Illegal Pete's is an absolute gem. If you enjoy Chipotle, this place takes it to the next level. The ingredients taste fresh, the portions are generous, and every bite is packed with flavor. The menu offers plenty of customization, making it easy to build the perfect meal. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the atmosphere is welcoming. From the perfectly seasoned meats to the fresh toppings and delicious sauces, everything comes together amazingly well. Definitely one of the best fast-casual Mexican restaurants I've tried, and I'll be coming back again. read more

I thought the food was fine but not great. The green chili was disappointing for me. I do appreciate they carry their "taco night" vegan filling though and have lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The counter service was weird when I came by on a Saturday late eve in January (I couldn't even tell if the food counter was open or closed for the first few minutes). Felt like a chipotle with a sport bar and loud music. I wouldn't eat here again especially with all the great burritos, fresh made tortillas and chilli options in the area. They often have a long line. it's seems very popular with the college crowd. My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite! read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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First time Friday lunchtime stop at Illegal Pete's did not disappoint! I went with the tri-tip nachos, and wow--the meat was grilled to perfection, the portion was massive and definitely worth the price. The hot salsa was a standout--packed with flavor and just the right kick of heat. Lots of people are comparing this place to Chipotle and honestly, they are two totally different products at the end. IPs food was flavorful and the meat was nice and juicy (which is something that's hit or miss at Chipotle). I also appreciated that they had so many topping options like having calabacitas as a topping - I mixed it that the fajita veggies and it was delish! The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall good vibes. Since it was during the time the students were gone, the restaurant wasn't too crowded, but I can easily see it being a fun, lively spot on a busy Friday night. With two bars (one upstairs and one downstairs), and full patio seating, there's plenty of room to grab a drink, and sitting upstairs gave me some cool views of the University strip. It's on University so parking is something to consider if you aren't on foot. There's the parking garage behind the storefronts and incredibly limited street parking. It's also very easily accessible using the streetcar and within walking distance of most of the neighborhoods surrounding and of course the U of A campus. Generous portions, great flavors, friendly service, and a cool setting--it all made for a really solid experience. I'll definitely be back to try out their Coors battered fish tacos! read more

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This place overall has decent burritos and decent food. The place though can always be crowded due to kids partying or drinking which can make it so you won't get your food for a while. You'd also have to be careful with the people waiting in line after you get your food as there will be those who will try and steal your food or try to take your food from you if you're not careful. As for the ambiance, it's overall fine at best just crowded but still a decent place to hang out with your friends if you're hungry. read more

The girlfriend and I stopped by Illegal Pete's for lunch 8/15/2025 for our first time and was pleasantly surprised. We ordered the steak nachos with all the fixings-and wow, they did not disappoint! Everything tasted super fresh and flavorful, from the juicy steak to the roasted vegetables and delicious cheese sauce. It was a generous portion too-definitely satisfying. The staff was very friendly and helpful, especially since it was our first time. They took the time to explain all the toppings options without making us feel rushed. The atmosphere inside gave an "upscale Chipotle" feel but much more polished and inviting. Clean tables, clean restrooms- always a plus too! Prices were right in line with what you'd expect- definitely fair for the quality and portion size. Overall , a great experience and I recommend. read more

Illegal Pete's - Steak nachos - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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this bartender was awful and looked at me in my eyes while I asked her for a drink and completely ignored me unacceptable service should not be in this industry terrible read more

Illegal Pete's - She proved to drink alcohol in the job and serve only her friend this is terrible service. - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Went for lunch while visiting campus. Food was average. Staff was very friendly. Great location.

Ah yes. This place. IPs is a place for snotty pale college kids that don't like flavor. It's literally worse tasting than Taco Bell. Congratulations, that's a feat. . I've gone to this one and to the one in Boulder. Same experience. Again, congrats on the consistency of being trash. And overpriced too. Big slow claps for y'all. Worst food I've had in Tucson, id pick through the trash on 4th Ave before I came here again read more

Illegal Pete's - 99% rice and veggies, carnitas are a mess and like a wet diaper. Awful - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Yummy and fast w lots of specials after 3pm. I have been here a couple of times now and it always hits the spot. Parking in the area can be a challenge and this place gets busy on weekends - they do have tvs and a separate bar area for 21+. The food is fresh, the staff is friendly, and I look forward to future visits! read more

The staff continued to fulfill orders for other orders as I stood at the counter waiting for a DoorDash. I made eye contact with them as I stood at the front register for about 2-3 minutes before being acknowledged. read more

Food was great (nachos and burritos). Beer was cold! Crowd was loud, but it's a Seahawks bar and the Super Bowl was on the TVs. It's a shame they let some Patriots fans in. read more

I put in an order for pick up at a certain time, which was an option presented me on the website. I waited in the restaurant for about 20 minutes past my order time. When the order was finally ready I was told I should have picked another time because they had other orders. I'm not sure how I would know that nor how it is my fault that the staff cannot honor the pick up times offered on THEIR website. read more

Cool spot. Everything is just a OK. The food and drinks aren't anything special. Basically it's Chipotle with a bar. The staff was fast and friendly, but definitely not my 1st choice in town, but good overall. read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

So the first time I came (ive had everything on the menu by now) but my favorite thing to get is the quesadilla, although half the time I get the quesadilla they almost never properly space the meat which is half the ingredients in a quesadillas, it's pretty upsetting because time after time they can't properly make something on their own menu. read more

Ironically right across the street from a chipotle but a much better option! Quick service and friendly staff. I love the green chili and that all bowls already come with chips or a tortilla at no extra charge. read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Always very fresh food. Not expensive and big portions. If you are thinking about grabbing a drink they have margaritas for cheap too. I love it. read more

It's a zoo in there. Awful service. Terrible place. They left me waiting for 30 minutes when my order was on the shelf waiting the whole time. Didn't even say sorry. Horrible atmosphere full of kids pushing into you, spilling their drinks on you, and music so loud you have to yell to place an order. read more

Live coming here all the time! Unfortunately, last time I went there was a girl there and she had red hair and she only wears a bandanna. I don't know if her hair is black or red, but she normally works either in the back or the front serving food and I asked for a certain thing and she ended up giving me another thing. Then, when I corrected it, she blatantly rolled her eyes and said something to her coworker under her breath, which I thought was very rude and I have not returned since then I don't think I will because every time I've come into the store and she's working she's always been in a bad mood. Please have a talking to get all of my friends have had bad encounters with her and say her attitude is the worst read more

Great enthusiastic staff and amazing food as always. This is a great college location.

The food is good, the service is AWFUL! I have never seen so many unhappy people to work. It's as simple as me asking for chips as they forgot and getting completely ignored. read more

I came in around 11pm. Staff is trash, food is dry like it's been sitting there for days, no flavor, music is loud and just SO annoying and the place smells like rotten food! read more

Cedar is the guy he hooked it up. Amazing drinks and amazing food. Super sociable and gave me kids a great Shirley temple.

Atmosphere was super collegiate Students & Oddly SUPER loud music upstairs where we sat- kinda cant talk. Ambiance of a sports bar. Food: exactly like a Chipotle but not- definitely better. Was all right. Looks to be a frequent spot for students. A log queue out the door at roughly dinner-ish time. My kid wanted to see what the hype was all about. People behind the counter were helpful & patient since all the offerings were new to me and a wider range than the chain time place in America. Would eat there again if need be but more likely if it was TO GO. Good place that might keep mom and dad away! lol read more

Great place to eat and people watch from the huge patio! The food was amazing and so were the people that worked there

Good food, good vibes, and friendly staff. Not much more you need! Solid spot to stop before or after Arizona games

Amazing food, stupendous margs and great prices. I drove all the way from Oro valley to eat here read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

this place used to be so good :( the new bartenders don't know anything & can't even make a decent skinny marg to save their lives. food stops way before close & is somehow always cold or out of stuff. I used to LOVE it here & called it a better chipotle with a bar. now, I'd rather not waste my time or money :(( sad excuse for a uni bar read more

Went in for the first time yesterday and was underwhelmed.. the food wasn't very flavorful.. the salsas didn't taste like much.. I had to add salt to it.. the restaurant was nicely kept and the music wasn't too loud.. the service was ok.. not really a place I'd run back to.. or would suggest to anyone read more

Leaving this until i eat there . Scenery is great , lots of people walking around if you wanna drink a beer and pretend you are on a game show and your the announcer describing people walking by... lol Bar area is cool , we sat outside on a half way rainy day it was great . Good service and price wasnt bad for two beers read more

Illegal Pete's - A coors light - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Parking was okay with the garage Nextdoor, the ambiance is very college-esc. Very good margaritas! UPDATE: my wife and I witnessed either an owner or a manager scream at two customers for absolutely no reason. The staff looked very concerned, as the man came back multiple times raising his voice more and more at the customers. I have never seen something like this, and I can't imagine how the lower level employees at this place are treated after seeing that altercation. read more

Illegal Pete's - Drinks with the wife - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Pete's is an okay option for quick food on University. I've had burritos here before and they were alright, however their quesadillas are super greasy. I've tried a few different things and the meat and sides lack flavor overall. The item I enjoy the most is their queso, it has a good texture and some spice. Otherwise, the options across the street are better. read more

This place is an institution in the right location next to UofA and a great place to try. We saw the insane college crowd here on Saturday nights and heard the food was good so we went back the next day for lunch. I read that Illegal Pete's started in Colorado and they are spreading around the area. They picked a great location as they are right on the Ave and will get lots of business. We had the Steak Bowl and the Pork Bowl for our meals. They are similar to Qdoba or Chipotle with the walk through order what you want style. This place is waaayyy better than those two places and really has the right vibe. We loved our food, employees were great (even the guy with the Green Bay Packers jersey - Go Hawks!), and great seating options. This place is worth a try when in the area. I will return one day. Thanks guys! read more

Illegal Pete's - Our receipt - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Stopped in for a couple of pints. Not a bad tavern if you hang outside. Inside, towards the front, is a bit of a zoo due to all the people lined up to get take-out food orders. read more

Food is bland. If you're hungry go to chipotle. Drinks were good. Environment was good but food is not read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The service was pretty great everyone was quick. Unfortunately, what a friend and i ordered wasn't good. I ordered the grilled chicken and they had steak, we were starving and wanted to try something new...the whole thing tasted the same, NO herbs and spices not even salt or pepper felt present. The sink in the women's restroom has gross slime built up at the base as well, after washing my hands not sure if still clean. Was so bad I honestly wanted to just go to chipotle instead. Definitely a place if you're drunk you won't care. read more

Illegal Pete's - Grilled Chicken Burrito - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Not authentic Mexican food but great vibes and the portions are good size. Fun place to people watch read more

Illegal Pete's - Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Do yourself a favor and just go to chipotle. Horrible service. Everyone on the line was lost. Spent more time complaining at each other than serving food. I was asked multiple times if I ordered like it my fault for the lack of communication between everyone. Of course I ordered, I'm not standing in line for fun. Again. Chipotle. read more

Good food great cookies. Awesome staff good times. If your in the u of a area give them a shot.

Illegal Pete's has great food; if only their workers was as good as their food. I go to Pete's a lot, and every time I am introduced by the same 3-4 rude/ entitled working staff members. I have nothing but the upmost respect for workers in the food industry (I work in food industry as well). They look so uninterested preparing my food, and the second they are done they are smiling talking to their co workers. Pete's workers are also some of the laziest people on the planet. What other place asks you for a bag if you are getting it to go? It should be principal to put it in a bag if it is a to go order, but they will literally do anything to try and not do their job. Another example of their laziness is their refusal to squeeze a lime on my burritos. I asked a couple times at the end if they could squeeze a lime, one time they straight up said no with an empty restaurant, and every single time they are like "I can put it on the side for you". What good does that do? The limes are already cut, but they are too lazy to just squeeze it. It is a shame that they hire such inept morons for a place with excellent food. Their arrogance has pushed me away from this establishment. To the manager of Pete's, your workers are weird, unprofessional, and dense. It sucks that the food is good. Chipotle food sucks, but their workers look interested in helping you. This is not a food thing, it is a personal thing. read more

Great food and drinks. One of my favorite spots to go to during my time at U of A. Love their happy hour as well. Their fish burrito is one of my favorites. Highly recommend for a good local college joint! read more