Chipotle Mexican Grill — Restaurant in La Quinta

First of all we used to eat at this location when they first opened and the service as well as food were great! Fast forward to today and we walked in and the first thing we noticed were all the dirty tables. When we got to the counter we noticed the black bean container was empty as well as the steak and white rice containers. We asked if they have steak, black beans and white rice and the first answer was “No”. He quickly added that they should be coming out in a few minutes. As we waited we noticed how dirty the kitchen area was. There were stacks of used and dirty containers and the containers on the hot table were covered with food. After waiting too long a fresh container of steak arrived and as soon as it did the employee that was helping us with our order prepared a bowl for the customer ahead of us, or so we thought. He proceeded to fill the bowl with 3 heaping spoonfuls of steak along with other ingredients and it ended up being stacked way above where a cover could fit the bowl. He then took the bowl and went out into the dining area and sat and started eating. We were left standing there with no one tending the counter. I yelled to the kitchen we need some white rice and black beans up front. Then 2 employees came to the front and asked if we had been helped. I told him we were waiting for the white rice and black beans. He went into the back and was able to find some white rice and black beans. We then placed our order and when I saw him give me a small spoonful of steak in my bowl my husband said to him I thought we were to get 3 scoops and he said no but I can give you another scoop but it’s extra. I told him the employee that was originally helping us gave himself 3 heaping scoops of steak for his bowl. Well he said I don’t know about that, we don’t have to pay for our food. So we finished our order and our total was $36.00 including 2 large drinks. When we went get our drinks, the drink area was filthy from one end to the other. The juice drinks were extremely low and one was completely empty. Before we left I asked to speak with the Manager. I explained our experience to her and the condition of the restaurant and about the employee and his overloaded lunch. She told us that employees are not to serve themselves. She asked if she could do anything for us, which we appreciated but declined. We left and drove home hungry and anticipating our meal as it had been a while since we had gone to a Chipotle. What a disappointment!!! My steak bowl and my husband’s steak burrito contained steak that was 90% gristle/fat and the pieces we could chew we’re extremely tough as though the meat had been cut improperly. The black beans were hard and the cilantro white rice was chewy! I can’t believe we paid $36.00, at least the drinks were good as well as my guacamole. We will not be returning to...

Stephanie saved my life, when she didn't have to.

I foolishly scheduled a catering order at a different restaurant for a Saturday evening, when I meant to place it for the current Friday evening. That restaurant unfortunately was unable to accommodate me in being able change it to that evening as it was already 6:45 PM, which was completely understandable given their last minute notice They were slammed and advised they actually did not have sufficient ingredients to work my order, while I assume also keeping up with their evening customers. I get it, they probably were having a delivery the next day which included sufficient items for my order, and they were already telling customers they had a 40 minute wait for just regular individual entree orders...

I PANICKED knowing I had 25+ hungry women dressed up for the evening back at our rental ready for a sit down plated dinner and crossed the street to Chipotle. I was hoping this was about to become the most beautiful plated Chipotle dinner to ever happen.

A friendly cashier took my inquiry and had me speak with the GM, Stephanie. Stephanie listened to my plight with empathy, and I was already bracing for her to say the same, as catering orders need 24 hours notice in most places, if not more. To my surprise, Stephanie advised me they could do it and sat with me for a few short minutes to work up the order and assisted me in clarifying a vegan option to cater to a small portion of our guests. I was beyond relieved and accepted any terms as to how long it would take to prepare, without hesitation.

I ran some errands to kill time, and came back and waited for my order as the kitchen team absolutely killed it. While I waited, the place was slammed with evening business, and everyone hustled and worked together like a well oiled machine to keep their lines going and food prep areas refilled constantly. All of this, while they fit in my oh-so-desperate last minute order.

Everything was hot, high quality and fresh. Our retreat guests had nothing but praise to say for the food that devoured.

Stephanie and the team that evening saved my skin and turned a tragedy into a beautiful evening.

TL/DR: I messed up the dates on a catering order with a different restaurant chain and stopped by Chipotle. GM Stephanie and team worked flawlessly to fulfill my order, while handling their normal heavy business and our evening was saved.

10/10...

Let me first say that this used to be a fantastic Chipotle location! Dining here was fast, convenient, and enjoyable...this location especially during the pandemic had service that was top-notch!

We generally give a place atleast 3 opportunities before making a decision to not return. Let's just say, the last 3 visits were beyond unacceptable, in any category.

This last experience we went in for an early dinner, hours before the closing of the restaurant, There were empty meat/side options...so when we were asked for our order...we got the following responses: " We are closing soon...oh and you want us to cook you that?" They were clearly not out of the items. From the employees, the request for our order was followed by eye rolling, sighs of disgust, and attitude. We were even told, " Ugh...you know you have to wait for it to be cooked." Again, this was hours before the restaurant was scheduled to close. When we went to the drink station, the tea was empty, and there were no napkins.

We let the cashier know that the tea containers were empty...her response was "we are closing soon". This was again hours before their scheduled closing time.

In addition, no one was monitoring the tables/garbage. Tables were not wiped down...and trash was overflowing.

This situation would be understandable if there had been a shortage of workers...but this was not the case on this visit.

There were 6 people behind the counter/register, 2 cooking and atleast 2 people in the back...

If individuals do not plan on keeping food items cooked, prepped, and cleaned then the store location hours should be cut down drastically since it seems to be a bother to the current staff to stay working during the intended hours of operation.

This location needs serious re-training and support from corporate. It is concerning that there is such a lack of professionalism and it is concerning that this lack of care and could potentially make people sick.

Chipotle as a corporation has worked to protect it's reputation...and this is NOT helping...