ILLEGAL PETES SHOULD BE FRANCHISE IN NORTHGLENN...WE LOVE THE AMERICAN BREAKFAST HERE.... My mother in law loves your decaf coffee.The server and employees are very sweet.we like you so much we hope you can franchise near our neighborrhood... the locations here are better... read more

Very good food good atmosphere quality food with good choice of beers I tried chicken Brito it was very delicious and local craft beers are top notch Music is loud so you are in party mood . If you are in downtown in Denver make sure you have a meal hare Good value for your money read more

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

I feel like I can sum this place up as the delicious, hipster cousin to Chipotle that is down for a good time. The place gives off a total dive bar feeling, but when you look closely it is really all for appearances. The menu is more expansive than Chipotle, but the ordering style is nearly identical with nearly identical options. The flavors though I really enjoyed. The chicken especially stood out as being cooked more tenderly and with a better flavor. In addition to the good food at reasonable prices, there is also a fully stocked bar attached which is highly convenient being downtown. Staying open late on a Sunday night was also a big plus for us. read more

We visited after a night of drinking in LoDo. I thought this place was going to be amazing but I was disappointed. I was looking forward to a quesadilla but it did not sit well. I usually can demolish a meal after a night of drinking but I stopped after one slice . I don't think I was a fan of the cheese they used in their quesadillas. Their nachos were very satisfying. I would go for their nachos next time . read more

Standard, for a hipster Tex-Mex place. I loved the interior, but found the food to not be any more or less delicious than any other place of its kind. It was very affordable and fresh. Service was friendly. Happy hour until 8p allowed me to score a margarita for $4.50! read more

Illegal Pete's Lodo - Chicken bowl, margarita - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Illegal Pete's makes a darn tasty burritos. Simple as that. Oh, and they're plenty big to satisfy a hearty appetite. Normally, I get the some variety of dead cow mixed in there with some black beans, rice, and assorted other yummy fillers. Add a touch of sour cream and their signature sloppy guacamole which looks like the runs but tastes just fine, and you're good to go. read more

Had the Steak Tacos. The meat was really good, the sign says Niman Ranch Beef and it was very lean and tender with a great marinade. I think a Burrito or Rice bowl would have been a better choice only because the Guac was extra on the tacos. The salsa and pico was also very good and fresh. The fountain drinks were Pepsi products but hey had Mexican Coke in bottles which is the best anyway. Atmosphere is very plain if that's what you care about go down the block to Chipotle. I'll make this a place a regular stop for sure. read more

Enjoyed my first experience at Illegal Pete's! I thought the menu was diverse and had more options that most competitors. Specifically, I had a coworker challenge me to compare IP's to Chipotle- here's my synopsis: 1) Quality and portion size: very similar, but edge to IP's. I chose the steak bowl, which is what I normally get at a Chipotle. One of my favorite things about IP's was that it came with a small bag of chips! 2) Environment: definite advantage to IP's. As a Latino that grew up playing lotería, I was ecstatic to see artwork that paid homage to the childhood favorite! They've got plenty of paintings across the room, in addition to a bar and TV sets (which I used to watch my Spurs win). That's probably enough for this review. Price was $12, but that was because I added guacamole and a Dos Equis with my dinner! read more

Illegal Pete's just sounded badass when I first seen the name pop up in yelp. I happened to be wandering around the 16th street mall after having explored Union Station when hunger and thirst set in. I started the pata-mobile and headed on that way. One of the first things that caught my eye and admiration was the sign on the door saying "everyone is welcome here regardless of religion, gender, etc." Once inside I ordered up some food which is basically a chipotle-ish ordering style offering almost the same exact menu as the fore mentioned. Chips and guacamole/queso were delicious. Beers also run very cheap here. I had me a few, ate my apps and biz-ounced. I could have easily stayed here longer if not for having a 2 hour time limit on the parking meter for my auto-mobile. I will definitely be back. read more

So much better than Qdoba and Chipotle! I wish I lived here so I could eat this all the time. The chicken had great flavor, the servings were very generous and the staff were friendly and patient with all my questions. The guac was tasty and the queso spice level was a standout! read more

I missed you Illegal Petes. Didn't plan on eating here, but glad my friend and I did. Happy hour $4 margs and my favorite chicken pesto burrito- so good! Free chips & salsa during happy hour when you buy any drink at the bar. read more

Is it blasphemy to say this place is better than Chipotle? Illegal Pete's, thank you for your delicious flavors, multiple tasty gluten-free options, inexpensive drinks, and cool atmosphere... Will you marry me? read more

Illegal Pete's Lodo - Is it blasphemy to say this place is better than Chipotle?... - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Illegal Pete's has grown its name as being one of the finest burrito spots akin to those of Chipotle and Q'Doba, but has set itself apart by not turning into a smiley, sing-a-long chain. While I still love the other two mentioned, Pete's has more character. PLUS, it's a sleeper when it comes to a go-to place for a drink. I stop in to the 16th Street mall locale 4-5 times a week first because it is literally right off my bus stop but now because the service and specials are second to none. Free chips and salsa, $2.50 coors light pints and $4 margs from 5-10 daily? Sign me up. Plus the girls who work here are among the cutest in Denver, which just adds to the 5 stars. Hell, I'd go 6 if I could... read more

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

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Ok, so we arrive late in the evening in Denver on a Friday evening -- After already have been snubbed by a pretentious place, we were just looking for a place that wasn't filled to the brim, or had super high expectations of their clientele. A very generous barista pointed us in the direction of Illegal Pete's, and it was the best decision made of the night. I walked in and instantly felt at home. No pretentious vibes, just good smells, good sounds, and decent people hanging out. I would gladly give away all of the Chipotles for one Illegal Pete's the options are so much better, and the product was killer. Tables may be slightly dirty from forgotten patrons, but we managed. Local tip - If you're thinking of ordering the nachos -- be certain to place the potatoes on the bottom, so it absorbs all the deliciousness your tortilla chips can't contain. I super like you, Illegal Pete's. You brought some joy to my hectic evening. I'll be back. read more

Had family visiting from out of town and thought this would be a decent place to grab a quick lunch... What a complete dump! Mediocre food combined with horrible service and an unsanitary environment. One salad and two orders of fish tacos took 25 minutes to arrive. How long should it take to take pre-prepared protein, couple it with pre-prepared garnishes, and slap them on a tortilla in a paper box?? Luckily we were able to squeeze in and wait between the trash and fly-infested tables. Looking for Mexican in LoDo? Try the authentic food of El Corazon, the well-delivered service of the Rio Grande, or the gourmet-quality offerings of Tomayo. The Health Department should declare Illegal Pete's actually "illegal" and the long-term residents of LoDo (such as me)should do our part to usher them out of the neighborhood and replace them with a quality establishment in this great location on 16th Street.... read more

Illegal Pete's Lodo - Trash all over the seating area. No one bussed a single table in the 45 minutes we endured this hole. - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The grilled chicken bowl hit the spot. This downtown location is super busy, but the line moves quickly. read more

I stopped by for a snack on NYE. My friend had sung the praises of Illegal Pete's for some time, and I was super excited to try it. I had a carnitas taco and a chicken taco. The tortillas were fantastically fluffy. The chicken and carnitas were perfectly flavored. I loved all the fun topping options. The guacamole was perfectly flavored and creamy. The staff were super friendly, and the service was fast. I had a good time and will definitely be coming back! read more

Illegal Pete's Lodo - Carnitas and chicken tacos. The lettuce added a nice texture but obscured the delicious innards. - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Illegal Pete's is solid as a late night or budget eatery. Otherwise, nothing truly has any depth of flavor and you find yourself needing to drown your meal in sauces. Think college style eating when you were broke and really hungry. read more

the food is flavorless has a fishy taste almost, the cherry on top is when i got a WATER cup and put WATER in it the employee thought it was sprite and he came to my table and took my cup and cussed at me then proceeded to throw it away. read more

It was our first time here. Food was great with good portions. The original margarita is the best I have ever had! I WISH I LIVED CLOSER!

I've been to this Illegal Pete's location twice. It's a great option downtown that sits between 16th and Union Station. It successfully breaks up the monotony of the many cookie-cutter Brodo-esque bars that are so ubiquitous in this area. Not to mention that they have amazing food (as do all of their locations) that's both far more tasty, unique, AND reasonably priced than many of the chains in the area. It's a smaller location than some others, so on Friday and Saturday nights it's hard to get a table and pretty much standing room only, so keep that in mind. read more

I eat this on a weekly basis, truly one of the best restaurants on the planet, chipotle could never

Illegal Pete's is wayyyyy better than chipotle, qdoba, pancheros, etc. Beat place, excellent food. I got a kids burrito and it was PLENTY of food. I will definitely be coming back my next Denver trip. Two thumbs up! read more

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

Solid food. Was a little disappointed on my last visit opting for the burrito bowl. VERY skimpy. My original visit I got a burrito and was thrilled. I'm a veggie so lots of options. Potatoes. Peppers. Broccoli. Rice. All that. Nachos, tacos, various proteins. Solid place with a cool vibe. Full bar against one wall. A must see when in Denver. You're already doing something on 16th street mall anyway. Bring your out of town friends in here for a real taste of Denver. read more

Illegal Pete's is SUCH a quality steal. The first time I ordered, I was blown away by the quality ingredients, amount of food, and even a side you get for under $10 (I ordered their build your own bowl). It will be hard ever getting Chipotle or a comparable option again, as this Illegal Pete's blows all competition out of the water. read more

There are a few of these outposts- saw one in Boulder too. But my first experience was here in LoDo. Didn't disappoint! But definitely get your burrito "smothered"-I think it would be a bit dry without that. Also gives it a nice flavor read more

I understand the Covid is pounding the restaurant industry but man. Delivery of a burrito and other items which where missing. Lackluster. Sad. Free of all flavor. Just a bummer. We are trying to support local business but your making it really hard. read more

Want a five star burrito, but not a five star price tag? Get your butt over here already! Illegal Pete's is the bar-setter for what all other build-your-own burrito shops strive to achieve. The ingredients are super fresh and packed full of flavor. I was sold when they said I could add pork green chile to an already perfect burrito. Mind. Blown. Anytime I'm in Denver, I make it a priority to find an Illegal Pete's to satisfy that craving I can't get back home. Do yourself a favor and get here so your life can cease to be filled with mediocre burritos. read more

Best burrito joint in the city. Very convenient on the 16th Street Mall. Chipotle for grown-ups with better taste. Enjoy! read more

I love stopping in to Illegal Pete's for lunch during the work week. It's delicious! And they have queso!! My only gripe is the long lines! But can't complain too much about that, it is a great place for lunch, and they do a good job at having a lot of staff working to get the line moving. I tend to wait and go in for a later lunch (~2pm) to avoid the lines. I do find the price to be a little high for what I get (2 tacos), but I'll keep going back (on occasion). read more

As a server described it to me, this is a "mission style" Mexican food place. Tacos, burritos etc. You st And in line cafeteria style while your tacos or burritos are made for you as you select the ingredients. I had a burrito, pretty generous size for around $8. It also has a full bar adjacent to the food area (you ordering pay for alcohol separately). Sort of divey but good food at a reasonable price! read more

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

Another review said the long line moves quickly - not in my experience! If you're at the door in line, expect to wait 20 minutes to get food. However, the food was good, I'd say better flavor than chipotle. What stood out to me were the people! Bartender was friendly and attentive, food preppers were funny and helpful. 100% be back if there isn't a line! read more

Just ordered lunch from IP's and come to find out and their not the only one's that don't take cash now! So are they going to give you your order for free, probably not. I though it was against the law not to take cash, I was told now by the cashier they didn't because they were a private company. So in my eyes they like to discriminate on people that dont participate in having credit cards or if you homeless you SOL! Shame on them and go somewhere else there more then one Mexican food restaurant in Denver.... read more

We came here last Friday night visiting Colorado from California. The staff here are super nice & the food & drinks were delish. I had a shredded beef bowl & my boyfriend had the coors fish burrito. read more

Jeremy is killer...makes the best fish taco in town. Fire!!!! The shredded beef taco with potatoes also fire! read more

I was in Denver, Colorado for a mini trip. We were in the downtown area and was really hungry. I stumbled upon this place on Yelp and thought that name was really cool so we decided to eat here. It's like a chipotle with a bar in it so that's pretty cool. The service was amazing, the staff was friendly and helpful. The food was pretty good! I ordered the bowl and chips and salsa came with it! Awesome! That's a plus because at chipotle you would have to pay extra. If I visit Denver again, I would totally come back! read more

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

TLDR: Chipotle tastes way better Long version: This place is always busy, so a friend and I decided to give it a try. Staff was friendly and helpful, and the place was clean. Music was not too loud and it was fine overall. But . . . the food just didn't taste that good. When I go to Chipotle, I can't stop eating it. The chicken at Chipotle is seasoned really well. I just tastes really good. At Illegal Pete's, I was struggling to finish my meal. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't that good either. Nothing that I would ever get a craving for. Now, this restaurant has other things going for it. The bar might be really good, with good drink specials. They show sports games on TVs, which Chipotle doesn't do. So, there are other pluses going for it besides the food that may contribute to its popularity. But, for me, flavor is king, and this place just doesn't have it. read more

This place never disappoints. I always get the burrito bowl- chicken with extra fajita vegetables. They have an array of fresh toppings. My SO gets the pork burrito- it's freaking HUGE and soooo good. Try the queso! TLDR: It's kind of like a hippie Chipotle with a bar. read more

*bag. Nothing 'funny'. Simply a takeout bag. I forgot to get a take out big for my burrito as I was having so much fun with the people working at the LoDo location. read more

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Met up with some friends here before the Doors Open Denver Historic LoDo Tour (very cool tour by the way). They have a cute little patio where we found a table. I made the mistake of eating just before I came out, so I didn't get to grub here, but I did make use of their bar! They've got the usual suspects on tap, including Hazed & Infused and Blue Moon, of which I partook. They don't have a bartender behind the bar unless the bar is busy. So, you gotta wave over the food order guy to draw your beer occasionally, but he was very attentive and never made me wait. There is some interesting people watching to be had on this patio (mexican wrestling mask guy, cowboy boots & pinstripe suit guy, just to name a couple). This is a cute spot and I will definitely stop in here again for a brew and hopefully some grub next time. read more