The 21 Essential Restaurants in Boulder, Colorado

"Inspired by the Cal-Mex Mission-style burritos he ate while visiting San Francisco, CU grad Pete Turner opened his first Illegal Pete’s on the Hill in 1995 as an ode to his rebellious-spirited father. He has since grown his empire to include 15 locations, which serve burritos across the state and in Arizona. Like its competitor Chipotle, Illegal Pete’s allows diners to fill a giant tortilla with their choice of protein (the Mexican Coke carnitas and the beer-battered fish are standouts), cilantro or Spanish rice, pinto or black beans, fried potatoes or veggies, along with their choice of toppings like lettuce, guacamole, shredded cheese, and a range of salsas and sauces (plus they mix your selections together before they wrap, ensuring a balanced bite). A favorite haunt, Illegal Pete’s stays open until 2:30 a.m. during the school year and features a full-service bar with happy hour from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m." - Rebecca Treon, Josie Sexton, Ruth Tobias, Nisa Sedaghat