2/21/20 - Very delayed post due to work travel/covid. I was in town for a ski trip going to Breck, and we happen to drive through Denver and needed a quick spot for lunch, we wanted to try something local and sort of wanted tex mex. Drinks (N/A): There was a bar inside available, but we were trying to be quick. Food (4/5): The best part about this restaurant is the customization and having a variety of options to spicing up your burrito or bowl. For me the menu was confusing and too many things going on, but luckily I was in a large group and I just watched all the people front of me. I ended up getting a chicken bowl with chips on the side. The bowl had white rice, black beans, fajita veggies, a medium salsa, but I mixed it up with green chile which didn't really blend well with the salsa I picked. It was like $12 for that bowl with a cup of water, for the amount of food and the price compared to other comparable places it was fine, nothing impressive to me. But I would like to try this place again at another time when I am not rushed and make a better judgment call because the other reviews are so good for this place. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Grilled Chicken Bowl - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Anytime that I am in Colorado I make it a point to come and visit the Illegal Pete's franchise. I am OBSESSED. As a California Native that went to Wyoming to live for a year, it was a tough year to be away from delicious Mexican food. Illegal Petes is exactly where is needs to be the food is always fresh, the food is always quick, and always customizable. There are many throughout the state and especially in the city areas. If you get a chance to go when you are in the area, make sure that you also bring your appetite. read more

This is a nice, casual eatery. I was actually walking by and decided to stop here and eat. They have a large outdoor patio that looks like a great hang out spot to have drinks. I walked in and placed an order for the beer battered fish tacos. I went on a Saturday, and it was moderately crowded, but they still had seating inside and outside. The tacos were good. They were well seasoned and the fish was really tasty. The vibe is definitely more of a bar look and feel. Overall, I would stop here again. read more

Although I would prefer undocumented Pete's, this restaurant is a gem for a quick lunch. I feel better coming here than going to chipotle or Qdoba and it has more character. I also feel like the staff is generally more happy. This is a ideal place to get a quick lunch and they also serve alcohol read more

Unreal service -- for a $50 meal you get an attitude. Just rude and even after leaving a tip the cashier didn't treat me well (was standoffish & rude). I would give it a one but because Jake was cool and had a good demeanor I gave them an extra point. I will stick to the other location on 38th next time. read more

I like Illegal Petes and this location in particular because of... 1. Their nachos. Haha I have devised the Perfect recipe. It includes real cheese and lettuce, crazy huh? 2. The outdoor patio...big. Heated. Covered. 3. They project baseball on the wall of the adjacent building. 4. They have a bar! 5. The prices are decent. 6. It isn't Chipotle... 7. Cool upstairs seating. 8. Proximity to the Lions Lair, the quintessential dive bar on Colfax!! 9. The atmosphere...chill, not too overly hipster with a fun vibe that makes you want to hangout. The kitchen staff can be a tad edgy but overall cool. read more

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My wife and I enjoyed a great meal at Illegal Pete's tonight. I ordered the Baja Fish Bowl and it was delicious. It was freshly prepared and served within about ten minutes of my order being placed. The serving was ample and I certainly plan on going back soon. read more

I love illegal Pete's. There is Nothing fancy or special about this place but it is a go to spot for simple affordable tacos, quality guac and queso, AND the best deal on happy hour. read more

Delicious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls and salads. Full bar option I like the big fish burrito which is fried fish with either normal ingredient options or baja style, which is cabbage, salsa fresca, lime, & zesty ranch dressing (no rice or beans). Really enjoy that all ingredients are mixed together instead of getting bites full of meat and then another of cheese or sour cream. Gets busy on the weekends Parking lot to the north makes it easy as Colfax has some meter parking but is usually busy. read more

Came here with a friend while we were in town. It's a very similar vibe to chipotle or fuzzys taco shop but with more of a bar setting. The set up is cool there's a lot of tvs and patio seating. I went with the tacos, one chicken one beef and one pork. They were decent size tacos for the price. The chicken one was the best out of the 3 the chicken was pretty fresh. The chips were super salty the queso was really good. Overall the food was average not great but not terrible wouldn't go outta my way. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Tacos - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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We needed a breakfast burrito stat, and Illegal Pete's more than filled that need! This place is cool with both fantastic indoor and outdoor areas. They even have their own mural painted, complete with PBR! My burrito was amazing, and you should definitely get the green chili. The green chili is what makes them unique! I'm going to crave that burrito for the rest of my life. What a great place. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - BREAKFAST BURRITO. - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I've truly never been a big Illegal Pete's fan but for some reason I was surprised with how well this location seasoned their meats and veggies- way more so than I remember in years past. If I go to Illegal Pete's again...this will be the location! read more

Always good, always dependable. If you haven't been and had your burrito ingredients properly stirred prior to being rolled up, you may be missing out. read more

I'm in disbelief about the negative reviews because this is honestly the best place I've been to. The staff is the BEST (Randz. Jess, Matt, Kat, grant, bud, Sherman, j ray) I have been coming here 3-5 times a week for years and have always had an amazing time. The food is delicious and affordable, the atmosphere is great, the drinks are awesome and reasonably priced. This is an incredible local spot. Appreciate you guys and all your hard work! Sorry for all the complaining Karen's on here read more

I got the pork sauce covered chicken filled burrito and it was so delicious! It filled me up!! My only recommendation is to eat it quickly otherwise it gets soggy. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Pork sauce covered chicken filled burrito - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Their wait time estimates are always volatile for online orders. Sometimes it's there 10 minutes before your suggested time and other times it's 30 minutes later. The website needs to be more dynamic in that regard. EDIT: I'm gonna be a petty Karen and edit my comment every time this is the case so maybe something changes. Day 2 of not remotely close to the suggested pickup time. Off by 15 minutes this time :) My order is the smallest of smalls. I'm annoying. Yay. read more

Bumpin' this thang up to five stars after 49 (yes, you heard it right) check ins. These guys are super consistent and still our go-to easy dinner out. Since I basically live at Pete's, I figured I'd share some tips and tricks with the rest of the Yelp world: + Their margs are strong (like, more than two shots each) and super flavorful. If you're wanting to cut some of the sweetness and maybe consume a little more H2O, ask your bartender to swap out half of the juice for soda water. (Their palomas aren't too shabby either.) + We recently learned they serve sopapillas here and also have horchata in the soda fountain. Not sure if either of these things are here to stay, but good to know if you've got a sweet tooth. + You get a free half scoop of guac if you opt out of dairy (cheese, sour cream, queso) on your meal. + They do kid sizes in almost everything--this is a really good option if you're sort of hungry but don't want to be in a food coma in 30 minutes. The kids size burrito is the perfect size for me and one of my top three orders (behind a steak salad and a steak bowl). + Bae and I did Whole30 back in January and this was one of the only spots where we could eat. Lettuce, steak or chicken, salsa, and guac was compliant and honestly a shining light at the end of every grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free week. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Sweet Heat margarita - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This Illegal Pete's is amazing! Conveniently located in the heart of East Colfax, with a large parking lot at the back. The food is delicious, the steak and chicken is always cooked fresh. I always pick the steak nacho bowl, the queso sauce really tops off the dish. The ambiance in here is always friendly and welcoming. If your in the area and hungry, try this place out, you won't be disappointed. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Nacho bowl - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The workers in this location are some of the rudest people you could ever encounter I've seen a lot of people NOT washing their hands in there as well. I would only give them a zero stars but unfortunately to leave a review you have to leave at least one star if you have to go to illegal, Pete's go to the one on Oneida in ParkHill.l! read more

Listen y'all- I hail from South Central Texas, and the nachos here were up to PAR. This quirky setup gices me punk rock club vibes, and all the line staff was so friendly! I am gluten free, and they advertise a bunch of gluten free combos on their menu. For about $9 I had the most fulfilling nachos during my stay in Denver. Stop in for some great photo opportunities, but stay for the nachos-lettuce, sour cream, salsa verde, jalepeños, chicken, pinto beans and brown rice and you will not be sorry! My wonderful veggie population- don't fret! There are some FABULOUS options for you too! read more

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I would like to officially invite you to my wedding. The queso at Illegal Pete's and I are getting married. Also in attendance will Be their $5 margaritas, grilled chicken, and guacamole. A trip to Illegal Pete's is always necessary. Whether you're a Denver local, or coming in for a visit, make it happen. This particular location is one of my favorites. During spring and summer months, the patio is a legit spot for all the Happy Hour vibes. When you walk in, you order at the counter, pay, then go grub. But don't forget to swing by the bar. Their spicy margaritas are legit too. The queso tho... We will live a long and happy life together. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - $5 margs. - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Ate here 12/30/23 at around 7:30pm. Place was completely empty. Staff was nice but I've had the worst food poisoning of my life since I ate here. It's been 3 days of nonstop feeling bad. I had a steak/barbacoa burrito. It was good at the time but I have been dreading my decision since. read more

My wife and I have been ordering from here pretty regularly for a long time and always love the food -- however, today we saw something that made us not want to return. I want to preface this by saying we absolutely hate complaining and we weighed posting anything about this at all, but it really actually bothered us. We decided today that rather than picking up and eating at home, we would sit outside at the restaurant and enjoy the nice weather. When we went in to order, the staff seemed friendly enough but one of the employees began coughing with a pretty phlegm-y cough directly over the beans / rice / meat without covering their face and no mask. This happened about three times in a row, followed by one cough directed at the grill with a very slight arm-cover over the face. The person made eye contact with me right after doing it, and acted like it was totally normal. There's no place I've ever been or no person I've ever met who would find this normal or acceptable. We are aware that the pandemic is "over" in a lot of people's minds, but this isn't even just about a covid risk. In non-pandemic times, this would've shocked us and grossed us out. We still finished placing our orders and paid, and tipped 25% for whatever reason... but when we walked outside and sat down, we both started discussing it and how gross it was and decided not to eat, and we just left. We were talking about how we can't help but wonder "If this is what they do openly in front of customers, what should we think about their behind the scenes food prep or other actions they take around food and general cleanliness?" I'm more disappointed than outright mad about it, because we really loved coming here and now we're both honestly too grossed out to come back to this location again. You can't just have an employee coughing on the food like that. Again; I do hate to complain or take this to Yelp, but this is something that needed to be pointed out so that other people have a bit of a heads up. *1 star for this location specifically, and due to this experience. If you're looking for a review of Illegal Pete's in general, go to the 16th Street location. 5 stars, great food and very clean. read more

Once upon a time, I was a Chipotle fan and then I was a Qdoba fan and THEN I discovered Illegal Petes and now I am a super-fan. I had tried Illegal Petes a few times in college and enjoyed it but once my girlfriend reintroduced me many years later, I was blown away. I was suffering from Mono at the time (who even gets Mono when they are 26?!?) and the chicken and potato burrito that she so kindly brought me changed my life. It was, hands down, better than any burrito I had ever had from e coli-ridden Chipotle, or Qdoba. I quickly realized I was a fool for missing out on the best fast casual Mexican (albeit Americanized) food in CO. The potatoes here will change your life- I mean it. You must get the potatoes, they are worth the $.99. My go-to is a chicken burrito (or bowl with chips on the side) with potatoes and black beans, and pork green chili- and of course salsa and all of the other fixings. The breakfast burritos are so delicious and filling too! Illegal Petes is just so much fresher tasting and flavorful than it's competitors. I was so thrilled that this location opened- there is a parking lot in the back that can often times get very crowded or full so be warned. I most recently came here on a Tuesday night in the hear of the dinner rush (7pm) and the lot was completely full. I find that it's sometimes easier to get in and out parking on the street. The line was also way out the door but don't worry, it does move fairly quickly. I also love the staff at this location, they are super friendly and awesome and keep calm even when there is a huge line. If you have been going to the "other" fast casual Mexican restaurants, I high encourage you to make the switch like I did. You won't regret it. Support your local CO restaurants! Illegal Petes also has a music label- how cool is that?! read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - A "novel" of a burrito bowl - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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As a Colorado native, I can confidently say this place is the real deal for fast casual Mexican food in the area. The quality and the service beats Chipotle and Qdoba in every way possible. The prices are comparable so why would you go anywhere else? The breakfast burritos will give you life after a long night of drinking or if you wake up hangry like I often do. For lunch and dinner, I usually opt for a bowl with chips. I recommend adding green chili and potatoes to your burrito or bowl! If you don't do dairy, you can sub guacamole at no charge. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The heart wants what it wants - and this heart wants nachos. It's not an exaggeration to say that I'd happily eat Illegal Pete's once a week and not get sick of it. Heck, I could probably go even more frequently but let's not be too basic in this review. The burritos are good. Fish tacos equally as tasty. But my affections lie in their steak nachos, smothered in queso, guacamole, sour cream and pico. Grab a jarritos or a $5 margarita and you've got smiles for days. read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - My favorite - nachos and jarritos - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The burritos here are huge. Portions and toppings are much wider compared to Chipotle and all super delicious. Would be back again for a fast, cheap, and relatively healthy meal! read more

Do NOT use the online ordering here. We ordered a couple items on our drive here and only after you pay does it tell you that it won't be ready for 30 minutes. We were only ten minutes away. When we show up the cashier told us we were a bit too early. So we sat down waiting for our food, watching people move through the line efficiently while we stupidly wait for our burritos. After waiting at the restaurant for 20 minutes, I had to get the cashiers attention again before he finally went back to check on the food. He brought it too us with no apology or even a mention that it was completely ridiculous how long we had to wait after ordering ahead of time. I'd guess we could have gone through the line at least twice as the line was never longer than 10-15 people. Here are some suggestions. If a online order person walks in much earlier than the food will be ready, you could at least hand me the ticket and let me wait in line. It would have been twice as fast. Give an estimate on when the burritos will be ready BEFORE I pay so I can make an educated decision on whether it makes sense to order online or not. There is no reason an online order shouldn't be ready for 30 minutes when your average line length is only 10-15 people. As for the food. The burritos are decent but chipotle is better. read more

Update: After being contacted by Julie T. about the inconsistency mentioned in my previous review (posted below) the situation has notably improved. My regular order has been more consistent since speaking with Julie. I also appreciate the responsiveness following my review. Thank you for reaching out, my patronage will certainly continue. Additionally I'd like to shout out to the staff who are always friendly and attentive. Alright, I want to say that I hope to change this review someday. But I eat here about four times a week because I live a stone's throw away and the nearby alternatives aren't what I would consider high competition for the most part. I order the exact same thing every time, and I find it astonishing at how variable the quantity and quality is. It really has started feeling like a gamble whether I get my dollars worth or not. I'm definitely on the lookout for an alternative, but I wish the closest restaurant to my apartment was a little more consistent. When it's awesome it's awesome. When it isn't (about 40% of the time) it really is a letdown. Employees are always friendly and the place is always clean. But the lack of consistency is disappointing. read more

This is an awesome place for a cold beer and a delicious burrito! Great deal at happy hour too! You won't regret it.

Best Mexican food place, if you also consider Taco Bell Mexican food. Totes a dope spot. Great location. Great staff. Never had a bad experience, but sometimes the clientele can be spoiled pieces of garbage who bark orders at staff read more

After being back in Denver for 3 years now. Illegal Pete's is a fixture in my food cravings. Not only do they cater to just about everyone's trendy dietary restrictions, they have some more humanely raised pork and chicken. My favorite is hands down a carnita burrito with cilantro rice, black beans, pico, extra hot sauce, peppers, onions, and cheese and sour cream. If I take it home it goes in the oven for 15 to get extra piping hot. I almost always get guacamole and chips too. They have a nice happy hour with drink specials and with an adult drink you get free chips and salsa. The food is simple, delicious, and pretty consistent. The late night hours make me super happy on certain nights, cause sometimes you need a cuddly burrito at 1 AM. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of the local chain. Friends, family, and myself also recommend the breakfast offerings, taquitos, quesadillas, bowls, and queso. You really can't go wrong. I will say for a gringo establishment, the burritos remind me a bit of Que Pasa chips manufactury and cantina in British Columbia. read more

Illegal Pete's is very expensive and gross. My burrito was cold. It costs more to add a tiny portion of guac than buy an entire avocado.

To the girl working the cash register who apparently has a thing against the fork dispenser LEARN HOW TO SPEAK TO CUSTOMERS. My god, after being berated by her I heard her yell at other customers! People legitimately stopped in shock with how she spoke to customers. I'm sorry your fork dispenser isn't as clearly understandable as you think it is. Management please either get a new fork dispenser or get that girl off the line and away from customers! Food was still good but I'd never come to this location again because I don't want to interact with that employee. read more

So bummed...This is a great location in an old pancake house. Love the outside space too, and it is just what Capitol Hill needed, right on the 'fax! I ordered my food and brought my dog to sit outside of the patio enclosure on a nice afternoon, and while enjoying the atmosphere and my beautiful Illegal Pete's burrito, there were three people smoking, right by the entrance near the parking lot. I first went in to let the employees know, as I thought they might do something about it being so close to the door. But, NO! I mentioned to the smokers as I was leaving with my food, that they could have found a better place to smoke. They were very rude and didn't see how their smoking could be unacceptable so close to a food establishment. Later, I called back and spoke to a manager, who kind of apologized, and said he would send me a gift card to hopefully return. Sadly, no gift card has appeared, and I will not be returning to this location any time soon. Was a fan since their Boulder location opened up back in the 90's, but don't need to inhale cigarette smoke with my food. Very disappointing. read more

Five stars for this illegal Pete's. The other ones don't even compare. This one is pretty busy so I feel like the food is always fresher. The gentleman with the beard working around 4:45 was a great guy and didn't make me feel rushed at all like some people would at these kinda places. The employee running the cash register had a smile that would brighten anyone's day. This one is so much better than the rest your employees at this location always look happy and not stoned like other locations. I got a massive bowl with literally everything in it I'll be eating for the next 5 hours lol read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Bowl with literally every option but fish - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I eat here every time I'm back in town. Chicken pesto burrito. Chips and queso. Enjoy your happy moment.

This quick, tasty and no-frills Mexican food chain will satisfy all your food cravings! You can always count on finding a spot to sit whether it's the upstairs booth, by the bar or on the spacious patio! The best part is that Happy Hour seems to last all day (until 8 pm). Solid selection of local microbrews to choose from along with other fun cocktails. Sports fans will love the big screen TVs at the bar and on the patio. All in all, a casual hangout place with good food, great service and excellent patio! read more

Illegal Pete's - Colfax - Beer-battered fish bowl with chips - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Food was good. It reminds me of a chipotle but you don't have to pay extra for the chips if you get a bowl but guacamole is extra. Atmosphere is good and laid back. Pretty nice patio area read more

By no means is Illegal Pete's authentic Mexican food. It's closer to Chipotle than you'd expect, and I have qualms with something called "Illegal" but that's for another day. Food is fresh. I can't complain. I like that I can choose what I want on my orders. Most importantly it's about three things you can't get at Chipotle: breakfast quesadillas, fish tacos and nachos! Depending on the time of day, I will ONLY order one of these three items. Also, they have a sweeetttt happy hour that lasts from 3-8 every day. I've been known to have lunch or dinner here with a beer to do some work (did I also mention they have free wifi?). Come. Or not. It's fast, quick, affordable, and filling. A Colorado staple and a place I take all family and friends when they come visit. read more

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