We Tried Chipotle's New Menu, And We Have Mixed Opinions

Here's what to try and what to skip.

ICYMI: Chipotle recently started testing a bunch of new menu items — including nachos, quesadillas, a chocolate shake, avocado tostadas, and an updated salad.

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While they're only offered at their NYC test kitchen for now, the company hopes to roll them out nationwide in the future.

As your fearless food investigators, we had to try these additions for ourselves and decide whether they were another queso episode, or actually The Next Best Thing.

Michelle No / BuzzFeed

First we tried the steak quesadilla. Chipotle stans will know that quesadillas aren't new — but apparently, this one uses a brand-new steak recipe.

Michelle No / BuzzFeed, Kevin Smith / BuzzFeed

Michelle's review: The steak quesadilla sold me on the first bite. It was super juicy and flavorful, and looked like one of those hefty restaurant-style entrees you save half of for later. I'd honestly have the steak as a standalone dish — it's THAT GOOD.

Kevin's review: The quesadilla we tried was pretty standard, and came with three sides. With one of of sides we decided to try the (also-new) quinoa. While I don't normally like or eat quinoa, this quinoa was actually pretty decent, and a good alternative for the usually extra-filling rice.

Then we tried the chocolate milkshake. It was so good (and THICC) — and 10/10 we'd order another.

Michelle No / BuzzFeed

Michelle's review: This tasted like a gourmet dark chocolate shake — it wasn't overly sweet, and had a hint of cinnamon. I loved how thicc it was (though the first few sips were a bit challenging to get up the straw). Thankfully, the texture got a little creamier throughout the meal, and went PERFECTLY with the savory stuff.

Kevin's review: This was like a horchata but also chocolate-y. The cinnamon was a nice touch. TBH, Wendy's better watch out because there may be a new frosty in town.

The avocado tostada was fine, and a solid vegetarian option, but more of a snack than an entree.

Michelle's review: This item is basically the result of Chipotle wanting to get in on the avocado toast game. I'd definitely have this again if I happened to be at the store and wanted a side, but I don't think I'd ever travel all the way to Chipotle just to get a giant tortilla chip smeared with chunky guacamole. Which is basically what this is. -_-

Kevin's review: The new avocado tostada was great. The chip base was crunchy, and I love the Chipotle guac, so that was nice. This option would be great for people who don't eat meat, and also don't want a full sized burrito or bowl (and just want a little snack). The price is great too at around $3.

Then came the nachos with barbacoa. They were SO DAMN GOOD and potentially the best "new" item on the menu.

Michelle No / BuzzFeed, Kevin Smith / BuzzFeed

Michelle's review: AGAIN, I know what you Chipotle stans are thinking. Yes, nachos are nothing new; you've always been able to order them off-menu. But for those who haven't tried out the combination, this is ~the thing~ to get. The queso ACTUALLY goes well with the chips, and *hint* barbacoa is the most underrated protein choice on the menu, so that's what you should get the nachos with. *smacks lips*

Kevin's review: This was so damn good. The mild salsa, beans, chips, and queso was glorious together. This is the one instance where I actually enjoyed Chipotle's queso. I loved these and would order them again.

And we know the salad here is the least interesting thing, but we did enjoy the new avocado vinaigrette, which was zesty and just a little creamy.

Michelle's review: The "new" salad was the most underwhelming new thing. The only updated elements were the fact that the lettuce was organic, and the avocado vinaigrette, which I'll admit was pretty friggin' tasty.

Kevin's review: You can pretty much get this salad at any location, with the exception of the vinaigrette. The dressing was honestly pretty good: A little creamy, tangy, and really good with all the toppings.

TL;DR: The nachos, quesadilla, and chocolate shake are objectively delicious and WORTH A TRY. The avocado tostada and salads were pretty good too, but maybe better saved for your second visit.