Los Angeles is home to some of the finest Mexican food establishments on the planet, but sometimes even the most critically-acclaimed and highest-rated taquerias and taco trucks can't match up to the simplicity and elegance of a well-crafted Chipotle burrito. Don't be foolish to assume that every Chipotle in LA is equal: each location has its own unique rhythm of food preparation, burrito-wrapping and aluminum foil Feng Shui that separates them from the rest. So the next time you're cruising down those sun-glistened LA streets with your stomach rumbling, make sure you stop at the one of these prime burrito parlors to enjoy the best fast-casual Mexican goodness the city has to offer.
The one on Riverside Drive near the Warner Bros lot in Burbank
Parking at this Chipotle is a mess. It only has a small, cramped lot and not-so-ample street parking available, especially at peak dining times. But take the extra 10 minutes to secure a spot and you'll be treated to some of the freshest ingredients available in Toluca Lake/Burbank. This location is frequented regularly by studio execs and families of powerful industry types, so be careful not to drip any Tabasco sauce on your resume when networking. Seating is plentiful, but burritos are best enjoyed on the patio underneath the red San Fernando Valley sunshine. 4012 W Riverside Drive, Burbank
The one at Vine and Sunset Blvd in Hollywood
Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard, this Chipotle serves up plenty of flavorful characters with its well-seasoned food. Condiments are in abundant supply, and their soda's carbonated soda-to-syrup ratio is in perfect flux. This Vine location also offers unique bar-style seating in the center of the restaurant, perfect for group gatherings or if you want to feel slightly elevated among your restaurant peers. Whether you're heading to the Arclight, Improv class or want to foil it up among the stars, this location serves enough consistently delicious burritos at all times of day to earn its keep on the Chipotle walk of fame. 1460 Vine St, Hollywood
The one at 7th and Grand in Downtown Los Angeles
Favorited by the the hard-working nine-to-fivers of DTLA, this Chipotle knows how to handle a rush while still churning out perfectly-wrapped burritos. The staff is friendly and engaging, and while the line can get long during the lunch rush, each minute is undoubtedly worth it when you take a bite out of that fine, Figueroa-made burrito. Downtown is in the midst of a cultural revitalization, but this Chipotle has been brimming with life ever since it opened up among the bustling streets of LA's urban center. 601 W 7th St, Los Angeles
The one at Melrose and La Brea
Sit around at this Chipotle for a couple hours from noon to 2pm and you'll probably see someone famous walk in. Well, that's only in the rare case that you're actually being attentive, since their spicy and savory burritos will distract you from any famous faces walking through the door. (I think I might have seen Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson here a couple of years ago, but I was too busy wiping guac from my hands to confirm.) Seating can feel a bit cramped, and the parking situation is unfavorable. But in the end, burrito quality is all that truly matters, and this Chipotle is in abundant supply. 7101 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
The one in Westwood Village by UCLA
Chipotles on college campuses can be hit or miss: They're often staffed by inexperienced undergraduates who spend less time putting care into a burrito than they do goofing off and Tinder-swiping behind the counter. But this Chipotle manages to thrive even among the quirky eateries and quick food stops of the Westwood student enclave. Nobody cares whether you're a Bruin, a Trojan or just a transplant who grew up in a city with an NFL team and didn't have to care about LA's college football rivalry—this Chipotle is welcoming to people of all backgrounds and grade point averages. 1077 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles
The one in La Cañada Flintridge kind of by Pasadena
Perhaps you were looking for a quick meal after long hours of walking at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's open house. Or maybe you were trying to navigate the confusing highway signs between Glendale and Pasadena and ended up here by accident. Regardless of motive or mistake, this Chipotle is truly a hidden gem, frequented regularly by families in the San Gabriel Valley. You might never end up visiting La Cañada Flintridge again, but after stopping at this Chipotle, you will never need to. 895 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge
The one off Fairfax by the farmers' market
Packing in a healthy mix of hungry actors, CBS employees, tourists and The Price is Right audience members, this Chipotle earns top points for harboring one of the most diverse customer bases in the city. Food-prep skills are top-notch, and every burrito is wrapped with enough poise and confidence to validate your hunger and your farmers' market parking. Every ingredient is prepared to perfection and every burrito is masterfully wrapped without tears or spillage. It is, without question, one of the best Chipotles in Los Angeles. 110 N Fairfax Ave #12, Los Angeles