Chipotle Mexican Grill

Very first thing we did after landing in Denver … head straight to the original Chipotle store opened in 1993. It’s a very small store with few seats inside, but lots of table available outside. We got several bowls quickly for our lunch. I loved the taste of ingredients from this store, it’s different than NJ. Fajitas are spicier, Chicken al pastor has more flavor. Maybe it’s the Denver elevation. Crew are super nice. We small chit chat about being the original store. The restroom was well maintained. I was little bumped to see how Chipotle has not put any effort in making this landmark more attracting. Other than a plaque in the brick wall, there’s nothing else, no souvenir, so swag for tourists like us to take back home. Nonetheless I was thrilled to be here as a fan of Chipotle for over 14 years.

The original! So fun to go to the original Chipotle! Lots of enjoyable seating outside. Bar counter type seating inside a bit tight and could crowd the offering line. Clean place Wheel chair friendly We both had burritos that were delicious and of course made to our liking. Fun to think this is where it all started. Highly recommend for nostalgia and of course a delicious meal!

Eating at the first ever Chipotle is quite the nice experience! It has some memorabilia in the store, has the original design outside kept, and a nice plaque dedicating itself as the first. It’s just a Chipotle so your experience will be similar to other ones you can find in the states, but you won’t regret it!

Chipotle continues to be one of my favorite spots for a quick and satisfying meal. The food is always fresh, and I love being able to customize my bowl just the way I like it. The ingredients—from the grilled chicken to the seasoned rice and fresh guacamole—always taste high quality and well-prepared. The staff at this location are friendly and efficient, even during busy hours. The line moves quickly, and the team works together to keep things flowing smoothly. The restaurant itself is clean, and I appreciate the effort they put into keeping the dining area and kitchen tidy. Overall, Chipotle delivers a great fast-casual experience. Whether I’m dining in or ordering ahead, I can count on consistent flavor, generous portions, and good service. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fresh food with bold flavor.

Having worked for Chipotle in many locations, what an honor it was to have a meal where it all started- the OG location. Such a small cool little spot. The food was on-point! Tasted great, and the chips were excellent! Thank you so much for a great experience. Team of top performers over here!!

I am a connoisseur of Chipotle, searching far and wide for the best Chipotle in the country. I’ve gone to this location for 10 years now 3-5 times/week, and have gone to easily over 100 different Chipotle locations across the country. This is the best one.

Went at 12:37 8/12/2025 and to be honest not the best chipotle experience. I understand I was a lunch rush and is close to a college but the rice was completely undercooked and crunchy and the flavor in the chicken was bland and terrible. If I want chipotle il just go to a different location

This location was by far the best I've been to and today was my first visit. Staff was awesome, friendly and fun. Just chipotle in general is getting pretty pricey for what it is. But at least the guacamole was bright and fresh and the peppers weren't mushy! Lol. Thanks a lot guys!

Consistent and fresh! Friendly staff, Chipotle rarely misses. Love how they've been adding menu items periodically throughout the year. Keeps things interesting!

Chipotle has consistently given me substandard portions unless I request it. It's unfortunate that similar portions aren't the norm. I applaud those employees who give great customer service and serve customers alike.

"The Original Chipotle, Where a Revolution Wrapped in Foil Began." Est. July 13, 1993 - For someone who eats at this franchised establishment at least once a month, I made my pilgrimage to the place that started it all. I couldn't believe the scale of the restaurant. The compact space with few stools looked like a humble beginning. Parking is minimal, with two or three spaces by the building. For us, we parked in the residential area, and another option is to park on the street. It felt like I was walking on a cloud because this restaurant REVOLUTIONIZED how fast food should be prepared with every ingredient labeled on the bag. Everything was jolly until I encountered their service at the cashier. Before paying, there was a lot of scanning using the app. Not only did I want to claim my points, but I also wanted to use free Chips that were expiring on the day. Whoever the cashier was, she could have been more friendly by providing us with our drink after paying. I had to ask for it as she gave me an annoying look. I said thank you and no reply. The subpar service left a bad taste in my mouth as I couldn't enjoy the food. What would typically be a two-star experience, I bumped one up only because of the history of this place.

Less than stellar experience again today, I went in person to make sure I got what I wanted. A manager was having a personal call at the front door and let me in but nobody was at the counter. I waited then a girl came directly from sipping on an employee drink to serving me, no hand wash/glove change. There was a bit of a language barrier so I was patient but I had to ask 3 times to get corn, again my favorite part. My meal for the most part was decent but the guac was not, shown is a large chunk of underripe rock hard (but somehow still brown) avocado from a weird batch of guacamole. I don't think this location is that great despite being the OG one.

Portion sizes are super small even though we asked for extra rice and beans. I asked for the red salsa and that wasn't included as well as the corn salsa. Overall, very disappointing location

This is the very first Chipotle that ever opened back in 1993. It is located by the University of Denver. I ordered a barbacoa (barbecue beef) burrito with rice, black beans, pinto beans, pico de gallo, queso, and guacamole. It was good, like most standard Chipotles as nowadays. I myself think Chipotle drastically improved their ingredients since the mid 2010s. The service was decent, and it's actually faster food than a McDonalds and Taco Bell. The restaurant itself is a bit on the small side, and it was probably intended for take-out back when it was built.

Gave me food poisoning. Stay away. This review needs 85 letters to count so I'm continuing to write on here, but anyway the point still stands.

I order from this location twice and both times they put someone else's order in a bag with my name on it. This is ridiculous and they need to learn how to read names before bagging orders.

line waiting outside 15 minutes after they are supposed to be open. Food was cold and not well prepared and the play was filthy.

Foods pretty good here we live in the neighborhood and have been coming for years. But we'll go to the chipotle on Hamden unless we're force to go to this one because it's usually late, and employees consistently parking in the only two usable parking spots is really annoying because it's very hard to find parking.

I'm not sure this place could be any more dirty. Several tables available but not clean. Service counter had cheese and sour cream spread across it. When I asked for a rag to clean it I was met with a poor attitude. Take it to go.

Food poisoning... the only thing I ate today and now both my boyfriend and I have liquids coming out both ends. I threw up not even an hour after eating my burrito and now have been miserable for hours on the toilet. Very poorly prepared food quality, be warned ordering from this location.

Service was the worst it's ever been. Workers appeared to be stoned and were standing around just talking while there was a line of people waiting for there orders.

I'm a huge fan of Chipotle so I was super excited to go to the very first one when I was in Denver last month. This location is super cute, it's like a tiny version of the ones most of us are accustom to. The line where food is prepared looks to be half the size of my normal location in California and there isn't much seating offered but the acknowledgment given to this Chipotle as awesome as this is where the burrito empire started. Four stars as my food was delicious. My only issue was this location not having pollo asado. They made it seem as pollo asado wasn't a thing anymore but as the time of this review, it's still being offered at other locations. Employees weren't especially nice but they woere efficient and that's what I really care about.

COVID is the only thing wrong at this location! Like most of Denver, there is little (25%) to No indoor seating! We did go inside and order, but had to eat in our car. I went with the burrito with brown rice, pinto beans, steak, pico, salsa, lettuce and cheese. It was very good ! When in Denver, Colorado , you must try where it all began in 1993 !! There are now 2622 different locations !! Bowl or Burrito, make it like you like it. It will be good. Go get Full

Very poor customer service and smaller than normal portions. Literally watched them make my bowl very low portioned and make the next customers right after me nicely portioned with the same ingredients. Would highly not recommend this location.

Dream come true. Love chipotle and top fan. Read and heard a ton of how this business started from the goal of selling over 100 burritos to be profitable and actually achieving an average of over 1000 a day... It's small, humble, and drives motivation. Food was the best that it gets, generous portions, friendly service and delicious food. The staff were knowledgeable of the company's roots, strategic moves, and growth. The burrito had the classic spectrum of flavors that came together with depth, kicks of spice, and sweet harmony. #Amazing

Being the og location, this is a good place to set the standard for all Chipotles. We stopped in for lunch this week and the staff was fast, the food was all fresh, the portions were perfect, and everything tasted great. If you're in the area, this location is worth the stop. It's tiny and can get crowded during rushes, but it's worth the wait.

Zero stars very unprofessional you have 20 people in this little store and your worried about online orders only waited an hr to still be waiting finally walked out first and last time at this location

Chicken in any form at Chipotle is a low quality dark meat mixed with chicken fat and skin uneatable, I use to like Chipotle in the past when they used to give you white chicken meat. Now is all down in quality! I do not go to chipotle anymore!...

Chipotle over Qdoba any day of the week and I will fight anyone (not literally) about this :) even my roommate who thinks different, you know who you are. They never mess up an order and it's fast, convenient, tastes good and affordable. What else could you ask for, just not free guac. Toodaloo .....

As someone who works for chipotle and it's going to college to be in hr at chipotle headquarters I am extremely disappointed that this store not only had rude employees and managers but they were closed with their line cleared at 9:10. I was so excited to experience and see the original chipotle to be let down by people who can't even do their job correctly

1/2 of advocato chunk in guac and the wrap fell apart. usualy better. very disappointing

If you're a Chipotle fan, this is the Chipotle you need to check out. It is the first Chipotle location opened by Founder Steve Ells. The location is small with eight seats and it does not look like your traditional Chipotle. Staff is always friendly.

Waited 15 minutes as they made online orders only to be told they are out of rice. Lol. What a joke.

Went at 9:40pm and they closed total bustttt. Can't believe this got off work craving a fat burrito drive out my way to be disappointment

Skimpy portions (prob bc the manager/owner is cheap af.) Not sure how or why Chipolte keeps going downhill, but it is. Not worth the money these days. Customer service was great though, only reason why this place got a 2 star instead of 1.

The Giant (Amerika! Sized) Burrito was Born The first Chipotle EVER. If you're bored in Denver or high from all the legalized weed you've been smoking, eating, inhaling or whatever method you choose to take it in and have nothing else to do, hit up the first Chipotle ever to open. The single restaurant that changed the game for gourmet yet affordable "fast food". The game changer. How many times have you said, "Oh, it's like Chipotle but for pizza" or "It's like Chipotle for poke" or "It's like Chipotle for sandwiches"? So regardless if you like Chipotle or not (but if you don't like it, we can't be friends), this has change your life in one way or another. The Godfather Location "Say 'Hello' to my little friend." Definitely the smallest location you'll ever encounter. Tiny corner location with just a cashier and two strings of counters along the windows, small but hey it's Denver, go outside and enjoy the weather. I'm just surprised they haven't played up this location more, I could see it being a tourist spot like the first McDonalds in California or the first Starbucks in Seattle. Good thing it's next to Denver University, get "mile high" with the students then go grab some burritos! Chipotle Cashier: "How high are you...?" Pothead: "No...it's "Hi, How are you?"

I'm am so sad to have spent $10 on a bowl from chipotle and discovered I'm not sure what. Every steak piece was abnormally chewy, like some sort of rubber was cooked in it. In addition, WHAT THE HECK IS IN THE PIECE OF STEAK?!?! I am so disgusted I can't even finish my meal. Do better chipotle ! I need a refund.

Most Chipotle's have awful service, but this one is amazing due to this Asian server, named Katarina! She makes the vibe in the shop very welcoming and she is so nice!

"I'm on vacation, why are we going to Chipotle, its just a Chipotle." If you're like me and you assume all Chipotles are created equal, think again. Eating at the original Chipotle is like eating Chipotle for the first time. I think this is what it used to taste like in my home town back when we first got it years ago. The chicken has so much flavor! Cooked to perfection and smoky, it actually stood out in the burrito bowl. The barbacoa was "gamey" in a good way. I'm not sure I'll be able to eat this in NYC now, by comparison my home locations have no flavor. The veggies were crisp, the hot salsa was actually hot! and everything was well proportioned. I get kind of bored of Chipotle at home, but if it tasted like this always I'd be way more excited to eat it. The location isn't huge and it's not the line setup used elsewhere but it's worth a stop if you like Chipotle.

This was the FIRST CHIPOTLE EVER. I am a fan of Chipotle, but the original location could use an update. The counter is not set up in an assembly line like the newer Chipotles. You instead have to recite your order from the register while the server makes it. The service was good, my burrito tore open from being overstuffed and they double wrapped it at no extra charge.

I am a college student at the university of Denver. Every time I come in here I feel like I'm getting judged. The workers talk about the customers in a very non professional way. It is extremely disrespectful. The guy with the earrings seems to be the main person for this. I would rethink who you hire.

As a chipotle enthusiast I decided to make the pilgrimage to the original chipotle. To give you an idea there was a point in time where I had eaten chipotle 22 times in a 60 day period. I have to be honest, this location was somewhat disappointing. For better or worse it doesn't feel special at all. Maybe that's the point. I think it would have been nice for there to be some background at least. The good news is the food is consistent with the chipotle you're used to.

Good staff real helpful and good food. restaurant clean. I'll be going back. I've been prompted to write more by yelp. so I like the burrito s and chips and salsa are yummy.

Terrible service. Walked in and waited over 5 minutes before anyone came to the counter or acknowledged the three of us waiting. They stopped 1/4 of the way through my order to make two online orders and then of course had no idea what was for the online order or mine. Terrible service.

Chipotle Mexican grill - the 1st store! Woohoo! I made it! I'm a massive fan of Chipotle and their model, and so it's been on my bucket list to go check it out forever. This trip to Colorado Springs, I was flying back from Denver so it was a 30 minute detour out by the University area to go to this store, before heading to the airport and so absolutely worth it! There's really no parking in front of the store and we had to drive a full block over before found a parking spot. The 1st store is located in what seems to be a mid-century modern building with the Chipotle sign a jaunty wave hovering above the building, and nothing at all like the standard model of what the other newer stores look like from the outside. Inside it's also not as spread out for choosing your options, like the newer stores. Food wise, it's the same, classic stuff, but I reckon the chicken here tasted juicer and more succulent. Servings size was generous and I was not disappointed. It was a hit and run occasion for me, so next time am hoping will get to eat in-store. But yay! One thing I can cross off the bucket list! WOOT! Note: #198 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

The place that started it all!! Yup, this is the ORIGINAL location. The place that Steve Ellis found which was the start to his multi billion dollar business. I have been to other Chipotles across my travels and the quality is not always consistent. Not the case for this spot. The food is always fresh and HOT. And the staff is really friendly. I've had the chicken, beef, pork, and veggies and they are always well seasoned. The black, pinto beans, cheeses and green and red salsas are just as freshly prepared. The venue is small, which adds to the charm of the place. Inspired by the burrito spots in the mission district in San Francisco, Steve Ellis got a loan from his dad, found this space, an old Dolly Madison Bakery, to open up his first restaurant. And like every good story, this was only suppose to be temporary so Steve could open up his 5 star restaurant. The rest is... as is often quoted... history. I've talked to managers many times, and they tell me Steve Ellis still comes by to say hi to the staff. TIP: The parking lot is just as small, so be prepared to look for street parking,

Taste: The original Chipotle definitely tastes better than your average Chipotle. I don't know what it is that makes it better, but it does indeed taste better. Parking: Beware!! You'll have to find street parking. Environment: The place wasn't too busy when I was there so there was room to sit and eat, but this place isn't like other Chipotles with plenty of tables and dining areas. It's probably 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a normal Chipotle. Cost: Standard. I love Chipotle and eat it rather often (couple times a month) and would encourage other Chipotle-lovers to come visit the original, even if just to say you've been before. The lack of space and convenient parking does however detract from the increase in tastiness of the food.

Updated: strike four reenforces one star. This location can't figure out how to make a mobile order... it's a simple concept, the flagship store of all places can figure it out. Why even have an app for online ordering if YOU DONT MAKE THE FOOD WHEN THE CUSTOMER ORDERS!!! Illegal Pete's next door is superior in all dimensions

Finally got around to placing my order after she took her time with to-go tickets, got a burrito with chips and guacamole on the side. I was the last person after a small family so it was not busy. I got home and realized they forgot my guacamole. Drove back, asked for the guacamole and an extra side of chips because 1) I ate half of the first bag without guac on the way back, and 2) you're just going to throw them away at the end of the night. She replied, with attitude, "That is, if someone doesn't buy them." She then handed me a measly serving of guac without another word and walked into the back. I used to work at chipotle and I know this is not how I was trained. Flagship location? Ha.

2nd time in a month getting food poisoning from this location. I usually eat Chipotle at least once a week but I would stay away from the location.

Omgz the original Chipotle! I guess somehow I was expecting this to be more exciting, but it's honestly just like any other Chipotle. Except way smaller... You literally have to lean over the counter and shout the ingredients you want because there's no walk-down counter like at other locations. There's also no official indication of where to line up! I wondered aloud, "where do we stand to order next?!" and the cashier pointed to the corner. What really set this location apart though? The ingredients tasted WAY fresher. Maybe that has something to do with the small size of the store? And also to note, the people working here were extra friendly! Perhaps because it's located right by a university. '80s style glass tiles made me think this place was older than it really was, but this original location was only built in 1993. Definitely a must-see if you're a true Chipotle fan! But don't expect anything too big or spectacular.

THE VERY FIRST CHIPOTLE! If you find yourself in what I like to call D-Co and are a Chipotle junkie like I am, then a visit to "Evans" is a must. This is it folks. This is where the world of Chipotle as we know it started. The location is vintage rad. TINY inside dining area. Crazy to think 1,100 locations came from this tiny spot. It screams nostalgia and I was all over it. Nothing like the new awesome "gourmet" Chipotle locations that are popping up in your neighborhoods these days. The first thing I thought when the friendly voice in the far corner asked for my order was "One of these things is not like the other". The line set up is so different here. I blurted out STEAK! bc that is what I got on my bowl last time and I was just so focused and could not get over the line set up. Truthfully, steak was the last thing I wanted. Oh well, it was still tasty as ever. As I was eating my delicious burrito bowl, my new favorite item, I looked over my shoulder and realized there was not even any room for a menu board. CRAZY! But hey, if you are at a Chipotle you pretty much already know what you want. And if you don't, well the staff is more than helpful than to walk you through your burrito, taco or bowl making bliss. I seriously heart Chipotle and it was an awesome experience to eat at the location that started it all!

Back in 1993, before Chipotle became a Denver institution with dozens popping up around the area and beyond, there was just a little burrito joint in the DU college area. Students would line up out the door for the gigantic, delectable tacos and burritos that have become signature. Nowadays, not much has changed with the store; still small, still crammed with college students, but a lot has happened to Steve Ells, the founder and owner of Chipotle. Though the company has opened countless shops inside and out of the state and went public this year, not a single one strays from the design and idea of the first; simple and natural. Being the first, the Evans location is somewhat cramped, as the "serving line" is sideways, rather than the now-standard "walk and choose" model, a necessary design choice with the limited space. However, this does not detract from the great atmosphere filled with sizzling and good music. The food itself, for those who have not already experienced it, is out of this world. With hundreds of combinations, nobody's tastes are left behind. The full menu boasts four types of meat (chicken, steak, barbacoa and carnitas), four types of salsa (tomato, tomatillo green chilli, corn and tomatillo red chilli, mild to hot), rice, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole served in a burrito, tacos or a bowl. Chipotle is very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, and will accommodate just about any order. My personal meal (everyone seems to form their own) is a chicken and black bean burrito with rice, cheese, sour cream, and extra corn salsa. All in all, Chipotle can't be beat for a filling, stellar meal, and it's no surprise that the rest of the country is just beginning to understand what Denver locals are talking about.

I am on the Whole30 lifestyle (for my health) so it's become difficult to eat out! I was excited because I knew at Chipotle you are able to order the carnitas because they're cooked with sunflower oil instead of rice bran oil. Well apparently I was the last one in the world to learn chipotle stopped carrying carnitas! Well I walked around to try to find another restaurant I could eat at-- and I couldn't find anything! I came back into chipotle and talked with an employee (Gin) and one of the managers about the situation and they offered to cook me another meat in the sunflower oil, and said that next time I can just call ahead and they will have whatever I need ready for me. WOW! Such great customer service. I am totally impressed by how they handled my health situation and made me feel special instead of like I was a huge annoyance/ burden. Way to go Chipotle! Now start making everything in healthy oils! :)

So this is the very first Chipotle? I can tell. It is smaller, has less options and no visible menu. I can appreciate it being the original, but I feel like they could do more with the space they had. Food is good as usual. Plenty of stuff crammed in the burrito to make it more than worth the $6 it cost. Plus, now they have a brown rice that I'm unfamiliar with but can't wait to try on my next visit. I enjoy the other locations much more, but hey, Chipotle had to start from somewhere right?

This is where it all began. On an average Saturday the line is out the door and you're waiting for a seat or at the very least a stool. After all #1 only seats about 15 people. Unlike the newer, bigger Chipotle's #1 is usually filled with DU students, downing giant burritos between classes. My favorite is the carnitas fajita burrito and the carnitas tacos. Natural range fed pork spiced and braised into submission - mouth watering!

How could a trip to Denver be complete without a visit to the ORIGINAL Chipotle? Granted I was probably the first customer of the day at around 10:31 in the morning due to having to catch a flight but the food was amazing compared to any other Chipotle I've visited in multiple states. I was happy that this one opened earlier at 10:30 when all the others open at 11am (including my local Chipotle's back home) - wonder why? No it's not just in my head because it was the first Chipotle location. The fajita veggies were crisp and cooked to perfection and properly seasoned. I don't know why but the mild salsa was so much better than my Chipotle around the corner back home. The chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. Overall the flavors just popped so much more. Sure the place is a little cramped and it doesn't have the traditional Chipotle line but I can forgive all that since this is the birthplace after all. Parking is pretty much non-existent at the restaurant but street parking is easy enough on either side. Not being from Colorado, the weed store next door did blow my mind.

The OG!! I can appreciate this location because it's the original. We notice our food is always quality here. The venue is a little small, but the location is great, and are hot area to be in. It is always clean and the staff is friendly, very generous with their portions. We've noticed that our food here is almost always better here than it is at other chipotles near our house. And I've gotten free guac before, an event that can turn my day right around. They are super speedy.