Chipotle Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Livermore

This is going to be a very scathing review. I will explain my 5-star rating in a moment, but first, it's time to call some people out.

I walked into this establishment at about 6:40pm. It was very busy as it often is due to its delicious food and the time being around the dinner hour. I was unfettered by the wait and continued to do so until it was my turn to order my usual double Barbacoa burrito.

During this waiting period, I noticed something absolutely atrocious; the team. The entire staff of chipotle and even most of the customers were unbelievably disrespectful to one of the staff members. I did not ask for her name in fear she may think I'm negatively reporting her to her superiors. To be blunt, she was a black lady with a beautiful smile and one of the most incredibly sweet dispositions I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. For the life of me, I have no idea why everyone spoke to her in such a perturbed tone. There was obvious tension from the other crew members, who dawned vapid and hasty interactions, towards this woman. So when it was my turn, I chose not to bark my order at her as if she wasn't a biological, flesh-bound individual. I spoke to her in the most sickeningly-sweet tone I could possibly muster for someone who is currently sick as a dog. You know what happened? She reflected that same, warm, infectious smile I enjoy so much every time I see her. She was the most positive and kind person on that team, despite everyone treating her so terribly. Her. This woman is the ONLY and I mean ONLY reason I will ever go to this establishment because every time I do, not only does she give me exactly what I order, she's also my favorite person to interact with when I'm there. You can give her thanks for this five-star rating that you wouldn't deserve in any other way.

A note to the team. Be nice to her! I don't know where this prejudicial notion comes from when you address her, but know that someone did notice and is absolutely disgusted with your child-like behavior. Management, if this woman claims she's being poorly treated, it's true. I watched it with my own eyes. Next time, I'll file a formal complaint.

Thank you, kind lady with the pretty smile. I appreciate you and I see you...

Nothing to do with this location, the service is good here and if you like Chipotle you'll be very happy here. I'm not someone who bashes chain restaurants, I'm a big fan of tons. Just not this one. I love Mexican food. I love authentic Mexican food, I love homemade Mexican food, heck I even love Taco Bell which I know isn't real Mexican food but it is tasty. Chipotle isn't real either and though it's supposed to be a step above Taco Bell it misses for me on the most important part, taste. In their quest to be healthier than traditional burritos they lost all the flavor. I've eaten there dozens of times because my wife likes it (because she is not a meat or beans eater and likes just rice, veggies, cheese and sour cream) and have tried nearly every combination in search of some kind of go to and instead I find another get away from. In the end I think the misses with Chipotle are in the things I like most about Mexican food, the meats, the beans and rice. Each are missing the kind of fully developed flavors you get in authentic and they don't hit on a note like Taco Bell where you know it's not right but somehow it still works. It all feels like a cheap colorless carbon copy of what Mexican food is. It tastes to me like they made a burrito, wrung out all the fat and flavor. Then freeze dried it and rehydrated it with plain water. If you are a vegetarian or spice averse you'll probably like it. If you like this concept but are looking for better flavor try Freebirds. I'm just not a fan...

LOVE that they have cauliflower rice option for those who are keeping it low carb/keto friendly. Love that the mobile app makes it super easy to order ahead and customize my bowl as I would in person and allows me to put the name for each entree I'm ordering which is then nicely labeled when I pick up the food. Also love that the mobile app ties to rewards - upon signing up and placing an order the first time, you get to enjoy some free chips and guac the next time. First time I went to pick up, my order was right there on the shelves when you walk in and walk straight ahead. This time, I saw two orders on the shelf so I thought, ok just wait for mine to be brought out, plus I had seen someone's brought out right when I got there. However, wait 5 mins, wait 10 mins, thinking okay they're just busy but then I see other people going to counter, so then I do too to see that the orders are on the counter. Which the positive is, that's a better precaution so that only the workers hand you your bag but would have been nice if there was then a sign on the shelves or a staff person to point people to the counter and not to wait aimlessly by the shelves (especially those of us with little kids waiting with us). Allllll of that to say.. if you place a mobile order and don't see your order on the shelves, go up to the counter and see if they have it...