Chipotle Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Virginia

Disappointing Decline in Quality

After being a long-time fan of Chipotle, my recent experiences with their steak and chicken bowl have left much to be desired. Over the past three months, I’ve given this particular location three chances, hoping for improvement, but each visit has only added to my frustration. I’m someone who typically enjoys every bite of a Chipotle bowl, usually savoring it down to the last grain of rice. Yet, this recent bowl, like the previous two, was so unbearably salty that finishing it felt impossible. As someone who’s loyal to flavors and quality, this was a serious letdown.

On my most recent visit, I ordered my usual steak and chicken combination, expecting the tender, well-seasoned protein and fresh ingredients I’m accustomed to. However, what I received was a dish so oversalted that it masked the taste of everything else. The steak, which I’ve always enjoyed for its robust flavor and tender texture, felt overly seasoned and tough in comparison to past experiences. The chicken didn’t fare much better, and it’s as if the seasoning hadn’t been measured at all. Each bite seemed to leave a stronger, saltier aftertaste, overpowering the freshness of the rice, lettuce, and other toppings.

I typically appreciate the customization Chipotle offers, so I tried balancing the saltiness with extra lettuce and vegetables to mellow it out. Unfortunately, even this adjustment couldn’t make the bowl more palatable. The seasoning overwhelmed every ingredient, to the point that I found myself picking around the protein to avoid the overly salted bites. This isn’t what I expect from a quick and healthy meal option; it was genuinely disappointing to not be able to enjoy the bowl as intended.

My dissatisfaction isn’t solely about taste. There’s a level of consistency I’ve come to expect from Chipotle, especially as a fast-casual option that I rely on for both quality and convenience. Three strikes at this location, with the same overwhelming saltiness, suggests a lack of attention to the standard recipes or quality checks. It’s disheartening, considering I used to look forward to these bowls, knowing I’d leave feeling satisfied. I’m not one to waste food, but for the past few visits, finishing even half the bowl has been a struggle.

After these repeated experiences, I can’t see myself returning to this particular Chipotle location. While I understand that seasoning levels can vary, this seems like a persistent issue here. For anyone considering this location, I’d recommend checking reviews or opting for another option nearby. For me, Chipotle was once a go-to spot, but this experience has unfortunately shifted my...

I have been going to this chipotle since it first opened, maybe a little over a year ago. I work right down the road so it’s convenient for my lunch. I’ve always had a great experience so that is why I gave 3 stars and not 1 star from my experience just today. I went into the restaurant a little after 1:30 and wasn’t greeted when I walked up to the counter, not even a hello. It took the young gentleman a minute or 2 to finish washing his hands, dried them, and put on gloves. Which I do appreciate so no faults there. I asked for a burrito bowl and was given the very last of the rice, and pretty much the very last of the chicken, lettuce and cheese. The rice was too mushy and had absolutely no flavor. The lettuce was old and mushy as well. I wasn’t able to eat the bowl due to the no flavor and it was ice cold. I get that it was after I’m sure their typical lunch rush, but come on they’ve could’ve replaced the very last of the food items. I will still continue to go here because hell, I love chipotle but I will say I was very disappointed in this experience!

UPDATE: 10/21/2021 I haven't really been going to this location since the original review I put in years ago. Today I was craving Chipotle. I ordered delivery and the first second of chewing, the rice is undercooked. Not by slightly, but every grain of rice was hard. I don't know why I continue to order at this location, it's just such a mess! NEVER AGAIN. I've given this location way too many chances and they can't get...

I really had a very bad experience with the serving people. The person was very rude and was shouting at the customers. The manager should educate the staff on many things like keeping calm and welcoming the customers in a polite way. We entered into the restaurant at around 7:50PM. There were already short of Black Beans. it is supposed to close at 10PM and not sure how can they manage all the other customer later. This is not the first time but many other times, they were short of many items on the menu(which are free and need to served as part of Bowl menu) and they never improved in this. The person who served today, was really shouting at the customers and never had such experience in my life. The staff should control their emotions if their work load is high but should not their anger the customers. The manager should be responsible for this kind of rude acts and should check their employees selection criteria. Chipotle don't give any food for free and the customers pay full amount as per the menu. I will never ever go to this restaurant and will not suggest to any of my contacts to visit this place...