Family Restaurant Review: Chipotle
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Chipotle restaurant
The newest addition to the multitude of Mexican restaurants in Wilmington is Chipotle, located off of Oleander Drive. Chipotle is known for its quality ingredients such as naturally raised meats and some locally sourced produce. However, it is still a fast food restaurant and does not offer the conveniences and entertainment that many family restaurants offer. Here’s what to expect when you visit Chipotle.
Atmosphere
Entering the restaurant, diners will notice a patio with outdoor seating. The interior has a small dining room with a mixture of tables and bar style seating. The restaurant has windows on 3 sides which makes the dining room bright and inviting during the day. There is also music playing which may or may not be heard depending on how crowded the restaurant is. If there is a crowd, the restaurant can get quite loud. My family and I went on teacher appreciation day and the dining area was loud and the serving line was long. We waited in line about 15 minutes before we were able to place our orders. Once orders were placed, however, the food was made quickly.
Affordability
Adult entrées range in price from $6.25-$6.65 depending on what item you choose. Entrées include burritos, bowls (the contents of a burrito without the flour tortilla wrap), tacos and salads. These can be made with chicken, beef, pork or meatless. With the addition of a side dish (such as chips and guacamole) and a drink, the total cost of an adult meal can be $10 or more. Kid’s meals are very reasonably priced between $3.25 and $4.25. There are 4 choices for kid’s meals and each meal includes a side dish and a juice or organic milk.
Food Quality
The portions are generous and my family thoroughly enjoyed the taste of the food. I had a bowl with spicy shredded beef called Barbacoa. The spice of the beef was just right when mixed with the more bland ingredients in the bowl such as cilantro-lime rice and pinto beans. My husband enjoyed the chicken burrito and my 4 year old loved her cheese quesadilla and “salty” tortilla chips. We also shared some guacamole which was really delicious. After eating the chips, guacamole and half of the food in my bowl, I was full. I was able to get a lid for my bowl and had leftovers for lunch the next day.
Entertainment
The only source of entertainment in the restaurant was watching the employees make the food. Other than that, people watching or looking out the windows into the surrounding parking lot would be the only thing that may entertain your kids.
Family Conveniences
Most restaurants have the basic conveniences that make family dining possible including high chairs and a baby changing station in the bathroom. I was disappointed to discover that Chipotle did not have a baby changing station in the women’s restroom and only has 3 high chairs in the restaurant.
Overall Impression
If your family is looking for yummy Mexican food at an affordable price, Chipotle may be the place for you. Just remember that it is a fast food style restaurant that lacks the perks of other family type restaurants.
