West Seattle restaurants: Chipotle Mexican Grill apparently Junction-bound

New in the city-permits file: Looks like Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to West Seattle, in the almost-finished 4730 California development, midblock between Alaska and Edmunds. So says a permit application for “tenant improvements”:

Last time we checked with the 4730 California project team, they had no tenants to announce. We’ll be checking again with them now and with Chipotle, a chain of 1,700-plus restaurants whose website says, “We open a new restaurant every 2 days” – 192 last year, according to their latest earnings-report news release, with about that many expected this year. We will update this story with anything more we find out.

FRIDAY NOTE: Finally heard back from Chipotle. A spokesperson declined to comment, explaining that they don’t comment unless a lease is signed and/or construction is under way, and neither seems to be the case here (yet).

84 Replies to "West Seattle restaurants: Chipotle Mexican Grill apparently Junction-bound"

  • wsn00b February 11, 2015 (12:37 pm)

    Awesome!

  • biankat February 11, 2015 (12:39 pm)

    me likey.

  • HelperMonkey February 11, 2015 (12:45 pm)

    dang. was hoping for a new restaurant but not a fast food chain.

  • AM February 11, 2015 (12:48 pm)

    this makes me sad. Wish it could have been something a bit more unique or local focused.

  • Gene February 11, 2015 (12:54 pm)

    So-right across from Puerto Vallarta, Taqueria Guaymas, a block from Taco Del Mar & down the street from both Matador & Pecado Bueno? Don’t get me wrong-I like Mexican/SW food-but seems like a lot. Guess the market will determine what stays & what goes-maybe they’ll all make it?!

  • trickycoolj February 11, 2015 (12:55 pm)

    Funny, I was grumbling about our lack of Chipotle to someone at work not long ago!

  • lfauntleroy February 11, 2015 (1:08 pm)

    Yes! Chilpotle! Not your standard fast food joint. So excited to have them in West Seattle!!!

  • jfk February 11, 2015 (1:19 pm)

    Sure, it’s a chain, and it’s going in right across from Puerto Vallarta, but in this case, the competition might be a win-win for the neighborhood – either PV steps up their game, or they don’t, and something new/better takes their place…

  • AJP February 11, 2015 (1:21 pm)

    I welcome this.

  • squareeyes February 11, 2015 (1:22 pm)

    I guess this is good for those people who are always unhappy at what they perceive as the lack of family dining in the Junction, but I see this as a huge fail. I haven’t done any complaining about the construction and increasing density (until now), but this will certainly detract from the personality of the Junction. I guess only the big chains will be able to afford the rent in these new constructions, to the detriment of the neighborhood.

  • Peter February 11, 2015 (1:24 pm)

    Damn. I was hoping for some new restaurants in the neighborhood, but not chain garbage that I’ll never set foot in.

  • Brian February 11, 2015 (1:26 pm)

    My West Seattle Chipotle woes have been solved!!!

  • junctionconjuctionfunction February 11, 2015 (1:31 pm)

    Burritos aren’t Mexican food, FYI. Tacos are though….

  • Kim February 11, 2015 (1:34 pm)

    Hoorayyyy! My only grumble is I wish it could have been a Qdoba (hello, queso sauce!), but this’ll work too.

  • West Seattle since 1979 February 11, 2015 (1:40 pm)

    More density=more people=more business. People who live in apartments are probably more likely to eat out, too. So hopefully restaurants will be better able to pay rents.

    Other cities have density and local businesses.

  • onion February 11, 2015 (1:51 pm)

    Validation for the Junction restaurant market when a national chain decides to plant their flag. Doesn’t suit my tastes, which tend toward La Fondita or, if I don’t have time to visit White Center, Guayamas. Beloved Mexico is also very good, although they probably need to find a new location soon. But for some people Chipotle might be just the ticket.

  • underthebridge February 11, 2015 (1:55 pm)

    Mexican row? Anyways, no one in the junction makes a better margarita than Puerto Vallarta, and no one beats their prices either.

  • js February 11, 2015 (2:16 pm)

    To those complaining about a chain restaurant moving in: remember, this development is replacing a blank-faced Petco store — so let’s call it a win. I’d also prefer more local fare, but not every business can afford the rents in these new spaces (up to $10,700/mo for 2,850 square feet, per officespace.com).

  • Robin February 11, 2015 (2:21 pm)

    So excited! My fave fast food!

  • WS DAD February 11, 2015 (2:23 pm)

    Any word on Top Pot opening down on Alki? They said this winter and…..well…still waiting.

  • m February 11, 2015 (2:28 pm)

    YES!!!!!!

  • Jason February 11, 2015 (2:28 pm)

    Pica4life. Also my robot gorilla did some horrible things on that property that I don’t believe even all that demolition could get out of the soil.

  • BJG February 11, 2015 (2:31 pm)

    West Seattle’s high rents finally pushed our home-grown restaurateur family members to open in Magnolia Village. They now have the go-to casual/fine dining spot in that neighborhood. It should have been ours. Who would have thought Magnolia is a better bargain? Guess it will take corporate financing to fill the spaces in WS.

  • JLo February 11, 2015 (2:33 pm)

    If you have not eaten at Chipotle you can’t weigh in. I think it is awesome :) I can’t wait for this to open. I will still eat at the other places too.

  • Alex February 11, 2015 (2:34 pm)

    Halelujah! Don’t get me wrong, I love our other local mexican places, but Chipotle is FAR better in terms of takeout burritos. This is incredible.

  • anonymous February 11, 2015 (2:46 pm)

    @Jason, what were you guys doing with those animatronics? I was always curious..

  • Mookie February 11, 2015 (2:50 pm)

    I respect Chipotle, but I’ll continue to eat at West Seattle’s Pica Border Grill, with authentic recipes and house-made sauces and salsa made by wonderful folks actually from Taumalipas, Mexico. Mmmmm.

  • sam-c February 11, 2015 (2:54 pm)

    Cool- I’ve heard good things about Chipotle. Looking forward to trying it. (even though I was really hoping a boom noodle would go there)

  • rcl February 11, 2015 (2:54 pm)

    Yes! Now our local Kids will have new jobs

  • CJP February 11, 2015 (3:05 pm)

    I hope this doesn’t last long. I’ll continue to get my take out burrito’s from La Fondita or La Mesada.

    Locally owned, fantastic flavor, authentic taste, and cheap!

    La Fondita gives away free tacos to all day on christmas and newyears. That gererosity to the community alone will keep me giving them my money over ever stepping foot in a half-assed national chain. Not to mention quality. :)

  • WSAlum February 11, 2015 (3:38 pm)

    Best food ever! I wont have to drive to Bellevue or SCenter every other night…haha

  • Kim February 11, 2015 (3:52 pm)

    Well would ya look at that? Some people say they’ll stick with their old standbys, while others are super excited for Chipotle. Everybody wins.

  • Jason February 11, 2015 (4:01 pm)

    I agree folks that chipotle (and even moreso qdoba) burritos are great but it rubs me the wrong way having it in the junction, I’ll probably shamefully walk in there at some point and enjoy/hate myself but I’m going to try to just stick with Pica. While I’m talking Pica, if you haven’t been you have to go and don’t forget to try the torta sandwich: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/who-makes-seattles-best-sandwich-now/Content?oid=21016257
    .
    Anyway @anonymous, we were just goofing off with them – I was lucky enough to find the full band. We got them working and updated the technology that drives them then sadly put them in storage when we moved to our new office. One day they will play again.

  • markinthedark February 11, 2015 (4:27 pm)

    I really like Chipotle, but I feel like we are well covered with good burrito/taco joints. If a big chain has to come in, I’d rather see a Panera Bread.

    Plus, is the Junction even going to be accessible anymore. Parking is already a challenge some nights and the parking creep into the surrounding residential areas has got to be driving folks there up a wall.

  • GG February 11, 2015 (4:32 pm)

    Great, another restaurant I won’t be able to try due to the dreadful lack of parking in the junction.

  • Paul February 11, 2015 (5:09 pm)

    I have started taking the bus more often to get to the Junction. Works great and I walk off some of the calories I pick up there.

  • Ryan caple February 11, 2015 (5:13 pm)

    I heard Cactus on Alki is pretty good ;). Ok ok, I bartend there but I do stand by our food 100%. Like any place in west Seattle it can be overly crowded at times. Come down for some Happy Hour and we can talk about all the great mexican choices we have in a 2 mile radius!

  • ha! February 11, 2015 (5:31 pm)

    Wow, when do we get an Applebees?

  • MercyMoi February 11, 2015 (5:49 pm)

    I’m so happy! I actually made phone calls to share the news with friends. I am one of the few apparently not very happy with the Mexican food choices on the block between Alaska and Edmunds, and I WELCOME the arrival of healthy, fast food choices. I like Pecado Bueno fine but feel the price is high for what I get and Pica might be great but it’s slightly out of my walking distance for quick eats. I love Chipotle and I am ecstatic they’re moving into my neighborhood. And those who love the local Mexican eateries can support them – like Kim said, we all win.

  • E.T. February 11, 2015 (5:51 pm)

    Free parking is an issue in the Junction. Will Chipotle have restaurant parking in the building?

  • cj February 11, 2015 (5:54 pm)

    OMG! I absolutely LOVE Chipotle and they have a lot of better quality ingredients than your typical Mexican restaurant. We will definitely be there often. The downtown Chipotle is SO crowded so Yay!

  • Serf February 11, 2015 (6:01 pm)

    It’s a McDonalds owned off shoot. Yuk

  • trickycoolj February 11, 2015 (6:14 pm)

    Chipotle actually has some pretty responsible sourcing practices. They recently 86’d pork from the menu because their supplyer was not up to their high standards. Chipotle is something you either like or don’t. I have friends that like Qdoba or Taco del Mar over Chipotle. For me TdM is non existant. I love Matador and Cactus too but they’re for completely different situations like date night or an afternoon on the beach. Puerto Vallarta is in practically every rural town in King/Pierce/Thurston and they’re all the same and never enticed me at all. It’ll be nice to have another choice for takeout when the sit down restaurants have a half hour or more wait on Friday/Saturday nights.

  • Colby February 11, 2015 (6:21 pm)

    WSB – Is there any word on a liquor license being acquired for this location? Some of their locations serve beer and margaritas.

  • Ws grown February 11, 2015 (6:31 pm)

    Cheering chains? Is this the Eastside?

  • Junctionite February 11, 2015 (6:34 pm)

    A Jimmy Johns would be nice too!

  • JayDee February 11, 2015 (6:46 pm)

    @GG Is there a limitation on how far you can walk? I can generally (but not easily with construction going on) get parking within 2 blocks of the Junction, and if I have to walk a third or more block I can. But if you needed to be closer, then you are correct.

  • SuperAwesome February 11, 2015 (6:51 pm)

    Yay! I love Chipotle.

  • cashmere February 11, 2015 (7:43 pm)

    I second the jimmy johns! I love huskey as well, but sometimes you just want a plain old sub, and subway is gross

  • Zanda February 11, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    I used to eat at the original Chipotle in Denver – over twenty years ago. I just can’t believe it’s such a big chain now. And I have never been in any of them other than the original. I wonder if I would be disappointed….

  • sven February 11, 2015 (8:13 pm)

    If it’s going to be a chain, I’m glad it’s Chipotle. If a Five Guys opens up, though, we might have some problems…

  • THD3 February 11, 2015 (8:20 pm)

    Chipotle! Hooray. Bring on more businesses committed to doing it right. A Jimmy Johns would also be awesome and a great healthy smoothie/juice bar place.

    With thousands of apartments Being built in West Seattle – there are plenty mouths to feed.

  • coffee February 11, 2015 (9:21 pm)

    Jimmy Johns is disgusting and plain. And yes the rent in these new spaces is way more than local owners can afford.

  • coffeea February 11, 2015 (9:48 pm)

    BTW any idea what happened to redstar? Their number is answered by a different pizza shop

    • WSB February 11, 2015 (9:56 pm)

      They apparently have closed permanently. Their website and social-media accounts vanished and a sign went up on the door. Meant to include it in our last restaurant roundup, will mention it in the next one.

  • Jenny February 11, 2015 (10:31 pm)

    Everytime I’m at the junction, I always wish there was something small and easy I could grab and eat on-the-go, like a hotdog or a gyro or something. Like, in the summer I’m always jonesing for a shrimp cocktail in a cup. I like chipotle, but don’t know that it really fills a void.

  • MattMatt February 11, 2015 (11:39 pm)

    Man, people love to complain. Complained the other week when Mioposto announced they were coming to North Admiral, complaining now that Chipotle is coming to the Junction. Don’t like them? Don’t go. Vote with your wallet. Seattle is the first city I’ve lived in where complaining about everything is the standard. It’s a weird way to live.

  • Sue February 12, 2015 (12:13 am)

    I’m excited about it. I live 2 blocks from there, and love a new and fast option from a company that is way more ethical than most fast food. There are a lot of people who currently live in the Junction area, or will be when all this new construction is finished, so they don’t have to rely on whether people can drive and park or not. I can walk to this place, unlike some of the others that were mentioned. And Taco del Mar does not even begin to compare with Chipotle.

  • Ray West February 12, 2015 (5:42 am)

    Not excited about this at all. I don’t favor chain restaurants and this place and Q’doba are way over-rated in my opinion. We don’t need more Mexican and we don’t need more restaurants. It’s a shame that there are hardly any retail shops going in, but they can’t make the revenue a bar-oriented restaurant can to pay the exorbitant rents.

  • Gourmand February 12, 2015 (6:11 am)

    I don’t mind Jimmy John’s food, but their stores are so cornball. How many “pieces of flair” can they fit in one space?

  • BurritoJunkie February 12, 2015 (7:29 am)

    Sure, it’s a big chain. But you know what? It’s a GREAT business. the food is fresh, healthy, simple and best of all, ETHICAL. They recently pulled pork from their menu because of suppliers failing to meet their standards for humanely raising pigs. I will surely support them and I think this is a great addition to West Seattle.

  • bsmomma February 12, 2015 (7:34 am)

    I am excited for a non greasy fast food grab and go place! Chipotle is awesome. Now, if we could get a Panda Express!

  • Frank February 12, 2015 (8:38 am)

    Another reason to move back to West Seattle. Too bad about the horrific traffic, though.

  • ChipotleFan February 12, 2015 (8:46 am)

    I am not a fast food fan. I would be out with the pitchfork and placard crowd if this was Burger King. But Chipotle is a very rare exception – they have fresh ingredients, decent prices and they seem to have a good sense of corporate ethics. Try it if you never have. The Mexican food in the Junction currently is slop. Beloved Mexico is much, much better than any of it. But I don’t worry about those guys. With all the development down by the Triangle, they will do just fine. This is fantastic news. Just think – it could have been a Starbucks!

  • Dan February 12, 2015 (10:38 am)

    This is great news! Chipotle isn’t “fast food” just because they can quickly instance awesome wrapped in foil.

    For those poo pooing this wishing for something more eclectic, I say NO TO YOU and say DEAL WITH IT! To compare Chipotle to McDonalds and Q’doba, all I can say is that you guys are just WRONG. I encourage you to step away from the computer and revisit this thread after you reached enlightenment.

  • ryan February 12, 2015 (10:40 am)

    @chipotlefan starbucks is going in on the corner of alaska and california where supersups was. I called it on this blog about 5 months ago.Done deal.

  • East Coast Cynic February 12, 2015 (10:43 am)

    I was kinda hoping for an Ethan Stowell restaurant rather than another blasted chain:(.

  • Maria February 12, 2015 (10:55 am)

    I welcome the additional choice that Chipotle brings (and I’ll really consider it a burrito bar more than a Mexican place). I’ve spent plenty of $$$’s for similar foods in Jefferson square and a couple across the street, but not much since summer. Sometimes you just need something new. And perhaps something new will push the others to up their game!

  • JeffK February 12, 2015 (12:46 pm)

    I’d prefer to ban chain restaurants in WS.

  • cawfee tawk February 12, 2015 (12:57 pm)

    HOW ABOUT A PIZZA JOINT!!!!!!!

    (By the way people – Jimmy John’s is crap food. Don’t think about putting it in your body.
    Order a turkey sub and look closely at the meat…scary).

  • jeunglady February 12, 2015 (2:18 pm)

    How about a Din Tai Fung? Or some variation of that? Soup Dumplings! Yummy. :)

  • Diane February 12, 2015 (2:29 pm)

    when we were meeting with the developer about design of the project and potential retail, I was hoping for a fabulous locally created/owned eatery like PoDog; also super yummy, healthy, and unique; is there anywhere else in WS to get a healthy hot dog? I wonder if they ever even approached Laura (the owner) about bringing PoDog to WS

  • villagegreen February 12, 2015 (5:43 pm)

    Yes! We’re Bellevue light.

  • Burt February 12, 2015 (8:46 pm)

    Praying for an In n’ Out…

  • Jeannie February 13, 2015 (2:33 am)

    Funny how restaurant news always generates the most comments. We love our food, that’s for sure!

  • Gittel February 14, 2015 (7:08 am)

    Well yes, let the customers decide. But it’s got no local character, lots of other options available, and do y’all remember what happened to the Ben and Jerry’s at Alaska and California’s? Not. There. Any. More.

  • Beto February 14, 2015 (10:58 am)

    I find their food uninspiring but I guess Chipotle is better than another McDonalds.

  • DarkHawke February 14, 2015 (7:17 pm)

    Wow, lotta hate up in here for just a new place to eat. Which surprisingly doesn’t put a gun to your head and force you to eat there! ‘Course, I’ve yet to hear of one that does, but maybe Mickey D’s has been arming up recently, how would I know?
    .
    Please let us not get so San Francisco precious about “The Junction” that we start protesting and trying to ban businesses from coming in simply because they don’t scratch any given socio-cultural itch. It’s a business opening up and trying to make money in a business-zoned area. Shocking, I know, but attempt to maintain.

  • Villagegreen February 15, 2015 (10:39 am)

    I’ll take San Francisco precious over Bellevue corporate whoring any day.

  • Myrna Hoffman February 15, 2015 (6:38 pm)

    I, for one, am delighted. I like their food. Their location at 3rd and Pike made me uncomfortable so I avoided eating there.

  • ash February 17, 2015 (3:11 pm)

    game on

  • Take it or leave it February 19, 2015 (11:22 pm)

    Healthy!!!! Only 500-2000 calories per meal.

  • sarah March 1, 2015 (11:25 pm)

    @Serf McDonalds sold their interest in Chipotle after disagreements over the state of the farms supplying meat to McDonalds. Chipotles owner called them disgusting and McDonalds didn’t like that!

Sorry, comment time is over.