Seemor
Illegal Pete's LodoB-Worth Trying
1610 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
· Burrito restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Mexican restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (3390 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Big, customizable burritos and a lively bar in LoDo; tasty and filling when on form, but waits, order accuracy, and service inconsistency can frustrate during rushes.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Illegal Pete's LoDo delivers satisfying, generously-portioned burritos with solid food quality when fresh, supported by a fun bar scene and convenient downtown location. However, inconsistent execution during rushes—cold burritos, assembly errors, and isolated safety concerns—along with uneven service quality prevent a higher grade. Best experienced off-peak or for quick casual hangs rather than reliable sit-down dining.
Restaurant Summary
This LoDo outpost hums with a lively fast-casual rhythm: a build-your-own line, piles of chips, and a full bar pouring margaritas. Expect crowds at lunch and before games. As one diner put it, "the burrito was hefty and satisfying, but the line took longer than planned." The vibe swings from fun and buzzy to a bit chaotic when staff is stretched. The cooking leans toward comforting, customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, queso, and green chile. When fresh, flavors land well and portions are generous; the smothered burrito is a reliable winter warmer. Execution can wobble during rushes, with some reports of cold or unevenly assembled burritos, so off-peak visits best showcase the big-portion value. Families fare well here thanks to a kid’s size menu, quesadillas, and straightforward bowls. Chips and queso are easy crowd-pleasers, and there is outdoor seating for strollers. It is casual and noisy at peak times, so earlier meals or mid-afternoon can be friendlier for kids who prefer a calmer scene.
At a Glance
- Big, customizable burritos with hearty portions
- Full bar and strong happy hour for casual hangs
- Long lines and slower prep during peak times
- Order accuracy and pickup mistakes reported
- Inconsistent service at the bar and management interactions
What Sets It Apart
- full_bar_in_fast_casual
- smothered_burrito_option
- strong_vegan_substitutions
What People Love
- Hearty smothered burritos on chilly days
- Friendly counter crew when not slammed
- Real vegan protein options and salsas
- Kid portions that still feel generous
Points of Concern
- Lines of 20–30 minutes are common at lunch and before events; fish orders add prep time
- Inconsistent execution: reports of cold burritos, undercooked fish, and uneven assembly
- Service swings: praise for line staff but repeated complaints about bar staff and a manager
- Review patterns show some polarized experiences tied to peak-hour staffing and order volume
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-$24 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Vegan diners: combine Taco Night protein with tomatillo salsa and cilantro rice
- Pescatarians: Baja fish with cabbage, salsa fresca, and baja sauce for balance
- Heat-seekers: add House Hot salsa or pork green chile for depth
Perfect For
- Pre-game burritos and beers
- Casual group lunches downtown
- Quick solo meal near Union Station
- Families wanting flexible kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Busy downtown pedestrian mall with offices, hotels, and nightlife; caters to commuters, tourists, and event-goers.
Safety: Generally active and well-patrolled; typical urban issues during late-night hours.
Nearby: Near Union Station, sports arenas, bars, and shops; pre- and post-game traffic common.
LoDo (Lower Downtown)LoDo is a historic district characterized by renovated warehouses, trendy bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. It has a lively dining scene with a mix of casual eateries and upscale options, attracting a diverse crowd looking for vibrant nightlife and social dining experiences.
16th Street MallThe 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian promenade lined with retail stores, cafes, and restaurants, serving as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers accessible, casual dining options and a bustling urban environment with frequent foot traffic.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–22:00
Tuesday10:30–22:00
Wednesday10:30–22:00
Thursday10:30–22:00
Friday10:30–23:00
Saturday09:00–23:00
Sunday09:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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