The Left Coast Mexican food chain opened up their first Manhattan location on Lexington between 45th and 46th Tuesday in the old Zen Burger space, and needless to say- it was more than packed. As you can see in the photo below, there were reported waiting times of 25 minutes and up by local costumers who were brave enough to attempt to be one of the first get their hands on the Fresh fare.

Baja Fresh has been known on the West Coast not for their Mexican food, but because they cook with fresh ingredients that don’t leave your stomach feeling like you have just been at war, something quite different for those of us who have been to ahem, ahem, Qdoba or Chipotle. On top of the fresh ingredients, they give you free chips with your purchase and there is even a salsa bar to boot.

Rumor has it that a second NYC location is set to open in the fall on Broadway between 40th and 41st. Hopefully the second location will cut those wait times in half. [MidtownLunch]