Love this place! It looks like a hole in the wall but it's fantastic inside. Totally intimate with cute mural wall drawings. The food is authentic Greek and YUMMY! The owner came to our table and was just a doll, gave us some free shots too. I love Pete's Central, the only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because Greek is not my favorite food. I recommend going here!
(4)
Josh E.
Moving to Boulder from Buffalo NY, I was very disappointed with the lack of Greek restaurants scattered around town. The all night Greek Restaurant, for those of us under 21, was our bar. It was the nightly haunt, the place to go to escape the home and meet up with old, and make new, friends. Pete's Central 1 was one of the first places I went in co that conjured up memories of those days. The blue and white awning, the menus with snap shot pics of Greece, the awkward moment you walk in and don't know if you're to seat yourself or wait. All of this feels so right. And then you get the food. Its all good, flavored extremely well. People mention the portions are huge, this is true, although completely normal for Greek. I wouldn't restrict yourself to not ordering an appetizer in anticipation of the massive portions. Get the appetizer and eat an amazing leftover lunch tomorrow.
(4)
Karen D.
Just finished a very tasty, very filling dinner at Pete's Central One. It was delicious. Service was very good, dishes were well explained to us and the ambiance was friendly and quiet. And yes, we were treated to the free shots of Ouzo. Prices were a little high, but you get a lot of food. The lemon chicken rice soup is soooo good! I had the feta shrimp with a lemony pasta, my friend had one of the kabob platters. I'll definitely stop here again for my Greek food fix!
(4)
David C.
One of the many Greek restaurants in the Pete's empire, this location has pretty much all the standard favorites on their menu. I enjoy the gyros and the leg of lamb sandwich most, and of course the tasty avgolemono soup is always popular. I also like the pork souvlaki if I'm not in the mood for lamb. They have several vegetarian dishes as well, and apparently the vegetarian mousaka is excellent. Their pita is quite good too. It's a smallish place but has a nice little patio, which would be better if it were further away from the busy traffic of Alameda. But it adds extra seating for when it gets crowded, so that's good. This isn't the very best Greek food, but it's a good neighborhood place that won't break the bank, and it's a different kind of cuisine than the many Asian and new American restaurants that are over there now. When you want something different in the West Wash Park area, this is a good option.
(3)
Michael H.
Recently had a Gyro's sandwich here. It was good. Feels a bit tight on the seating. Would not go out of my way to come back but decent spot for basic Greek grub on Alameda.
(2)
Tara B.
This incarnation of a Pete's restaurant reminds me of a quaint Italian eatery, but it's Greek. The prices are a little steep for dinner, but the portions are large and delicious. I've never strayed from the Gyros, but why mess with perfection? The baklava is also amazing and expertly drizzled with honey. Not usually too busy, the service is excellent and has a real family run feel to it. I don't come here too often because if I'm craving Gyros, I prefer to go someplace cheaper and quicker. It's not that Pete's is fancy, but it has an "air" about it that while inviting never quite suits my mood.
(3)
Mo Z.
We love the greek chicken salad with home made pita and yogurt dressing. Service is always excellent.
(5)
Christy C.
The moussaka and every other dish I have tried here is simply delicious, the portions are huge and are a great value if you take home the leftovers, and the atmosphere is as conducive to festive revelry as it is to intimate conversation. The real reason I am so fond of this restaurant, though, is that a night on the patio warms me in the way a special family gathering does. It means sharing laughter with neighboring tables, a lamb bone for my dog, a hug from Thios, sharing stories past closing time, and a round of ouzo all around to commemorate the memories made that evening.
(5)
Alyssa F.
Got take-out from Pete's after craving avolegmono (lemon chicken rice soup) whilst home sick with a cold. The soup was delicious! My partner got a gyros sandwich, which came with fries and a small cup of soup. I was very impressed with dillyness of the tsaziki. The dining room looked totally charming as well.
(4)
Lauren D.
Okay Yelpers I went here on your 5 star reviews and was slightly dissapointed. The food is ok. Not by far the best Greek food I've ever had but it was decent enough. Had the saganaki to start with and their "Grecian Greek Salad" for my meal. Or as I like to call it "heap-o-meat on lettuce." This $19 MASSIVE salad comes with souvlaki, chicken, and gyro meat, I think we used the leftovers for two meals... I did really enjoy their Greek salad dressing and tzaziki. Out waitress was pretty inattentive and blah, but maybe it was because she was trying to tend the bar as well, and we were on the opposite side of the restaurant. Bottom line: I'd go here and eat again, but will continue my quest for the greatest Greek food in Denver.
(2)
Brittany M.
I love this place. I order out much more than I dine in but the food is always just as good and the few times I have dined in the manager has made me feel like a regular. I haven't tried a single dish I didn't like - the saganaki is my favorite and fun to order and I swear the avgolemono soup can cure colds.
(5)
Josh M.
The food was good, a little pricey, but the it was good...very authentic. The service was so so, lets just say they weren't very happy. I might go again if I'm in the mood for greek only because its close.
(3)
Matthew B.
You like-a the juice? Pete's is that kind of Greek restaurant. Well except the waitstaff all speak English very well, and they don't cluster around you hoping that you've enjoyed your juice. Pete's actually reminds me a European Greek restaurant on the inside, it's cozy, small, warm, and the food smells delicious. The Greek Salads have tons of feta, delicious kalamata olives, and they use romaine not iceberg lettuce thank god. The lamb kebobs are awesome, super flavorful, and very plentiful. Now what you all care about: Gyros. The Gyros are delicious, thick, juicy, and their pita is really awesome here. The fries are actually good, which is a shocker since most Greek places have pretty weak fries.
(5)
Kristen T.
I liked it. The lunch service was speedy. I had the dolmas and greek salad. weird thick lemon sauce on the dolmas, but the dolmas themselves were good. Good greek salad but was mostly iceberg and came sans pepperoncinis. dressing was awesome. the side of green beans cooked in tomatoes was awesome.
(3)
Kristian E.
Now I probably shouldn't be writing a review of a restaurant that I haven't been to in years but I had to. Why you may ask? Well I moved away and now I am back part time, but guess what, I still talk about Pete's to this very day. The food is good. The Chicken Lemon Rice Soup is AMAZING but the reason I still talk about the restaurant is the service. It only took 2 visits and I was treated like a regular. The staff and management is so nice and friendly. I seriously felt like I was in cheers every time I went. (Especially with the occasional free Ouzo shot!) You are doing yourself a disservice if you don't go at least once and then after youv'e gone you'll do yourself another disservice if you don't go again. Enjoy the meals and love the company!
(4)
Katrina B.
I decided to try this place out a couple weeks ago when my parents came to visit. I wanted to take them to a place in my neighborhood and was kind of different from the usual so I hopped on here and thought Pete's sounded promising. I have to say I was disappointed. Right off, the blaringly loud pop/dance music was pretty jarring. I'm all for some local flavor but this was just distracting, adding nothing beneficial to the atmosphere. The menu was expansive (which is great), offering many combination plates (which is also great, I like getting to try many things at once). Follow through, however, on these options was not 100%. My mom ordered the vegetarian moussaka. When it came out, she said it was kind of cold. The layers of veggies were lost in each other, no real delineation as would be desired. My dad ordered one of their meat plates (Athenian, I think?). Being a man of few words, he didn't have much to say about his meal but I think he was rather satisfied. I tried a piece of his pork and it was tasty. I ordered one of the vegetarian combo plates. I think mine was the winner out of the three. The spanikopita was delicious, the tiropita was pretty good, the dolmades were good (perhaps a little lemony, but that might just be me). All of the plates came with 'Greek vegetables'. If you like the way the green beans taste in a can of Campbell's vegetable soup, these are the vegetables for you. Even though I could see an array of vegetables sitting in tomato sauce, all I could taste were those damn Campbell's soup green beans. Perhaps 2 stars is a little harsh but I won't say this place is A-OK as three stars apparently indicates. Go for the spanikopita and the tiropita. Do NOT go for the 'Greek vegetables'. Or the music.
(2)
Kelly R.
This place was really good. We ordered the gyro platter and the lemon soup. Our server was very attentive to all of our needs. The meat in the gyro was so tender it was like it melted in your mouth. It was busy and a great atmosphere. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Erin R.
The service here is always great. I generally call in my order & its ready for pickup within 15 minutes. Plus the food is delicious!
(4)
Jerry E.
Great Greek place! Great authenic Greek food! We live in the Wash Park area and we continue to return. I love the Souvlaki plate.
(4)
greg d.
My wife, who grew up in Greece and still has family there, and I returned to Pete's after several years to see if the food had improved. Unfortunately, we were disappointed. The Lemon-egg soup remains over-salted and largely tasteless. The Marides (fried smelt) tasted and smelled fishy and did not seem particularly fresh. We tried the daily special--a leg of lamb. It was hard to tell if the thinly sliced and over-cooked meat was actually lamb. Maybe we ordered their worst entrees. Prices seem high for this type of establishment and the service wasn't much better. We will give it another few years before returning.
(1)
Andi R.
No one has reviewed this one yet? What the hell? I don't live in Denver anymore, but every now and then I fondly remember this place for its delicious food and super friendly service. I also remember it because I went there the first night I arrived in Denver and my husband and I went there immediately after he asked me to marry him. So romantical! Pete's on University's food is just as tasty, but this location is more quaint and good for dates. The souvlaki, pastitsio and moussaka are all delicious. And the times we went there we got free shots of ouzo!
(5)
Duc H.
Five stars for the best fried calamari Ive ever had. Seriously, I pride myself on eating fried calamari. If you have only been served just fried "rings" and have never tried the tentacle parts some restaurants serve then you sir have not tried fried calamari. I'm not going to review any of the other food because it pales in comparison to the fried calamari. If I could find a place that only serves the fried tentacles I would marry it and have its babies. I would move out of the city and get a place in the suburbs with it. I would get a van and take our children to soccer practice and PTA meetings. Eventually as the years go by, I might look back and long for my life in the city with forsaken depravity. Longing to live that life just one more time. And then the restaurant that only serves tentacles in its fried calamari appetizer will walk through the door and I will look into its eyes and I'll remember why I left that life behind. I gal can dream...
(5)
Rod W.
We have been going to Pete's Central for years, and we keep going back because it is always an excellent experience. The food is fantastic, the service is friendly and prompt, and the price tag is manageable. Tykus, the manager, is very nice and will typically remember you from prior visits. He is always eager to throw out free drinks or a free Saganaki (flaming cheese w/ pita bites) which is accompanied with the boisterous OPA! shout. Don't be a jerk. Shout OPA! Go ahead, practice with me... The entrees start with a cup of lemon-rice soup, which is delicious, followed by a fresh and flavorful greek salad. You will not leave Pete's feeling hungry. The Gyros are wonderful, and it is hard for me to order anything else, but the kabobs are also mouth watering and delicately spiced. By the way, the tzatziki is so good that I tend to dip my french fries in it as well. Hey, why not? The pitas are warm and fresh and very light so basically anything you want to wrap with them just melts in your mouth...lamb, chicken, souvlaki, hummus, saganaki...etc. Take your pick. I also happen to have an affinity for the Central Combo for $14.95, which is a combination of Tyropita (cheese pie), Spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie), and Kreatopita (ground beef pie). It is quite a treat.
(4)
Christine P.
It is what it is. It's decent food, good service, and a shot of ouzo. A laid back atmosphere, a good place to meet some friends and have some food you don't make at home. It's not an extraordinary culinary experience, but it's a good place overall to get some Greek food.
(3)
X X.
I have yet to walk into this place without feeling my mood take a sudden change for the better. The smell of delicious food wafts through the air and is accompanied by a friendly face or three.....This family run business is one of my favorites. The manager is always jovial and fun and the waitstaff is always a pleasure to deal with. It's never too crazy busy, which means I can walk in on a whim and fill my tummy with delicious Greek fare. The prices are average to what I have experienced at most Greek restaurants and the dishes are traditional and tasty, as well as generously portioned. OPA! I love this place!
(4)
Melanie C.
In My Big Fat Greek Wedding Aunt Voula says, "You're a vegetarian? Oh, that's okay. I'll make lamb." Remember that? That's kind of how Pete's is. I don't think they appreciate any changes to menu items. I mean, who doesn't eat CHEESE? I know, shame on me for trying to maintain a primarily vegan diet (and in public), but of the five times I've been to Pete's and asked for no yogurt sauce and no cheese (which they put on everything), I've been completely disregarded all but one time. And last time the waitress didn't bother to walk around the table to hear what each person was ordering, so we had to shout down to the end of a long table. I yelled "no sauce-no cheese," which, as usual, was ignored. The clincher? I still paid $12.95 for my sauce-slathered, cheese laden rice dolmates. I'm sure I'll go again, because it's one of those Denver things to do, but I think I'll just drink beer.
(2)
Amy R.
When looking for some delicious Greek food I wouldn't necessarily choose Central 1 or any of Pete's diners for that matter. The only thing he has going for him is the esquire lounge for his cheap drinks and free roses for the ladies. The food is mediocre and the coffee is $3. There aren't many vegetarian options other than the stand by salad and they specifically ask you not to make substitutions. Normally I can understand this for a Panera-esque place as things are already assembled and simply need to be heated. Here where you would think everything is made to order at those prices you could be able to make a simple substitution such as no onions. The staff was friendly and welcoming but I think Pete is a little full of himself.
(3)
Rosemary Y.
This is my favorite place in Denver! Everything is yummy and fresh. Whenever I go here, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. Try to the soup! OPA!
(5)
CL S.
Peter's Central One is a great Greek restaurant in the Wash Park neighborhood. This is very good Greek food, and I have never not had anything that I did not like. For the price, you really good a good value because you usually get soup or a salad with your entree. So, you can expect to get a few good meals with leftovers. :) The baklava is very good, and it's served in huge portions, which makes it even better. The restaurant is very quaint and a perfect place for any type of gathering. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Whenever I come to pick up take-out, they immediately offer me water or pop and a seat while I wait (which is never more than a few minutes). Love this place!
(4)
Christopher G.
This place rules. The food is great, never had anything bad. I wish the saganaki was a bit better but oh well. There is a jovial gentleman who enjoys pouring gratis Ouzo shots until you tell him to stop, which makes the experience that much better. Never had a bad time here, my favorite greek place in Denver.
(4)
Chris H.
Good food, plenty to take home and eat the next day, though kind of expensive. The greek salad we ordered was mostly iceberg lettuce, but that's not why we came here. This isn't the kind of place you take kids too. They hated it. Mom and I will come back on date night.
(3)
ChestRockwell z.
The best of all of Petes restaurants. For some reason, the gyros just tast better to me here. Decent service too.
(4)
John M.
For quick and decent Greek food this fits the bill. It's cozy and the selection is good. I've had iffy service at times but for the most part the staff is good as is the food.
(3)
Lola M.
i'll admit - upon first glance, the prices seemed dauntingly steep. $16 for an entree? for someone on a budget, per my mortgage-sized rent (thanks, Wash Park), my night transformed from casual Saturday dinner to "GURL, TREAT YO SELF." and I did. and the food was superb - and the portions huge. our waitress couldn't have been nicer, and the Greek house music radiating though the overhead speakers perfected the somewhat adorably dingy atmosphere. oh, and talk up the owner. eventually he'll come by with shot glasses and a bottle of Uzo, to make riding your bike home slightly more challenging a teensy bit illegal. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
(5)
Kamryn C.
I can't say I'm a big fan of this place. There were a few standouts- the tzatziki sauce was excellent, some of the best I've had, the dolmas were well made and flavorful, and the pita bread was great. The rest of the meal was not very good. The spanakopita and vegetarian moussaka were bland, which is surprising considering the ingredients are quite rich. The meals are expensive, but the portions are big and they come with soup or salad. We sampled both on our visit, and I was not impressed with either. I wish the cost was cheaper, as I don't feel any need to have the soup or salad again. I would come back again for the dip sampler, but otherwise, I'll likely stay away.
(3)
Kate M.
We shared a combination platter and an app and it was more than enough food! Our favorites were the kabob and gyro, and dolomades made a great app. Friendly staff in a small but quaint environment. As other reviewers stated, Pete welcomed us warmly and sent us home with complimentary ouzo. Good food, great night
(5)
Judy S.
This is one of the best kept secrets in Denver. The food is off the charts, Takis, the owner, is a friend to anyone that walks thru the door. It's authentic, and totally awesome!!!!!
(5)
Michelle L.
Very disappointed on my last trip here (ever). My friend FOUND A FLY IN THE SALAD. We told the waitress and she really didn't seem too shocked - every day occurrence perhaps? So gross... then she had the audacity to charge us for the salad. Last time, Pete!
(1)
Tomas G.
So just ate there the food was good, the menu needs some revision. Totally worth the price though. I'll probably never go back though because the owner slapped my friend twice because we asked for a split check... A little awkward to say the least
(3)
Jessica T.
THIS is how you do dolmades people! They were so incredibly fresh with perfectly cooked rice and ground beef, wrapped lovingly in the grape leaves, and then finished with a lemon sauce. Seriously so good! Do not let other Greek places try to convince you that those perfect looking, soaked in oil, little nuggets that they serve is the same- it's not! I'm at the point where I feel like any "Greek" restaurant can pass off a decent gyro sandwich without much effort and call themself a Greek restaurant, but my standard will always be based on the dolmades (dolmathes) and this place is Greek to the core. I ordered the lunch platter of them and it came with choice of soup or salad- I decided to try their Greek salad and it was fresh with a nice, light dressing and good feta. My husband had the greek salad with gyros as his meal, and the meat was good. The pita served with the salad was decent though not the best I've had. My son enjoyed their pita pizza (from app menu), also with gyros. We also enjoyed sides of tyropita that was incredible! Perfect puff pastry with delicious cheese oozing out with each bite. Seriously it's a toss up between whether the dolmades or tyropita was more craveable! Cute little location inside an old house. Great service. Fresh food. And acceptably priced. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Cindy S.
I ordered the moussaka here and thought it was a solid lunch option. It's a very cozy space and our waitress was attentive!
(4)
Brent W.
Best Greek food in Denver. Every dish is awesome. Ambience is casual and the service is excellent. I think our waitress has been here for 10 years or so. Highly recommend!
(5)
Nahid H.
Small & intimate restaurant, with pleasant ambiance & service. Many Delicious food items, it was hard to pick. We will definitely come back.
(5)
Danielle R.
Oh again how yummie! While in Denver visiting my GREEK friend, she suggested we eat dinner here Saturday night. There was so much food! It's delicious here! Seating is very limited so call ahead for a table. We saw one couple wait about 30 mins at the bar before they were seated. We drank a lot, ate a lot, and the bill was about $40 a head. See my pix of food, but there wasn't a bad thing to be had. My friend and I landed up sharing one of the Combo platters and it was still too much food! So keep that in mind!
(5)
Melissa B.
The atmosphere is great here. We had a b-day that we were celebrating and we got shots after shots. I loved the the flaming cheese, they put it on fire in front of you and also it tastes great! We also enjoyed the lamb loin chops! I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)
Shane L.
Love this place, be ready for some of the best go-to greek food in Denver.
(5)
Brianna B.
First time here was for a friend's birthday party and it was a blast. Pete came around and gave everyone free Ouzo and was super friendly with everyone. We had a large table in the back and the waitresses were very helpful and friendly as well. We tried some of the Saganaki (fried cheese) starter and it was delicious - I could've eaten a whole plate! We also shared some bites of Spanakopita, and I was impressed, it wasn't too fried or slimy like some I've had. It was really appetizing. Overall I wasn't super hungry, so I split some of my guy's Chicken Pita with him. Each plate comes with a Greek version of chicken noodle soup (tasty) and a small greek salad which was ok (the lettuce was a bit iceberg heavy for me) but the dressing was great. But the fries and Tzatziki brought me right back to Santorini beach days - yum! We will definitely be back to try more of the veggie options, although overall not a super veggie friendly destination.
(4)
Al M.
I would give this restaurant five stars, and it would be one of my all-time favorites but for one problem: They have TVs on all the time. So, instead of enjoying a great meal in great surroundings, I can't help but watch the commercials for Mucinex and Toyota. Perhaps you are better at ignoring the TV than I am. Please just turn off the TVs!
(3)
Ryan W.
Gyro meat sucks like none other. It is weird tasting and the texture unnatural for meat. It is very bland as well and not seasoned. My girlfriend choose the salmon. The salmon experienced a pretty bad freezer burn before being cooked. It was way below standard as well. Who ever is in the kitchen has no regard for the well being this business. Will not go again.
(1)
Nicki M.
Yes, yes, yes! This place is awesome. As soon as we walked in this very Greek man greeted us and showed us to a table. The restaurant is small , but it adds to the perfect ambiance here. The food is delicious. We ordered the dip sampler which included hummus, tzatziki, and fava. Dinner included a delicious chicken and rice soup that had a hint of lemon and a Greek salad. For our entree we had a gyro pita and a gyro plate. The pita came with fries that were even better when dipped in tzatziki. By this time we were stuffed and didn't indulge in dessert, but the baklava looked amazing. You will feel like family when you leave Pete's. We will definitely be back very soon.
(5)
Kevin A.
My favorite Greek restaurant hands down! Love the food, atmosphere,and staff. Like family here.
(5)
Devin R.
I always go here with my boyfriend and one of his best friends and his wife. The service is always excellent and there's always too much ouzo involved! The restaurant is quaint and cozy. Definitely a great place for dinner. The food is fantastic too. The tzatziki sauce is super good! They're very accommodating to food allergies, although they don't have much in the way of gluten free. I usually just eat a salad and some lemon chicken soup. It's still delicious! The owner always comes by our table multiple times and gives us shots of ouzo. He's very friendly, as is all of the staff. They make you feel like you're a guest eating in their own home--you kind of are as it's a family owned restaurant. Parking is always a little tough since it's on Pearl st.
(4)
Gretchen J.
I LOVE Greek Salads but not this one. I ordered one with a side of gyro meat for lunch takeout, so this is not a reflection on their service but it was difficult to choke down. The lettuce was primarily the core (so watery and tough) and the gyro meat was mushy and bologna - like (for lack of a better description). Small petpeeve but he ingredients that were in the salad were not bite sized so you have some of your own prep to do in order to be able to actually eat everything in it. This is typical of some other Greek places around town and I can overcome that if flavor is spot on... just wasn't there in this case. Portion size is huge but the salad plus gyro was $15.00. Pro: the tzatziki was good.
(1)
Bryan Q.
Love Pete's Central! We've been here more times than I can count, so I think it's finally time I post a review. Being married into a Greek family, I've eaten more than enough homemade and restaurant prepared Greek food to know what's good. Every kabob is always perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Avgolemono soup and salad are great. The saganaki is phenomenal and it everything is perfect with a Hillas or two. Oh, and the owner will never turn you down for a second (or third) Ouzo shot. It aids in digestion and there's a lot to digest. That's my excuse anyway... Oh, and if you think service is slow at any point, I think you're missing you cue to drink more Hillas and Ouzo!
(5)
G R.
Took the family out for dinner tonight at Petes Central One. Wow! Food was awesome service was absolutely the best. We were treated like we were dignitaries. From what we could see and hear every person in the restaurant received special treatment. We highly recommend Petes Central One. In my opinion this is the best Greek food in the Denver Metro area. The area is busy with lots of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Parking was a bit difficult since there is only on street parking. But that is a minor inconvenience. We are planning to return next month for another family dinner.
(5)
Mark O.
Went in for dinner about a month ago. The food was good and the service was mediocre at best. Went into day for lunch and it was just about the opposite. The Avgolemono seemed to be very watery and there was hardly any lemon taste to it at all. I had requested "no tomatoes" but the plate came out with plenty of tomato. The onions were sliced so thin they might as well have not been there. I also got charged an extra 75¢ for more Tzatziki, making it the first time I've been charged extra for a condiment in a long time. The server did make sure my iced tea stayed refilled. However, I was never asked how the food was, or if everything was OK (much like the last visit). I think I'll search for a better Greek option in Denver.
(3)
Jim M.
We have been going to Central One since the old owners 25 years ago and I was afraid it would go down hill when Pete bought it. Should not have worried, EVERYTIME i come here the food is like I am in Greek town in Chicago or Detroit, right on the money. Always good value and great service, I make it a point to come here when I am in town.
(5)
Dave C.
This is a cute little mediterranean style restaurant with excellent Greek food. The gyros were delicious. The meatballs and pastitsio were very good. The service was excellent. The waitress kept my rasberry iced tea filled and was pleasant and happy to bring us everything we needed. It's the perfect place for a cozy, romantic lunch or early evening dinner. Be sure to come before 5 pm so you can beat the dinner rush.
(4)
Joanna T.
I would give 3.5 stars if I could. I've had both lunch and dinner here with a co- worker and found this little place to be a very good value. On the most recent visit, we shared a "sampler" app of tzatziki (average), fava (mmmm..) and hummus (above average). For $7, it was a ton of food and would make a great light meal with wine. Everything comes with soup (chicken lemon) and salad so it's a ton of food. My chicken kebabs were lemony, moist and very good. The veggies that come with are clearly frozen and pretty gross, so skip them. On both visits, we got our items fast and service was really good. The owner stopped by to check on us, which is always nice. Pete's isn't going to win any James Beard awards, but they serve up respectable versions of Greek classics, they're friendly and it's a great value.
(3)
suzanne b.
This is the most authentic Greek food I have ever had at besides my home. This is truly what Greek folks eat and it IS NOT commercialized Greek food. The dolmas are just like my moms..maybe better..sorry mom. Really folks, if you want real Greek food, go see Takis at Pete's Central.
(5)
Wendy S.
Love, love , love the vegetarian combos.. All of then are fantastic. Service is always great, the owner is super friendly. Go hear and eat and drink, it will not disappoint.
(5)
Jamie L.
The food is still decent, but there have been some slips. I noticed at the end of this meal that my water glass had been dirty the entire time. Yuck. We ordered dessert, and 10 minutes later, the waitress dropped the check, with the dessert on it, and had to be reminded to actually GET the dessert. It arrived lukewarm, as if halfheartedly microwaved. I was there in my work clothes, which is to say Jeans and a Logo long sleeved tee shirt. We were definitely treated sub-par, and I can only imagine it was because we were dressed in "Work Clothes." Other tables were cheered "OPA!" with and offered the infamous free Ouzo, which, although I detest, I would prefer to be included and not treated like a second class citizen. The size of the Greek Salad has shrunk, and the dressing was overloaded. The Aethenian Combo plate was still good, with enough food to share, but they no longer do that special "simmering" of the Gyro meat. This is just your typical Gyro meat that you can get anywhere. Nothing Special. The Dolmades are still huge, and paired with that good lemon sauce. The filling this time was a little spicy for me, but that's just a matter of taste. I'd still stop by again... maybe. But won't make a special trip anytime soon.
(3)
Luke S.
I was really surprised and delighted by the taste and presentation of the food at Pete's original. I frequent the Greek town cafe and university park cafe, and each have their niche. However, I was not aware that the original was altogether different. My girl and I got the vegetarian plate with a side salad to share and it was savory, thoughtful and delicious!
(5)
Steve T.
My favorite Greek place. I love the Veggie Combo 2. Vegetarians: multiple entree choices!
(5)
Mark S.
Really great Greek food in a town that doesn't really have a ton of Greek options. It might help that I live right down the street from here, but it's a nice place with some great outdoor seating where you can get your gyro fix. I also really like their platters, which gets you a mix of everything and comes with some delicious lemon rice soup and great spinach rice pilaf. Sometimes it's easy to forget about side dishes when meat is the main attraction, but their sides are really fantastic.
(4)
Kristin C.
Solid four stars! Great food, friendly service. Prices aren't crazy cheap, but that's also because you get an insane amount of food. One combo meal easily feeds two hungry adults. Funky atmosphere (not hip, etc.), but a good neighborhood joint. And the manager (owner?) never lets us leave without free shots!
(4)
Liam M.
Excellent Greek food. The gyros were delicious. The meat was fresh and the fries were cooked just right. For dessert, the bougatsa was awesome. Kind of like a funnel cake, but much better. I was really happy with the overall service. Great to see a Greek joint serving this kind of food in Denver.
(5)
Claude C.
I love this place! The food is amazing and full of flavor. You must try the spanikopita when you visit. The flaming cheese and gyros plate are delicious. The service is friendly and welcoming.
(5)
Gary S.
We didnt get any free ouzo. The food was ok. It seemed to lack spice. The cake wasnt homemade.Our poor waitress had to serve the whole restaurant.the owner was friendly and attentive.It was better a few years ago.
(3)
Jim K.
Amazing little Greek place, cute as it can be and a lively atmosphere. Taki is always taking care of his guests, serves them ouzo, and Efi the waitress rocks. The food is very good and the portions are huge. Try the rack of lamp next time, the best I've ever had! Opa!
(5)
Jack O.
Last night was only our second time here. There were 6 of us, and we were celebrating a birthday. We all really liked the food, atmosphere, and the staff. Both of our visits have been great. Last night we had a lot of different dishes between us. All were great. We also enjoyed two bottles of his Greek Pinot Noir which was quite nice. Couldn't even consider desert. Too full... I would give this 5 stars, but the decor isn't anything to brag about. It's a neighborhood eatery/bar style place. Very personable. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Grace K.
Pete's is a standard for me. I love the one on Colfax as well but the man behind this specific restaurant knows how to make you feel welcomed and like a part of the family. The Greek chicken salad and the gyros platters are so tasty...I want to try multiple things but can't get away from those two items they are soo good! If you look like you need it, you may even be offered a shot of Sambuca or two ;) OPA!
(4)
Cynthia N.
I've been here countless times now and all visits have been pretty much perfect. It's the little things that begin to count when you like a place this much. The service is attentive but non-intrusive, the coffee holds it's own among restaurants who just serve drip, and the tea is rarely over steeped. But what we really care about is the food! As I tend to keep an eye towards cost, I mostly come here for weekend lunches, when there seems to be a lower priced menu than for dinner. I LOVE the avoglemono, combination pies place, the kebobs plate, the moussaka, the green bean side that comes with many of their meals, and the flaming cheese app. My boyfriend and I tend to get 2 things and share since we can never pick. Sadly, I haven't ventured far into the menu because the pies and kebobs are SO GOOD I never want anything else. There is a little room for improvement. I've started getting dressing on the side with salad because it is kind of DRENCHED, and oddly enough, the hummus is not so good. It's kinda chunky and darker than I'm used to. Also, the gyros were just middle of the road. At the end of the day though, this is solid Greek food, and at least at lunch, very value oriented.
(4)
Francene F.
We used to eat here all the time when we lived here years ago. While visiting, we decided to try again. Pete now owns it and it is just as good! The lemon soup, flaming cheese and gyros are the greatest. You have to finish with the baklava. Pete brings you a shot of ouzo to finish the meal! I wish we had this great Greek food at home!
(5)
Emily G.
By far the most authentic Greek food I've experienced outside of Greece itself. The chicken soup is my absolute favorite. The atmosphere is casual but quaint, service is just right, and the quality of the food is always consistent. It's a plus that it's nestled in the beautiful Wash Park area. I never miss a chance to eat at Central One while in Denver! I would love to see them expand the outdoor patio, but that's the only thing I would improve.
(5)
Lola F.
I'm getting tired of everyone thinking the gentleman bringing around the ouzo is Pete. This is not Pete this is the manager, Taki. Nice man but not the owner and not Pete!!!
(4)
cindy b.
What are the odds that on a Monday I'd drive out for lunch, take a last minute detour from my favorite slice parlour, and stop in here for the first time ever? What are the odds that three of my coworkers were already finishing up lunch-and collectively we are about 20% of the entire office? What are the odds that they'd only been there twice and I had never been there? Must have been the wind. I like diners and I especially like diners with some healthy choices. So you always have a 50/50 chance, right? This place was true to Pete's form: diner food, heavy emphasis on the Greek, and good prices I had the rice and veggie stuffed dolmades which was enough for two meals, a bit heavy on the yogurt sauce. Get it on the side next time. The side veggies were the usual frozen broccoli, carrot and cauliflower chunks with a delicious difference--they had some piquant flavoring that really woke them up. If three huge stuffed dolmades, a cup of veggies and a cup of yogurt sauce doesn't fill you up, they give you a couple slices of Texas toast. Eight bucks. It is not gourmet but it's a days' worth of cooking. You rule, Pete.
(3)
Max C.
Friendly staff and good Greek food. Once in a while the owner goes around and offers free shots of oozo :D Some dishes are better than others, for example the Wednesday Chicken special is to die for but the Friday night lamb shank is not that great in my opinion. Mixed plates are a good way to find out what you might like from their menu.
(4)
Holly G.
I came here on a not very hungry stomach. That was a no no, considering it seems like the dinner portions of entrees on the menu are pretty large and even come with a salad too. So what did I do? I ordered the Hummus and Pita plate. Which, is of course not supposed to be your whole dinner, but it was for me! The pita was very yummy and the hummus was quite good too, not overwhelming with garlic like it can be sometimes. My boyfriend got a Gyro and fries. He seemed to enjoy it as well. I will be back some other time for dinner on an empty stomach.
(3)
Margaret C.
Hooray! Got a chance to revisit Pete's Central 1 last week, because my son and his girlfriend have moved to this neighborhood recently. We walked here from his new house! That was very cool. We ordered the Spanakopita as an appetizer. It was made fresh to order and was perfect. We enjoyed that. My son ordered a gyros sandwich and his girlfriend ordered a salad. They seemed to like their food but weren't as enthusiastic about Pete's Central 1 as I am. The man behind the bar, which was near our table, was super nice to us. At one point he brought us a complimentary appetizer: Saganaki which is flaming cheese. It comes with pita bread. I ended up eating the bulk of it (once the flames were out), as my son and his girlfriend prefer not to eat much cheese. I certainly need to lose weight and therefore felt awkward eating as much of it as I did....but it was very tasty...lemony flavored Kaseri cheese. I like the way salad and soup come with the meal here, and found the friendliness rather remarkable. Son and girlfriend are not easily impressed and I think they would like the lunch portions and prices better than the dinner menu. They did eat all of their food w/o complaint, and they reminded me to leave an extra generous tip because of the amazing service and the free flaming appetizer, which I did, gladly.
(5)
Tiffany W.
Went here for dinner and had some of the worst service I've had ever. Yes, it was a Friday night, but no, they were not that busy. We were merely pointed to a table (that hadn't been wiped down yet), and there just happened to be some menus lying next to the table. We were never properly greeted, just had a server come ask us if we were ready to order (without asking about drinks first). We still needed a few minutes, so after at least five minutes the server finally came back. We ordered hummus appetizer (which I've had better), and it was brought out with no silverware/napkins. Our server never came back to check so we had to eat it without. When they brought out the salads we ordered, the server suddenly started playing damage control over the lack of silverware. Finally, after when our bill came, our server didn't even run our cards (another server did); she never came back except to bring us boxes, and for one appetizer and two salads, we were there for over an hour. I've waited tables before in my life, so I'm not playing armchair restaurant critic. That being said, I try to take into account other things that might be going on, but since they were not that busy, and the service was so extremely poor, I will not be going back to this restaurant again.
(2)
Rachel M.
Unbelievable food! Seriously the best Dolmas i've ever had! And this veggie-like lasagna with eggplant n ricotta and spinach was divine :) u MUST eat here, inside is very quaintly decorated, but i prefer to people watch Alameda on the patio
(5)
Chris T.
Incredibly disappointing Greek dishes. Bland. Boring. I've spent a lot of time in Greece, so I'm well acquainted with Greek cuisine. Pete's Central? Meh. Don't bother.
(2)
Kelly B.
My husb and I went to Pete's last night for the first time and I've gotta say the food was delicious! It's a small place and it was packed but it was rather fun and boisterous. I had the vegetarian combo II with dolmades, veggie mousaka, and a spanakopita. The dolmades were good, the yogurt sauce was delish and quite lemony. The vegetarian mousaka was the best mousaka I've ever had (vegetarian or no). The flavor and consistency was perfect. The spanakopita was also good but maybe a little too heavy on the dill for my tastes but otherwise yummy. We ordered a baklava to split and that was definately the best (and largest serving of) I've ever had. The waitress informed us it is house made. It was excellent! Our meal was topped off with a complimentary shot of ouzo, which is always a nice touch. I found the staff at Pete's to be friendly and the service was efficient. We will definately be back :D
(4)
Jenna A.
Oh man! After my Persian experience the other night, I was really craving a Greek gyro. After living in this neighborhood for almost two years now, I've never been inside Pete's on Pearl & Alameda. Late night, Veteran's Day around 8:30pm we were the only two people dining at Pete's. Obviously we got exceptional service! I was not prepared for the enormous portion sizes and I couldn't hold myself back from ordering the Tyropita as soon as we ordered our drinks. The pastry was filled with three cheeses that oozed out and it was incredible. One was definitely enough to share. The dinner menu includes french fries, tzatziki sauce and soup with all Greek sandwiches and that's more than enough to eat without an appetizer. I'll remember that next time. Our gyro dinners came after a surprisingly longer wait than we had anticipated when no one else was dining that evening. But it was worth the wait. The gyro meat was so tender, the pita was soft, crisp white onions and tomatoes and the fries were awesome. I am sort of a french fry connoisseur and these are currently at the top of my list. The tzatziki sauce was extra dilly but it didn't stop us from even dipping our fries in it. I'm sooo glad I only ate two meals that day...... Appetizer and two dinners - $25.00. Next time, I'll do lunch where it's a few bucks cheaper and I can just get a gyro and some fries. I've found my new craving...Pete's gyros...
(4)
David T.
Hadn't been to Central 1 for a while and the roomie was in the mood for Gyros -- so off we go. First of all, the place was balls to the walls and so the service was spotty but reasonably congenial. Both the table next to us and we ourselves had to go in search of a server to get a check after waiting for an extended period. The soup and the salad were both sub par tonight. The soup watery and the salad dressing diluted by wet greens. The Gyros was fine but there isn't a whole lot of culinary artistry going on here. I don't know any Greek restaurants in Denver at least, that make their own. So, you heat it up with some store bought pita, throw on some Sysco fries, and there you go. It filled the bill but that's about it. Can't argue with the prices though.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Andrea P.
Love this place! It looks like a hole in the wall but it's fantastic inside. Totally intimate with cute mural wall drawings. The food is authentic Greek and YUMMY! The owner came to our table and was just a doll, gave us some free shots too. I love Pete's Central, the only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because Greek is not my favorite food. I recommend going here!
(4)Josh E.
Moving to Boulder from Buffalo NY, I was very disappointed with the lack of Greek restaurants scattered around town. The all night Greek Restaurant, for those of us under 21, was our bar. It was the nightly haunt, the place to go to escape the home and meet up with old, and make new, friends. Pete's Central 1 was one of the first places I went in co that conjured up memories of those days. The blue and white awning, the menus with snap shot pics of Greece, the awkward moment you walk in and don't know if you're to seat yourself or wait. All of this feels so right. And then you get the food. Its all good, flavored extremely well. People mention the portions are huge, this is true, although completely normal for Greek. I wouldn't restrict yourself to not ordering an appetizer in anticipation of the massive portions. Get the appetizer and eat an amazing leftover lunch tomorrow.
(4)Karen D.
Just finished a very tasty, very filling dinner at Pete's Central One. It was delicious. Service was very good, dishes were well explained to us and the ambiance was friendly and quiet. And yes, we were treated to the free shots of Ouzo. Prices were a little high, but you get a lot of food. The lemon chicken rice soup is soooo good! I had the feta shrimp with a lemony pasta, my friend had one of the kabob platters. I'll definitely stop here again for my Greek food fix!
(4)David C.
One of the many Greek restaurants in the Pete's empire, this location has pretty much all the standard favorites on their menu. I enjoy the gyros and the leg of lamb sandwich most, and of course the tasty avgolemono soup is always popular. I also like the pork souvlaki if I'm not in the mood for lamb. They have several vegetarian dishes as well, and apparently the vegetarian mousaka is excellent. Their pita is quite good too. It's a smallish place but has a nice little patio, which would be better if it were further away from the busy traffic of Alameda. But it adds extra seating for when it gets crowded, so that's good. This isn't the very best Greek food, but it's a good neighborhood place that won't break the bank, and it's a different kind of cuisine than the many Asian and new American restaurants that are over there now. When you want something different in the West Wash Park area, this is a good option.
(3)Michael H.
Recently had a Gyro's sandwich here. It was good. Feels a bit tight on the seating. Would not go out of my way to come back but decent spot for basic Greek grub on Alameda.
(2)Tara B.
This incarnation of a Pete's restaurant reminds me of a quaint Italian eatery, but it's Greek. The prices are a little steep for dinner, but the portions are large and delicious. I've never strayed from the Gyros, but why mess with perfection? The baklava is also amazing and expertly drizzled with honey. Not usually too busy, the service is excellent and has a real family run feel to it. I don't come here too often because if I'm craving Gyros, I prefer to go someplace cheaper and quicker. It's not that Pete's is fancy, but it has an "air" about it that while inviting never quite suits my mood.
(3)Mo Z.
We love the greek chicken salad with home made pita and yogurt dressing. Service is always excellent.
(5)Christy C.
The moussaka and every other dish I have tried here is simply delicious, the portions are huge and are a great value if you take home the leftovers, and the atmosphere is as conducive to festive revelry as it is to intimate conversation. The real reason I am so fond of this restaurant, though, is that a night on the patio warms me in the way a special family gathering does. It means sharing laughter with neighboring tables, a lamb bone for my dog, a hug from Thios, sharing stories past closing time, and a round of ouzo all around to commemorate the memories made that evening.
(5)Alyssa F.
Got take-out from Pete's after craving avolegmono (lemon chicken rice soup) whilst home sick with a cold. The soup was delicious! My partner got a gyros sandwich, which came with fries and a small cup of soup. I was very impressed with dillyness of the tsaziki. The dining room looked totally charming as well.
(4)Lauren D.
Okay Yelpers I went here on your 5 star reviews and was slightly dissapointed. The food is ok. Not by far the best Greek food I've ever had but it was decent enough. Had the saganaki to start with and their "Grecian Greek Salad" for my meal. Or as I like to call it "heap-o-meat on lettuce." This $19 MASSIVE salad comes with souvlaki, chicken, and gyro meat, I think we used the leftovers for two meals... I did really enjoy their Greek salad dressing and tzaziki. Out waitress was pretty inattentive and blah, but maybe it was because she was trying to tend the bar as well, and we were on the opposite side of the restaurant. Bottom line: I'd go here and eat again, but will continue my quest for the greatest Greek food in Denver.
(2)Brittany M.
I love this place. I order out much more than I dine in but the food is always just as good and the few times I have dined in the manager has made me feel like a regular. I haven't tried a single dish I didn't like - the saganaki is my favorite and fun to order and I swear the avgolemono soup can cure colds.
(5)Josh M.
The food was good, a little pricey, but the it was good...very authentic. The service was so so, lets just say they weren't very happy. I might go again if I'm in the mood for greek only because its close.
(3)Matthew B.
You like-a the juice? Pete's is that kind of Greek restaurant. Well except the waitstaff all speak English very well, and they don't cluster around you hoping that you've enjoyed your juice. Pete's actually reminds me a European Greek restaurant on the inside, it's cozy, small, warm, and the food smells delicious. The Greek Salads have tons of feta, delicious kalamata olives, and they use romaine not iceberg lettuce thank god. The lamb kebobs are awesome, super flavorful, and very plentiful. Now what you all care about: Gyros. The Gyros are delicious, thick, juicy, and their pita is really awesome here. The fries are actually good, which is a shocker since most Greek places have pretty weak fries.
(5)Kristen T.
I liked it. The lunch service was speedy. I had the dolmas and greek salad. weird thick lemon sauce on the dolmas, but the dolmas themselves were good. Good greek salad but was mostly iceberg and came sans pepperoncinis. dressing was awesome. the side of green beans cooked in tomatoes was awesome.
(3)Kristian E.
Now I probably shouldn't be writing a review of a restaurant that I haven't been to in years but I had to. Why you may ask? Well I moved away and now I am back part time, but guess what, I still talk about Pete's to this very day. The food is good. The Chicken Lemon Rice Soup is AMAZING but the reason I still talk about the restaurant is the service. It only took 2 visits and I was treated like a regular. The staff and management is so nice and friendly. I seriously felt like I was in cheers every time I went. (Especially with the occasional free Ouzo shot!) You are doing yourself a disservice if you don't go at least once and then after youv'e gone you'll do yourself another disservice if you don't go again. Enjoy the meals and love the company!
(4)Katrina B.
I decided to try this place out a couple weeks ago when my parents came to visit. I wanted to take them to a place in my neighborhood and was kind of different from the usual so I hopped on here and thought Pete's sounded promising. I have to say I was disappointed. Right off, the blaringly loud pop/dance music was pretty jarring. I'm all for some local flavor but this was just distracting, adding nothing beneficial to the atmosphere. The menu was expansive (which is great), offering many combination plates (which is also great, I like getting to try many things at once). Follow through, however, on these options was not 100%. My mom ordered the vegetarian moussaka. When it came out, she said it was kind of cold. The layers of veggies were lost in each other, no real delineation as would be desired. My dad ordered one of their meat plates (Athenian, I think?). Being a man of few words, he didn't have much to say about his meal but I think he was rather satisfied. I tried a piece of his pork and it was tasty. I ordered one of the vegetarian combo plates. I think mine was the winner out of the three. The spanikopita was delicious, the tiropita was pretty good, the dolmades were good (perhaps a little lemony, but that might just be me). All of the plates came with 'Greek vegetables'. If you like the way the green beans taste in a can of Campbell's vegetable soup, these are the vegetables for you. Even though I could see an array of vegetables sitting in tomato sauce, all I could taste were those damn Campbell's soup green beans. Perhaps 2 stars is a little harsh but I won't say this place is A-OK as three stars apparently indicates. Go for the spanikopita and the tiropita. Do NOT go for the 'Greek vegetables'. Or the music.
(2)Kelly R.
This place was really good. We ordered the gyro platter and the lemon soup. Our server was very attentive to all of our needs. The meat in the gyro was so tender it was like it melted in your mouth. It was busy and a great atmosphere. I would definitely go back!
(4)Erin R.
The service here is always great. I generally call in my order & its ready for pickup within 15 minutes. Plus the food is delicious!
(4)Jerry E.
Great Greek place! Great authenic Greek food! We live in the Wash Park area and we continue to return. I love the Souvlaki plate.
(4)greg d.
My wife, who grew up in Greece and still has family there, and I returned to Pete's after several years to see if the food had improved. Unfortunately, we were disappointed. The Lemon-egg soup remains over-salted and largely tasteless. The Marides (fried smelt) tasted and smelled fishy and did not seem particularly fresh. We tried the daily special--a leg of lamb. It was hard to tell if the thinly sliced and over-cooked meat was actually lamb. Maybe we ordered their worst entrees. Prices seem high for this type of establishment and the service wasn't much better. We will give it another few years before returning.
(1)Andi R.
No one has reviewed this one yet? What the hell? I don't live in Denver anymore, but every now and then I fondly remember this place for its delicious food and super friendly service. I also remember it because I went there the first night I arrived in Denver and my husband and I went there immediately after he asked me to marry him. So romantical! Pete's on University's food is just as tasty, but this location is more quaint and good for dates. The souvlaki, pastitsio and moussaka are all delicious. And the times we went there we got free shots of ouzo!
(5)Duc H.
Five stars for the best fried calamari Ive ever had. Seriously, I pride myself on eating fried calamari. If you have only been served just fried "rings" and have never tried the tentacle parts some restaurants serve then you sir have not tried fried calamari. I'm not going to review any of the other food because it pales in comparison to the fried calamari. If I could find a place that only serves the fried tentacles I would marry it and have its babies. I would move out of the city and get a place in the suburbs with it. I would get a van and take our children to soccer practice and PTA meetings. Eventually as the years go by, I might look back and long for my life in the city with forsaken depravity. Longing to live that life just one more time. And then the restaurant that only serves tentacles in its fried calamari appetizer will walk through the door and I will look into its eyes and I'll remember why I left that life behind. I gal can dream...
(5)Rod W.
We have been going to Pete's Central for years, and we keep going back because it is always an excellent experience. The food is fantastic, the service is friendly and prompt, and the price tag is manageable. Tykus, the manager, is very nice and will typically remember you from prior visits. He is always eager to throw out free drinks or a free Saganaki (flaming cheese w/ pita bites) which is accompanied with the boisterous OPA! shout. Don't be a jerk. Shout OPA! Go ahead, practice with me... The entrees start with a cup of lemon-rice soup, which is delicious, followed by a fresh and flavorful greek salad. You will not leave Pete's feeling hungry. The Gyros are wonderful, and it is hard for me to order anything else, but the kabobs are also mouth watering and delicately spiced. By the way, the tzatziki is so good that I tend to dip my french fries in it as well. Hey, why not? The pitas are warm and fresh and very light so basically anything you want to wrap with them just melts in your mouth...lamb, chicken, souvlaki, hummus, saganaki...etc. Take your pick. I also happen to have an affinity for the Central Combo for $14.95, which is a combination of Tyropita (cheese pie), Spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie), and Kreatopita (ground beef pie). It is quite a treat.
(4)Christine P.
It is what it is. It's decent food, good service, and a shot of ouzo. A laid back atmosphere, a good place to meet some friends and have some food you don't make at home. It's not an extraordinary culinary experience, but it's a good place overall to get some Greek food.
(3)X X.
I have yet to walk into this place without feeling my mood take a sudden change for the better. The smell of delicious food wafts through the air and is accompanied by a friendly face or three.....This family run business is one of my favorites. The manager is always jovial and fun and the waitstaff is always a pleasure to deal with. It's never too crazy busy, which means I can walk in on a whim and fill my tummy with delicious Greek fare. The prices are average to what I have experienced at most Greek restaurants and the dishes are traditional and tasty, as well as generously portioned. OPA! I love this place!
(4)Melanie C.
In My Big Fat Greek Wedding Aunt Voula says, "You're a vegetarian? Oh, that's okay. I'll make lamb." Remember that? That's kind of how Pete's is. I don't think they appreciate any changes to menu items. I mean, who doesn't eat CHEESE? I know, shame on me for trying to maintain a primarily vegan diet (and in public), but of the five times I've been to Pete's and asked for no yogurt sauce and no cheese (which they put on everything), I've been completely disregarded all but one time. And last time the waitress didn't bother to walk around the table to hear what each person was ordering, so we had to shout down to the end of a long table. I yelled "no sauce-no cheese," which, as usual, was ignored. The clincher? I still paid $12.95 for my sauce-slathered, cheese laden rice dolmates. I'm sure I'll go again, because it's one of those Denver things to do, but I think I'll just drink beer.
(2)Amy R.
When looking for some delicious Greek food I wouldn't necessarily choose Central 1 or any of Pete's diners for that matter. The only thing he has going for him is the esquire lounge for his cheap drinks and free roses for the ladies. The food is mediocre and the coffee is $3. There aren't many vegetarian options other than the stand by salad and they specifically ask you not to make substitutions. Normally I can understand this for a Panera-esque place as things are already assembled and simply need to be heated. Here where you would think everything is made to order at those prices you could be able to make a simple substitution such as no onions. The staff was friendly and welcoming but I think Pete is a little full of himself.
(3)Rosemary Y.
This is my favorite place in Denver! Everything is yummy and fresh. Whenever I go here, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. Try to the soup! OPA!
(5)CL S.
Peter's Central One is a great Greek restaurant in the Wash Park neighborhood. This is very good Greek food, and I have never not had anything that I did not like. For the price, you really good a good value because you usually get soup or a salad with your entree. So, you can expect to get a few good meals with leftovers. :) The baklava is very good, and it's served in huge portions, which makes it even better. The restaurant is very quaint and a perfect place for any type of gathering. The staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Whenever I come to pick up take-out, they immediately offer me water or pop and a seat while I wait (which is never more than a few minutes). Love this place!
(4)Christopher G.
This place rules. The food is great, never had anything bad. I wish the saganaki was a bit better but oh well. There is a jovial gentleman who enjoys pouring gratis Ouzo shots until you tell him to stop, which makes the experience that much better. Never had a bad time here, my favorite greek place in Denver.
(4)Chris H.
Good food, plenty to take home and eat the next day, though kind of expensive. The greek salad we ordered was mostly iceberg lettuce, but that's not why we came here. This isn't the kind of place you take kids too. They hated it. Mom and I will come back on date night.
(3)ChestRockwell z.
The best of all of Petes restaurants. For some reason, the gyros just tast better to me here. Decent service too.
(4)John M.
For quick and decent Greek food this fits the bill. It's cozy and the selection is good. I've had iffy service at times but for the most part the staff is good as is the food.
(3)Lola M.
i'll admit - upon first glance, the prices seemed dauntingly steep. $16 for an entree? for someone on a budget, per my mortgage-sized rent (thanks, Wash Park), my night transformed from casual Saturday dinner to "GURL, TREAT YO SELF." and I did. and the food was superb - and the portions huge. our waitress couldn't have been nicer, and the Greek house music radiating though the overhead speakers perfected the somewhat adorably dingy atmosphere. oh, and talk up the owner. eventually he'll come by with shot glasses and a bottle of Uzo, to make riding your bike home slightly more challenging a teensy bit illegal. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
(5)Kamryn C.
I can't say I'm a big fan of this place. There were a few standouts- the tzatziki sauce was excellent, some of the best I've had, the dolmas were well made and flavorful, and the pita bread was great. The rest of the meal was not very good. The spanakopita and vegetarian moussaka were bland, which is surprising considering the ingredients are quite rich. The meals are expensive, but the portions are big and they come with soup or salad. We sampled both on our visit, and I was not impressed with either. I wish the cost was cheaper, as I don't feel any need to have the soup or salad again. I would come back again for the dip sampler, but otherwise, I'll likely stay away.
(3)Kate M.
We shared a combination platter and an app and it was more than enough food! Our favorites were the kabob and gyro, and dolomades made a great app. Friendly staff in a small but quaint environment. As other reviewers stated, Pete welcomed us warmly and sent us home with complimentary ouzo. Good food, great night
(5)Judy S.
This is one of the best kept secrets in Denver. The food is off the charts, Takis, the owner, is a friend to anyone that walks thru the door. It's authentic, and totally awesome!!!!!
(5)Michelle L.
Very disappointed on my last trip here (ever). My friend FOUND A FLY IN THE SALAD. We told the waitress and she really didn't seem too shocked - every day occurrence perhaps? So gross... then she had the audacity to charge us for the salad. Last time, Pete!
(1)Tomas G.
So just ate there the food was good, the menu needs some revision. Totally worth the price though. I'll probably never go back though because the owner slapped my friend twice because we asked for a split check... A little awkward to say the least
(3)Jessica T.
THIS is how you do dolmades people! They were so incredibly fresh with perfectly cooked rice and ground beef, wrapped lovingly in the grape leaves, and then finished with a lemon sauce. Seriously so good! Do not let other Greek places try to convince you that those perfect looking, soaked in oil, little nuggets that they serve is the same- it's not! I'm at the point where I feel like any "Greek" restaurant can pass off a decent gyro sandwich without much effort and call themself a Greek restaurant, but my standard will always be based on the dolmades (dolmathes) and this place is Greek to the core. I ordered the lunch platter of them and it came with choice of soup or salad- I decided to try their Greek salad and it was fresh with a nice, light dressing and good feta. My husband had the greek salad with gyros as his meal, and the meat was good. The pita served with the salad was decent though not the best I've had. My son enjoyed their pita pizza (from app menu), also with gyros. We also enjoyed sides of tyropita that was incredible! Perfect puff pastry with delicious cheese oozing out with each bite. Seriously it's a toss up between whether the dolmades or tyropita was more craveable! Cute little location inside an old house. Great service. Fresh food. And acceptably priced. I will definitely be back!
(5)Cindy S.
I ordered the moussaka here and thought it was a solid lunch option. It's a very cozy space and our waitress was attentive!
(4)Brent W.
Best Greek food in Denver. Every dish is awesome. Ambience is casual and the service is excellent. I think our waitress has been here for 10 years or so. Highly recommend!
(5)Nahid H.
Small & intimate restaurant, with pleasant ambiance & service. Many Delicious food items, it was hard to pick. We will definitely come back.
(5)Danielle R.
Oh again how yummie! While in Denver visiting my GREEK friend, she suggested we eat dinner here Saturday night. There was so much food! It's delicious here! Seating is very limited so call ahead for a table. We saw one couple wait about 30 mins at the bar before they were seated. We drank a lot, ate a lot, and the bill was about $40 a head. See my pix of food, but there wasn't a bad thing to be had. My friend and I landed up sharing one of the Combo platters and it was still too much food! So keep that in mind!
(5)Melissa B.
The atmosphere is great here. We had a b-day that we were celebrating and we got shots after shots. I loved the the flaming cheese, they put it on fire in front of you and also it tastes great! We also enjoyed the lamb loin chops! I would recommend this place for sure!
(4)Shane L.
Love this place, be ready for some of the best go-to greek food in Denver.
(5)Brianna B.
First time here was for a friend's birthday party and it was a blast. Pete came around and gave everyone free Ouzo and was super friendly with everyone. We had a large table in the back and the waitresses were very helpful and friendly as well. We tried some of the Saganaki (fried cheese) starter and it was delicious - I could've eaten a whole plate! We also shared some bites of Spanakopita, and I was impressed, it wasn't too fried or slimy like some I've had. It was really appetizing. Overall I wasn't super hungry, so I split some of my guy's Chicken Pita with him. Each plate comes with a Greek version of chicken noodle soup (tasty) and a small greek salad which was ok (the lettuce was a bit iceberg heavy for me) but the dressing was great. But the fries and Tzatziki brought me right back to Santorini beach days - yum! We will definitely be back to try more of the veggie options, although overall not a super veggie friendly destination.
(4)Al M.
I would give this restaurant five stars, and it would be one of my all-time favorites but for one problem: They have TVs on all the time. So, instead of enjoying a great meal in great surroundings, I can't help but watch the commercials for Mucinex and Toyota. Perhaps you are better at ignoring the TV than I am. Please just turn off the TVs!
(3)Ryan W.
Gyro meat sucks like none other. It is weird tasting and the texture unnatural for meat. It is very bland as well and not seasoned. My girlfriend choose the salmon. The salmon experienced a pretty bad freezer burn before being cooked. It was way below standard as well. Who ever is in the kitchen has no regard for the well being this business. Will not go again.
(1)Nicki M.
Yes, yes, yes! This place is awesome. As soon as we walked in this very Greek man greeted us and showed us to a table. The restaurant is small , but it adds to the perfect ambiance here. The food is delicious. We ordered the dip sampler which included hummus, tzatziki, and fava. Dinner included a delicious chicken and rice soup that had a hint of lemon and a Greek salad. For our entree we had a gyro pita and a gyro plate. The pita came with fries that were even better when dipped in tzatziki. By this time we were stuffed and didn't indulge in dessert, but the baklava looked amazing. You will feel like family when you leave Pete's. We will definitely be back very soon.
(5)Kevin A.
My favorite Greek restaurant hands down! Love the food, atmosphere,and staff. Like family here.
(5)Devin R.
I always go here with my boyfriend and one of his best friends and his wife. The service is always excellent and there's always too much ouzo involved! The restaurant is quaint and cozy. Definitely a great place for dinner. The food is fantastic too. The tzatziki sauce is super good! They're very accommodating to food allergies, although they don't have much in the way of gluten free. I usually just eat a salad and some lemon chicken soup. It's still delicious! The owner always comes by our table multiple times and gives us shots of ouzo. He's very friendly, as is all of the staff. They make you feel like you're a guest eating in their own home--you kind of are as it's a family owned restaurant. Parking is always a little tough since it's on Pearl st.
(4)Gretchen J.
I LOVE Greek Salads but not this one. I ordered one with a side of gyro meat for lunch takeout, so this is not a reflection on their service but it was difficult to choke down. The lettuce was primarily the core (so watery and tough) and the gyro meat was mushy and bologna - like (for lack of a better description). Small petpeeve but he ingredients that were in the salad were not bite sized so you have some of your own prep to do in order to be able to actually eat everything in it. This is typical of some other Greek places around town and I can overcome that if flavor is spot on... just wasn't there in this case. Portion size is huge but the salad plus gyro was $15.00. Pro: the tzatziki was good.
(1)Bryan Q.
Love Pete's Central! We've been here more times than I can count, so I think it's finally time I post a review. Being married into a Greek family, I've eaten more than enough homemade and restaurant prepared Greek food to know what's good. Every kabob is always perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Avgolemono soup and salad are great. The saganaki is phenomenal and it everything is perfect with a Hillas or two. Oh, and the owner will never turn you down for a second (or third) Ouzo shot. It aids in digestion and there's a lot to digest. That's my excuse anyway... Oh, and if you think service is slow at any point, I think you're missing you cue to drink more Hillas and Ouzo!
(5)G R.
Took the family out for dinner tonight at Petes Central One. Wow! Food was awesome service was absolutely the best. We were treated like we were dignitaries. From what we could see and hear every person in the restaurant received special treatment. We highly recommend Petes Central One. In my opinion this is the best Greek food in the Denver Metro area. The area is busy with lots of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Parking was a bit difficult since there is only on street parking. But that is a minor inconvenience. We are planning to return next month for another family dinner.
(5)Mark O.
Went in for dinner about a month ago. The food was good and the service was mediocre at best. Went into day for lunch and it was just about the opposite. The Avgolemono seemed to be very watery and there was hardly any lemon taste to it at all. I had requested "no tomatoes" but the plate came out with plenty of tomato. The onions were sliced so thin they might as well have not been there. I also got charged an extra 75¢ for more Tzatziki, making it the first time I've been charged extra for a condiment in a long time. The server did make sure my iced tea stayed refilled. However, I was never asked how the food was, or if everything was OK (much like the last visit). I think I'll search for a better Greek option in Denver.
(3)Jim M.
We have been going to Central One since the old owners 25 years ago and I was afraid it would go down hill when Pete bought it. Should not have worried, EVERYTIME i come here the food is like I am in Greek town in Chicago or Detroit, right on the money. Always good value and great service, I make it a point to come here when I am in town.
(5)Dave C.
This is a cute little mediterranean style restaurant with excellent Greek food. The gyros were delicious. The meatballs and pastitsio were very good. The service was excellent. The waitress kept my rasberry iced tea filled and was pleasant and happy to bring us everything we needed. It's the perfect place for a cozy, romantic lunch or early evening dinner. Be sure to come before 5 pm so you can beat the dinner rush.
(4)Joanna T.
I would give 3.5 stars if I could. I've had both lunch and dinner here with a co- worker and found this little place to be a very good value. On the most recent visit, we shared a "sampler" app of tzatziki (average), fava (mmmm..) and hummus (above average). For $7, it was a ton of food and would make a great light meal with wine. Everything comes with soup (chicken lemon) and salad so it's a ton of food. My chicken kebabs were lemony, moist and very good. The veggies that come with are clearly frozen and pretty gross, so skip them. On both visits, we got our items fast and service was really good. The owner stopped by to check on us, which is always nice. Pete's isn't going to win any James Beard awards, but they serve up respectable versions of Greek classics, they're friendly and it's a great value.
(3)suzanne b.
This is the most authentic Greek food I have ever had at besides my home. This is truly what Greek folks eat and it IS NOT commercialized Greek food. The dolmas are just like my moms..maybe better..sorry mom. Really folks, if you want real Greek food, go see Takis at Pete's Central.
(5)Wendy S.
Love, love , love the vegetarian combos.. All of then are fantastic. Service is always great, the owner is super friendly. Go hear and eat and drink, it will not disappoint.
(5)Jamie L.
The food is still decent, but there have been some slips. I noticed at the end of this meal that my water glass had been dirty the entire time. Yuck. We ordered dessert, and 10 minutes later, the waitress dropped the check, with the dessert on it, and had to be reminded to actually GET the dessert. It arrived lukewarm, as if halfheartedly microwaved. I was there in my work clothes, which is to say Jeans and a Logo long sleeved tee shirt. We were definitely treated sub-par, and I can only imagine it was because we were dressed in "Work Clothes." Other tables were cheered "OPA!" with and offered the infamous free Ouzo, which, although I detest, I would prefer to be included and not treated like a second class citizen. The size of the Greek Salad has shrunk, and the dressing was overloaded. The Aethenian Combo plate was still good, with enough food to share, but they no longer do that special "simmering" of the Gyro meat. This is just your typical Gyro meat that you can get anywhere. Nothing Special. The Dolmades are still huge, and paired with that good lemon sauce. The filling this time was a little spicy for me, but that's just a matter of taste. I'd still stop by again... maybe. But won't make a special trip anytime soon.
(3)Luke S.
I was really surprised and delighted by the taste and presentation of the food at Pete's original. I frequent the Greek town cafe and university park cafe, and each have their niche. However, I was not aware that the original was altogether different. My girl and I got the vegetarian plate with a side salad to share and it was savory, thoughtful and delicious!
(5)Steve T.
My favorite Greek place. I love the Veggie Combo 2. Vegetarians: multiple entree choices!
(5)Mark S.
Really great Greek food in a town that doesn't really have a ton of Greek options. It might help that I live right down the street from here, but it's a nice place with some great outdoor seating where you can get your gyro fix. I also really like their platters, which gets you a mix of everything and comes with some delicious lemon rice soup and great spinach rice pilaf. Sometimes it's easy to forget about side dishes when meat is the main attraction, but their sides are really fantastic.
(4)Kristin C.
Solid four stars! Great food, friendly service. Prices aren't crazy cheap, but that's also because you get an insane amount of food. One combo meal easily feeds two hungry adults. Funky atmosphere (not hip, etc.), but a good neighborhood joint. And the manager (owner?) never lets us leave without free shots!
(4)Liam M.
Excellent Greek food. The gyros were delicious. The meat was fresh and the fries were cooked just right. For dessert, the bougatsa was awesome. Kind of like a funnel cake, but much better. I was really happy with the overall service. Great to see a Greek joint serving this kind of food in Denver.
(5)Claude C.
I love this place! The food is amazing and full of flavor. You must try the spanikopita when you visit. The flaming cheese and gyros plate are delicious. The service is friendly and welcoming.
(5)Gary S.
We didnt get any free ouzo. The food was ok. It seemed to lack spice. The cake wasnt homemade.Our poor waitress had to serve the whole restaurant.the owner was friendly and attentive.It was better a few years ago.
(3)Jim K.
Amazing little Greek place, cute as it can be and a lively atmosphere. Taki is always taking care of his guests, serves them ouzo, and Efi the waitress rocks. The food is very good and the portions are huge. Try the rack of lamp next time, the best I've ever had! Opa!
(5)Jack O.
Last night was only our second time here. There were 6 of us, and we were celebrating a birthday. We all really liked the food, atmosphere, and the staff. Both of our visits have been great. Last night we had a lot of different dishes between us. All were great. We also enjoyed two bottles of his Greek Pinot Noir which was quite nice. Couldn't even consider desert. Too full... I would give this 5 stars, but the decor isn't anything to brag about. It's a neighborhood eatery/bar style place. Very personable. We'll be back for sure.
(4)Grace K.
Pete's is a standard for me. I love the one on Colfax as well but the man behind this specific restaurant knows how to make you feel welcomed and like a part of the family. The Greek chicken salad and the gyros platters are so tasty...I want to try multiple things but can't get away from those two items they are soo good! If you look like you need it, you may even be offered a shot of Sambuca or two ;) OPA!
(4)Cynthia N.
I've been here countless times now and all visits have been pretty much perfect. It's the little things that begin to count when you like a place this much. The service is attentive but non-intrusive, the coffee holds it's own among restaurants who just serve drip, and the tea is rarely over steeped. But what we really care about is the food! As I tend to keep an eye towards cost, I mostly come here for weekend lunches, when there seems to be a lower priced menu than for dinner. I LOVE the avoglemono, combination pies place, the kebobs plate, the moussaka, the green bean side that comes with many of their meals, and the flaming cheese app. My boyfriend and I tend to get 2 things and share since we can never pick. Sadly, I haven't ventured far into the menu because the pies and kebobs are SO GOOD I never want anything else. There is a little room for improvement. I've started getting dressing on the side with salad because it is kind of DRENCHED, and oddly enough, the hummus is not so good. It's kinda chunky and darker than I'm used to. Also, the gyros were just middle of the road. At the end of the day though, this is solid Greek food, and at least at lunch, very value oriented.
(4)Francene F.
We used to eat here all the time when we lived here years ago. While visiting, we decided to try again. Pete now owns it and it is just as good! The lemon soup, flaming cheese and gyros are the greatest. You have to finish with the baklava. Pete brings you a shot of ouzo to finish the meal! I wish we had this great Greek food at home!
(5)Emily G.
By far the most authentic Greek food I've experienced outside of Greece itself. The chicken soup is my absolute favorite. The atmosphere is casual but quaint, service is just right, and the quality of the food is always consistent. It's a plus that it's nestled in the beautiful Wash Park area. I never miss a chance to eat at Central One while in Denver! I would love to see them expand the outdoor patio, but that's the only thing I would improve.
(5)Lola F.
I'm getting tired of everyone thinking the gentleman bringing around the ouzo is Pete. This is not Pete this is the manager, Taki. Nice man but not the owner and not Pete!!!
(4)cindy b.
What are the odds that on a Monday I'd drive out for lunch, take a last minute detour from my favorite slice parlour, and stop in here for the first time ever? What are the odds that three of my coworkers were already finishing up lunch-and collectively we are about 20% of the entire office? What are the odds that they'd only been there twice and I had never been there? Must have been the wind. I like diners and I especially like diners with some healthy choices. So you always have a 50/50 chance, right? This place was true to Pete's form: diner food, heavy emphasis on the Greek, and good prices I had the rice and veggie stuffed dolmades which was enough for two meals, a bit heavy on the yogurt sauce. Get it on the side next time. The side veggies were the usual frozen broccoli, carrot and cauliflower chunks with a delicious difference--they had some piquant flavoring that really woke them up. If three huge stuffed dolmades, a cup of veggies and a cup of yogurt sauce doesn't fill you up, they give you a couple slices of Texas toast. Eight bucks. It is not gourmet but it's a days' worth of cooking. You rule, Pete.
(3)Max C.
Friendly staff and good Greek food. Once in a while the owner goes around and offers free shots of oozo :D Some dishes are better than others, for example the Wednesday Chicken special is to die for but the Friday night lamb shank is not that great in my opinion. Mixed plates are a good way to find out what you might like from their menu.
(4)Holly G.
I came here on a not very hungry stomach. That was a no no, considering it seems like the dinner portions of entrees on the menu are pretty large and even come with a salad too. So what did I do? I ordered the Hummus and Pita plate. Which, is of course not supposed to be your whole dinner, but it was for me! The pita was very yummy and the hummus was quite good too, not overwhelming with garlic like it can be sometimes. My boyfriend got a Gyro and fries. He seemed to enjoy it as well. I will be back some other time for dinner on an empty stomach.
(3)Margaret C.
Hooray! Got a chance to revisit Pete's Central 1 last week, because my son and his girlfriend have moved to this neighborhood recently. We walked here from his new house! That was very cool. We ordered the Spanakopita as an appetizer. It was made fresh to order and was perfect. We enjoyed that. My son ordered a gyros sandwich and his girlfriend ordered a salad. They seemed to like their food but weren't as enthusiastic about Pete's Central 1 as I am. The man behind the bar, which was near our table, was super nice to us. At one point he brought us a complimentary appetizer: Saganaki which is flaming cheese. It comes with pita bread. I ended up eating the bulk of it (once the flames were out), as my son and his girlfriend prefer not to eat much cheese. I certainly need to lose weight and therefore felt awkward eating as much of it as I did....but it was very tasty...lemony flavored Kaseri cheese. I like the way salad and soup come with the meal here, and found the friendliness rather remarkable. Son and girlfriend are not easily impressed and I think they would like the lunch portions and prices better than the dinner menu. They did eat all of their food w/o complaint, and they reminded me to leave an extra generous tip because of the amazing service and the free flaming appetizer, which I did, gladly.
(5)Tiffany W.
Went here for dinner and had some of the worst service I've had ever. Yes, it was a Friday night, but no, they were not that busy. We were merely pointed to a table (that hadn't been wiped down yet), and there just happened to be some menus lying next to the table. We were never properly greeted, just had a server come ask us if we were ready to order (without asking about drinks first). We still needed a few minutes, so after at least five minutes the server finally came back. We ordered hummus appetizer (which I've had better), and it was brought out with no silverware/napkins. Our server never came back to check so we had to eat it without. When they brought out the salads we ordered, the server suddenly started playing damage control over the lack of silverware. Finally, after when our bill came, our server didn't even run our cards (another server did); she never came back except to bring us boxes, and for one appetizer and two salads, we were there for over an hour. I've waited tables before in my life, so I'm not playing armchair restaurant critic. That being said, I try to take into account other things that might be going on, but since they were not that busy, and the service was so extremely poor, I will not be going back to this restaurant again.
(2)Rachel M.
Unbelievable food! Seriously the best Dolmas i've ever had! And this veggie-like lasagna with eggplant n ricotta and spinach was divine :) u MUST eat here, inside is very quaintly decorated, but i prefer to people watch Alameda on the patio
(5)Chris T.
Incredibly disappointing Greek dishes. Bland. Boring. I've spent a lot of time in Greece, so I'm well acquainted with Greek cuisine. Pete's Central? Meh. Don't bother.
(2)Kelly B.
My husb and I went to Pete's last night for the first time and I've gotta say the food was delicious! It's a small place and it was packed but it was rather fun and boisterous. I had the vegetarian combo II with dolmades, veggie mousaka, and a spanakopita. The dolmades were good, the yogurt sauce was delish and quite lemony. The vegetarian mousaka was the best mousaka I've ever had (vegetarian or no). The flavor and consistency was perfect. The spanakopita was also good but maybe a little too heavy on the dill for my tastes but otherwise yummy. We ordered a baklava to split and that was definately the best (and largest serving of) I've ever had. The waitress informed us it is house made. It was excellent! Our meal was topped off with a complimentary shot of ouzo, which is always a nice touch. I found the staff at Pete's to be friendly and the service was efficient. We will definately be back :D
(4)Jenna A.
Oh man! After my Persian experience the other night, I was really craving a Greek gyro. After living in this neighborhood for almost two years now, I've never been inside Pete's on Pearl & Alameda. Late night, Veteran's Day around 8:30pm we were the only two people dining at Pete's. Obviously we got exceptional service! I was not prepared for the enormous portion sizes and I couldn't hold myself back from ordering the Tyropita as soon as we ordered our drinks. The pastry was filled with three cheeses that oozed out and it was incredible. One was definitely enough to share. The dinner menu includes french fries, tzatziki sauce and soup with all Greek sandwiches and that's more than enough to eat without an appetizer. I'll remember that next time. Our gyro dinners came after a surprisingly longer wait than we had anticipated when no one else was dining that evening. But it was worth the wait. The gyro meat was so tender, the pita was soft, crisp white onions and tomatoes and the fries were awesome. I am sort of a french fry connoisseur and these are currently at the top of my list. The tzatziki sauce was extra dilly but it didn't stop us from even dipping our fries in it. I'm sooo glad I only ate two meals that day...... Appetizer and two dinners - $25.00. Next time, I'll do lunch where it's a few bucks cheaper and I can just get a gyro and some fries. I've found my new craving...Pete's gyros...
(4)David T.
Hadn't been to Central 1 for a while and the roomie was in the mood for Gyros -- so off we go. First of all, the place was balls to the walls and so the service was spotty but reasonably congenial. Both the table next to us and we ourselves had to go in search of a server to get a check after waiting for an extended period. The soup and the salad were both sub par tonight. The soup watery and the salad dressing diluted by wet greens. The Gyros was fine but there isn't a whole lot of culinary artistry going on here. I don't know any Greek restaurants in Denver at least, that make their own. So, you heat it up with some store bought pita, throw on some Sysco fries, and there you go. It filled the bill but that's about it. Can't argue with the prices though.
(2)