Getting hammered at Chipotle is possible, but it can be tricky

Chipotle doesn’t seem to be able to give its margaritas away. Nearly half of the chain’s 2,000-plus locations currently serve alcohol, but booze only accounts for 2 percent of Chipotle’s sales. What’s the problem? Why don’t people go to Chipotle for happy hour? Foodbeast’s Elie Ayrouth decided to investigate the matter, and he has now filed his report. He admits that Chipotle locations are not exactly conducive to drinking: “Maybe it’s the ambiance, maybe it’s the high schoolers running around.” But he gives the place a fair trial anyway. Recently, he joined his roommate and a couple of buddies for an honest attempt at a fun-filled, alcohol-fueled evening at a Chipotle restaurant. The results were decidedly mixed. First, the good news: Chipotle makes a very decent margarita. Ayrouth ranks it as one of the best he’s ever had, and they’re only $4.79. But the cashier did not seem thrilled to be serving adult beverages. “The eyes of the girl taking my order become like a deer in headlights,” he writes, “as if I just asked for all the money in the register.” The guys are cut off after two drinks apiece. End of happy hour.