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Illegal Pete's - ColfaxBWorth Trying

Name: Illegal Pete's - Colfax
Address: 2001 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206, Denver, United States
Rating: 4.5

2001 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 · Burrito restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Mexican restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (2704 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Tex-Mex burrito bar with generous portions, a full bar, and a patio; tasty bowls and fish tacos shine, but service and order accuracy can be inconsistent, especially for delivery.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Illegal Pete's delivers reliable casual dining with solid food quality highlighted by generous portions, crispy fish tacos, and strong value versus chains. The lively patio with good people-watching and upbeat bar scene create genuine neighborhood appeal. However, inconsistent execution—missing items, cold food, and assembly errors— and variable counter staff attitudes prevent this from reaching higher ground, making it a dependable choice for casual meals and drinks rather than a destination.

Restaurant Summary

The Colfax outpost delivers a lively burrito-and-bar scene with a big patio and plenty of people-watching. Expect a line that moves, upbeat music, and bartenders who pour with a smile. One guest summed it up: "A better version of the big chains with generous portions." The room feels fun and high-energy rather than formal, and the patio adds easygoing hangout vibes. The cooking leans classic build-your-own Tex-Mex: bowls, burritos, tacos, and nachos, boosted by add-ins like crispy potatoes and rich barbacoa. Fried fish tacos get frequent love for light, crisp batter, and many call the value strong versus competitors. It is not avant-garde; it is comfort-driven and customizable, ideal for quick meals, pre-show bites, and casual drinks. For families, it is quite friendly. There is a kid-size option, plus simple tacos, quesadillas, rice, beans, and mild salsas that most kids will eat. If you have picky eaters, steer toward bowls with plain rice, beans, cheese, and mild salsa; adventurous kids might enjoy the fish tacos or potatoes.

At a Glance

Generous portions and solid value versus chains
Lively bar and patio with good people-watching
Order accuracy and assembly issues on pickup/delivery
Counter staff attitude varies; some rude interactions reported
Parking on Colfax can be difficult at peak times

What Sets It Apart

potato_add_in_burritos
full_bar_with_margaritas
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What People Love

Crispy beer-battered fish tacos
Flavorful barbacoa and half-and-half proteins
Crispy potato add-in for bowls and burritos
Strong margaritas and inexpensive drinks
Lively vibe with stickers and music

Points of Concern

Delivery and pickup accuracy problems: missing items, cold food, and smothered add-ons omitted
Service tone can be curt or snarky on the line; bartenders usually praised
Parking scarcity on Colfax; consider transit or rideshare
Occasional cleanliness issues noted in bathrooms
Review patterns show varied experiences; in-person dining more reliable than delivery

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$22-34 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose fish tacos or barbacoa bowls for reliable wins
Use vegan green chile and plant protein for meatless builds
Add potatoes and corn salsa for texture and sweetness

Perfect For

Pre-concert food and drinks on Colfax
Casual group hang on the patio
Quick solo bowl at the bar
Family-friendly burrito night

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Colfax corridor with bars, venues, and eclectic foot traffic; popular with locals and concertgoers.

Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; some reviewers note sketchy feel and caution about parking.

Nearby: Near bars, music venues, and residential streets; hospital proximity noted by a reviewer.

City Park WestCity Park West is a mixed-use neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of dining options from casual eateries to trendy spots. The area is known for its walkability, accessibility to City Park, and a growing food scene that attracts locals seeking both comfort food and innovative cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:30–22:00 Tuesday10:30–22:00 Wednesday10:30–22:00 Thursday10:30–22:00 Friday10:30–22:00 Saturday09:00–22:00 Sunday09:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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