In researching where to eat in Denver, this restaurant came up multiple times so I put it on the list of MUST VISIT places. When I arrived, I was very underwhelmed. Idk if it was just hyped up too much or what, but it felt like a regular chipotle, freebirds, etc. Nothing special about the place that I could tell. I got a burrito bowl and chips, which was good, but really messed my stomach up. I took home leftovers and ended up throwing them away because my stomach was so destroyed after my visit. The staff were great, the restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating, which was great, but it just seemed like an average place. Nothing great about it, nothing bad. Just a spot for lunch. 3.5 stars overall.
Overview
Located at 1610 16th St Mall in Denver, CO, Illegal Pete's Lodo offers a vibrant and energetic dining experience that is perfect for casual meals, family outings, or a quick bite after a day of exploring the city. Whether you're grabbing lunch with friends or enjoying a dinner with loved ones, this spot serves up an impressive menu filled with bold flavors and satisfying portions.
Stepping into Illegal Pete's Lodo, you immediately feel the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. The interior features an open layout with rustic decor that hints at the fun and energetic vibe of the place. Thereβs an undeniable buzz in the air, especially during the weekends when the restaurant is filled with locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff adds to the overall relaxed environment, making you feel right at home as you settle in for a meal.
The menu at Illegal Pete's Lodo is packed with flavorful, customizable Mexican dishes. Known for its burritos, tacos, and bowls, the restaurant stands out by offering a build-your-own experience. You can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients, including marinated grilled chicken, carnitas, and steak. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, with delicious choices like black beans, guacamole, and sautΓ©ed peppers.
One of the highlights of the restaurant is their wide selection of toppings and salsas. Whether youβre a fan of spicy heat or prefer a milder flavor, thereβs a salsa for every taste. The medium-spicy roja salsa is a favorite, giving that perfect kick without overwhelming the dish. Paired with their zesty cilantro-lime rice and creamy cheese, itβs easy to see why the menu is so popular with regulars.
The drinks menu is another appealing aspect of Illegal Pete's Lodo. The restaurant offers a great selection of craft beers, margaritas, and cocktails, which make it the perfect spot to relax with friends. Their margaritas are a standout, with the classic lime being a fan favorite, but the passion fruit and pineapple versions also offer a unique twist.
In terms of service, the staff at Illegal Pete's Lodo is knowledgeable and efficient, ensuring that your meal comes out quickly and is always fresh. The team is great about making recommendations and answering questions about the menu, which helps take the stress out of making a decision.
One of the most popular menu items is their burrito, which is large enough to be a meal in itself. Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, the burrito is packed with a choice of meat, beans, rice, fresh veggies, and your preferred toppings. If youβre not in the mood for a burrito, you can opt for tacos, bowls, or nachos-each dish offers the same customizable options that make the experience feel personal.
The food quality at Illegal Pete's Lodo stands out because it emphasizes fresh ingredients and a commitment to flavor. Youβll often see the kitchen staff preparing ingredients in-house, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to each meal. The flavorful meats are perfectly marinated, grilled to perfection, and complemented by the vibrant salsas and sauces that truly elevate the overall taste.
Reviews from visitors consistently highlight the tasty, satisfying food and the inviting atmosphere. Many patrons mention the generous portion sizes and the variety of choices, making it a great option for people with different dietary preferences. Whether you're a fan of bold, spicy flavors or prefer something lighter, there's no shortage of options to make your meal just the way you like it.
Illegal Pete's Lodo isn't just about food; itβs about creating an enjoyable dining experience. The location itself is ideal for those who want to grab a bite after a day of shopping or sightseeing along the 16th Street Mall. Being centrally located, itβs easy to make this restaurant a part of your day when you're out and about in Denver.
If you're visiting the Denver area and craving some satisfying Mexican food, Illegal Pete's Lodo is a must-try. It combines great food, excellent drinks, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the neighborhood. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this restaurant will definitely not disappoint.
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β No-contact delivery β Delivery β On-site services β Takeaway β Dine-inHighlights
β Fast service β Great beer selection β Great cocktails β Live music β Serves local specialty β SportPopular for
β Breakfast β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toilet β Assistive hearing loopOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Comfort food β Happy-hour drinks β Happy-hour food β Late-night food β Quick bite β Small plates β Spirits β Vegetarian options β WineDining options
β Breakfast β Lunch β Dinner β Catering β Counter service β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Toilet β Wi-Fi β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β TrendyCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β LGBTQ+ friendly β Locals β Tourists β Transgender safe space β University studentsPlanning
β Accepts reservationsPayments
β Credit cards β Debit cards β NFC mobile payments β Credit cardsChildren
β Good for kids β High chairs β Kids' menuParking
β Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The Baja fried fish quesadillas were perfect! Itβs not on the menu, but they were kind enough to make it for me.
A great fast casual store: easy to get you burrito etc how you like it, and seating is plentiful while also clean. An upgrade over chipotle, glad to see there's other competitors in this space. Smothered carnitas burrito was what I got. It's filling and has as much flavor as you'd expect for the price point.
The bowl was pretty good, and I liked the burrito a lot. The green chili was good, and the queso was solid. I can't wait to go back and try a margarita.
Picked up takeout during a business trip in Denver. Locals online said Illegal Pete's was a staple, and I'm so glad they did! My kid's size burrito was plenty big enough for an adult (and even for leftovers) and the chips and queso were delicious. I spent less money on that whole meal than I've spent at coffee shops! Definitely would go back and try some of the other items on the menu. Highly recommend!
I had a smothered burrito. It was delicious and I liked it. The service was fast and the staff was friendly.
Great service and delicious fish tacos and house margarita! Great place to stop when you arrive from Union Station.