Illegal Pete’s, a Colorado-based Tex-Mex concept that’s generated controversy because of its name, has opened its first Valley location near the southeast corner of Mill and Fifth Street in downtown Tempe.
It takes over the space that formerly was home to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, which closed last December
Illegal Pete’s launched in Boulder, Colo., in 1995 and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Much like Chipotle, the quick-service menu focuses on assembly-line burritos, tacos, and bowls ($6.79-$7.79, depending on the type of protein).
Happy hour is 3-8 p.m. daily. Specials include $4.50 margaritas and free chips and salsa.
Nine of Illegal Pete’s 11 locations are in Boulder and Denver. The chain expanded to Tucson in 2015, when University of Arizona students picketed its opening.
Owner Pete Turner has defended the restaurant’s name, saying it simply refers to a ‘‘countercultural atmosphere’’ he’s trying to foster.
Illegal Pete’s is open 7 a.m.-midnight Monday-Wednesday, 7 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-midnight Sunday.
📧 Subscribe to the free MXSW Daily Email here for the latest news about food & drink in the Phoenix metro area.
