This Chipotle is not a Chipotle.
Upon entering I couldn't decide if I'd just missed a giant food fight or if the cleaning crew had gone on strike for a month. It was up for debate since the floor was littered with trash and the tables were covered with food remains. I was shocked. Secretly, I convinced myself it was just a product of a dinner rush.
There was only a short line, yet it was barely moving. The longer-than-usual wait, allowed me to make further observations of the chain. It was hard not to notice the dirty 'white' walls, grimy from grubby hands rubbing against them. The windows hadn't been washed. The trash was overflowing. There was an employee that appeared to be in charge of cleaning, but was only walking around looking dazed and confused. He did have a spray bottle in one hand and a towel in the other. I really wanted to explain how the 'trigger' on the spray bottle worked. But my growling stomach convinced me to stay in line.
When it was my turn to order, I was met by a less than enthusiastic girl. She never cracked a smile and was moving like a sloth. Either she possessed no personality or was stoned. It was actually the main topic of discussion during our meal. The rest of the crew (4 young females) were a touch better... but slow and inefficient. Two of the girls served no purpose on the assembly line whatsoever. The 'burrito wrapper' mutilated one member of my parties burrito and the 'cash register' girl apologized for the 'meat and rice' girl's attitude toward the woman in front of me. So I apparently missed some drama while I was drooling over the thought of my steak bowl.
My party of four crammed into a booth and devoured our food. The general consensus was the food wasn't as fresh as usual or consistent with other Chipotle experiences. Personally I think it was just the ambiance throwing everything off. The place was so dirty I decided to wash my hands before we left. BIG mistake!! The women's restroom was the filthiest I've ever seen. I'll spare you the details... but keep in mind, I was returning from a 13 hour road-trip from North Carolina... so I'd seen my fair share of disgusting restrooms already that day.
I love Chipotle. I eat there often. But this particular location is just a revolting mockery of one of the best fast-food chains I've come to know. It breaks my heart to admit this but my desire for a burrito bowl has diminished greatly since eating here. Hopefully in time I can recover. This restaurant is not the delicious, quick, and clean dining place that the Chipotle brand represents. I have higher expectations at a Taco Bell.
Shame on you Chipotle on Clairton Boulevard, shame on you!