Burritofication is Complete! Chipotle Opens in Gardena

This is an opening I’ve been waiting on for a while.  With two certified burrito addicts in my house – and big fans of Chipotle, I might add – I’m happy to finally get a Chipotle just a few minutes from South Bay Foodies HQ.

Chipotle opened its Gardena location this week in the Albertsons plaza at Western and Artesia Blvds
Chipotle opened its Gardena location this week in the Albertsons plaza at Western and Artesia Blvds.

I’ll admit, there are plenty of other burrito outlets nearby.  But the folks at Chipotle have taken the assembly line concept and applied it to gourmet burritos, tacos, and bowls from coast to coast.

The Gardena shop, located in the shopping center at the corner of Western and Artesia, is smaller than some of the other Chipotles I’ve visited.  The layout takes advantage of the space, though, with three communal tables near the counter.  True to their décor, just about anything that’s a flat surface is covered in stainless steel.

The inside is slightly smaller than the typical Chipotle, with communal tables as the centerpiece of the dining room
The inside is slightly smaller than the typical Chipotle, with communal tables as the centerpiece of the dining room.

Mas Cerveza, Por Favor

The menu is, well, Chipotle.  No changes there.

One thing I did notice was the absence of beer on the beverage menu.  Some other Chipotle locations carry a selection of domestic and Mexican beers and even margaritas.

Tristemente no hay cerveza de Gardena.

I spoke with the manager and asked about the absence of cerveza.  Due to licensing, they won’t be carrying any beer or spirits at this location.

If you’re looking to have a brew with your burrito, or kick your nachos up a notch with a Patron margarita (they recently added Patron to the beverage menu at select locations), you’re gonna have to  carry out or try another Chipotle.

One plus about the location, though, is generous parking.  If you call ahead to pick up lunch or dinner, you can be confident that they’ll have a spot for you just outside the front door.

Space is reserved in the Burriot Loading Zone for orders made online or over the phone
Space is reserved in the Burrito Loading Zone for orders made online or over the phone.

With this latest addition, there are seven Chipotle locations in the South Bay.  You can find the one closest to you via the location finder on the Chipotle website.

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