Boulder Dining
Looking for an unforgettable evening? Pair a performance with a plate of delicious food.
Boulder offers a wide variety of dining options that make perfect pre-performance stops, from farm-to-fork eateries to pub grub to top-notch Indian and Nepalese food. Need to burn off some energy post-show? Consider venturing back to the Hill or down to Pearl Street for a nightcap.
Whether you’re driving, walking, cycling or using public transportation, you’ll find these local restaurants easy to reach—they’re all less than a mile away from campus.
Cafe Aion
$$ | University Hill | Tapas
Happening yet comfortable Spanish and Moroccan inspired restaurant known for innovative, farm-to-fork tapas.
Learn more Cafe AionMountain Sun Pub & Brewery
$ | Downtown Boulder | Brewpub
Craft beers, brewery tours and pub grub plus folk, acoustic and bluegrass music some nights.
Learn more Mountain Sun Pub & BreweryPizzeria Alberico
$$ | Downtown Boulder | Pizza
An ode to getting family and friends around the table, the ample menu is replete with Southern Italian specialties from fritti to pizza to gelati.
Learn more Pizzeria AlbericoThe Sink
$$ | University Hill | American
Funky, family-owned landmark for “Sinkburgers” & “Ugly Crust Pizza” plus local & regional microbrews.
Learn more The SinkAlice and Rose
$$ | University Hill | Brunch, Lunch, Coffee
An Alice in Wonderland inspired restaurant offering brunch, cocktails and afternoon tea.
Learn more Alice and RoseStella's Cucina
$$$ | Downtown Boulder | Brunch & Dinner
This upscale Italian restaurant—which also serves as a speakeasy or, at times, a dancy lounge bar—hosts a refined menu of pastas, risottos, and protein-driven entrées.
Learn more Stella's CucinaThe Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
$$ | Downtown Boulder | International cuisine
Ornate landmark shipped piece by piece from Tajikistan and rebuilt creekside, with teas and light bites.
Learn more The Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseAlpine Modern Cafe
$ | University Hill | Breakfast & Brunch
Fresh, healthy breakfast bowls and pressed sandwiches in a bright, airy space.
Learn more Alpine Modern CafeSherpa's Adventure Restaurant and Bar
$$ | Downtown Boulder | Nepalese
Sherpa-run Nepalese place serving dumplings, noodles and even yak curry amid Himalayan folk art.
Learn more Sherpa's Adventure Restaurant and BarThe Kitchen American Bistro
$$$ | Downtown Boulder | American
Farm-to-table American dining in an urban space, plus drinks from the upstairs community bar.
The Buff Restaurant
$$ | Goss Grove | Breakfast & Brunch
Rich American grub, like pancakes filled with bacon and drinks in mason jars, at this brunch stalwart.
Learn more The Buff RestaurantDark Horse
$ | Williams Village | Burgers
Landmark 1975 bar doling out beer, burgers and such in a space decorated with movie props and antiques.
Brasserie Ten Ten
$$ | Downtown Boulder | French
Vibrant, cozy cafe with a patio offering homestyle French fare, plus a popular brunch and happy hour.
Learn more Brasserie Ten Ten
Modern Market
$$ | Twenty-Ninth Street Mall | Healthy
Sleek, counter-serve cafe for health-conscious salads and sandwiches, including vegan options.
Learn more Modern MarketHapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar
$$ | Downtown Boulder | Sushi
Modern Japanese spot on Pearl Street Mall known for its fusion sushi and Hawaiian-influenced eats.
Learn more Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake BarRio Grande Mexican Restaurant
$$ | Downtown Boulder | Tex Mex
Mexican standards, margaritas and a roof deck fuel festive vibes at this branch of an area chain.
Learn more Rio Grande Mexican RestaurantRincon Argentino
$ | Goss Grove | Argentinian
Traditional empanadas, milanesa sandwiches and other Argentinean eats in a bright, colorful space.
Learn more Rincon ArgentinoLeaf Vegetarian Restaurant
$$ | Downtown Boulder | Vegetarian
Hip, compact locale that features eclectic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes plus organic wine.
Learn more Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant