Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Chipotle – San Diego
Chipotle - San Diego
Photo from Chipotle
Chipotle at a glance
San Diego Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#734 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#113 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Poor
3.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
468
Reviews
27.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Freshness
- Efficiency
- Friendliness
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness
- Portions
- Service
The restaurant Chipotle, known as Chipotle Mexican Grill, is a popular Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s Carmel Mountain Ranch neighborhood. Here, you’ll discover a fantastic spot for healthy options.
You can expect a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Whether you’re craving lunch or dinner, this location offers a welcoming experience for all.
Overview: Introducting Chipotle
Chipotle offers a quick meal option where you can often find `fresh food` and `friendly staff` who aim to provide `quick service`. Many appreciate the effort to deliver good-tasting food, making it a convenient choice for a casual bite.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Some patrons have noted `dirty conditions` in the dining areas and encountered `poor service` attitudes.
Additionally, concerns about `small portions` and value have been raised, impacting the overall visit.
Poor
3.7
out of 10
468
Reviews
27.1%
Satisfaction
325
negative
16
neutral
127
positive
Chipotle’s overall standing is quite low, with a `Restaurant Score` of `3.7` out of 10, indicating a poor performance. Customer sentiment also reflects this, as `Customer Satisfaction` sits at a low `27.1%`.
This suggests that a significant portion of patrons are not fully content with their experience, based on 468 customer observations. Delving into specifics, `Food` (3.8) and `Service` (3.8) are the most discussed aspects, yet both receive poor marks.
The `Ambience` (4) fares only slightly better, landing in the average range. The `Value` (2.7) is a particular weak point, scoring poorly and suggesting that many feel the pricing doesn’t align with the experience received.
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Unclean environment
- Inconsistent portions
- Poor service attitude
Given the mixed feedback and low scores, Chipotle presents a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter `fresh food` and efficient service, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in cleanliness and portion sizes.
It’s a place that could satisfy a quick craving, but perhaps not consistently. With a `Recommendation Score` of `4`, it suggests a neutral stance.
If you’re in a pinch and manage expectations regarding service and portion consistency, it might suffice. However, for a reliably positive dining experience, you might consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chipotle
Food (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are quite varied, though the overall sentiment leans negative. With a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 27.7%, its clear theres room for improvement. However, based on 64 positive remarks out of 231 total, some folks really appreciate the food quality, fresh food, and tasty food offered, often praising the versatility of options.
On the flip side, a significant 158 negative comments point to consistent issues. Many customers are disappointed with portion sizing, often finding them too small. There are also recurring complaints about undercooked rice and the steak having too much gristle and fat, with some even reporting food poisoning.
Food
231
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
158
negative
9
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Tasty food
- Versatile options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Undercooked rice
- Food poisoning
Often praised
- foodA kind gentleman named Will served me at the front counter and, despite me not having the best day, he managed to cheer me up. The food was also excellent, with a perfect score of 5, as was the atmosphere.
- food qualityThe place was a mess, with trash not emptied, food and grime on every table, and trash on the ground. Despite the unsanitary conditions, the food quality was surprisingly good, scoring a 4 out of 5. However, the atmosphere was rated a 1, reflecting the significant cleanliness issues.
- fresh foodI want to give a special shout out to Sierra and the manager, Adam. Even though the shop is busy, we still received a smile and good fresh food. This store is a model for others, and I believe the Poway Chipotle could learn a lot from them.
- Chipotlebest Chipotle I have ever been to
- FoodFood was fresh
- portionsgreat big portions
- Burrito Bowlthe flavors of the bowl were good
- Chipotle burrito bowlChipotle burrito bowl.. always up to expectation of eating tasty food
- bag of large chipsthe bag of large chips was great
- black beanssalad with black beans and chop steak
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe steak is consistently gristle and fat. On a previous visit, the chicken had bones in it. The burritos are wrapped poorly, resulting in bites that are all rice, then beans, then meat, and finally cheese/toppings, resembling Neapolitan ice cream.
- foodThe staff seemed unaware of the app's designated pick-up location, and no one approached me to inquire about my presence. Consequently, my food was cold by the time I asked about the delay. While I appreciate the ability to reheat food, the customer service was a 0/10.
- riceI understand there might be scammers, but all I wanted was my dinner lol! Eventually, someone stepped in and helped make things right, but the food was cold and the rice was hard and undercooked. I generally like Chipotle, but this location is just not a good one!
- chipsThe guacamole was a tiny little dollop, and I had to ask for more, especially since it's an extra charge. We also paid for chips and guacamole on the side but never received our chips when we checked our bag. To make matters worse, the person at the register trashed our receipt without asking if we wanted a copy.
- lettuceI had the worst chipotle experience here. Upon picking up my order, I discovered a blob of old brown guacamole and browning old lettuce. Half the fajita veggies were completely raw, there was a burnt piece of something, and they barely included any chicken in my bowl.
- portionsAs far as the portions, they put 6 pieces of chicken on the bowl.
- portion sizesconsistently bad. Every time I go back to give them another chance I’m reminded why I stopped going. This time they barely gave me any chicken. Like 4 nickel size pieces. Ridiculous.
- beanswish they’d strain the beans, they seem to consistently not strain them so my bowl is soupy
- burritoExpected a lot better portions for a 13 dollar burrito
- guacamoleThe guacamole was brown on top
If you're considering a visit, be aware that while some find the food fresh and tasty, many others report issues with portion sizes and quality. It might be a hit or miss experience, so manage your expectations regarding consistency and value.
Service (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some shining moments! Many guests highlighted the friendly staff and quick service, with specific praise for employees showing empathy and understanding. Positive experiences often mentioned great customer service and staff who were professional and courteous, making visits pleasant even during busy times.
However, the overall picture for service is quite challenging, reflected in a low score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a mere 28.7%. A significant number of experiences, 116 negative compared to 48 positive out of 167 total feedback pieces, pointed to issues like staff attitude, slow service, and incompetent staff, particularly concerning online order fulfillment. It's clear that customer service needs considerable attention.
Service
167
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
116
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Empathetic staff
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Slow service
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceThis store is a model for others, and I believe the Poway Chipotle could learn a lot from them. I recommend corporate send Poway employees here to learn how to serve the community. Thank you to the entire Carmel Mountain team.
- staffstaff is always busy, they treat everyone with kindness
- ServiceService was excellent. Super friendly and fast.
- customer serviceher dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience
- SamSam was especially awesome!
- employeesSuper nice, hardworking employees who were accommodating
- orderOrder was ready at the time it was promised. Always good and correct.
- quick servicequick service.
- Everyone hereThe food was cooked perfectly, and the customer service was amazing. 🤩 Everyone here is so friendly.
- HonestHonest, great food and excellent service!
Frequently criticized
- staffApparently, they only make these if you force them to by placing an online order. If you dare to ask for it in person, be prepared to have multiple staff jump down your throat to tell you it's never been on the menu and to read their paper sign that they do NOT make them. It's baffling that a dish as simple as cheese and a tortilla caused such a strong negative reaction when requested during an in-person order.
- serviceHorrible service general manager was so disrespectful
- managerTo make matters worse, employees were seen sitting on break while customers waited. The manager appears unconcerned about customer or employee satisfaction, lacking a sense of customer service and proper prioritization. Customer service should always come first, even if it means staying a little later.
- waiting timeI had to guess and ask for it after 10 whole mins.
- customer serviceIt’s frustrating to see employees doing non-urgent tasks like cleaning when there are 5-15 people waiting, especially close to closing time. Customer service seems to be a low priority. The food quality is also a concern, with undercooked rice and subpar ingredients.
- online orderIt was late. Someone made it and didn’t even communicate to me waiting there that it is my order that was ready.
- ServiceHowever, the atmosphere was rated a 1, reflecting the significant cleanliness issues. Service was rated a 2.
- employee attitudedisplayed a passive aggressive attitude
- employeesBad attitude from employees who are always trying to rush you
- experiencethe experience left a bad taste in our mouths
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While some staff members are genuinely helpful, the frequent reports of slow service and order inaccuracies suggest you might face some frustration. Its a bit of a gamble, so temper your expectations.
Ambience (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, some folks really appreciate the vibe here! Many have highlighted the atmosphere, praising the awesome outdoor seating and the great location. There are 12 positive remarks, with some even noting the place has been cleaned up, creating a comfortable and welcoming feel.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4 (average) and customer satisfaction at a rather low 29.3%. A significant 26 negative comments point to serious issues, particularly concerning poor cleanliness, with reports of dirty seating areas, overflowing trash bins, and an awkward layout causing congestion.
Ambience
41
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Awesome outdoor seating
- Great location
- Comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Dirty seating areas
- Awkward layout
Often praised
- atmosphereA kind gentleman named Will served me at the front counter and, despite me not having the best day, he managed to cheer me up. The food was also excellent, with a perfect score of 5, as was the atmosphere.
- locationAwesome Chipotle location!
- outdoor seatingMy experience at this restaurant was positive, primarily due to the good food. While the establishment offers nice outdoor seating, I found the indoor seating to be limited. I also wished there was more covered outdoor seating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- CleanClean
- cleanlinessthey have since cleaned this place up
- easy parkingEasy parking nearby
- storeClean store
Frequently criticized
- locationMy wife and daughter got severely sick after picking up a couple of Chipotle bowls from there last night. I would definitely avoid this location.
- cleanlinessThey also refused to sell a small bag of chips, stating it was only for kids' meals and that other locations shouldn't be selling them. The restaurant itself was dirty, with unclean tables and floors. To make matters worse, employees were seen sitting on break while customers waited.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- airAir was thick with smoke
- area around fountain drinksThe center island seating area was dirty, both trash bins were overflowing, and there was a complete lack of napkins, with none added to my bag. The entire area around the fountain drinks was messy, with random straw wrappers and was ill-supplied. Despite one person leaving when I paid, it wasn't busy at all.
- atmosphereDespite the unsanitary conditions, the food quality was surprisingly good, scoring a 4 out of 5. However, the atmosphere was rated a 1, reflecting the significant cleanliness issues. Service was rated a 2.
- center island seating areacenter island seating area was dirty
- covered outdoor seatingwish it had more covered outdoor seating
- dirtyThe place is always dirty
- exit to the patioexit to the patio all running into each other
If you're hoping for a spotless, well-organized space, you might be disappointed. But if you can overlook some cleanliness issues and prioritize a good outdoor spot in a great location, it could still be worth a visit.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about value! While the overall sentiment here isnt exactly glowing, with a score of just 2.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10.3%, there are a few small positives. Out of 29 customer observations, 3 noted some good points, like getting a refund or finding value in fresh, good-tasting food that wont "break the bank.
"However, the majority of feedback, with 25 negative comments, points to some serious concerns. Many feel the "price" is too high for what you get, with frequent "charge" complaints for things like sauces or double meat. Customers often mention feeling like theyre spending too much money for expensive items and small portions, making it feel like a poor deal overall.
Value
29
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Refunds offered
- Good value food
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Extra charges
Often praised
- pricesomething that won’t break the bank
- refundAt least they gave us a refund
- valuebest values for fresh and good tasting food
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food quality is also a concern, with undercooked rice and subpar ingredients. Portion sizes are minimal compared to other locations, and they even tried to charge extra for a standard portion of steak, claiming it counted as two points. They also refused to sell a small bag of chips, stating it was only for kids' meals and that other locations shouldn't be selling them.
- discountThey attempted to serve me a chicken bowl without lettuce or fajitas, yet expected full payment. When I questioned this, the manager stated, "you can't get a discount for free items. " I was told to "Get out of here.
- full priceEvery bowl I ordered was only half-filled, with the contents being mostly rice and very little protein or toppings. It's frustrating to pay full price for what feels like a kid's meal portion.
- PricingPricing has become a joke
- chargecharge me $1.60 for one serving of vinaigrette
- charge for vinaigrette sauceannoying they charge for vinaigrette sauce if you get a burrito
- disheslos platos están con un precio considerable
- dollar burritoExpected a lot better portions for a 13 dollar burrito
- double meatadding double meat become almost half the price of an entree
- entire paycheckwithout loosing entire paycheck
If youre looking for a great deal, this might not be your spot, as the value proposition seems to be a major sticking point for many. Expect to pay a premium, and be prepared for potential extra charges on items you might consider standard. Its probably best to manage your expectations on portion sizes versus price here.
How are the prices at Chipotle?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks spend in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good number also opting for the $21–$30 range. So, while its mostly mid-range, theres a little room for a slightly more premium experience if you choose.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant, especially given the variety in spending we see. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chipotle
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Consistently Disappointing Portions
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently disappointing, particularly regarding the portion sizes. Every time I've decided to give them another chance, I'm reminded why I stopped going in the first place. This latest visit was no exception; they barely provided any chicken, offering only about 4 nickel-sized pieces.
It was truly ridiculous.
- portion sizes2
- chicken1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Cold quesadilla, missing food, won't return
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. I ordered takeout for lunch and unfortunately, half of my food was forgotten. The quesadilla I did receive was not cooked properly; it was literally just shredded cheese in a cold tortilla.
To make matters worse, I didn't receive the rice I ordered and was given a much smaller portion in return. Due to these issues, I won't be returning.
- food2
- quesadilla1
- rice2
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Quick Bite Experience
I was looking forward to a quick bite but ended up leaving with the feeling that the staff couldn't get me out of there fast enough. The employee who made my taco seemed to have either a bad attitude or was having a terrible day. I wasn't asked if I wanted to dine in, and I'm glad I didn't.
The center island seating area was dirty, both trash bins were overflowing, and there was a complete lack of napkins, with none added to my bag. The entire area around the fountain drinks was messy, with random straw wrappers and was ill-supplied. Despite one person leaving when I paid, it wasn't busy at all.
The food was okay, but overall, it was a disappointing experience.
- food4
- quick bite2
- employee2
- center island seating area1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
App Accuracy Disappointing
My experience with the restaurant's app has been consistently disappointing. While the app provides a pickup time, it is never accurate. Tonight, my pickup time was off by 30 minutes.
I believe the app can be updated and improved to provide more reliable time estimates. You can’t count on it giving you an accurate time, which is so disappointing.
- pickup time2
- app2
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Portion Sizes at Favorite Spot
I had a pathetic experience today after buying the most expensive rice. It seems the newly joined staff might be instructed to serve kid’s portions regardless of the order. My favorite bowl was only half full even with lettuce, and then rice was added to fill it up.
😳😳😟😟😟😟😟 I never expected this degradation at my favorite place and will now have to find a new one. Service was rated 1, wait time was no wait, atmosphere was 3, and food was 3.
- Food6
- expensive rice2
- pathetic experience1
- kid’s portions1
What Chipotle offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Chipotle Mexican Grill offer options for specific dietary needs?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of choices at Chipotle Mexican Grill. They provide excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside healthy selections, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
What service options and parking are available at Chipotle Mexican Grill in San Diego?
Chipotle Mexican Grill offers convenient service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, and dine-in. You’ll also appreciate the free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space.
How does Chipotle score overall?
Chipotle holds a `Restaurant Score` of `3.7` out of 10, indicating a generally poor performance. `Food` (3.8) and `Service` (3.8) are rated poorly, `Ambience` (4) is average, and `Value` (2.7) is a significant concern.
What do customers appreciate most about Chipotle?
Customers often highlight the availability of `fresh food`, the `quick service` they receive, and the presence of `friendly staff` who contribute positively to their visit.
What are the main concerns customers have at Chipotle?
Key concerns for customers include `unclean environment` in dining areas, `inconsistent portions` that can feel small, and instances of `poor service attitude` from employees.