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    Illegal Pete's - Pearl

    3.7 (350 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Illegal Pete's - Pearl Takeout or Delivery

    Illegal Pete's - Pearl Photos

    ILLEGAL PETE'S - PEARL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Illegal Pete's - Pearl

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    Nachos!   All of our favorite ingredients, a mountain  topped with lots of cilantro.
    Sara M.

    What a nice chance to visit Pete's on Pearl Street again. It's been a while and I have to say, the people are as friendly and helpful as ever. We had our favorite option, their design-it-yourself nachos. The portion was huge as you can see in the picture. They were especially generous with the barbacoa, tender moist shredded beef, not greasy at all, their famous queso, guac, and many more items. They were amused that I asked for lots of cilantro as I am almost addicted to it. I recognize many people have a different reaction to cilantro, but I have been know, when in a group and those people try to pass off their decorative sprigs from their plates, I am always a willing taker. My husband had one of his favorite beers and I had their always fresh iced tea. The music was not to my liking today but it varies a lot and often is just great. Everyone is welcome here, from families with young children, seniors like us and many college age and 20 somethings as well as middle aged professional. Since to was Easter weekend, a large group of college aged adults came in all wearing pink bunny eared headbands. Very cute. We will continue to frequent this location. Even with the issues that have been apparent in very recent times on the Mall, on a day like today, it seemed like people were making an effort to enjoy themselves. The holiday atmosphere help a lot. And I have neve had bad service from the staff in more than a dozen visits.

    Grilled chicken bowl
    Keenan T.

    This Chipotle-style Mexican eatery serves up some good fare at reasonable prices. My colleagues recommend their burritos. I chose a bowl to make eating easy. You can customize your bowl with the various toppings on offer. The adjacent bar area is for those who want to have drinks. My bowl was portioned well for lunch. I wouldn't mind coming again. Next time I'm going for their generously portioned nachos.

    a refrigerator covered in stickers
    Matt C.

    I was downtown Friday picking up some race stuff, when I needed to carb and protein load for my run. Lucky I was next to IPs! I've personally never tried it but was pretty impressed! I grabbed some Baja fish tacos and a lager. The food was fresh, fish crispy, and salsa flavorful. Really enjoyed it and would grab again. Living in co fish can be hot or miss. Beer was fresh too. Great time and will return! Of course I forgot to take a food photo before I ate it so fast.

    House Lager.  Only available at Illegal Pete's.
    Brian N.

    Fast casual restaurant with cheap margaritas and beers. Think of this as similar to Chipotle or Qdoba with alcoholic beverages. Ordering is fast and efficient as you order at the counter and select all the ingredients you want in your burrito, bowl, taco, or quesadilla. Bowls come with either tortillas or chips on the side. We also added a small side of queso to go with the chips, and it was quite tasty! The have daily happy hour from 3-8PM with specials on the house margaritas, house beer, chips & queso. Overall, would definitely recommend for fast casual dining or even stopping by for happy hour and some chips & queso.

    Alisa J.

    This food is just ok. I've had take out a couple times and haven't been amazed by anything. I don't like the flavor of their olives and I don't know why. I've had canned olives before, but these ones have a super weird flavor that I've never experienced anywhere else. The steak burrito was ok. Good filling to meat ratio but the steak was chewy as I found the other stuff in there to be kind of dry as well. Good spice level though. Overall nothing amazing and there's way better food elsewhere.

    Baja fish tacos
    Richard H.

    Great place to enjoy freshly made baja fish tacos and Mexican bowls! Sports bar atmosphere, great selection of beers and three sport screens to catch a game or watch espn highlights. I highly recommend their baja fish tacos on soft flour tortillas.

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    Photo of Sasha B.
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    6 months ago

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    24 days ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    So good and they mix up the stuff in the burrito before rolling it up. Cool vibe. Service was quick and build it yourself style

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    By far the worst breakfast burrito I've ever had in my life. The cheese and potatoes were straight up cold... would not recommend at all

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

    This is the better version of Chipotle! I ordered the nachos and they were so good. I love this place and can't wait to go back!

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    10 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Not very friendly. Really only cares about their "regulars" and everyone else has to adapt.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The food is passable but the staff moves like they've been stoned for 180 days straight.

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

    Good. I love Illegal Pete's, but this location has skimped a bit on my burrito fillings. Good and affordable place on Pearl, though.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good food at a decent price. Easy to eat low carb there. Fast service. Nice to eat out locally once in a while.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Illegal Pete's - Pearl

    Do you have gift cards?

    We sure do! If you want a physical card, you can purchase those in any one of our 12 stores. We also offer digital gift cards. They can be used at any store or for online ordering, just like any physical card. Those can be purchased online here -… Read more

    I used to get a burrito here called the gambler, anyone remember what was in it?

    Hey Daniel! A "gambler" burrito isn't a specific build - you can add "gambler" sauce (aka Chipotle Ranch) to any burrito. Just ask! :)… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    4.7(78 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Went to Cozobi Fonda Fina and honestly... I'm still thinking about it…read more First of all, the space? Cute. Like "casually taking pics of my drink like I'm a food critic now" cute. The staff? Absolute angels. Kind, attentive, and somehow keeping up with our we'll just try one more thing energy. Now let's talk about the food... WOW. We basically ordered the menu like we were in a competitive sport, and not a single miss. Every dish came out like it had something to prove... and succeeded. Delicious doesn't even feel like a strong enough word. 10/10 would go back and pretend I have self-control next time.

    I've eaten at Cozobi many times and it easily sits in the top three of my favorite restaurants in…read moreColorado, which is saying something because I've had the chance to dine at many spectacular places while living here. Yesterday was a beautiful day in Boulder. I spent most of it riding around on my motorcycle, but on my way down from the canyons I had a hankering for some truly authentic Mexican food. As soon as my stomach started growling I knew I had to stop in for a bite. Everything, as always, was perfectly seasoned, balanced, and cooked with love. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is some of the best food you'll ever eat. Chef Johnny Curiel has done an impeccable job curating a near perfect menu. From drinks to dessert and everything in between, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, on this menu that will leave you feeling unimpressed. I've spent practically my entire adulthood in the restaurant industry. I've dedicated even more of my time cooking for, drinking with, and serving the people I love. You can taste and feel that same passion here at Cozobi. As always, I leave impressed and wanting more. Places like this are the reason I keep coming back to Boulder's dining scene, and I'll happily continue recommending Cozobi to friends any chance I get.

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    Cozobi Fonda Fina - Costra de NY strip - Steak taco with a layer of crispy cheese

    Costra de NY strip - Steak taco with a layer of crispy cheese

    Cozobi Fonda Fina

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    Tierra y Fuego Taqueria - Mole Poblano Dinner

    Tierra y Fuego Taqueria

    4.6(79 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    The breakfast burrito was really delicious. They put hash rounds similar to cfa in the burrito as…read morewell as crispy bacon and non greasy chorizo. Also, they give you a choice of mild, medium, or spicy authentic salsa to accompany it. The spicy salsa was wonderful! Maybe a 5/10 heat level but paired beautifully with the crispiness in the burrito. Quick service too for carry out

    Sadly can't recommend this place. The night I went the whole restaurant was being ran by teen boys,…read morewhich is fine. They were working really hard and trying their best, but there was no adult to assist them in the front and it was a super busy night. They were very young and there were issues that were arising that needed adult guidance. I can't even comment if the food was good or not because I left before I got it. The first time my tacos came out it was only half of the order and there was a large, super moldy lime on my taco. I told the young boy and he was very polite about it took it back to the kitchen, but then a few seconds later just brought the same tacos out. I told him I didn't want the same food and wanted it fresh, that might be dramatic for most but for me with an immune disorder i can't risk it. I waited for a while, but I was turned off enough by the whole situation that I didn't wanna eat there anymore so I just left no refund or anything. Sad, I wanted to like this place.

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    Tierra y Fuego Taqueria - Aftermath of chilaquiles

    Aftermath of chilaquiles

    Tierra y Fuego Taqueria - Chips, rice & beans and huarache  & taco.

    Chips, rice & beans and huarache & taco.

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    Brisket Huarache

    Santo - Chicken burrito.

    Santo

    4.0(299 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    Honestly, we lucked out with lunch here. We got in just in time -- after us, they stopped seating…read morefor lunch and only the bar was open. This was an impromptu choice while we were in Boulder, and it truly lived up to its reputation as a Michelin Guide restaurant. Food & Taste We tried the lamb tacos and chicken enchiladas (with both red and green sauces). The lamb tacos were delicious, though slightly on the oily side -- something we did share as feedback. The chicken enchiladas were the highlight. The flavors took me back to Santa Fe -- well-balanced, rich, and comforting. The chicken was cooked well and, importantly for me, had no off smell, which I'm usually quite particular about. Vegetarian / Vegan Options They do have vegetarian and vegan options like sweet potato enchiladas and veggie torta quesadillas, which is great to see. Service The staff is helpful and patient, happy to answer questions and guide you through the menu. Ambience The space has a boho vibe, and the clean restrooms are a plus. Overall A great find in Boulder -- flavorful food, thoughtful service, and definitely worth trying if you can get a spot

    Still one of my favorite eateries in Boulder. Today, across town as well as the nation, eateries…read moreare celebrating National PI (3.14) Day with pizza places and dessert bakeries dominating . But Santo stepped up and offered all day availability for its traditional Happy Hour Frito Pie, which we have ordered for years. It's a combo beyond the homemade simple Frito Pie you might have grown up with. It's a mix of Fritos, chorizo, green chile, a cheese blend, crema Mexicana and chopped scallions and red onion served in a cute bowl, no old school Frito bag. It's delicious and can be ordered with additional toppings or some guacamole in the side as we did with the house made blue corn chips. Since it was an early lunch to be sure we would beat any possible power outages as threatened by wind today I had the house made hibiscus agua fresca and my husband had a classic root beer. It was a perfect lunch on a sunny but potentially very windy spring day. Staff was awesome as usual.

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    Santo - Ambience

    Ambience

    Santo - Sopapillas

    Sopapillas

    Santo - Our lunch drinks

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    Our lunch drinks

    Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Chicken Chimichanga

    Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

    3.9(516 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I had been to the Lafayette location more than a decade ago and never returned. It simply did not…read moresuit me at all. I recently saw that a different family group operated this one in a very convenient part of Boulder so I decided to give it a try. A favorite classic family run restaurant with a similar menu had closed in 2014 after being in operation for 20 years. We missed that sort of menu. This is it, all the way to type of sopapillas and the classic plates with rice and beans , sauce and melted cheese. The family appeal carries through from hosts to servers to clearing staff. The menu is large though it appears that most only vary by central item. The entrees all come with the same sides and a sauce. Next time I will ask for light sauce as it pretty much buried my tamales. They need to stand out and shine and I love the taste of masa. The server was right on the spot with our drinks and we had a comfortable and clean booth. Chips and salsa were at the table as we were seated. They are plainer than some in town but still fresh and classic and free, just like Casa Alvarez, our old classic. The place was buzzing with customers young and old a perfect place for a comfortable and swiftly served meal. The space filled up quickly and though they have an enclosed patio and an open patio, not a soul for takers including us, on a 30° degree evening with a "breeze" so there was a line for tables as we left. We'll be back in a warmer weather and customize our plates a bit. It's friendly and filling and for anyone. And easy on the wallet too. Nice to have a family friendly spot like this in an easy to park shopping center with McGuckins in the lead.

    Since changing locations, the portion sizes are significantly smaller, with incredible price…read moreincreases. The economy is not at total fault for the portion sizes and increased costs. And the quality has decreased substantially, comparing this to the former location. Overall, so disappointing!!!!! Service has certainly gone downhill, as there seems to be entitlement involved. The servers attitudes have also gone the wrong way. The ambiance has certainly gone away!!!!

    Photos
    Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Bar at Efrain's

    Bar at Efrain's

    Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Street Street Style Tacos (3)

    Street Street Style Tacos (3)

    Efrain's of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Enclosed patio was pleasant.

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    Enclosed patio was pleasant.

    Wapos - Fish tacos

    Wapos

    4.1(142 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    Jean today was the best! First time at this North Boulder restaurant and it was tasty! Location is…read moreright off Broadway in a cool Boho art district thing. Other shops around too and they have a nice big patio, and a cool bar window table thing! Interior is best described as beach house which is a cool vibe on a sunny day. Lots of beer and drink options and happy hour, I just got a Tecate after my hike but I'll try a Marg next! They have a lot of options food wise but I went conservative with a chicken smothered burrito and enjoyed it! I'd recommend getting the sour cream and guac, and I got some rice on the side too. Free chips & salsa which is awesome! Everything tasted homemade and filling, and the sauces were flavorful with a zing but not overly spicy. Jean was very nice and service was great, very fast and attentive. Can't wait to go again and try something new!

    What an awesome spot. Authentic food, kind staff and great service. The patio has heat lamps and is…read moredog friendly which is awesome. It's so cute. Tucked away right by the mountains. Overall the food was great. The chili verde burrito was the perfect amount of spice and the carnitas were awesome. Fajitas were great, incredible flavor and the shrimp was delicious. The only thing that wasn't great was the queso. It was practically flavorless so we mixed it with salsa which helped a ton. Overall great experience and we will definitely be back.

    Photos
    Wapos - Interior

    Interior

    Wapos - Chips and salsa

    Chips and salsa

    Wapos - Side window

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    Side window

    Illegal Pete's - Pearl - mexican - Updated May 2026

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