August, 2010

Rating : 10 out of 10

Tariff : Lunch for two

• 2 burrito bowls
• 2 iced teas
• $ 17

Atmosphere

Chipotle is a new restaurant on the 'outside' of the recently remodeled Northgate Mall in San Rafael. It is a chain and has an ultra modern, utilitarian look with a cafeteria-style line counter at the rear, corrugated aluminum wall panels, and simple tables.

Service

As you enter the line, a simple menu above the kitchen features the few styles of meals and the ingredients to customize them.  Chipotle says they have 'food with integrity' and it all looks very fresh. The neatly dressed, cheerful servers move your plate down the line adding ingredients--you choose as you go: burrito or bowl, type of rice, beans, meat, salsas, toppings, etc. Then you choose a drink, pay, and seat yourself.

Food

I had a burrito in a bowl and customized it with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, carnitas, 3 salsas: medium, mild, and roasted chili-corn, shredded cheese, romaine lettuce, guacamole (extra charge).  The cilantro-lime rice is different than what you get in most burritos and seems lighter and tangier. The salsas look and taste fresh, and if you order guacamole, man do you get a heaping serving! I don't mean to over enthuse but this was a hearty and delicious meal that I felt good about eating!

Chipotle Mexican Grill
5800 Northgate Drive, Suite 044
San Rafael, CA  94903
415-507-0493