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 specialist known for innovative, farm-to-fork tapas.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

$ | Downtown Boulder | Brewpub

Craft beers, brewery tours and pub grub plus folk, acoustic and bluegrass music some nights.

Dushanbe Tea House

$$ | Downtown Boulder | International cuisine

Ornate landmark shipped piece by piece from Tajikistan and rebuilt creekside, with teas and light bites.

Pizzeria 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.

The Sink

$$ | University Hill | American

Funky, family-owned landmark for “Sinkburgers” & “Ugly Crust Pizza” plus local & regional microbrews.

Stella'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.

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

$$ | Downtown Boulder | International cuisine

Ornate landmark shipped piece by piece from Tajikistan and rebuilt creekside, with teas and light bites.

Alpine Modern Cafe

$ | University Hill | Breakfast & Brunch

Fresh, healthy breakfast bowls and pressed sandwiches in a bright, airy space.

Sherpa's Adventure Restaurant and Bar

$$ | Downtown Boulder | Nepalese

Sherpa-run Nepalese place serving dumplings, noodles and even yak curry amid Himalayan folk art.

The Kitchen American Bistro

$$$ | Downtown Boulder | American

Farm-to-table American dining in an urban space, plus drinks from the upstairs community bar.

Dark 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.

Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar

$$ | Downtown Boulder | Sushi

Modern Japanese spot on Pearl Street Mall known for its fusion sushi and Hawaiian-influenced eats.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

$$ | Downtown Boulder | Tex Mex

Mexican standards, margaritas and a roof deck fuel festive vibes at this branch of an area chain.

Rincon Argentino

$ | Goss Grove | Argentinian

Traditional empanadas, milanesa sandwiches and other Argentinean eats in a bright, colorful space.

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

$$ | Downtown Boulder | Vegetarian

Hip, compact locale that features eclectic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes plus organic wine.