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    Illegal Pete's

    3.5 (276 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Order Illegal Pete's Takeout or Delivery

    Illegal Pete's Photos

    ILLEGAL PETE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Very loud
    Casual
    Trendy
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Illegal Pete's

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    The decor is awesome with a special Wildcat twist peppered in
    Sarah F.

    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!

    Steak nachos
    Tommy L.

    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.

    99% rice and veggies, carnitas are a mess and like a wet diaper. Awful
    Morgan M.

    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

    Erick D.

    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.

    Natalie S.

    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.

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Like the fish tacos, the taquitos and carnitas. It's great for a great time and it's nice because it's pricing is reasonable.

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    10 years ago

    Way better fast food Mexican than Chipotle. Chill place. Burritos and full bar. What else do u need?

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great food and fun atmosphere. As a U of A student, this is a great place to grab a drink and watch a game.

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Will defiantly get you filled. Good place and nice environment. A lot of space for a big crowd but small tables! More of a college spot.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Would not redeem my voucher for queso and chips, even though the same voucher had been redeemed a few times before. False advertising

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    10 years ago

    tastes like a boring, chain version of a mexican place, but this is tucson, it should be fresh & delicious.

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    10 years ago

    Couldn't tell the difference from chipolte. If you don't want to eat at a franchise and need your mexican fix this will do it.

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    10 years ago

    Shoutout to the best chef there Ivan I recommend you let him prepare your food freaking amazing bro!!!!;)

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    Page 7 of 7

    Ask the Community - Illegal Pete's

    Does this location still do breakfast?

    Hey Madison, We stopped serving breakfast in Arizona about a year back. Sorry to bear the bad… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

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    There aren't many places in Midtown with this level of dedication to looking retro. The Shelter is…read moreheavy on mid-20th century design, with an interior completely dedicated to JFK memorabilia. It's kitsch and offbeat, maybe even offputting if you think too hard about the legacy of that family, but it's anything but boring. What I love: They're big on doing their own infusions. You absolutely must try Pam's Spicy Lemonade--Hornitos with thai chili and mint. I've also had coffee-infused liquors here before that you'll rarely find anywhere else. I'm not a smoker, but I get stoked for their enclosed smoking patio with a couple old arcade cabinets (I like Centipede!) What I like: There are like, really cheap simple cocktails with the creativity to make some unappealing, bottom shelf liquors taste palatable. Those aren't my usuals, but I'm always intrigued. I will shamelessly have a couple $3 High Lifes. There's only one big bar in the center of the lobby, but service is generally fast. It's dimly lit and can be tightly packed, but you'll still have fun. Good for date night or groups of four or less. No food, but once in a blue moon you'll find a truck parked out front. Overall, a solid Tucson staple.

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    Unicorn Zebra - Black Cathedral (L) and Girl Dinner (R) each $16 (from the new May 2026 menu)

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    Illegal Pete's - bars - Updated May 2026

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