) so it's become difficult to eat out! I was excited because I knew at Chipotle you are able to order the carnitas because they're cooked with sunflower oil instead of rice bran oil. Well apparently I was the last one in the world to learn chipotle stopped carrying carnitas! Well I walked around to try to find another restaurant I could eat at-- and I couldn't find anything! I came back into chipotle and talked with an employee (Gin) and one of the managers about the situation and they offered to cook me another meat in the sunflower oil, and said that next time I can just call ahead and they will have whatever I need ready for me. WOW! Such great customer service. I am totally impressed by how they handled my health situation and made me feel special instead of like I was a huge annoyance/ burden. Way to go Chipotle! Now start making everything in healthy oils! :)
(5)Peter S.
I called in an order for four items. When I arrived they were not ready, all four were not completed as ordered. The place is worn out, not clean and the employees were poorly trained. As the original flagship restaurant this location is a disgrace and needs a total makeover and total staff retrain.
(1)Alice G.
I am going with five stars for this little eatery that has turned into a fast food franchise phenomenon. I've been eating giant burritos here since the mid 90s when it first opened. I had no idea really how big chipotle had become until I moved Paris and found it even there. This spot is the original. Step inside you will be shocked at how tiny this venue is and if you're lucky they will have the trap door to the basement open and you can see how truly small this place is! My combo is: vegetarian burrito with both kinds of beans, white rice, hot sauce, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, and cheese. This has been a standard for many years now and given me much pleasure! And probably a couple extra pounds!
(5)Christina N.
It's hard not to be biased, but I'm constantly proud to tell me California friends that Chipotle originated in Colorado. The original Chipotle on Evans does not disappoint. I've been to Chipotles with chunky rice, too salty meat, or watery salsa, but I've never had a problem with the Evans location. The seasoning is right on and the burrito still a good, large size - no skimping. Ordering here is a bit different. Instead of progressing down the burrito bar, you stand at the end of the counter and look down the bar. It's more space efficient, given how small the location is. Honestly, this location isn't any different from the others (although it is one of the ones that serves hard alcohol), but I try to stop in to the original whenever I'm in town.
(5)Sean M.
A few years back my genius friends and I discovered "The Chipotle Challenge" What is the Challenge you say??? Well, let me educate you fellow Yelp friends. "The Chipotle Challenge" The rules: (1) Burritos only or participant is eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. (2) Participant must finish their burrito or participant is eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. (3) Participant must eat Chipotle at least once a day for three weeks or participant is eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. (4) Participant must provide a copy of the receipt and photograph of a half eaten burrito for weekend burritos or participant is eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. (5) Any complaining and participant is eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. (6) On the last day of the third week of The Chipotle Challenge, every remaining participant will be ceremonially eliminated from The Chipotle Challenge. Three weeks later, I found myself having ate Chipotle here (or at a few closer to my apartment on weekends) literally every day. Did I win this challenge? Well, no. No one can win this. I will discuss my observations. WEEK 1 OF THE CHIPOTLE CHALLENGE: Heaven. I've died and gone there. And there is Chipotle. Monday barbacoa? Yes please. Carnitas on a Tuesday? I think I will. Hump day steak? Make it rain. Chicken on Thursday? Make haste and do the Chicken Dance. And so on. WEEK 2 OF THE CHIPOTLE CHALLENGE: For the love of God KILL ME. WEEK 3 OF THE CHIPOTLE CHALLENGE: Feeling better. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My intestines, not so much. Mostly because they are completely blocked by digesting burritos. Yum! FINAL DAY OF THE CHIPOTLE CHALLENGE: I get literally every single topping choice (all the meats, all the veggies, all the sauces, etc) in my burrito in celebration. Never do this. In summary: I make poor life decisions.
(4)Tim L.
This is the very first Chipotle!! I was on a road trip with my family and decided to stop by the first Chipotle ever opened! This Chipotle still has the original signs outside. Instead of the standard assembly line setup, the serving line is sideways to save more room. This location is probably the smallest Chipotle location that I ever been to but I had to check it out! I got my usual chicken bowl with brown rice, sour cream, cheese, chili corn, lettuce, and guac. It was pretty empty since we went late afternoon so we got our food pretty quick. You can't really go wrong with Chipotle. The food was amazing! I'm glad I was able to check out the first Chipotle! This Chipotle does not have the standard menu so hopefully you are a Chipotle pro!
(4)Brick H.
I love chipotle's food! The burritos, chips, and guac are always delicious! This particular location though, is set up very strangely. There is no menu to look at while you wait to order...and there's no room to create a line longer than 3 people. Because the bar to make the food is set up on the side behind a big glass divider wall, it's hard to hear what the people making the food are asking and ends up being an awkward kind-of yelling back and forth. The folks working at this location are very nice though, and again, my food was deeeeelish. Love chipotle, but wish this location had a better set up.
(3)Richard R.
OG Chipotle - F to the YEAH! This is all about history folks - the beginning, the end, the best of the best! You're no fan of Chipotle unless you've been to this location to see where it all began. With that in mind you can tell this store is like getting a bomb ass meal from someones kitchen at home. It's small and cozy and totally friendly! The customer service is top notch and the food is the shizzle! You can tell they have expanded the set-up in other locations to accommodate more people. But you gotta give respect to those that came before you and be happy with the awesome burritos, tacos, bowls, and they even have little kid sized servings which are totally cute! Stop in, just to say you did :-)
(5)Ciara G.
THE VERY FIRST CHIPOTLE! If you find yourself in what I like to call D-Co and are a Chipotle junkie like I am, then a visit to "Evans" is a must. This is it folks. This is where the world of Chipotle as we know it started. The location is vintage rad. TINY inside dining area. Crazy to think 1,100 locations came from this tiny spot. It screams nostalgia and I was all over it. Nothing like the new awesome "gourmet" Chipotle locations that are popping up in your neighborhoods these days. The first thing I thought when the friendly voice in the far corner asked for my order was "One of these things is not like the other". The line set up is so different here. I blurted out STEAK! bc that is what I got on my bowl last time and I was just so focused and could not get over the line set up. Truthfully, steak was the last thing I wanted. Oh well, it was still tasty as ever. As I was eating my delicious burrito bowl, my new favorite item, I looked over my shoulder and realized there was not even any room for a menu board. CRAZY! But hey, if you are at a Chipotle you pretty much already know what you want. And if you don't, well the staff is more than helpful than to walk you through your burrito, taco or bowl making bliss. I seriously heart Chipotle and it was an awesome experience to eat at the location that started it all!
(5)Katie W.
I love Chipotle, but this location should be avoided at all costs. There is one at Colorado and Yale - go there instead! The service here is horrible - every time we've been (3x) they have either gotten the order wrong, or been incredibly stingy with the portions. In the past we have recieved bowls that were barely half full. This past trip (for takeout), we ordered chips and salsa but only recieved the salsa. When we called to let them know, they removed the charge for the chips, but not the salsa since "the salsa was in the bag, ma'am." What good is salsa without chips, may I ask?! Oh, and if you order online, you're wasting your time. All three times we ordered, they did not have it ready when we arrived, dispite having ordered over 30 mins in advance (including once when we called ahead to confirm). **UPDATE: The store manager called me today. Apologized for my experience, offered to buy me a meal next time, and genuinely seemed to care. Bumping my experience up by another star, and will re-review on my next visit.**
(2)Hannah I.
I do like Chipotle, but my experience at this one was not nearly as good as the rest of the reviewers. I always get a chicken burrito bowl without beans, and they barely gave me any chicken, either. So, I had rice and some toppings. It was really disappointing. In fact, we haven't even been to Chipotle since, and the next time we wanted burrito food, we went next door to Illegal Pete's. I hope Chipotle can prove themselves more like the rest of the reviews the next time I do go there.
(2)Alex L.
The guys (and gals) that work here are tons of fun. They are energetic and boisterous...something which many other locations could learn from! The words burrito and chipotle go hand in hand. I never realized this was the very first location until I read other reviews on here. The only difference is that all their burrito ingredients are behind the counter and you just stand at the counter and tell them everything you want. I like this location a lot. Even though it is a bit out of my way, I would definitely make it to experience great customer service!
(4)Jeff M.
So this is the very first Chipotle? I can tell. It is smaller, has less options and no visible menu. I can appreciate it being the original, but I feel like they could do more with the space they had. Food is good as usual. Plenty of stuff crammed in the burrito to make it more than worth the $6 it cost. Plus, now they have a brown rice that I'm unfamiliar with but can't wait to try on my next visit. I enjoy the other locations much more, but hey, Chipotle had to start from somewhere right?
(3)Raul R.
Food is good but the place is to small and sthinks like pee so far the guys who work there that are to slow need more people in there
(2)Kelly R.
"Chicken Posole"... oh and "Awesomely Tasty." Those are the phrases of the day. You gotta love that this is where it ALL started...the Chipotle phenom. Right next door to my Alma Mater, DU. Someone knew what they were doing when they opened these doors! Packed at lunch, for obvious reasons : fast, high quality, tasty fare always brings em in! Line-out-the-door everyday, but who cares? It's great Mexican-American food! And the people? In my experience, every Chipotle I have ever been to, the staff is about as nice as it gets. And my favorite thing about C? Their salsas: pico, corn, tomatillo...i love you all...I can pick not a favorite. So fresh! (TIP) I get a side of each so I can use in my home cooking. :) In a phrase: ¡Si desea gran rápido alimento norteamericano mexicano... ..eat aquÃ!
(4)Minny R.
The location of the first Chioptle. It was here that the burrito gods proclaimed, "LET THERE BE HUGE YUMMY BURRITOS!" Go. Do it for your taste buds.
(5)Raymon S.
Went here just to visit the first Chipotle. And because we were passing through the area on our cross-country road trip. And because Chipotle is necessary for my survival. Other than it's history, there's nothing special here. It does, however, win the tiniest Chipotle award for sure. But the food and service are still great -- although it wasn't busy when we went. I'm sure that it can get backed up in peak hours with such a tiny work area. Overall a very nostalgic and good experience.
(5)Lucia C.
I adore Chipotle and decided to visit this one because as we all know, IT'S THE ORIGINAL! This Chipotle is alot smaller than any of the other ones I've been to- at first glance it can probably fit at most 20 people. This is kinda strange because the Chipotles in California are PACKED and the lines are already 30 people long. There is no plaque or any indication that it is the first Chipotle (except for the store colors on the Chipotle sign). It is also missing the menu, but as a Chipotle frequenter I didn't need it anyway - The burrito also tasted the same. Awesome to have eaten at the first Chipotle, but it didn't leave that solid 'I just ate to the first Chipotle' impression.
(4)Morgan D.
I'm a student at DU and work long days so I walk by a few afternoons a week here to grab lunch to take back to work with me. This Chipotle is great because of the friendly, warm, staff. Consistently good food, and best of all: I can get something gluten and dairy free that is also so tasty it's addicting.
(4)Dylan L.
Maybe it's because I'm originally from a place that has real, delicious Mexican food, but I just don't get the Chipotle hype everyone has. Yeah, the burritos are big as hell and you could spread one over 2 meals, but they've never been THAT good in my mind. I also feel like if I order a beef burrito, it should be more than 5% beef and 95% rice, pico, etc. If you're charging me more for a beef burrito, give me the beef I paid for! I might as well get the regular burrito and add more beef myself.
(2)Andy S.
I know it's the original, but it's really small, so it takes a long time during lunch. Also there's no menu, so you'd better be a Chipotle veteran or you're not going to know what to do!
(3)Joe M.
OMG the first Chipotle Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's not actually that cool tho : ( I live right up the street from this chipotle so I eat there all the time. Compared to other chipoltles they are a bit stingy on their portion sizes. They also have a problem with putting things that you don't want onto your food. If this happens to you don't be afraid to ask them to start over because i do it all the time If i didn't ask for the red tomatillo salsa then i don't want it on my burrtio!!!!!!! But never the less, it is still delicious and relatively consistent.
(3)Mike S.
Amazing staff and great service, the food is always cooked amazingly. Legit place for a lunch or dinner
(5)Sami A.
Would you believe that the only thing that convinced me to go to Denver was the promise of eating at the original Chipotle? If you understand then we are brethren and get why Chipotle is the best kind of fast food that ever existed.
(5)Tracie B.
This is where it all began. On an average Saturday the line is out the door and you're waiting for a seat or at the very least a stool. After all #1 only seats about 15 people. Unlike the newer, bigger Chipotle's #1 is usually filled with DU students, downing giant burritos between classes. My favorite is the carnitas fajita burrito and the carnitas tacos. Natural range fed pork spiced and braised into submission - mouth watering!
(4)Leah D.
If you've seen one Chipotle, you've seen em all, with the exception of this one, which is the one that started it all. Fresh food served up quickly, and a choice of beverages that includes a margarita in a plastic cup - everything you need on a quick lunch stop.
(4)Stan Y.
Did you know this is the first Chipotle EVER? Yeah, you probably did b/c you've read the other reviews. I figured it's worth mentioning anyways. There's not much different about this location, except that there's very little space in which to eat. The line can stretch out the door during certain times but the staff works pretty quickly so a long wait is never a problem. I've had one rude encounter with a worker but aside from that, the staff is really nice, despite having to work non-stop for long stretches of time.
(4)Dan D.
The original location and still the best. The food is awesome and being in the first location just has a certain feel to it. Makes you feel like you're a part of history. The workers are always friendly and the service is lightning fast!
(5)Dana S.
The original location! Who doesn't love Chipotle. It's the best, and I will keep coming back and back and back.
(5)Jordan R.
Back in 1993, before Chipotle became a Denver institution with dozens popping up around the area and beyond, there was just a little burrito joint in the DU college area. Students would line up out the door for the gigantic, delectable tacos and burritos that have become signature. Nowadays, not much has changed with the store; still small, still crammed with college students, but a lot has happened to Steve Ells, the founder and owner of Chipotle. Though the company has opened countless shops inside and out of the state and went public this year, not a single one strays from the design and idea of the first; simple and natural. Being the first, the Evans location is somewhat cramped, as the "serving line" is sideways, rather than the now-standard "walk and choose" model, a necessary design choice with the limited space. However, this does not detract from the great atmosphere filled with sizzling and good music. The food itself, for those who have not already experienced it, is out of this world. With hundreds of combinations, nobody's tastes are left behind. The full menu boasts four types of meat (chicken, steak, barbacoa and carnitas), four types of salsa (tomato, tomatillo green chilli, corn and tomatillo red chilli, mild to hot), rice, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole served in a burrito, tacos or a bowl. Chipotle is very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, and will accommodate just about any order. My personal meal (everyone seems to form their own) is a chicken and black bean burrito with rice, cheese, sour cream, and extra corn salsa. All in all, Chipotle can't be beat for a filling, stellar meal, and it's no surprise that the rest of the country is just beginning to understand what Denver locals are talking about.
(5)Scott K.
For a chain, the foods good, convenient and fast. HOWEVER, I've noticed lately the portions are getting smaller. Come on Chipotle, your making a load of money on rice, beans and chicken. why are you skimping on the portions? Guess it's the typical greed of being a fast food chain. Wring as much profit as you can and piss off the customer. Oh well, there's always illegal petes.
(3)Dave B.
This is the place. This is Chipotle #1. Where it all started. Where I met Steve Ells actually working behind the counter. This store is located in an old Dolly Madison and nothing has really changed since Steve started it. It is so amazing that McDonalds did not screw up the Chipotle magic. Yes, the food is the same here as in Manhattan, but this is store #1.
(5)Heather D.
I eat at Chipotle numerous times per week, as it has quickly become my favorite food. I love burritos, burrito bols, hard tacos and the chips. My journey to Chipotle #1was truly a pilgramage, and I will never forget it. The manager gave my boyfriend and me a tour, complete with Q&A. Our food was given to us for free, along with soft drinks and tshirts. I have never in my life experienced such outstanding customer service. And those were the best vegetarian hard tacos (and chips and diet coke) that I have ever had. A+! If you are a Chipotle fan, you owe it to yourself to make the journey...
(5)Dan N.
As someone who has experienced this chain since its humble beginnings from their first location on E. Evans, I felt alas that it was time to Yelp. There is no question that these guys set the benchmark in "fast casual" or "quick casual" (sometimes referred to in the bizz as QSR) burrito/taco joints, early on. Despite going through a couple of confusing mid-life-crisis menu re-arrangement moments a few years back, the three things that continue to keep them successful are consistency of tastes, freshness and speed. Founder, Steve Els, developed this idea from his experiences at Mexican taquerias primarily in San Fran's Mission district. What is still unknown to most is how "rice" was incorporated as the primary (and most filling) ingredient. Since the awe factor of first seeing the enormous gut-bomb has lost much of its luster, I think most folks tend to forgo or at least cut way back on that specific ingredient in their orders. Which is not to say that the rice tastes terrible? The simple combination of steamed rice, fresh cilantro, kosher salt & oil is pretty tasty on its own. The whole rice thing aside, what still keeps me coming in is the consistent offering of the tasty adobe spiced chicken, steak, and barbacoa. They are marinated in just the right mix of ingredients and then open-broiled to perfection. The one item that seems to be a challenge for them are the Carnitas. They are good when first placed out on the line but seem to lose taste quality over time. The standard Fresca, Salsa Mexicana, & Tomatillo salsas are available along with the corn and you can always mix and match just about any ingredient. Is it authentic taqueria? Nah. I've found several great burritos out on Federal Blvd. & in NW Denver that are to die for. But then again, who's to say which of the ingredients they use are made fresh or are sourced from vendors? Some would say that the menu has gotten somewhat boring and simple. I think it's the simplicity of it that makes the concept work. Easy to read menu, decent Mexican "style" food, good value and served up quickly. Oh, and the guacamole is of the better chunky variety and not too overly burdened with ingredients like; cilantro, lime juice & jalapenos. Bottom line is that Chipotle has grown to fill a certain taste niche (if there is such a concept) in the American pallet.
(4)Elaine J.
I totally love Chipotle Mexican Grill, I could eat there at least twice a week.
(5)Heather B.
Since Denver is flooded with the food God that is Chipotle, I picked the one that had the most reviews and - BAM! - here I am! My husband was already raving about Chipotle before I moved to Denver to join him. We visited during my first week here and it was instant love. I like to think I'm related to Chipotle by 6 degrees. Technically, it's only 2, since my brother in law went to school with the guys who created it. I always feel special and happy eating at Chipotle knowing that it came from good people with great ideas. I always get the same thing (chicken burrito with black beans, rice, chile corn salsa, sour scream and cheese . . . and chips and salsa), but I figure I'll eventually expand to some of the other items on the menu. Eat responsibly, and check out Chipotle. You won't be disappointed!!
(5)M F.
What would you get if you crossed Chili's and a tacqueria? Chipotle. Consistently the same food no matter where you are, which is good and bad. On the positive side, the ingredients are fresh and the proteins are of high quality. They customize your order for you, which means you can tweak your meal according to whim. With some prudence, you can get a good, filling, healthy meal for cheap. Oh, and it's a brilliant business model. The downside? -It's a soul-less, sanitized chain with all the charm of a strip mall. Places like this are responsible for the genericization of the American experience. -Chipotle's tortillas are to real tortillas what Wonderbread is to a baguette bought in a Parisian boulangerie. Doughy and flavorless, they are an insult to the soul of Mexican cooking. Chipotle's introduction of corn tortillas are a huge step up, however. -If you've ever eaten at an authentic taqueria in a place like Mexico, LA or SF, you know what you're missing and why Chipotle is mediocre and why eating there is about as enriching and exciting as an evening at Dave & Busters. Come to think of it, Chipotle is to Mexican food what Epcot Center is to a week in Paris, Rome or Hong Kong. If you think there is no difference, you'll love Chipotle. All that said, I eat Chipotle at least twice a month since I haven't found decent tacquerias in Denver, so take my hypocritical ramblings with a huge grain of salt. It's not that I hate the place (ergo the three stars), it's that it falls so short of what could truly be a great gastronomical experience.
(3)Soleil G.
It was so much fun to see where it all began. It's so tiny inside though!
(5)Conner E.
Site of the original Chipotle. From these humble beginnings came one of the nations best and most delicious fast-casual burrito chains. These burritos are an excellent value for your dollar and will never fail to fill you up, and maybe more! The ingredients are all of very high quality and the staff is very friendly. If you're a student this location offers complimentary student drinks which is a very nice perk for us penny pinching academically inclined twenty-somethings. Although if you do like guac, you'll find yourself an extra $1.80 in the hole, which might be too much for some of us.
(4)Megan L.
i just realized something is wrong with me. this was once my go to place, and i haven't been there in months! something is wrong. but anyhow, love everything about it. i can't give it five stars only because there have been a couple times where i was disappointed. where the guac was clearly not fresh or they were skimpy on one ingredient or the other. but man, that guac is delicious. love the corn salsa and pico de gallo. delicious tortillas and rice. the meat is always cooked right. mmm. damnit, now i want a chicken fajita.
(4)Vince D.
If we did a blind taste test of Chipotle and Illegal Pete's I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. However, it seems everyone's got their allegiance to either place. Mine is with Pete's. But truly, Chipotle is terrific. We're fortunate to have two eateries of this type and caliber in our wonderful little paradise.
(3)cyk b.
The orig. Nothing compares. They hook it up here.
(5)henry b.
A milestone in human civilization: Chipotle. The original location found here on Evans is a place every burrito lover should go to once in their lives. Standing alone as a Mexican-food Mecca, this store is the true model that all the others are based on. Unsurprisingly small, as many first-of-anythings are, there is limited seating inside, and, as is also the way with original locations, it is busy as the dickens all day, every day. Unless it is closed. Then it is not busy. The staff is professional and always doing something, be it sizzling up more meat or fajita veggies to splaping the guac on your burrito. The menu is simple. You can order tortilla chips, a burrito (your choice of meat, beans, salsas, opt for lettuce, sour cream, shredded cheese and, for an extra fee, guacamole,) a fajita burrito (which substitutes the beans for grilled sliced peppers and onions) a burrito or fajita burrito 'bol' (which are the same ingredients sans tortilla, in an Atkins-friendly cardboard dish,) or tacos. All besides the chips, your food is made fresh as it moves down a line of people putting this in, slapping that on, or wrapping it all up.) They offer fountain drinks and a small selection of bottled beers like Corona and Dos Equis. The price is great for a huge amount of food that is a challenge to finish in one sitting, making it better suited for a congratulatory meal after a day on the mountain or treadmill. (But surely there are closer locations than this.) The successful Colorado company's humble home is worth going to for the simple fact of it being the first store. It's why I went there on my lunch break from my old printing job on Broadway and Iliff. Else, it's like the rest of them; great food, great price.
(5)David S.
The food is always quality stuff and the combinations are pretty extensive, although you'll probably settle into a regular order pretty quickly. And of course, the flavors are great. If you've never been to Chipotle, let me first say that you definitely should...just not this one. As this is the first Chipotle ever, it's not surprisingly two things: small, and busy at any given time. Be prepared to wait in a line that may go out the door. But don't worry, because these servers will move you through damned fast--stressfully fast. By the time they yell "next" and you're still standing like 20 feet away from them, you'll have to snake your way around the glass divider and yell whatever you want. It's fun, because you can tell by the way a person orders whether or not he/she has been here before. And yeah, I definitely go here every week or two.
(4)Mark K.
Chipotle. the original quick service burrito chain, how I love you. you have been a part of my life since the first line began to form outside of your east evans location about 15 years ago. You will continue to be an essential part of my diet for many years to come. Steve Ells, you complete me. I bought 200 shares of your stock. I love you I love you I love you I love you. God dammnit, why does a chicken fajita with corn and hot salsa, cheese and guac have to be so pleasurably delicious. Never leave me. I do not know what i would do without you.
(5)Clay M.
I started eating at Chipotle in 1994/95 and had the pleasure to meet Steve when they catered our picnic party in Washington Park. The food is still as great as it was back then. Now 20 years later I'm back at the original store with my family tonight enjoying a great original Burrito. Thank you Steve for expanding to my new home area in San Diego. No longer do I have to stand in a freezing cold snowy weather for 30 minutes to get your great Burritos.
(5)Ernie S.
...sadly, worse than ever....just skip this place until they get better management......
(1)Shinwook P.
I had the wonderful opportunity to eat at the original Chipotle while I was in Denver. The employees were very sweet even thought 20 of us walked in all at once. They were very professional and smooth with the entire process. Of course the burrito was delicious. And then they gave us a tour of the downstairs that they don't allow anymore. So that was cool! The manager gave us information about the food and where their ingredients come from. It was an awesome experience!
(5)Nancy A.
This Chiptole is like any other Chiptole in that it offers the same delicious and fresh ingredients. The only downside is the wait. This Chiptole gets really busy during the dinner rush. Usually I don't complain about the wait but it seems as though the workers are not helping the wait. They are slow are seems unorganized. Overall, the food is great and will come back for a quick dinner.
(4)Brandon J.
Delicious! Not to mention the staff here is incredibly friendly and are generous when it comes to portions. I have had nothin but positive experiences at this location, and it is usually my go to if possible.
(5)Mia E.
The BEST customer service, only adds to the BEST fast, healthy, delicious Mexican food you can find. The GM, Jose and the Manager are top notch-the kindest, most friendly folks who genuinely care about their store, the food they serve and mostly the people/community they serve. This original Chipotle is a must stop place for lunch or dinner, alone, with friends, business meeting, study buddies and with your family!!!
(5)Paul L.
the og
(5)Alex P.
The Giant (Amerika! Sized) Burrito was Born The first Chipotle EVER. If you're bored in Denver or high from all the legalized weed you've been smoking, eating, inhaling or whatever method you choose to take it in and have nothing else to do, hit up the first Chipotle ever to open. The single restaurant that changed the game for gourmet yet affordable "fast food". The game changer. How many times have you said, "Oh, it's like Chipotle but for pizza" or "It's like Chipotle for poke" or "It's like Chipotle for sandwiches"? So regardless if you like Chipotle or not (but if you don't like it, we can't be friends), this has change your life in one way or another. The Godfather Location "Say 'Hello' to my little friend." Definitely the smallest location you'll ever encounter. Tiny corner location with just a cashier and two strings of counters along the windows, small but hey it's Denver, go outside and enjoy the weather. I'm just surprised they haven't played up this location more, I could see it being a tourist spot like the first McDonalds in California or the first Starbucks in Seattle. Good thing it's next to Denver University, get "mile high" with the students then go grab some burritos! Chipotle Cashier: "How high are you...?" Pothead: "No...it's "Hi, How are you?"
(5)Michael F.
I moved here from New Mexico and found the lack of decent Mexican food quite disconcerting. I understand that tweaking tastes to suit the Gringo palette or even the trend towards Tex-Mex can make local offerings a little disappointing to someone who grew up eating mostly Mexican food but.... The stuff isn't even Mexican Food! It's like VOMIT wrapped in a tortilla! After my Colorado friends made such a big deal about it and we put up with waiting in a crowded restaurant to get our food I expected so much more. Please Denver, this isn't even Mexican food, it's horrible crap!
(1)Nigel M.
This Chipotle location is awesome! If you're a fan of Chipotle you have to check out their first ever location at least once. It's very conveniently located off Evans right by DU. My only gripe about this location is how tiny it is! They can't even fit all of the ingredients and burrito warmers in a straight line like most other Chipotle's. Also, depending on the time of day and community circumstances (i.e. a DU game or graduation), finding a close by parking spot is a chore. But if you don't mind parking a few blocks into a neighborhood and walking this isn't an issue. The place can get crowded because it's so small. Otherwise I love Chipotle and this location is a good one! Lots of good eats around this area.
(4)Dave A.
I realize Chipotle doesn't actively monitor each and every Yelp review and I wanted this to be seen, so I emailed it to their customer service division. I received a prompt, professional and courteous response from their team member, Nathan. Nathan did say that Chipotle has made some changes to their sides policy with the low-cost kids menu, however, he did support my feelings towards my experience and said that the store is not required to charge for a side when adding a small amount to the quesadilla vs asking for an extra side of corn salsa. He offered a free kids meal as compensation for my experience, which I declined. He also offered to contact the store and let them know more about Chipotle's culture and to make sure to clarify this policy for them. I appreciated the response from corporate and will now go to test this next week. I'll update my review further based on my next experience. As I stated in my email to Nathan, this was not as much about 10-12 kernels of corn as it was about the kind of atmosphere and culture that Chipotle has set as it's standard. I do not want them to become the company that corporate policies it's way out of my repertoire for lunch.
(3)Joe H.
I know it's the first, but probably the worst. Continues to be a bummer. Multiple times I've been very dissatisfied with my experience, especially the food that was prepared for me. Today was more of the same but also a staff with very crummy attitudes and so I felt the best response would be a much deserved poor review... Sad because it's the original location! I live a block away and will drive the extra two miles to a different location from now on. Not bad if you're a broke college kid that will eat anything, not great if you're a normal human looking for a decent meal.
(1)Molly G.
My husband makes fun of me for eating here so often. What can I say? It's fresh, fast, tasty, and cheap. Most fast food places skip on the food quality and sell nasty, chemical laden convenience food with a long shelf life - convenient for them! Not Chipotle. They care about the ingredients - and the components they use are all listed on the website, including the nutrition info and whether it's organic, gluten free, GMO, etc, allowing me to nosh with confidence. When I had a complaint (at another location) Chipotle management was quick to resolve it. And they threw some free tacos my way! If you have Netflix, check out the 20 minute documentary about the company. It's pretty cool.
(5)Suzanne C.
I could eat Chipotle every day of the week and not get tired of it! We have several Chipotle's near us in Calif., and were excited to discover this, the original Chipotle when visiting family in Denver. It's smaller than most of the other locations, but the food is wonderful, and the service is very friendly.
(5)James S.
I went on my "fat kid pilgrimage" to the first Chipotle while I was in CO for work. It's surprisingly small, but I think I'll go back next time I'm in Denver. Why not, right?
(4)Charles N.
The first Chipotle ever. Great service, very popular, consistent food. I love this place with strong affection.
(5)Ryan M.
What's not to love about Chipolte? My only complaint here is that sometimes you have to say extra cheese 8 times to get the proper amount of cheese, and then they look at you funny.
(5)