The Reviews Are In and Chipotle's New Item Has One Major Flaw
Chipotle's new Smoked Brisket has been on the menu since last week. And based on the buzz the new item has generated in a matter of days, it seems that America simply couldn't wait to try it.
Chalk it up to our love for the tender cut of beef or to Chipotle's rare menu updates, but the Smoked Brisket is the most talked-about fast-food item in America right now. Many of those who have tried it in Chipotle's burritos, bowls, and tacos, approve of the new protein.
RELATED: Chipotle Is Now Serving This New Long-Awaited Meat Option
That Chipotle Brisket bowl is the business. They really need to keep this permanently.
— Stim Hardaway (@trynbLegendary) September 21, 2021
Okay Chipotle's new brisket is amazing holy shit
— Esfand (@EsfandTV) September 26, 2021
Chipotle brisket gets a 10/10
— Caila Dodds (@CailaDodds) September 28, 2021
However, there are also those who have criticized the chain's efforts on several points. The most common misgiving about the brisket? It's too dry.
The new Chipotle brisket has a good flavor, but it's way too dry – almost like eating brisket jerky. Considering it's the most expensive meat at $10, I'll stick to steak or barbacoa next time. pic.twitter.com/DSmk1Y1H15
— Alex O'Donnell (@n_alexodonnell) September 22, 2021
The new brisket from Chipotle has a good smoky flavor, good notes of BBQ, with a hint of spice but ultimately it's dry, small, and a bit tough. Feels like burnt ends. 7/10, would recommend if wanting to try it for the first time. But, steak will always be king. pic.twitter.com/ScunzEyRww
— Howdon Aldi Death Queue (@Unholy_Bravo) September 21, 2021
I got that Chipotle brisket because it was free and I was still overcharged.
— They pegging out here (@TreJames_) September 28, 2021
chipotle brisket confirmed good not great. satisfying taste profile, solid crispiness, but too dry. recommend taco only.
— Hank Mardukas (@teddymurphy) September 28, 2021
Treated myself to Chipotle's new smoked brisket as part of the day's celebration. It's very tender and yummy, but I'll still opt for barbacoa for $1 less in the future. pic.twitter.com/nfdXVal3rW
— Mara (@sb_67) September 22, 2021
Food writers and critics have tended to agree. Paul Kita, a Kansas City Barbecue Society judge, tried his in a burrito and contended the texture of the meat was "all off," and that it was missing one crucial element: "that rich, flavorful fat that butter-ifies every bite."
"Instead of the super-tender, slide-your-teeth-through-it tenderness of competition BBQ brisket, Chipotle's version tasted not tough, but charred and a touch too dry," Kita wrote in a review for Men's Health.
A review in The Takeout agrees with Kita on the dryness. "Unfortunately, the Chipotle brisket does suffer from one key detraction: it's tough and chewy, exactly as I feared," writes Dennis Lee. (However, he notes seeing some fat on his brisket pieces.)
If you still haven't tried or made up your mind about your own final verdict on the fast-casual's latest menu addition, here's an idea: try the brisket in the newly launched Quesabrisket (brisket quesadilla). It'll be on the menus through October.
For more, check out:
- 4 New Menu Items You'll See at McDonald's This Fall
- The Most Popular Secret Starbucks Menu Items in Every State
- A Leaked Memo From Taco Bell Just Revealed These Upcoming Menu Launches
And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest restaurant news delivered straight to your inbox.
