Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican cuisine. The company was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Since then, Chipotle has grown to more than 3,200 locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
Fortunately, a Chipotle location just opened down the street from my house so I can share the updated menu prices for 2023. I also share the best ways to get free food at Chipotle. Surprisingly, there are a number of legit ways to claim a free entree or a side of guac.
Sides Menu
| Menu | Size / Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chips & Queso Blanco | Regular | $4.50 |
| Chips & Queso Blanco | Large | $8.00 |
| Chips & Guacamole | Regular | $4.50 |
| Chips & Guacamole | Large | $8.00 |
| Chips & Salsa | $2.30 | |
| Queso Blanco | $2.65 | |
| Guacamole | $2.65 | |
| Chips | $1.85 |
Kid’s Menu
| Menu | Size / Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Build Your Own Tacos | $5.40 | |
| Quesadilla | $4.50 |
Entree
You get to pick one of the proteins below for the following entree: Burrito, Bowl, Tacos, Salad. The price is based on your protein selection not the entree you order.
| Menu | Size / Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Burrito | ||
| Bowl | ||
| Tacos | ||
| Salad | ||
| Protein: | Chicken Al Pastor | $9.35 |
| Chicken | $8.85 | |
| Barbacoa | $10.60 | |
| Steak | $10.60 | |
| Carnitas | $9.50 | |
| Veggie | $8.85 | |
| Sofritas (plant based protein) | $8.85 |
Entree Extras
| Menu | Size / Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guacamole | $2.65 | |
| Queso Blanco | $1.65 |
Drinks
| Menu | Size / Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soda & Iced Tea | Regular | $2.90 |
| Soda & Iced Tea | Large | $3.20 |
| Organic Lemonade & Agua Fresca | Regular | $2.90 |
| Organic Lemonade & Agua Fresca | Large | $3.20 |
| Beer | $4.50 - $5.00 | |
| Bottled Drinks (Water, Soda) | $2.65 - $4.00 |
What is included in a Chipotle bowl?
Chipotle Chicken Bowl.
What are the hours of operation for Chipotle?
The standard hours of operation at Chipotle vary by location, but most locations are open from 10:45 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week. Some locations may have different hours, especially on holidays. You can check the hours of operation for a specific location on Chipotle’s website or by calling the restaurant.
Related Reading: Taco Bell Menu Prices & Big Price Increases
What protein options are available at Chipotle?
- Chicken: Grilled chicken breast with 32 grams of protein per 180 calories. This is available in Al Pastor flavor as well.
- Sofritas: Braised tofu with 8 grams of protein per 150 calories.
- Barbacoa: Slow-cooked pork shoulder with 24 grams of protein per 170 calories.
- Carnitas: Shredded pork with 23 grams of protein per 210 calories.
- Steak: Grilled steak with 21 grams of protein per 150 calories.
Chipotle Line.
Of course, you can also get protein by ordering the Veggie Burrito or any other burrito that contains that following ingredients:
- Guac: Avocado with 2 grams of protein per 100 grams. Pro tip: If you order guacamole with then Veggie Burrito you don’t need to pay the extra $2.65 up charge that you typically would with other entrees.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans with 8 grams of protein per 130 calories.
My favorite protein at the moment is the Chicken Al Pastor. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, which gives it a warm and smoky flavor. If you like your Al Pastor hot, keep in mind that the spiciness level is more mild than you may be used to at other taco shops. Likely because the chain needs to appeal to a broad range of diners and taste preferences.
This flavor profile is further enhanced by pineapple juice in the marinade adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, which helps to balance out the heat from the spices.
How Much is Extra Meat?
You can add double protein to any entree at Chipotle. Extra meat is an additional charge of $3.00 – $4.00 depending on the protein selection you order. For example, double steak will be closer to $4. Double chicken will be closer to $3.
How to Get Free Food at Chipotle
You could get this free.
There are many creative ways that customers try to get the best value possible at Chipotle. Here are the best ways I’ve found to save money at the restaurant.
How to get a free entree from Chipotle?
If you want free food at Chipotle, the first step is to download the app and join the rewards program.
Last year, the cost of a free Chipotle entree reward in the app increased to 1,625 points. Customers earn 10 points for every $1 they spend, so they will now need to spend $162.50 to earn enough points for a free entree. Considering entrees are priced at $8.85 – $10.60 depending on the protein, you’ll still save 5.44% – 6.52%.
Bottom line, if you want to get the best deal possible order steak once you’ve hit the free entree threshold. A free entree coupon will automatically become available inside the app after you reach the threshold.
Related Reading: Taco John’s Menu Prices & Value Deals
Here’s an extra bonus hack. You can ask for double meat with free entree Chipotle! I thought this sounded too good to be true, but based on my research you can order double meat on free with entrees. I haven’t tried this myself, but spoke to numerous customers who said they’ve done it.
How to Get Free Guac
When you sign up for Chipotle Rewards, you get a coupon for free guac right away. This is a value of $2.65 so it’s worth signing up for the welcome bonus. But the free quac doesn’t end there! You’ll get a coupon for free guac and chips on your birthday as part of the loyalty program.
Finally, get guac for free when you order a Veggie entree. There’s never an extra charge for guac on veggies entrees. My wife regularly takes advantage of this free upgrade and I can confirm it works.
Get a Job at Chipotle = More Free Meals
Imagine having a job where you could get a free meal at every shift? Now wake up! Because Chipotle makes this happen for all employees. You can select a free entree at each shift. If you’re looking for a consistent way to get free Chipotle, I don’t know of any better way than this.
The familiar sign of a Chipotle.
Can You Get a Free Cup of Water at Chipotle?
Yes. Chipotle will provide you with a free cup of water with ice to dispense directly from their soda machine in stores. I tried this myself and there were no issues with the request. All you need to do is ask.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Like so many other chains, you can sometimes get a better deal by purchasing gift cards at Chipotle and taking advantage of promotional deals. For example, during the holidays Chipotle would send you a digital coupon for a BOGO free entree when you spend $40 or more in gift cards. I’ve also seen them giveaway a free entree coupon for $50 or more in gift card purchases previously.
Outside Chipotle.
If you want to save, pick up Chipotle yourself.
Ordering Chipotle for delivery could cost you 17% more when you place a delivery order through the app. Plus, if you want to be nice you’ll add a little tip for the driver for their efforts. As a result, if you want to keep costs low, drive, walk, or bike down to your local Chipotle and enjoy the sweet taste of saving money.
Finally, this one is more of a hack. But opting for a bowl, instead of a burrito or tacos can get you a little more food stuffed into the plate. You can fit more food into a bowl than a tortilla. If you want a tortilla, ask for one on the side for an additional $0.25. It’s also a healthier option without the tortilla.
What comes on a veggie Chipotle burrito?
The Veggie Burrito at Chipotle is a vegan option that comes with:
- Cilantro-lime rice: This rice is made with white rice, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Black beans: These beans are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices.
- Fajita vegetables: These vegetables are a mix of onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Guacamole: This guacamole is made with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and onions.
- Salsa: This salsa is made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices.
You can also add other toppings to your Veggie Burrito, such as lettuce, sour cream, cheese, or corn. Naturally, you can order Veggie for any entree on the menu.
