Introduction
As a food menu owner, I’ve always believed in the power of a great side dish. It’s the unsung hero of a meal—something that complements the main course while also standing on its own as a treat. Chipotle’s sides menu, for example, offers some fantastic options that elevate the dining experience without overwhelming the main dish.
Whether you’re seeking a little crunch, some heat, or a creamy indulgence, Chipotle menu small plates bring big flavors. In this guide, I’ll break down the sides you can enjoy, share some pricing details, and explain why their sides menu is absolutely worth considering next time you walk in.
Chipotle Sides Menu With Prices
From the most basic to the slightly more indulgent options, Chipotle’s sides menu offers something for every craving. Here’s what you’ll be paying for each option:
- Tortilla on the Side: $0.75
- Chips & Roasted Corn Salsa: $2.75
- Chips & Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa: $2.75
- Chips & Guacamole: $4.25
As a food menu owner, I know the importance of pricing being in line with the value offered. Chipotle’s sides are a great example of affordable, flavorful extras that can enhance your meal. Let’s break down each option and see why they work so well.
1. Tortilla On The Side
Sometimes, it’s all about simplicity. If you’re craving a little extra texture or want a way to scoop up salsa or guac, Chipotle’s Tortilla on the Side is a great option. At just $0.75, it’s an easy and budget-friendly choice. As someone who designs menus, I understand that a small add-on like this can be a game-changer—it’s versatile, cost-effective, and adds that extra bite to any meal. Pair it with your favorite salsa or load it up with guacamole for a satisfying snack or side dish.
The tortilla on the side might not seem like much, but the key here is flexibility. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a customizable option to make your meal exactly how you want it. Sometimes, that little extra goes a long way in creating a meal that feels complete.
2. Chips & Roasted Corn Salsa
Chips & Roasted Corn Salsa are a personal favorite of mine. Priced at $2.75, this option is a perfect balance of smoky sweetness with a bit of texture from the roasted corn. As a food owner, I can tell you that the texture of a dish is crucial. The corn salsa adds a heartiness to the otherwise crispy chips, making this combo something you can snack on without feeling like it’s just an afterthought.
What I love about this side is how easily it can transition from a small snack to a meal. Those crispy chips paired with the sweet corn salsa make for a satisfying and flavor-packed experience. It’s not too heavy, but it’s certainly more substantial than just a simple side dish.
3. Chips & Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa
For the spice lovers, Chips & Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa (also $2.75) delivers that much-needed kick. This salsa is tangy and flavorful with just the right amount of heat, making it a perfect pairing for the crunchy tortilla chips. As someone who’s spent a lot of time crafting a menu, I can tell you that balance is everything. The tang of the tomatillo combined with the spice of the green chili creates a salsa that’s flavorful without overwhelming your taste buds.
The crunch of the chips and the zing of the salsa make this a fun, dynamic combination. If you’re like me and appreciate when sides bring something extra to the table, then this salsa will not disappoint. It’s an experience for your taste buds, one that adds both depth and heat to the meal.
4. Chips & Guacamole
Chips & Guacamole are a classic, and in my experience, they’re never a bad choice. For $4.25, you get a generous helping of fresh, creamy guacamole paired with a side of crispy tortilla chips. As a food menu owner, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get the right balance of flavors and textures—and this dish nails it. The creaminess of the guacamole, with its zesty lime and fresh cilantro, perfectly complements the salty crunch of the chips. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.
What makes this side stand out is its versatility. Whether it’s an appetizer before a burrito or a light snack on its own, guacamole adds richness and depth to the meal. Plus, there’s just something inherently satisfying about dipping a chip into creamy guac, don’t you think? As a food owner, I always appreciate sides that can easily be enjoyed alone or alongside a main dish.
Why Chipotle’s Sides Menu is Worth Exploring
From a menu design perspective, Chipotle’s sides menu strikes a great balance between affordability, flavor, and variety. These sides aren’t just throwaway additions—they’re integral parts of the Chipotle experience. Offering options like tortilla on the side and chips with various salsas, Chipotle provides choices that allow you to mix and match, enhancing the meal without completely overshadowing the main course.
When I design sides for a menu, I focus on how they complement the main dish while also giving diners something they can enjoy on their own. Chipotle does a fantastic job with this, offering options that fit different preferences. Whether you’re looking for something simple like the tortilla on the side or something bold like the Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, these sides offer something for everyone.
Plus, the pricing is spot on. At just a few dollars, you can elevate your meal significantly. It’s an easy and affordable way to enhance your dining experience without breaking the bank.
What Makes Chipotle’s Sides Menu So Popular?
There are a few key reasons why Chipotle’s sides menu is so popular. The first is freshness. Chipotle is known for its commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients, and this extends to their sides. The roasted corn salsa, guacamole, and salsas are made from scratch, and you can taste the difference in the depth of flavor.
Another reason for its popularity is variety. Not everyone has the same taste, and Chipotle knows that. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or savory, their sides menu offers multiple options to suit every craving.
Finally, there’s the customizability. As a menu designer, I know how important it is for customers to feel like they have control over their meal. The sides allow you to mix and match with your burrito, salad, or bowl, making it easy to craft a personalized dining experience.
FAQs – Chipotle Sides Menu
Q: Can I customize the salsas on the sides menu?
A: While Chipotle doesn’t offer much in the way of salsa customization, you can always ask for extra servings of your favorite salsa or try combining different ones for a unique flavor experience.
Q: Are the sides available for delivery?
A: Yes! Chipotle’s sides can be easily added to delivery orders via the Chipotle app or third-party services like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Q: Are the sides vegetarian or vegan?
A: Most of the sides, including chips with salsa and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. However, always check for any potential changes to ingredients based on your specific dietary needs.
Q: How many people does the chips and guacamole side serve?
A: While the chips and guacamole combo is perfect for one person, it can definitely be shared with others if you’re in a group. If you’re hosting a gathering, ordering extra guac may be a good idea!
Conclusion
As someone who’s spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a menu truly special, I can confidently say that Chipotle’s sides are a perfect example of how small plates can pack big flavor. From the simplicity of the tortilla on the side to the indulgence of chips and guacamole, each side enhances the experience without stealing the spotlight. With fresh ingredients, great flavor balance, and affordable pricing, Chipotle’s sides menu deserves a place on your next order.
So next time you visit Chipotle, don’t skip the sides. They’re more than just an afterthought—they’re the perfect way to elevate your meal and create a truly satisfying dining experience. After all, great sides can make a good meal even better.
