Chipotle – Sand City, CA
We decided to stop by the Chipotle in Sand City, CA, to finally try the much-talked-about Smoked Brisket, and we were excited to see if it lived up to the hype. Upon entering, the first thing we noticed was the prominent placement of the Smoked Brisket on the menu board. Clearly, Chipotle is proud of this new offering, and we were eager to see why.
Ordering Experience
The wait time was reasonable, and we quickly found ourselves at the front of the line, ready to customize our Smoked Brisket Bowl. Naturally, no bowl is complete without a little extra indulgence, so we added some Queso, even though we were warned it would come with an additional charge. While the Queso was worth the price, we were a little disappointed to find that it had been dumped on one side of the bowl rather than being evenly spread throughout. It’s a small detail, but one that would have made the bowl even more enjoyable.
As for the brisket portion, we were pleasantly surprised by the generous serving size. It felt like the server knew we were there for a review (just kidding!), but we certainly weren’t complaining.
The Flavor
Now, onto the star of the show—the Smoked Brisket. We immediately noticed a slight spiciness to the meat, which, when combined with its subtle sweetness, created a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The brisket was tender, flavorful, and the smoky undertones really enhanced the overall taste. The spice is definitely present, so if you’re not into spicy food, this might not be for you. But for those willing to try, the heat is perfectly manageable and complements the sweetness well.
The lettuce, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. While it added some much-needed texture to the bowl, it looked like some of it had been sitting out for a while and mixed with fresh lettuce. Fortunately, the brisket more than made up for this small setback.
Overall Verdict
When all was said and done, we rated Chipotle’s Smoked Brisket a solid 7 out of 10. It’s a flavorful, well-balanced option for those who enjoy a bit of spice. However, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you may want to steer clear, as there’s no alternative to the heat. And for those that do try it, make sure you mix your Queso evenly for the best experience.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely—but only to those with a palate for spice. You won’t want to miss out on this unique offering while it’s available!
