Let me start by saying BEST fast-ish Colorado-mexi food ever!! Love me the queso nachos all the time! But I have been dismayed several times when trying to order a damn drink from the bar! What should be a perk to going here is an absolute FAILURE! I am still always SHOCKED that the same bartender works there! Guys, if your with a girl SEND HER TO GET THE DRINKS! Otherwise this flannel wearing dimwit will IGNORE you completely. This has happened more then once to myself, a few friends and we saw it happen a few time to other guys at the place! Half the time the dude is outside smoking and not even watching the bar?! I literally had to be that annoying guest who had to flap money around just to get the guys attention and there was NOBODY but a few of his co-workers at the damn bar! I haven't been back since but I certainly hope someone who values their business has taken notice and fixed this ridiculous issue. read more

So. Good. I love illegal petes. Their queso is to die for. But, we all already knew that. Instead, I'm writing today about their fish tacos because that was something that I never thought to order before. I always used to just get whatever I could ask for extra queso on. Sometimes even just chips. The queso is that good. But, their fish tacos are something else! It's my new go to for sure. They're delicious and light and awesome. The sauce that comes with it is great and overall they're a huge win. Not as amazing as Hole Mole's fish tacos, if I'm being totally honest, but not everyone can make it all the way out to Long Beach just for tacos! So, Illegal Pete's will just have to satisfy my fish taco cravings for now and for second best, they ROCK! read more

Seen this place a lot and it's always been full so I never bothered to go in. Finally did and I'm so glad that I did. I love Chipotle, but this place is better because you can add potatoes to your burrito bowl! Yum! And the steak is actual meat rather than gristle at other chains. Here I don't have to order the chicken to get real meat. Great place. Will probs have lunch here once a week. Although it is a little more expensive than Chipotle because you can add more options. read more

Illegal Pete's is one of my favorite go-to lunch spots when I can't decide on what I want to eat. This location is perfect for me coming from DU and I always seem to score awesome rockstar parking right up front (must be a sign that this is the place I should be coming to more often). The food is also always great. If you're craving a burrito - the concept seems better than some other burrito places around where each bite is individualized to the filling inside of your burrito (I.E. a bite of rice, a bite of chicken, an entire bite of sour cream leaving you with that WTF feeling). Illegal Pete's mixes up their burrito filling so that each and every bite you take, leaves you with a consistent satisfaction in knowing you are not going to have any unexpected bite surprises. If you are into cheese - they also have some of the best queso I have had. If I'm in the mood for a burrito, my go-to lately has been the chicken queso on a wheat tortilla (gotta keep it healthy somehow). If you're into the healthier fare, the salads are also quite tasty and reasonable. Another rad plus if you're down to get your drink on - is they have a bar in this location (I don't know about the other locations around town). This is a nice added touch if you want a good beer with your american-mexican fare. UGH! And this past time I went in and actually thoroughly read the menu while I was in line waiting - I noticed that THEY HAVE BREAKFAST BURRITOS! I am quite stoked to be able to come back and check this place out as that is my best go-to breakfast food. read more

I have to admit that I judge places (and people) on their originality. While it's true that you can walk outside of Illegal Pete's doors and find at least three very similar pseudo-Mexican food places within a one mile radius, I can't think of one that serves alcohol. That is the motivating factor in their four star rating. The half-inside, half-outside bar area with the so-cool-it-could-be-in-the-Highlands garage door design is the perfect place to grab a few drinks with friends. It is so easy to relax there because of the unpretentious vibe: a little bit of fast food, a little bit of college dive bar, but not a lot of snobbery. I love Illegal Pete's quesadillas. They are always stuffed to the brim with chicken, black beans, and veggies. I'm on a recent queso kick, too, mainly because of the delcious concoction they have at IP's. For what it is (a Mexican/fast food/local chain/bar) Illegal Pete's definitely deserves the four stars. read more

I am always craving a Margarita after a long day at work, and when I get off at 10pm, I don't have a lot of options. I convinced my friend to meet me here after work one night to get over a bad day... And boy did that help! Everyone was really friendly, especially the bartender, who overheard me complaining about my day, and said, "you had a bad day? Here, this one's on me". How sweet :) I always order taquitos - they are my favorite! They are covered with the most delicious cheese, and come with salsa and guacamole, and I ask for extra cilantro. After our awesome night, now we come here every Tuesday!!! Except...for last night. We decided to go on a Wednesday, since we both finished work at the same time. Best. Idea. EVER. I guess it's called flip night or something, but for every beer, margarita, or well drink you order, you get to flip a coin, and if you guess right... The drink is 25 cents!!!! I got the whole first round for 50 cents!!!! Woot! Not to mention- their margaritas are like my men, big AND strong. And affordable!!! Guacamole is the best, and salsa is delish. One night we went, and the music was quite a lot louder than we liked, but everything else trumps that. read more

Ian and I hit Illegal Pete's late on a Thursday after I landed in DEN. I got a great, custom-built burrito with all-natural meat and a nice local brewed Odell's IPA. Tables were available, but we got a seat at the bar, chatted up the friendly bartender and watched some people while we caught up. Fantastic food - great price - thorough beer selection on top of a full bar setup. Really tasty salsa as well! This may be a knockoff of another not-to-be-named burrito joint....but I'll choose Illegal Pete's every time! read more

This is my first time in an Illegal Petes, and our impression centered around a knockoff. This is the same concept as Chipotle, Moe's and Qudoba, literally exactly the same. You order the same. They serve you the same. You pay the same way. The difference here is the food is slightly better and the servers are more granola like. Other than than, slap a Chipotle sign on the roof and you wouldn't know the difference. For quick style Mexican there's nothing to complain about here, however. The meats/chicken/pork tastes fine and they aren't shy about proportions. When in the neighborhood for a DU game it's an easy place to grab a bite (and a drink, if you choose) without putting a hole in your pocket and is good for families, too. read more

Like chipotle but better. I like the salads and the bowls. The queso is amazeballs. Pro tip:Guac is free if you skip cheese and sour cream! Beware of the parking rules on the neighborhood streets. Disobey, and you WILL get a ticket. read more

I've never had an amazing burrito from Pete's. Once in a while I'll go into Chipotle and have an awesome burrito, but not here. The happy hour is decent, though I like the Pioneer's margs and beer selection better. The spiciest salsa here is wimpy, and needs a serious kick in the ass. This place was much more interesting when it first opened, now I find myself going to Chipotle more often again. read more

I love this place! Good, REAL drinks as a great place. Friendly, affordable, and some of the best tacos I've ever had! Every time I come here I have a good time and great happy hour. Fun atmosphere, great outdoor patio! I had the smothered burrito and that is A MANS MEAL. dog friendly which is awesome, fun for you and the WHOLE fam read more

After coming to IP's after only having been to Chipotle, I can definitely say the experience at Pete's was much better. Better atmosphere to sit and eat, with big TVs around the restaurant in addition to a full bar with good beers. Further, the food is just undoubtedly better. Rice is better, meat is better, beans are better, queso is better, etc... However, the reason I give it 4/5 and not a full 5 stars is because of the staff. The guys who work here are just an unpleasant lot to deal with - the staff at Chipotle is exponentially more professional and helpful. Try the queso! read more

The more I frequent Illegal Pete's the more I love it. And this location is no exception! The food is always super tasty and served with a friendly smile. I've noshed on everything from the breakfast fare to the veggie quesadillas (omg now that I've thought about it again, I want to ran back and get one) to the famed burritos. And of course, I can't fail to mention the awesome beer selection! Either on tap or in bottles, Illegal Pete's always has something local and fantastic that will hit the spot. The DU location is pretty hopping! You can oftentimes find live music here, which is pretty awesome. The outdoor patio/bar is a cool bonus for the area. My only complaint is that you can smoke out on the patio, which can be a bit overwhelming these days. While the Broadway location calls my name more often, I'm a fan of the DU Illegal Pete's! It's got all the great food and drinks that we've come to know them for with the cool atmosphere that I've grown to love. read more

This is a late night destination for me. I've never stayed to drink here. I think of Illegal Pete's as a better Chipotle with a bar. Whenever I've stopped here, the staff has always been helpful with recommendations. I've gotten the burrito bowl and also the upside down nachos. The burrito bowl is similar to Chipotle where you get meat, veggies, etc. The quality just seems very high to me. I'm never disappointed with the taste. Have you ever gotten nachos only to be disappointed that the chips underneath are soggy? Or maybe how you finish the toppings but then there's a mound of chips underneath destined to not have their quest to be smothered in nacho goodness completed? Well, I haven't had that experience thanks to upside down nachos. You can get all the toppings of nachos in one of their bowls and just get the chips on the side. It's such a clever idea. Your chips don't get soggy and you can put as much as you want on each chip instead of leaving it to roulette wheel of fate where the ladel pours the topping. Winner winner upside down nachos dinner! read more

Deeeelish. Breakfast - yum. Lunch - yum. Dinner - yum + beer. I ask them not to mix it up, but with a big menu, a great beer selection, and queso that is to die for, Illegal Pete's is my burrito joint of choice. read more

This location is pretty gross and dirty. Nothing looked or tasted fresh. The fish tasted like fryer oil that hadn't been changed in months. Maybe breakfast is a better time to go, before the place has been trashed all day. read more

Heard great things and was excited to try out theses taco, buuut had a little crunch when I bit down on a small stick in my taco. Becareful and Mr. Pete check yo self. read more

Illegal Pete's DU - A small stick in ma taco, no bueno...... - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Check this one off the to-do list!! I finally made my way to IP and boy was I excited. The original destination was the Chipotle by my house on Hampden, but when I got there (at 7 pm on a Sunday) all the lights were off and the door was locked!! WTF!!? So I thought would venture to the very first location on Evans (I was craving me some burrito), surly they'd stay open on a Sunday... Nope strike two! Since I was right there I had to go for it, having driven by IPs whenever I was on Evans it was only a matter of time before I'd find my way in. The time had come. As soon as I walked in it was a nice surprise. HDTVs, a big dining area, a big lit up area to order your food and a nice open (clean) kitchen. At this point I was glad Chipotle was closed, this place had promise and potential oozing from behind the counter I made a list on why IP is better than Chipotle IMO: 1. Much bigger menu with more variety of food 2. they have a full bar 3. super rad hour that lasts from 4-10 everyday!! 4. pickled jalapeños offered as a fixing, yumtastic! Oh, and they have Saracha too. 5. friendly and helpful staff 6. excellent tasting, super grande burritos 7. did I mention a full bar with awesome happy hour specials (1.50 pints of coors and bud, 6 dollar pitchers, free chips and salsa) 8. open later than 7 pm on a Sunday 9. different veggies other than just fajita veggies for the veggie burrito 10. they automatically mix everything together in your burrito for you! This may be my new spot for "fast-food" burritos. Move over Chipotle, there's a new kid in town, and being only a block away, you better pick up your game or you'll be moving off campus back home with Mommy. read more

Illegal Pete's is the best burrito chain, EVER! Highlights include: Queso, Nachos & breakfast burritos. For your breakfast burrito, I recommend getting chorizo and adding queso. Oh how I wish I had one of those right now!!!!! read more

Alright, up to 4 stars it is. I've been coming back here this summer and it's turning into my go-to spot. Happy hour from 4 PM-midnight, which is fantastic-I got a high quality beer (O'Dell) and 2 pitchers of Coors Light for $18 all together...not bad! $2 Coors and PBRs, $7 for pitchers of both. $4 Margaritas, cheap well drinks, free chips and salsa! And the food is the bomb...I had a steak quesadilla that really hit the spot. Muy bien, Illegal Pete's. Muy bien. read more

Burritos that give Chipotle a run for their money and a beer selection that makes my liver quiver. They use a spoon to mix up your burrito before they fold it - best idea ever. Was in Denver with some friends who live here and they highly recommended this place and for good reason. Its great! Awesome food, plenty of good beers on tap and an outdoor patio area with its own bar. If ever in need of a good burrito and a cold beer go here. You won't be disappointed. Its tastie! read more

While visiting Denver, I was jonesing hard for a good burrito. My nephew recommended Illegal Pete's, and I now am a fan. The Good: The selection! They have just about anything you could ask for. All kinds of burritos, tacos, and other Mexican items in between. There is beef, chicken, pork, veggies, potatoes, and even fish. They pretty much custom build your burrito right in front of your face, so there shouldn't be anything in there you don't like. I got the Big Potato Burrito, and filled it with guac, salsa, veggies (grilled red peppers and squash), and black beans. They also offer whole wheat tortillas if you want. The burritos are HUGE. Think of a huge burrito, and then think bigger. There are numerous selections of hot sauces to take to your table. Tabasco, Cholula, Jalapeno sauce, etc. I partook in generous amounts of Cholula. (See below) On a side note, I didn't experience any of the bad attitude from the staff that some people have reported. They were really nice, and even joked around with us a little. They were all wearing gloves, and I didn't see any flies (as one review mentioned). No problems at all. The Bad: It is very, very crowded and it takes a while to get through the line. It's worth it, but it's not that quick. It can be a little confusing to place your order if you've never been there. The menu doesn't really tell you exactly what comes with your item and what is extra. But just ask, and they'll tell you. My sister-in-law ordered the Fish Burrito, and she was disappointed that it was batter fried fish. She wasn't expecting that, and the menu doesn't indicate that the fish is fried. (They probably should just add a little note to the menu.) The Ugly: Nothing really ugly. It's a walk-up burrito place, so it's not a beautiful restaurant, but it's about average for a burrito place. Overall, I LOVE this place. I wanted to go back the next day, but due to the Cholula mentioned above, I thought I should probably hold off. Next time I'm in Denver, I'm hitting up Illegal Pete's. read more

I'm so sorry Chipotle... once Illegal Pete's opened on DU's campus, I literally never went back. If there is once restaurant that I could take with me to LA from Denver, it would be Illegal Pete's. The primavera burrito bowl is AMAZING!!! The people that work there really make the place for me too, they are awesome. Tons of seating, amazeballs food; it really doesn't get better. How I miss you. read more

Best burrito around, hands down. Pesto chicken is excellent. And throw in a solid bar with good drink specials. Never been much of a fan of Margs but theirs are excellent. And flip for it Wednesdays? Forget about it... Staff is down to earth regular people read more

I have always loved Illegal Pete's for their burritos. With so many new locations, I can usually find an IP someplace in Denver. As far as burritos, they are nothing special really. But I love 'em. What I really like that they do is that they mix up your ingredients before wrapping up the tortilla. Instead of a bite of rice, then a bite of cheese, then meat from those other guys - you get a perfect mixture, even Steven. Their breakfast burritos are off the chain! read more

The service and food was good but I took stars due to the smell. The restaurant smelled so bad of sewage and the longer we were there, the worse it was getting. We left feeling pretty gross. I no longer live in Colorado so I'm hoping this isn't a regular issue or I'd never go there again. Owners needs to check into the issue. read more

Well, I've been here before and it's usually pretty good, but today the food and service just weren't good. The woman taking orders was incredibly rude and she was also the person who made my entire burrito. She didn't listen to a word I said and put wrong things on and not things I asked for. When she was done, she threw it down angrily onto the plate and walked off. I don't expect someone to fulfill my every wish, but I at least expect the courtesy of being listened to. I don't think I will be going to this location. read more

Love this place!!! Open late, fast, friendly great food/enough said They keep it simple and do it right Potato green chilli soup is the best read more

Okay burrito bowls that will make due. Not as seasoned or flavorful as other similar chains. Long wait for meh food. (Hint: Go to the original chipotle next door when it reopens, at least that has the novelty of being the first) The atmosphere here is cool - perhaps better if you have the time to also grab a drink and sit at the bar but for a quick working lunch there are much better options nearby! read more

Normally I enjoy Illegal Pete's for a quick and affordable dinner, but tonight I had a super disappointing experience at this location, which may turn me away moving forward. I ordered 2 bowls online for pick up - one of which was veggie. Seems like if you select "veggie" as your protein option, the bowl would come with actual veggies. Instead I got a bowl of rice, salsa, cheese, and a side of queso for $9.50. When I called to see what happened, I was told "veggie" bowl was just for the price but you need to still select veggies to be added. That is in no way intuitive, and instead of being offered any form of correction or refund, I was told to order it differently next time. Not sure there will be a next time with that kind of response, as if I somehow should have known this as a customer. On top of that, the black beans on the 2nd bowl tasted as though an entire can of salt had been mixed with them, so it was not enjoyable to eat. Unfortunately, a waste of money tonight. read more

WOW! We've visited Illegal Pete's multiple times now since moving back to Denver in 2015 and have been impressed every single time! We've consistently had exceptional service, food and drinks! The food is quick-serve (order at the counter, not through a server); however, we've always had fast and friendly service from the bar as well. If you're looking for a fun, vibrant Mexican restaurant with fast (but really good) food, look no further! ENJOY! read more

Illegal Pete's maybe a typical burrito place. However, they have a few things that Qdoba, Chipotle, and others do not. For one, they have green chili.... mmmm. And a full bar.... mmmm And TV's with the game. Yaay! A shredded beef burrito bowl with red peppers, green chilli, and guacamole tastes ten times better than it sounds, and it sounds pretty good. read more

Absolutely terrible service from a bartender at the illegal Pete's DU location. Very disappointed and won't be returning. If you hire people who use racial slurs, something is WRONG with your establishment. read more

I really like that if you don't get any cheese or sour cream that you get guacamole for no extra cost!! BONUS. I find myself craving this place...it's always awesome. read more

Excellent customer service from every single person working. The atmosphere is laid back and the food is SO WONDERFUL! The variety and options was exactly what I was looking for. The green clili is that perfect combination of spicy and addicting. I couldn't put down my fork. I rarely write reviews but I decided to tonight because Illegal Petes deserves a good review. They know how to run a restaurant! read more

Not the most satisfying meal I've ever had. The steak and potato burrito wasn't very good. I wish I had gone somewhere else read more

Good place to fix that evening hankering for chips and salsa. This location is always busy. The staff could be a bit friendlier, since they are getting paid to deal with customers. The location at the Tech Center is much better for customer service. read more

Sadly, I go here so often that when I walk in the door I can here the "Cheers" theme song play... "where everybody knows your name." Except instead of walking into a place to hang with friends and talk life problems through, I am usually stumbling in with people I know as well as strangers and preparing myself to guzzle some queso and decorate my shirt with chip sprinkles. Regardless these dudes make a mean burrito, set of nachos, quesadilla, or tacos. whatever tickles your fancy, they will take your direction, give their undivided attention, turn on their listening ear, and deliver a meal to you exactly as you ordered it to be made! (Disclaimer: for those who have not been here it is much like a chipolte assembly line). Also, if you are going to come to Illegal Pete's on Evans. Grab a beer at the bar (outside if it's nice), look for a man with a beard (I think every dude that works here has a beard), and enjoy. Great serice, great food, great late night hours. Always a good time in the DU hood. read more

YUM. Illegal Pete's is the same concept as Chipotle but better in my opinion. There food packs a little more spiciness which I enjoy. Otherwise its basically the same assembly line concept and same ingredients to choose from. You also get chips with your meal included. I ordered a rice bowl and the chips made an awesome liasion for inserting said Mexican jumble into my mouth. read more

Despite my issue it was resolved fairly quickly and it is still a great establishment!