Chipotle Mexican Grill

Ok so I’m already a happy person when I walk into any Chipotle location, but this particular spot blows all other experiences out of the water.
First, there’s never a line. I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than 5 minutes to order, which is practically unheard of at Chipotle. Second, the employees are amazing — the types of people I want to hang out with on a daily basis. They’re welcoming, bubbly, and get me even more excited than I knew possible to devour my burrito bowl.
Last, something you rarely see in fast casual dining, the manager is always out talking to people. Literally every time I’ve visited this location, I’ve seen the manager. Not in the back, telling people what to do, but walking around talking to customers, chatting with the employees like he’s their friend, or having one-​on-​ones with employees over burritos.
So yeah, this is the best Chipotle, probably in the entire Midwest.

This is by far my favorite Chipotle location. There is always parking on side streets or outback. The line is never out of control. And the service is outstanding! I started delivering for Postmates today and 2 of my deliveries tonight were chipotle back to back and I came here for both. During the first visit the cashier talked to me about Postmates and I told her it was my first night. And she wished me luck. When I came back for the second order she remembered me and said she’s positive that I’d do great. And gave me a cup for water to take to go. It was a very nice gesture and the water to drink while driving around helped me make it through the rest of my night. She brought a smile to my face and that’s more than I expected when randomly placing an order for a stranger at Chipotle.

This location is another example of terrible staffing ruining the great Chipotle concept. I was ordering a burrito but there was a wait for white rice so I told the next person to go ahead with their order. When that person ordered hard tacos the employees realized they were out of hard tacos so they called to the back for more and a confused employee looked at them and said, «Whoops, I forgot to turn on the fryer so it will be at least 10 minutes.»

Best Chipotle in Columbus!
Although I was excited to see this location open in the Short North, I was terrified that it would be as packed as the one on campus with lines out the door. However, I’ve come here several times during lunch and dinner rush and never see more than a few people in line ahead of me. The rice game here is on point, and employees are always exceptionally friendly. Plenty of space in the restaurant, even if you have a large group, and parking is available in back. Unlike many Chipotles around the area, each with their own fatal flaw, this one seems to have things all figured out. Either that or something horrifying happened here that’s keeping out the crowds. But until I figure out what that is, this is the ideal Chipotle, and I’m so happy it joined the neighborhood!

I went to Chipotle over 200 times in 2014. I know what makes one better than another. And I’m going to be updating my Unilocal with reviews that compare Columbus locations.
In terms of food quality and store aesthetic, this is the best chipotle in Columbus. I noticed the store manager transferred over from the campus location, which is the best in terms of line speed and customer service. Through his leadership, I’m confident this High and 2^nd location will emerge as one of the finest in the US!
Distinguishing Factors: Brand new build, with big windows that look out to High and 2^nd Ave. Designated parking in the back. Their guacamole is consistently fresh. And their chicken is best in Columbus in terms of look and taste. Its just a better here. Not sure what they do differently. Also, they always have fresh cut lemons at the drink station here. Ive never seen them run out.
Flukes: For whatever reason, you dont get very good cell phone service inside the building. Sometimes the line is a little slow, perhaps due to new employees on the job. But store is brand new. This is normal and will probably change in a couple months. Either way, Chipotle is always worth the wait!
FYI — if you don’t want to wait, you can always order through the app and skip the line!

This is the Chipotle this area has needed! I was about ready to boycott Chipotle for good if I had to go to Grandview one more time. This location has by far the most consistent experience whether it is staff friendliness, cleanliness, food quality, or execution. The longest I’ve ever had to wait in line here is ~5 minutes during the lunch rush, and that is saying something for any Chipotle. Customers who complain about this location clearly have never experienced the horror and atrocity that is Grandview Chipotle. Instead, this Chipotle, their staff and their management deserve WAY more credit than they receive.

On my last visit, the chicken was cold and kind of hard, as if it was partially frozen.
For whatever reason this chipotle always seems to be poorly managed compared to others– the line moves very slow and the employees seem pretty disorganized no matter what time of the day it is. The space is clean!

They really need to get carnitas back… But other than that, this location has it going on. In addition to the consistently yummy food, this Chipotle has big windows with a view of all the eclectic action of the Short North.

The folks at this Chipotle are always so energetic and friendly. You’ll be greeted with a hello from several different crew members as soon as you walk in the door. I like this location because I never have to wait for a long time and the food is always fresh. Plus, the crew make it an enjoyable experience. Great service and good food!

This Chipotle is less than two blocks from where I live. Oh dear.
You’re greeted by a loud «Welcome to Chipotle!» upon entering (or at least we were — maybe that will wear off after a while). It wasn’t too busy during the Saturday lunchtime, and things moved along quickly enough. The stools that line the bar at the front of the window are kind of awkward if you are tall (but I am not) and there isn’t really anywhere to put your coat. The people watching is fantastic though, and we spent a good part of our lunch watching people get stuck in the slippery icy parking spot in front of Laughlin’s.
I did finish my whole salad though, and didn’t get that «disgusted-​with-​myself» feeling that Zeeshan S. so eloquently described earlier. I don’t mind the seemingly smaller size portion, but I wish it were accompanied by a smaller sized price.

Friendly staff & super excited to have them in the short north

In for lunch today around 1:30, well after the lunch rush. Serving size was extremely light! Had to ask for more rice… not even half a spoon of pintos. Chicken was adequate, but not large by usual Chipotle standards. Salsa and other toppings were fine.
Asked the manager, who was running the register, if the company was cutting back on serving size… and he said no. Should be 4oz of each… and welcomed me to always ask for more if I desired.
Tip: bring your measuring cup.
Not your normal Chipotle experience.

The quality of the food was as universally excellent as any other chipotle. However my bowl was a little light today. I don’t want to see open space on the bottom of my bowl when you’re done making it, chipotle! I don’t dine here for portion control, I come for the «disgusted-​with-​myself» feeling I get when I’m done eating.
Tried the sofritas today though and it’s a great protein substitute. Really flavorful and delicious but I’m a carnivore and prefer meat in my chipotle!