Illegal Pete&#x27;s - Colfax

Savina's has such a beautiful interior--it feels warm, inviting, and makes for a great place to…read morecatch up with friends. I met up with an old coworker here, and the atmosphere was perfect for sitting and talking without feeling rushed. I ordered the chile rellenos, and they were absolutely delicious. The staff was also incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I'll definitely be back!

Savina's was highly recommended to us by the valet at the hotel we were staying at. It was a close…read morewalk. The restaurant was not very full when we got there but it was early and it was filling up when we were leaving. The homemade tortilla chips were awesome. They had just the right amount of salt. I ordered a chicken quesadilla and my husband ordered the pork burritos. Mine could have had a bit more chicken but it was still delicious. My husband said his was good although they put too many onions on top (if I had to guess it was 1/3 of an onion chopped-a little rediculous). He also had a Catalan margarita that was tasty. Our waiter was friendly and efficient. He talked to us about how he came to Denver from the east coast and liked it here. Overall, we would definitely recommend Savina's and if we are back in the area we would eat here again.

2.8 mi•Northwest, Highland

Interior dining area

Chicken fajitas

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Tequila, neat with Cinnamon and Orange

Alma Fonda Fina

4.8(296 reviews)

VERY small portions. Food and drinks are overpriced for what you get…read more We spent $284.00 for 4 and left hungry. No dessert menu. Service was very good, but we won't return.

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner experience here. I made the reservation online 60 days out as…read morerecommended. We were in at 4:45 as that was the only space available on the day we could go, and it worked out great. We got one plate from the happy hour menu and the fun avocado margarita and the old fashioned were fine cocktails. The margarita was a popular item, quite a few tables had them. I'll have to try and make one when we get home to Kona! Our server was Fiona; she was a whirlwind helping a number of tables, but we thought she was excellent and it was fun watching the staff behind the counter creating magical plates. Smiles on all of them as they worked like a team that knew and liked each other. And the plates they made were indeed delicious. I won't drill down on what we had, everyone will choose their own favorites by the end of their meal. One of our criteria when travelling is to find unique dining experiences, and this hit the mark in every way. We left after five plates and cocktails with smiles and satisfaction. While I've seen some reviews point out it was expensive, I don't feel it was overpriced for what they offer. I'd recommend this to anyone and it was an easy uber from our hotel. Mahalo.

3.4 mi•Highland, Northwest

Mexican clay mugs

Sweet potato

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Bar seating where we could enjoy seeing the chefs working hard to make our dishes

Taqueria La Familia

4.7(533 reviews)

Wonderful! They were full inside, so they set us up at a table outside beneath a tree. The…read morecomplementary chips and chile were a great starter. We had the green chile plate and the five taco platter with bison and lengua, with guacamole on top. My only quibble is that the bison needed more seasoning, it was a bit gamey like hamburger meat. The guac serving was generous and the corn tortillas were good. The chile was the best version of this dish that I've had. The staff were extremely attentive and kept our water full in the 90 degree heat. Food came out super fast. Price was very reasonable for the area.

Really terrific bison enchiladas. Nice people and fun spot. Would come back any day. The tacos were…read moregood too. Also the mild salsa was great.

1.3 mi•Capitol Hill, Southwest

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Pancho Poncho

4.6(83 reviews)

Great place to meet up with friends, bring out of towners or even take the edge off at the end of…read morethe day. Weekends (including Fridays) get busy so I would recommend reservations. Service is top notch and our Friday night here was met with explanations of menu items, drink recommendations and even food recommendations. Our waitress kept an eye on our table even when the happy hour and evening crew started filling the place. My ground beef enchiladas were really good but the leftovers really shined! The flavors set in nicely and reminded me of the wonderful time the previous night. I would certainly return!

Came in for happy hour. The patio is really nice to sit at when the weather is good but doesn't…read moreoffer too much shade in the afternoon so just be aware. They have a nice happy hour and we sampled just about 1 of each thing on the HH menu. The highlight was the loaded fries and the Elote while the worst item was the beef tostada which was just super basic and boring and I wouldn't order it ever again. Drinks were good and I enjoyed their happy hour deals on house margaritas, beer and shot on a good deal. Service was nice but a little slow on the patio. Overall would come back and try their other items and go for those fries again.

Elote skillet

Shrimp tacos - the rice is super yummy too! Not a soggy after thought

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Dining room

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

4.2(1.1k reviews)

3.5 mi•Southwest

Excellent place. Great value, prices and portion size. Ambiance is freshly inviting. Service is…read moreflawless and friendly. All staff were professional and quick. Overall an excellent experience and I will be back.

Sometimes you don't need culinary fireworks. Sometimes you need a place that feels like someone is…read moregenuinely happy you walked through the door. Adelitas is that place. I grabbed a seat at the bar where the bartender was friendly and engaging. On a recent Wednesday at 7:15, the restaurant was packed. When I left around 8:30, it was still busy. That's usually the best review a restaurant can get. Loyal customers don't keep coming back out of habit. They come back because it feels like home. The all-day happy hour margarita for $9 certainly doesn't hurt. The second one arrives before you've had time to argue yourself out of it. I ordered the enchiladas with carne asada and their house mole. If you're expecting one of those intensely complex moles with enough ingredients to fill a pantry, this isn't that. Adelitas' version is comforting, approachable, and deeply homey. It tastes less like a culinary experiment and more like something your abuela has been making for decades. The carne asada was tender, the rice and beans were exactly what they should be, and every bite reminded me why comfort food never goes out of style. Before leaving, I made the smartest decision of the evening. Tres leches to go. I devoured it later at home while Netflix asked if I was still watching. The cake somehow manages to be light while completely satisfying. Don't skip it. Better yet, don't pretend you're saving it for tomorrow. Adelitas isn't trying to impress you. It's trying to feed you well, welcome you warmly, and send you home happier than when you arrived. Whether your abuela was Mexican...or Greek...you'll understand exactly what they're serving here.

Inside

Tres Leches Cake

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Outside

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant

4.4(851 reviews)

6.8 mi

Always a great meal…read more I always enjoy going to Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant. They're known for their molcajete, but tonight I tried some other dishes and everything was excellent. The strawberry margaritas are always above average quality -- strong but smooth. Chips came out hot and crispy, and the salsa is terrific. Fresh with just the right amount of kick. We had the combo plate with an enchilada, chile relleno, and tostada, plus the Steak Ranchero with rice and beans. Both were hot, huge portions, and packed with flavor. The tortillas were steamed and fresh. Service was fast and friendly. Consistent quality every time I come here. Highly recommend.

The most delicious refried beans I have ever eaten!!!! I…read morenever eat refried beans because they are usually tasteless. These were so flavorful! I had the chile rellano both ways. Fried and regular. Both excellent!!! My husband had a wet burrito . He's Hispanic and he said very authentic! We will be back!!!

Carbon tacos plate

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Carnitas tacos plate

Ni Tuyo

4.6(197 reviews)

2.6 mi•Southeast

This is such a nice place to get drinks and dinner with friends. The vibe is warm and cozy…read more There is a small parking lot next to the restaurant but it can fill up but there is a good amount of street parking in the area. Happy hour is from 4-6 every day and the deals are great. The quesabirria and the camarones al aljillo were delicious. I have been here before for their molcajetes and those were excellent as well, and good for sharing. They do have a small covered patio area which is adjacent a busy street. Service is consistently good. One of my favorite places for a drink and a bite in the area!

Ni Tuyo is a great place for drinks and dinner, higher end Mexican style. Attractive and lively…read morebar and friendly service, though I did order takeout. Our food was very good and included asada tacos (the meat was juicy and tender), a birria taco, great chips and salsa with a great guacamole, a rajas taco (delicious), and pollo con mole. We loved all the sauces. My friends loved the large Mexican cokes.

Bar area

Pollo mains

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Molcajete

D'Corazon

4.3(826 reviews)

2.0 mi•Lodo, Northwest

Bottom line up front; This is my new favorite for New Mexican cuisine/Green Chili cuisine. Prices…read moreare reasonable. Service is good. I'll be back. On my first visit, I ordered the Steak Mexicano - a ribeye smothered in green chili sauce. The steak was big, very flavorful, and very tender. Excellent. I stopped in again today for lunch. Chips, salsa (spicy but very tasty), and my drink came right out. My food was served extremely quickly. I ordered the "green chili plate," pork in green chili sauce with rice and beans. The green chili plate is available as a vegetarian option as well. I also ordered a tamale because... I just had to see how the hand crafted tamales stack up. The tamale came out covered in green chili sauce and cheese. All in all, this is an excellent option for local cuisine. Highly recommended.

Great Food and Service laid back,good Ambiance. Best…read moreEnchiladas, love there queso Cant wait to scatch up enough cash for another trip there

Host desk

Grilled steak especial tacos

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Mango frozen Rita and House Rita.

Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval

3.8(1.5k reviews)

2.0 mi•Lodo, Northwest

•$$$

9/1/26: surprisingly good! i don't have high hopes for…read moredenver food because the trends i see are steakhouses, healthy food, and beer. salsa trio & chips were delicious. three sauces came with the chips, all distinct in flavor. salsa verde wasn't spicy but had an amazing sour zing to it. my favorite was the charred pepita habanero salsa. this had the perfect consistency (not as liquidy as regular salsa) and had a bit of spice. the third sauce was interesting. i actually don't know what it was but it wasn't bad, also wasn't good. also orders the bonito which was bomb. tuna was so fresh and paired so well with the guac and WONTON chips. such an amazing crunch on these chips, i had to start dipping them with the salsas. skirt steak was so juicy. fajita veggies were decent, just a tad oily but i guess you can't really escape that when you get a sizzling plate. tortillas came in a little woven pig's ass (so fun)! nothing notable about the tortillas though, just plain flour. this place definitely shocked me, and i would come back again. highly recommend! eats- - salsa trio & chips - bonito - skirt steak fajitas

Our group of 4 had a reservation for a Saturday night to celebrate a special occasion. It was…read moresurprisingly not busy at 7 pm which was kind of nice and so the restaurant was a bit quieter than expected. We ordered the chips and salsa trio to start, quesabirria, chicken and steak fajitas with corn equites and rice/beans as a side, and lastly the carnitas. Personally I got the carnitas and was shocked at the portion! The presentation was beautiful and overall it was quite tasty. The hard part with this meal was that the black bean puree was underneath all the meat and au jus so it was a bit challenging to scoop up and put in the tacos. Everyone enjoyed their meals and we were pretty stuffed that we couldn't make it to dessert.

3.0 mi•Washington Park, Southeast

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Perdida - Mexican Kitchen

4.1(426 reviews)

This place is so cute! The restaurant is beautifully decorated, spacious, and has such a fun…read moreatmosphere. It's a great spot if you're craving authentic Mexican food. The service was warm and welcoming, and everyone was so friendly. I ordered the Perdida Special so I could sample some of their most popular dishes, and it was the perfect choice. I loved all the different flavors, and everything was fresh and delicious. There's free street parking nearby, and it's located in a charming area with lots of cute shops to explore before or after your meal. I'll definitely be back!

I don't even know where to start, but besides saying I'm surprised this spot is not reservation…read moreonly. Nina is amazing! The Marisol cocktail feels like a Hawaiian vacation. The garlic grilled shrimp and queso are top tier! Do yourself a favor, and go visit. Feels like my new favorite.

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Special of the day: Steak tacos - excellent!

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27 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Dawn S.

5 years ago

First off, I've given illegal Pete's a 5star review in the past, as I've been coming there for years and really liked this place. But, today was a super bad experience. I ordered some food for pick up, it wasn't ready at the time I requested, not a problem, I could wait for a few. The guy (I didn't catch his name, working the pick up area today around 1215pm, had a gold nose ring) asked for me to wait and said he would bring order over to me when it's was completed. No problem, so I sat down and waited, and then waited some more, then waited some more. Finally I got up and went to see if my order was ready, and it was sitting there the whole time. So now I've wasted half my break. I asked the guy, "I thought you were going to let me know when my order was ready?" To which he responds "Well, I'm not working in that area anymore and you should have gotten a text message that your order was ready." I explained I didn't get a text, to which he replies "Well, sometimes things happen." I couldn't believe how rude he was to me, and how he was talking down to me. Honestly, if you say you're going to do something for a customer, maybe you should do it, or follow up if you "aren't working in that area anymore." I went to go eat my food, the pico was days old and tasted awful, and the guacamole was old and tasted awful as well. Was not fresh at all. I used to really like this place, but there are more options throughout the area. I won't be back and won't be giving this place my business anymore. read more

Skip B.

10 years ago

Today was my last time visiting this location . I come here pretty often and have noticed the decline in customer service. A couple weeks ago no one was around to help me the this guy who resembled sloth helped me after he wiped sweat off his forehead (gross) then when I get down the line they mix my burrito with a dirty spoon. Dirty gross and the bathrooms smell . Maybe you should not let the homeless bathe in there . Maybe 16th and colfax have different owners ? read more

Cortney S.

4 years ago

Illegal Pete's overall is always a great quick casual dining experience but I love this location in particular. The food is always fresh. The service is always fast and the drinks are simple but great. The staff is friendly and always tries to accommodate everyone. I definitely recommend this place especially after spending a few hours next door at herbs and arts. read more

Deborah F.

10 years ago

I love this place! I have been here for several happy hours and for dinner with family and have always had great food served by friendly, helpful staff. The patio is lively and fun. The food is delicious and fresh. Nothing drips with grease and there are several vegetarian options. Great, casual dining option with good prices. read more

Yomama G.

10 years ago

Food was ok I guess but steak was gummy and flies everywhere . I would think they would treat a new business like one but they must not need the customers. Obnoxious overgrown leprachan sweating profusely swearing in back at his employees. It was quite the show you ignorant as:-ole. We were out of there asap. RUDE... read more

Demi C.

8 years ago

Got charged full price for 2 kid size burritos and they were cold. Not to mention half of the staff could use a lesson in wrapping burritos. Really psyched to see this place move into the neighborhood, but it's been a constant hit or miss. Weekday staff has been much more reliable. read more

Naomi W.

10 years ago

Food was not that good honestly . actually kinda gross with the line all mixed up like I ordered steak and a few little pieces of chicken come as a bonus. Get around the corner and pop machine area was disgusting . Did I mention the flys everywhere. Me thinks not read more

Trey C.

4 years ago

Great! Please do not pass up this opportunity to go to this place! I mean great vibe, nice outside eating area and great music ! Right downtown so you can access everywhere from here as well! Try the Taquitos and Fish Tacos! read more

Pawel M.

165

10 years ago

Totally rude staff. Thinking they own the place or something. So much different from the other locations. Please fire and hire someone that's worth of the Illegal Pete's read more

Vicky D.

10 years ago

We are from out of town but liked the looks of Illegal Pete's. We weren't disappointed. Good, fresh food and if you leave hungry it's your fault! Good choice, John. read more

Joshua R.

2 years ago

Review has a minimum character count so. Overpriced garbage. Overpriced garbage. The reason Denver is considered the worst for food. Overpriced garbage. read more

Sarah K.

9 years ago

You get a lot of food for your money. It was really good, but I think the chicken could have had a little bit of more flavor. Overall, very good though. read more

Tessa D.

10 years ago

Milton and his crew went above and beyond to make my day!! Fav spot on Colfax. Awesome spot, great patio and cool remodel of an old building. Love it! read more

Andy S.

8 years ago

Good food for a good price. Very very tasty. Friendly peoples and bartender was a very excellent lady. I wish they had one in Chesterton Indiana. read more

Nicole M.

6 years ago

Tom DeLonge works here, ask anyone, Tom DeLonge works here it's saying this review is too short so once again, Tom DeLonge works here

Michelle R.

8 years ago

Didn't know they had breakfast it was very delicious breakfast burrito and a breakfast taco I suggest doing steak and egg and bacon!

Mitchy A.

10 years ago

Gross and way overpriced food. Gummy steak and dirty glasses and bathroom. Tell management to check liquor bottles for fruit flys

Sarah H.

10 years ago

Milton was very personable and everyone was excellent! Thanks for the wonderful experience, you all again soon.

Steffen P.

10 years ago

Although the quesadilla took a while to come out it tasted fantastic, I will be going back there in the future.

Henne G.

10 years ago

Waaaaay overpriced for a tortilla with beans in it. I came in and couldn't wait to leave. Lack of good managent

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - bars - Updated September 2026

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This location always has something happening inside. Be it trivia or large parties, it is often…read morevery loud, with one having to scream the order to the server behind the sneeze shield. Overall this location is similar to others and the service and staff are nice and helpful. They go above and beyond. I like this location. You should give it a try. The food is good and the portions are large.

Maybe the worst tacos I've ever had. Both the tortilla and meat were served cold. Meat had zero…read moreflavor. Salsa tasted like it came out of a bottle. Strongly recommend you go elsewhere

Illegal Pete's Northside

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First time at this location and everything was really good. The service was fast and staff was…read morenice. The bartender was fun and easy to work with. The restaurant was clean but do want to call out that the floor near the cashier was very slippery, almost lost my burrito bowl. The food was tasty, I got the steak bowl with pork green chili. Also, their spicy margarita was delicious! Definitely a great place to get some grub after work. TV had World Cup on so it was nice to watch a game while eating. Easy parking with their own lot too!

I love Illegal Pete's! Customer service is great! Atmosphere is fun. Food is always fresh and…read moredelicious. Reasonable prices compared to any other burrito places. I don't have one near me so always enjoy when I am near. Cheers!

La Fiesta Restaurant

3.5

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Still awesome after all these years! get the chilil rellanos playe with green chili, it's the only…read morething i've ever tried!

This is old Denver with average DenMex served up by very kind staff. And a free parking lot to…read moreboot! The chile relleno is stuffed with American cheese. I wasn't expecting that but now know it isn't something I'd opt for again. The chips and salsa are an additional charge. They are very good. The salsa isn't chunky, it is more of a watery consistency but has good flavor. The green chile is flat heat. The red chili has very little flavor. They charge a 4% fee for using a credit card but that is listed on the menu in very small print at the top. It is also clearly listed on the receipt when you go to pay. The transparency is appreciated. Not thrilled about the excessive charge of 4% but at least I know to bring cash to avoid these nuisance fees that are omnipresent in Denver.

La Grande Mexicana

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Fantastic little spot. They have soft rellenos, and I am more of a crispy relleno guy, but it was…read morestill great. The green chili was flavorful. Not super spicy, but good. The rice and beans were awesome. Stopped in for lunch with some co-workers as a normal spot nearby was closed, and we were all pleasantly surprised. We now have two spots to choose from on this same block that we know are great. Parking is always a bit of an adventure on this block, but not impossible. Be prepared to park a minute or two walk away.

Food is delicious and staff is so kind. I can feel the love. I'll definitely be back, when I'm in…read morethe neighborhood!

Locales Tacos Y Tequila

3.1

(52 reviews)

No wait time which was amazing! It is bar service. I enjoyed the food. We got shrimp tacos, chips…read moreand guac, and a pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast. Food was very tasty but very spicy! Not too crowded and had a chill vibe. They also have a rooftop but we didn't make it up there. 4 stars for the unexpected spiciness of all items ordered!

I'll admit. It's not the best taco place in Denver in any way and yet I at least got a decent…read moreservice from one of the guys at the bar where my to-go experience was a good one. Yesterday wasn't my first occasion at Locales. A year or so ago, I was here on their rooftop (or should I call it "second floor open deck) where under a beautiful sky, I enjoyed the atmosphere where a blender bike was set that made sample margaritas for people). It sure was a beautiful night. Yesterday's weather was nice also so when we went upstairs to enjoy the view for a brief moment we were able to see the same beautiful sky with some pink mixed in it. Another stunning sunset indeed. For this view, it may not be a bad place to be at. Food wise, my two fish tacos tasted good. The fish wasn't noticeably plenty and yet the overall taste of both (one was grilled and the other was deep-fried) was good with lots if flavors; the portions,however, were a bit small. $6 for each. They aren't/weren't in the permanent menu. I saw them on a temporary menu posted at the bar register. Not sure how long they will serve them. The place is quite spacious. The first floor is divided into three sections: the main one where the bar is located, second one is with some pool tables and the third one has a foosball machine. And like I said in the beginning, second floor (as long as the weather permits) is where you should be to enjoy the view especially at dusk.

Los Molinos Restaurant

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We are new to Denver and we were looking for a quick bite to eat. We saw they had breakfast…read moreburritos and wanted to try. The staff was so kind and the food was absolutely amazing. Those breakfast burritos were the best ones I have ever had. I will be going back!

I would describe Los Molinos as true homestyle Mexican food. Like you go visit your Abuela and she…read morethrows something together last minute. I think some know it as "guisado" style food. So if you are looking for that Southwestern Mexican-American hybrid style Mexican food, this is not where you will find it. Los Molinos deserves the credit for sticking to traditional style Mexican comfort food without conceding ground to western taste preferences. Service is always friendly and helpful. The location itself is "meh". A neighborhood gem that sticks to tradition. I love it!

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Freakin chili cheese fries were amazing!!! The taste was sooooooo good and they were fresh!!! The…read moreservice was fast and the cashier was so nice ... I would totally come back again

Food is great, if you can stand the smell of urine when you walk in stepping over the homeless…read moreencampment on their front patio smh, seriously find it hard to believe the staff and owner simply allow this. I know it's downtown and all but come on....not trying to bring ANYONE here again . This use to be my favorite green chile spot, not anymore until they can remedy this.

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Best Mexican restaurant in Denver, long time favorite: the federal and state judges frequent itread more

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