12 Secrets to Know About Chipotle

Meat and guacamole will always cost you extra at Chipotle, but here's what you might not know is free.

• Honey chipotle vinaigrette
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeños
• Extra beans and rice
• Extra tortillas or taco shells
• Extra salsas, cheese, sour cream . . . pretty much anything but meat and guac

Source: Flickr user inazakira

Yes, even at Chipotle there are ways to work the system to get the most food for your buck.

• Order a bowl, not a burrito, to get bigger portions. Since the burrito has to be rolled up, the portions are a bit smaller. Instead, opt for the bowl and ask for a tortilla or taco shells on the side for no charge.
• You're allowed to mix proteins. You don't have to decide between chicken and carnitas. Order half and half, at the same time, in the same burrito.
• Chipotle values ingredients with points. Order an item with three or fewer "points," and you are charged less. Tortillas and taco shells are zero points. Guacamole and meat count as two points. And everything else (rice, cheese, etc.) is one point.

• Chips: Chipotle fries corn tortillas in sunflower oil and then seasons them with freshly squeezed lime juice and kosher salt.
• Rice: Steam white rice with bay leaves. Toss with rice bran oil, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and kosher salt.
• Guacamole: Mash avocados, citrus (lemon-lime) juice, kosher salt, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeños together. We actually went into Chipotle to make its signature guac.

We've heard it from a Chipotle worker herself! These things can immediately influence your service.

• Phone in your order, or order online. If you've ordered ahead, you can skip the line and go straight to the cashier.
• It's all about attitude! Be kind to your fellow burrito maker, and they will probably be more willing to go the extra mile to ensure you're getting the burrito of your dreams.
• Feeling skimped? It happens. One full scoop is a Chipotle portion. However, if you feel like the burrito maker is giving you too little, politely ask for more.