Taco Tuesday it is. Chipotle has Finally Opened in Phillipsburg

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – It was a change from the norm, but on a Tuesday and Chipotle has their grand opening, we're there. After months of delays, Chipotle is officially open in Warren County, New Jersey, along Route 22 in Pohatcong Township, just outside of Phillipsburg.

A quick stop off exit 3 off I78 and you’ll land at the newest Chipotle, nestled in a complex next to Raymour and Flanagan and Aldi’s.

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The store opening today was quick service, and has Chipotlanes, a drive-through lane that allows customers to pick up digital orders without leaving their vehicles. The lanes were empty when we arrived and left.

There is also ample outdoor and indoor eating space. Initial rumblings were take out only, which is not true, spacewise, it is about the same as Arbys and Popeyes on the inside, but an expanded patio area outside, which several people took advantage of. Most were on the go, takeout orders.

This is a counter service. It is not staffed tableside. But the people working on opening day, were certainly hustling. You’ll watch the line staff prepare your order, as plenty of other employees are mixing up more guacamole, prepping the meats and various toppings. The burrito and tacos are pressed after you order.

TAPinto stopped by for dinner this evening just after 7:00 PM and was back out the door by 7:15 PM. Impressive, and too bad for opening day. We asked if it was busier than expected and the staff said politely, “Not really, we expected it to be out the door all day”.  Our ticket number said 586, so that doesn’t sound too bad.

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Lovingly Crafted for Maximum Scoopage

Of course, we said YES to the chips and guac to go. Contrary to social media and blog chatter, they did not run out of guac the first day. In fact, we noticed some of Phillipsburg High Schools finest students stirring up a fresh batch while we were there.

Taco Tuesday Opening

What did we order? Tacos of course. It was Tueday after all. An order of Carnitas hard shell tacos at the recommendation of the gentleman who took my order who could not have been better, rocking the energy on the first day. I'd return just based on service. He actually thought they may have been out of the hard shell tacos he recommended, so he checked (actually he ran), and mission accomplished, hard shell carnitas tacos for one, which included three fully stuffed tacos.  I went with the hot, red chili salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa and pretty much the works on our taco masterpiece to go. Along with it, of course the chips and guacamole. Total bill, with an organic lemonade and extra, extra guacamole was $21.91.

Next trip will be a burrito or a burrito bowl, both looked like enough for two people and a must try. I did not have the special Chicken Al Pastor, but it looked amazing.

What you need to know

Napkins. Definitely grab napkins. Regrettably, I didn’t. The Taco came with three tacos, but I only finished two. The parking was better than expected considering it was opening day and the traffic pattern seemed to work just fine. The Chipotlane was empty, as most people were inside. The manager was not available to chat about opening day when we stopped by. We'll be back. More important was supervising the large crew on opening day. Several had just begun their shift and customers were being served quickly.

Service is quick, much quicker than expected opening day– so you can dine in or go.  There is a nice selection of beverages right up front, and you will be served by line of people, who prepare your food as you watch. You can also place an order online for pickup . If your order isn't right, they'll fix it while you watch, so it's worth the few extra steps to go inside.

Founded in 1993, Chipotle is known for its high-quality, fresh and customizable burritos, tacos, salads and bowls. Think Subway, but tacos and burritos. The brand has over 3,400 restaurants including more than 90 locations in New Jersey. Hiring efforts are underway for the restaurant, and flyers are inside for those looking to work locally, but the place was packed with staff, all friendly, and seemed to be enjoying opening day buzz.

Read more:

Get Ready to Drive on Through: Chipotle in Phillipsburg Area Set to Open Next Week

Electrical inspections postpone Chipotle Opening in Pohatcong

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