Illegal Pete's

Elite '08

14

78

Sarah S.

Seattle, WA

I used to walk into Illegal Pete's craving one of their delicious burritos... and then end up ordering something equally delicious, like a quesadilla or fish tacos or something like that. I appreciate the fact that I have those kinds of options, unlike at Chipotle or Qdoba. Illegal Pete's also was the first (in my book) to encourage me to get a naked burrito (without the tortilla) and to eat the insides with tortilla chips instead- something that Chipotle figured out much later. Now there is no going back.

I live in Seattle. There is only ONE Chipotle in the entire city and it is constantly crawling with college kids, and then there are 500 Taco del Mars that make me sick every time. I miss Illegal Pete's like you wouldn't believe, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

5

44

chris m.

Portland, OR

sorry, all you haters, but this place has my heart.  an indie burrito place that has a full bar rocks my world, especially since they stock the tapatio to make things as zesty as need be.  i've never had a bad interaction with the staff, but a lot of my experience is from 2001.  2007 summer, i brought 20 of my friends here while we were in town from texas and it was precisely what we'd been missin'.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

5

Dave B.

Denver, CO

Don't get me wrong, I think that Illegal Pete's has a pretty good burrito but...

The thing about the Pearl street store that drives me crazy is the emo-pretty boys that serve the burritos. My friends live right next to this place and warned  "I don't know if you want to eat there" and wouldn't say exactly why. I had to find out what was up for myself.

I go in there and I thought that (insert emo band name) was making my burrito. They were dancing and moving as they made my burrito. What's worse is that they weren't nice and polite like you think that sensitive emo kids would be. They were pretty snobby. It seemed like they thought they were sooo cool for working at Pete's on Pearl and that I was a punk for eating there. I don't mind pride in the place you work, but it sucks when you are so confused, pissed and somewhat laughing about the experience of ordering that you can't enjoy the food. I am taking away a star for each dude that was behind the counter that day.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

6

Jen A.

Boulder, CO

First time tonight at Illegal Pete's and, while this place may not be authentic Mexican food, it was pretty darn tasty. We had a burrito, tacos, and 2 margs for around $20. Note this is cafeteria-style dining, not a full-service restaurant. I did not experience any emo-boys (maybe it was their night off) but we did get good service, good food, and good drinks. It satisfied the vegetarian mexican craving, for sure.

Update: Illegal Petes not as good as I once thought. Maybe the Margs had something to do with the 1st review! Have been back there several times and food was definitely not too tasty. Got the veggie burrito, which was pretty bland. Another time got the fish tacos and bland again, not to mention the fish definitely wasn't fresh. $4 happy hour margs still alright but you'll find better drinks (and food) in Boulder.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

29

Mark G.

San Mateo, CA

This is the boulder classic. Nothing reminds me of college days as much as this place. The venue of choice for dinner or after bar beer munchies. Steak burrito with corn and lettuce. Life does not get any better. And the Perl location even has a liquor license.

This place will kick Chepotle's butt any day of the week. Not only for taste, but it's also for being an independent local organization, unlike the McDonalds' owned opposite.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

22

189

Amanda W.

Boulder, CO

Well, this is the other half of the local-burrito-chain coin.

As I said in another review, in the Boulder burrito battle you have to choose a side.  I 'm not sticking with Pete. (Though as restaurant names go, I love it!)

I've tried, honestly I have, to understand why some people like Pete's better than Chipotle. My experience has been that Pete's has no flavor. None. And I go for the hot salsa. The guac must consist solely of smashed avocados, because it has no zest, no zip, no yumm factor. Who knows what's in the salsa 'cause you can't taste it. I don't like it when my burritos "pee", and every time I've been to Pete's I've gotten tons of meat run-off water. Dear God! Buy a slotted spoon Pete!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

55

141

Sean G.

Washington, DC

Whenever Im in Boulder I stroll down Pearl Street and before I hit the Boulder Bookstore I make a point of paying a visit to Illegal Pete's. Nothing fancy here but it's damn good and not too hard on the wallet.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

3

24

Mon C.

Santa Clara, CA

my first time in boulder and we stopped here for a bite to eat.  the burrito was huge in size and taste!  as they make your burrito in front of you they mix the insides together - what a great idea!  i'm sure other places would do this for you if you ask, but being the dummy that i am, i was in awe.  the tortillas are really soft but also holds the burrito together well.

the lines are long but they move real fast. you might have to fight for a table though.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

26

179

Arun C.

Manchester, NH

Quick, tasty, cheap, and BIG burritos. Not bad. It was my first time in Boulder, so I was happy with the variety of food to choose from. I guess that's what you can expect / take-for-granted in a good college town.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

3

Joshua Y.

Boulder, CO

What more could you ask for in Burritos?  The cafeteria style production line speeds the process along. Try the Big Fish, it takes a few minutes, but the sauce is great.
They offer the option of getting your burrito in a bowl. Take this, as there is always more filling in the bowl that in the burrito.
Only draw back....Staff.  The Pearl street, and Hill location have college kids who don't know the first thing about customer service, and snarl at you if you don't add a tip to your credit card receipt or even say hello or thank you. If management is reading, this can make or break a place.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review