Illegal Pete's DU

Burrito restaurant · University

Illegal Pete's DU

Burrito restaurant · University

1

1744 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210

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Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null
Illegal Pete's DU by null

Highlights

Burritos, tacos, bar, local chorizo, Colorado style green chili  

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1744 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Get directions

illegalpetes.com
@illegalpetes

$10–20 · Menu

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1744 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210 Get directions

+1 720 797 8600
illegalpetes.com
@illegalpetes
𝕏
@illegal_petes

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 10, 2025

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April Fools’ Day 2019: The Best Food Jokes and Pranks | Eater

"A Denver taqueria produced a fake commercial for an upscale counterpart promising “a bespoke culinary encounter,” earning praise as one of the best April Fools' videos of the year." - Greg Morabito

https://www.eater.com/2019/4/1/18290043/april-fools-day-food-pranks
View Postcard for Illegal Pete's DU

Karla Kyte

Google
Hadn’t been here in a bit and was looking forward to it. Totally disappointed. Nobody in front of us in line and maybe 2 other customers in the building. 1 in the afternoon in a Saturday. We had to wait about 15 min for a quesadilla, paid extra for quac and queso and the quesadilla had about 6 pieces total of chicken in it. Is this because it’s by DU? Lame.

Coco

Google
I have a severe gluten allergy and called to bug the restaurant twice! The human that answered was so kind and bubbly, she made me feel like I wasn’t a nuisance and then let me know she had no contact with gluten and would pack my order herself. So thankful for this experience and will be sure to order from here again. 💗

Bob McEwen

Google
I tend to get a lot of uncooked rice in my meals here. Last burrito bowl was rough on the teeth. Potatoes are hit or miss. Other than that the flavor is there!

Brittany Stwalley

Google
I love Illegal Petes and always will but today we had an excellent experience. My mom is elderly and uses a walker. The Staff at the restaurant were top notch. They carried our food to our table, got us our silverware and pulled out our chairs for us. Thank you, Illegal Petes Staff! Your kindness was such a big help to me and to my mom. You all deserve raises. <3

Lou Franklin

Google
Visiting Denver, family took me here. Took awhile for my baha fish tacos, but had a beer while waiting. A little bland, but I didn't know when I ordered (my first time) that I should have added some pico to my request. The rest of the family has been there before and really enjoyed their burritos. Would definitely go again, if asked.

Sam McCabe

Google
I wish I could remember the names of the people who have served me here to give them shout outs, but honestly their entire staff is so amazing. They are beyond friendly and I feel like they make a point to make your day better. They always make me leave happy as cheesy as that is

Rebecca Quirk

Google
Illegal Pete’s – Evans & DU Location Yes, the original Chipotle is just a few blocks away—but trust us, head here instead. Illegal Pete’s delivers one of the best fast-casual experiences in Colorado, hands down. Fresh, flavorful ingredients, no upcharges for swaps (guac or cheese & sour cream; your choice), and an unbeatable vibe set this spot apart. Enjoy indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, plus a rotating mix of community events and music that always hits right. The staff actually like working here (you can tell), and the mission is rooted in supporting everyone—no lines drawn for profit’s sake. Delicious food, fun energy, and a solid pick whether you're with friends or bringing your parents (even the picky ones). Highly recommend.

M Vigil

Google
Amazing food, consistent on quality and taste. Their kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine. The renovation to the bar, completed in the last year or so, has added a wonderful much larger space to hang out, grab a drink, and catch whatever game is happening on TV. Their bar staff are always friendly and fun to catch up with while they mix you an alcoholic drink or custom mocktail. Give them a try sometime if you like places like Chipotle or Qdoba. They are similar but unique in that they have colorado style green chili, specialty locally made chorizo as well as fried fish options.
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Heather S.

Yelp
Completely dissatisfied with the wet product inside the tacos, causing the tacos to fall apart, whether it was the rice or the Carnitas...my tacos fell apart- completely and utterly upset that I had to scoop up my taco from the table into the serving bowl that you guys gave me and try to eat it and salvage it.. if it was the rice, why is the rice so wet?? if it was a Carnita why is the meat not squeezed out of all the liquids before placing into the taco ..? Look, the Wet stuff causing the soft tacos to fall apart, terrible!!!
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Shahan A.

Yelp
Been here a few times, everything slaps: burritos, quesadilla, nachos. These guys don't miss. Tbh it's basically chipotle but with slightly different ingredients, so you can only go so wrong. And the remodel looks great!
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Tony M.

Yelp
Came for a bowl and a drink for dinner. It was absolutely delicious I like them better than chipotle imo. This bowl had no chance lol Service was great and the ambiance is amazing. Very lively and vibrant.
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Alexis S.

Yelp
Amazing place! I've been a few times, on different occasions, and the food and service were great each time. Their food is good as well, is very fast and quite good! It usually is busy during the night, which makes the restaurant fun and lively. I've ordered their bowls, and their chips and guac and both are great. I recommend this for a quick and good meal.
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Desade M.

Yelp
Ridiculous, pre DU hockey game and only one bartender working. I counted 20 people waiting for drinks. Poor girl was running her ass off and doing the best she could. Thankfully, people were understanding. Since they reopened this place is so poorly run.
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Tim P.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic experience! I love this place. I love their layout. The feeling! The outside establishment, the bartenders and and waiters are always super friendly, and with a warm smile and a friendly conversation. They used to have one in lone tree. I miss it so much. I come down here. But sadly, the Starbuds that I used to love is horrible and looks like a dungeon. I will never go back in there. I was treated like trash.

Morgan S.

Yelp
I had the best margarita at this illegal Pete's location, all thanks to Sam. He is a pleasure to talk with too! I will be returning
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Bob A.

Yelp
Contaminated food, I was sick from the barbacoa burrito within 3 hours. Food poisoning is the awful. Clearly Illegal Pete's lack safe guards and standards to keep people from getting sick. Glad it wasn't worse with a trip to the ER.
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Gina O.

Yelp
Illegal Pete's Du is our "go to" spot for delicious food (thanks for having black olives), tasty margs and beer, and super service! We love our spot at the bar so we can chat with the team. Hugs to you all! (You know who you are.)

David C.

Yelp
Can't say enough good about IP and IP-DU: Super friendly staff, a great burrito and ZERO attitude.
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George S.

Yelp
The person cooking is not qualified to cook. The chicken tastes as if it was seasoned with ice and lettuce. We are literally picking Up a piece of chicken.. trying it on its own and we can't taste ANYTHING. it's like we have covid again because it's just texture. No flavor. Was this boiled chicken ??? Absolute TRASH. we literally brought it home and gave it to the dog. I even put a little cinnamon in it for him so he can taste something. 0 out of 5 stars.

Nicholas E.

Yelp
Just broke up with my long-term partner over not tipping for the terribly rude counter service I got here. That's the first time I've ever not tipped and part of me feels bad, but the first line worker at 9:15 pm was extremely rude and smarmy, out of nowhere. The queso portions were also like half portions.
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Shannon R.

Yelp
Inedible. The tacos fall apart. The cheese is a salty mess. Cold tortilla chips. I am always hungry and can eat most anything. I left my food. It is that bad. It's too bad to even complain about.
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Pat D.

Yelp
I understand that you close in 30-45 minutes, but a soggy burrito? A bit harsh.. Welp, it's been real.

Jean R.

Yelp
They changed the Queso and it's not good. Employees confirmed it's not the same. I wish I could say it was nacho cheese but even the cheese you get at Taco Bell is an approvement over the congealed goop they are dishing out for $7. I used to love Pete's, but like all good things they always come to an end.

Karyn C.

Yelp
I am addicted to the Barbacoa Burrito with some corn salads in it, &. Side a grilled peppers , for me good for dinner with the leftover for breakfast the next day. How will zone able to live on Ameila Island without an Illegal Pete's?

Sher K.

Yelp
Love the non-alcoholic drink choices! We had the pleasure of meeting Cricket, her drinks are delicious!!! And the Athletic beer on tap is a win!! Thank you Illegal Pete's for always being ahead of the curve!!

Isaiah J.

Yelp
This place gave Me food poisoning don't eat here! You will get sick because they don't cook there meats all the way

Heather S.

Yelp
This is a great place for happy hour after work! I love the remodel- the place looks way better than it did before. The margaritas are also my favorite
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Ian K.

Yelp
We were visiting Denver for the weekend and had to make a visit to Illegal Pete's! With Chipotle being as big as they are, we wanted to check out what Illegal Pete's was about and see the differences. Few differences I noticed: - Illegal Pete's had a bar in the restaurant - Chips are included in the burrito or bowl order - Portion size was smaller - Wasn't as flavorful Overall, it was good and was very similar to Chipotle.
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Chad B.

Yelp
Even with eating a late dinner this place was very busy upon arrival. Since it's in a college neighborhood, it was full of young people enjoying themselves with good food and drink. Once it was our turn to order we were surprised with how friendly and accommodating the staff was with our order. They answered all of our questions and it felt as if we were their only customers when in truth it was swamped. The burrito was phenomenal. It's darn near the size of a football and the taste was a touchdown. The variety of ingredients far exceeds its National competition. The quality was great and they easily have one of the most flavorful queso dips I've had. We will definitely be back when in town and already talked about ordering again before we leave town. This place is a must visit, but be sure to bring your appetite!

Cindy L.

Yelp
Bad stomach. Reminding myself not to eat red meat in the summer. Something doesn't jive. Eat dinner at 9 PM and sick the next day.
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Sarah H.

Yelp
I was really excited to try this place while driving through Denver. It does have more options than Chipotle but I still greatly prefer chipotle. It was by no means bad, but knowing it was similar to chipotle I was disappointed and felt I would rather have just had Chipotle. Maybe I'm biased though, as a Chicago native who's used to Chipotle. I think it is a good place though, and maybe if I modified my order / ordered different sauce something like that might've lead me to love it. Not a bad place and I'm sure plenty of people would prefer it over other Mexican chains.
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Yajaira Q.

Yelp
Yeah there's a little bit of a wait, but I promise it's worth it. As someone who just loves a quick burrito I love this place. Not most burrito places go ahead and mix it all up for you before they wrap it, offer more than two tortilla options & have good queso! And the fact that they have a bar, winnnnner in my books!
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Kynton C.

Yelp
We showed up at lunch with a last-minute order of about 12 burritos and a couple of quesadillas. The staff handled the order with ease and patience. Of course, they provided a friendly reminder that an advance order on the app would have made it easier for everyone involved, but they were not rude about it in any way. I really appreciated their service. And of course, the burritos were delicious as always.
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Anna N.

Yelp
Very good food. Line was long (which is expected in a college town) but we got through it decently quickly. Definitely not cheap but I couldn't even finish my burrito so the portion size justifies the cost.

Ben R.

Yelp
THE MUSIC IS PERFECT!!! Illegal Pete's on Evan's has a special place in my heart. We have had plenty of unforgettable memories here with staff and friends. I frequent this location often and have always felt welcome here while enjoying great drinks, great music and amazing food. Illegal Pete's is a great place to drink and eat while listening to great music. The music is tantamount to the experience as well as the staff and their inclusive and welcoming demeanor. If you are offended by the music played here you should find establishments that suite your needs rather than bashing others for their music selection during your short experience. Leaving a review about the establishments choice of music is not reflective of the establishment but rather reflective of your entitlement and personal music preferences. Thank you Illegal Pete's for all that you do! Hail Burrito Sundays! I have never once heard music here that is not in line with reasonable taste or that exceeds appropriateness for the demographic here. Giving a 1 star review for the music played here is catty to say the least. If you want to hear good music and enjoy the staff and food, come down to illegal Pete's on Evans!!!!

Willy C.

Yelp
Illegal Pete's? More like Illegal Meats. You know that barbacoa is smuggled across the border by the half-ton. You never know what part of the pig you're gonna get, every bite tastes like a different species. Every time I eat here my food is bone cold. Not luke warm. Cold. My side of guacamole was the same temperature as the contents of my burrito and that shit is refrigerated. If I wanted to eat cold slop, I'd lick the mudflaps of my car.
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Kevin W.

Yelp
If you're in need of a burrito fix I highly recommend illegal pete's over qdoba or chipotle. The meats are seasoned better and they are huge! Get it smothered with green chili and queso, you won't regret it. Ordering system is fine and with covid nowadays, it's a good spot to get a quick bite. Probably the best byo burrito around.
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Raelyn S.

Yelp
Best nachos ever!! I had a recommendation from a friend about this place, so we went on a Thursday night with our puppy and sat outside. The nachos are great because you can make them however you want with the restaurant's QR code. We also got margaritas, but they were really strong and we had to request extra margarita mix to offset the tequila (no salt either because they're in plastic cups with a tops/straw). My partner had a chicken burrito, which was fair. Since you can customize your orders on the app, it may be better to have a different arrangement of ingredients next time. We also loved our server, Ty, who was very helpful and friendly, as we are newcomers and were looking for some other good recommendations for eating out safely during COVID19. We will definitely be back!

mason r.

Yelp
Arrived at 12:30 on a Sunday to get a breakfast burrito. Stood in line. Finally got to counter at 1:11 and breakfast stuff had been removed at 1pm. Line wasn't as long as when DU students are in town. Last time I just left after waiting 20 minutes and line was barely moving. Meanwhile to go orders and online orders were flying out the door. We left hungry. I am not blaming the friendly employees but corporate better figure someway to serve in person clients in a timely manner. Adios Illegal Pete's!
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Maddie A.

Yelp
Best. Nachos. Ever. The queso is to die for ... please open up in NYC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Victor C.

Yelp
Ended up here based on a recommendation from a local. Being from California and having tried most of LA's coveted breakfast burritos, I went in with pretty low expectations. I ordered the breakfast burrito with pork chile verde and a side of tortilla chips with queso. WTF? Totally caught off-guard. LOVED it. One of the best breakfast burritos I've had. You made me come out of my Yelp hiatus. Good job. Your name would never fly in California, otherwise I'd ask you to open a store here.
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Jerry O.

Yelp
I've been involved in quite a bit of illegal activity in this establishment over the years, and thankfully avoided an arrest. I will admit that I frequent Chipotle and Qdoba as well but mostly gravitate toward Pete's cause I like to live on the edge. This place has a cool vibe that you don't find at the other two. You won't hear elevator Beatles coming out of these studio monitors, but you will hear cool, mellow, and fresh beats that will sound new to most--You're never to old for some thump in your bump! They even have their own record label I hear! Fanscratchtastic! As for the food, The Big Fish Burrito is my go to burrito. I have had bowls, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. All are good, but my taste buds love the fish sauce and cabbage combo. I have only had a couple bad experiences out of 50+ visits, which is awesome. The line is generally clean and they will give you what you want. I think I skipped the cheese one time and they let me add guacamole for free. They also have adult beverages with inside/outside access so salt that rim bartender! What really keeps me coming back here is the front line! Over the years I truly miss some of the employees that have left, but it's nice getting to know the new ones as well. It was nice to see that one of my favorite long time guys is now a manager. I knew he would get there the first time I met him; he gets it! Having fun with the customers and positive energy go along way in this competitive industry. One last thing, I had fun watching the third period of a DU hockey game here! DU Lacrosse too! The sheriff needs to keep the handcuffs on her belt because illegal activity this good deserves a break.

Samantha C.

Yelp
No line, friendly staff, and illegal Pete's food is always delicious! I love how they have the option to replace dairy with guac! Super helpful for those of us with allergies.
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Ruby M.

Yelp
We ordered food online without realizing this place was basically Chipotle. The nachos are not inherently nachos (ie chips with melted cheese and toppings) - you have to order queso and then it comes on the side. The nachos are also difficult to eat out of the oddly shaped bowl it comes in. It's oddly deep while simultaneously also needing to be wider. My husband got a fish burrito and gave it "a solid 6". The one redeeming part was that the margarita we got was pretty strong.

Ben H.

Yelp
*TEXANS* Don't be misjudged by the reviews 20 bucks for a burrito that's all rice, and a couple chunks of meat, and a medium size drink - also bring some seasoning cause plain a.f
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Aaron D.

Yelp
I like this place! I think you will too! It is a Chipotle like restaurant but better. BETTER: Food Drinks Service Atmosphere Grab a drink and socialize or just bring the family for a great semi fast dinner. You can't go wrong here.
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John M.

Yelp
Visiting DU for a tour for potential attendance by our daughter. Wanted to try something close by and Illegal Pete's was recommended by one of the students at DU. Good food, made quickly, but the thing that stands out are how friendly everyone was. It was kind of quiet, since it is summer and not many kids in school. We had a bowl with steak and beans, a chicken burrito, a quesadilla and chips/salsa/queso. A lot of food. Took some back to our hotel for later snacking. Queso was very tasty and that along with our spare chips made a great snack later. I would go again and I would recommend. If I can figure out how to afford to send my kid to DU, I am sure we will be eating here again!
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Jason D.

Yelp
Workers job is to upsell all of the crap toppings until the burrito is a disgusting mush then default to a 25% tip after working against your best interest and increasing the cost by 50%. Even if the burrito had been good, my appetite was replaced with anger. That $20 burrito went in the garbage.
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Mahrad M.

Yelp
Love the margaritas here and food is great too! We tried the mango and strawberry margaritas on happy hour and for $4.5 is amazing!

Sarah M.

Yelp
Every single time I've ordered online from this illegals it takes FOREVER. A quesadilla and a kids bowl does not need to take AN HOUR. It wouldn't be a big deal if this was a one time thing but it's every time and right now I'm missing an event that was very important due to my quesadilla taking an hour. The line inside isn't even long and it's a Wednesday night. For people looking to eat here... go in person because you will get your food 30 minutes faster than if you order online.
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Amy W.

Yelp
Yep, I still love Illegal Pete's. Going here brings back fond memories of my DU days, with their two happy hours (evening AND late night), insanely strong margaritas, and tasty food. I love that they serve breakfast burritos until 1pm on the weekends too. Oh, and let's not forget that they literally gave away free breakfast for Breakfast Burrito Day back in October! You can't go wrong with this location, or Illegal Pete's in general.

Brianna S.

Yelp
Dude honestly if you're gonna to charge a good amount money, the least ya'll could do is give us our money's worth. There is literally 2 pieces of chicken in my meal, as well as some ingredients I ordered weren't included either

Taylor B.

Yelp
Food tasted good especially the guacamole! But service was horrible! The bartender rejected both me and friend's IDS even though we both turned 21 more than 6 months ago. But worst of all, she was so rude and condescending as were the manager and another employee. Threatened to take my friends REAL ID if she were to go back. Don't go here.
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Ashton C.

Yelp
The atmosphere is cool, both inside and outside seating. I got a bowl and my husband got a burrito. We both enjoyed the food, it was flavorful, but definitely wish the serving sizes were a little bigger for the price. We paid $3 for a teensy tiny little thing of queso and there was barely enough to share. The service was really great though!

Joshua S.

Yelp
Good/solid choice while visiting DU. Nothing special. But we'll known to the students.
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Mason S.

Yelp
The owner of this location reached out to me and made things right. I never updated my review but I went several times after the fact and was always well taken care of. Thanks again for the excellent customer service. It really goes a long way.
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Sara W.

Yelp
Food was great and service was nice and speedy. We are glad they are close to home so we can try more delicious treats on their menu!