Boulder, COMy home for a dozen or so yearsUpdated 2026-03-09Must Go (10)Activities (3)Bars (4)Breweries (3)Coffee (1)Restaurants (19)Shops (1)Must Go Spots(10)Avanti Food and Beverage BoulderMust GoBarsGo to the 4th floor for great views of the Flatirons and good cocktails. Food hall downstairs—order food and take it upstairs. Recommend Newyorkese for pizza, but all the stalls get good reviews.1401 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302avantifandb.com@avantifandbOpen in Google MapsChautauqua ParkMust GoActivitiesFun area on the southwest side of town. Cute general store and very popular hiking area.900 Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302bouldercolorado.gov@colorado_chautauquaOpen in Google MapsMcGuckin HardwareMust GoShopsThe craziest ACE Hardware you've ever been to. Boulder staple—must go and walk around. Great dog section.2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302mcguckin.com@mcguckinhardwareOpen in Google MapsOzo CoffeeMust GoCoffeeFour locations (two on Pearl Street). Must go—highly recommended coffee and good vibes. The Flatiron Court location is right next to Upslope Brewery (might only be open weekdays).West Pearl: 1015 Pearl St, Boulder, COEast Pearl: 1521 Pearl St, Boulder, COArapahoe: 5340 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, COFlatirons Court: 1898 S. Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO@ozocoffeeroastersOpen West Pearl in Google MapsOpen East Pearl in Google MapsOpen Arapahoe in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google MapsSweet CowMust GoRestaurantsVery good ice cream and sweet bites. Two locations—north and south Boulder.North Boulder: 2628 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304South Boulder: 669 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305sweetcow.com@sweetcowicecreamOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen South Boulder in Google MapsT/acoMust GoRestaurantsGreat little Mexican restaurant with amazing margs and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.1175 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302tacocolorado.com@tacoboulderOpen in Google MapsThe Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseMust GoRestaurantsOriginally built in our sister city in Asia and shipped to Boulder. Ornate building offering tea and light bites. The chai is supposed to be amazing.1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302boulderteahouse.com@boulderteahouseOpen in Google MapsThe Post ColoradoMust GoRestaurantsThe burger and chicken sandwich are very good. Fried chicken is gluten free—no shit. Small patio right on the sidewalk for people watching.2027 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thepostcolorado.com@thepostcoloradoOpen in Google MapsThe SinkMust GoRestaurantsA classic Boulder college bar. Great pizza and sandwiches. Unique setting in the basement of a building with a nice patio outside.1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thesink.com@thesinkboulderOpen in Google MapsUpslope BrewingMust GoBreweriesTwo locations—one up north and one out east. The one out east is their flagship, but the one up north is cool too. Great beer, dog-friendly patio. The east location has a sandwich place inside.North Boulder: 1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304Flatirons Court: 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO 80301upslopebrewing.com@upslopeOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google MapsAll PlacesAvanti Food and Beverage BoulderMust GoBarsGo to the 4th floor for great views of the Flatirons and good cocktails. Food hall downstairs—order food and take it upstairs. Recommend Newyorkese for pizza, but all the stalls get good reviews.1401 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302avantifandb.com@avantifandbOpen in Google MapsAvery BrewingBreweriesOne giant location up north—the mecca of "local" beer. Free audio tours available. Great dog-friendly patio, and there's a fun dog park across the street.4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301averybrewing.com@averybrewingcompanyOpen in Google MapsBarchettaRestaurantsCool location in an old garage, good pizza that's a little pricey for what it is. The hand washing experience there is bar-none—worth stopping by just to grab a beer and wash your hands. I'm not kidding.1644 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302barchetta.pizza@barchetta.pizzaOpen in Google MapsBlackbelly Market & RestaurantRestaurantsCool butcher shop and restaurant with great cocktails. Inside is dimly lit, back patio is fine. Breakfast burritos (same as Santo) are bomb.1606 Conestoga St #3, Boulder, CO 80301blackbelly.com@blackbellycoOpen in Google MapsCelestial SeasoningsActivitiesOffers free tours (unsure when)—gets great reviews. Must see/experience the "mint room." Might still be closed from COVID, unsure.4600 Sleepytime Dr, Boulder, CO 80301celestialseasonings.com@celestialteaOpen in Google MapsChautauqua ParkMust GoActivitiesFun area on the southwest side of town. Cute general store and very popular hiking area.900 Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302bouldercolorado.gov@colorado_chautauquaOpen in Google MapsFlagstaff HouseRestaurantsI've never been but the views are supposed to be superb. Expensive/fancy but happy hour is supposedly good.1138 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302flagstaffhouse.com@flagstaffhouse_restaurantOpen in Google MapsFoolish Craig's CafeRestaurantsOne of my and Lindsey's favorite breakfasts in Boulder. Get here early—the line can get long. Next to Ozo, so easy to put your name in and grab a coffee next door. Bar is open seating with fast service.1611 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302foolishcraigs.com@foolishcraigscafeOpen in Google MapsHalf Fast SubsRestaurants1215 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302halffastsubs.com@halffastsubsboulderOpen in Google MapsIllegal Pete'sRestaurantsA way better version of Chipotle. Great margs.The Hill: 1320 College Ave, Boulder, CO 80302Pearl Street: 1447 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302illegalpetes.com@illegalpetesOpen The Hill in Google MapsOpen Pearl Street in Google MapsJapangoRestaurantsOut of the few sushi options on Pearl Street, this is my favorite. Cool aquarium full of squids inside.1136 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302japangosushi.com@japangofortcollinsOpen in Google MapsMcGuckin HardwareMust GoShopsThe craziest ACE Hardware you've ever been to. Boulder staple—must go and walk around. Great dog section.2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302mcguckin.com@mcguckinhardwareOpen in Google MapsMount SanitasActivitiesI used to run this trail a lot—awesome views up top. Dog friendly.Mount Sanitas Trailhead, Boulder, CObouldercolorado.govInstagram LocationOpen in Google MapsOzo CoffeeMust GoCoffeeFour locations (two on Pearl Street). Must go—highly recommended coffee and good vibes. The Flatiron Court location is right next to Upslope Brewery (might only be open weekdays).West Pearl: 1015 Pearl St, Boulder, COEast Pearl: 1521 Pearl St, Boulder, COArapahoe: 5340 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, COFlatirons Court: 1898 S. Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO@ozocoffeeroastersOpen West Pearl in Google MapsOpen East Pearl in Google MapsOpen Arapahoe in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google MapsPasta Jay'sRestaurantsBoulder staple for Italian food. Not my favorite, but very classic Boulder vibe.1001 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302pastajays.com@pastajaysOpen in Google MapsPearl Street Pub & CellarBarsDive bar central—go downstairs to play games. Don't forget to kiss the buffalo.1108 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302@pearl_street_pubOpen in Google MapsPizzeria AlbericoRestaurantsUnlike the other Locale locations, this is a wine and pizza restaurant vs. fast casual. Very good pizza and apps.1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302pizzeriaalberico.com@pizzeriaalbericoOpen in Google MapsProto's PizzaRestaurantsUp north, very cool spot with great staff and wood-fired pizza.4670 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304protospizza.com@protospizzaboulderOpen in Google MapsRayback CollectiveBarsOutside food truck venue with a good beer list and cocktails. Dog-friendly patio.2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80304therayback.com@theraybackOpen in Google MapsRio Grande Mexican RestaurantRestaurantsBasic Mexican fare in an old renovated garage. Awesome views on the patio upstairs if it's nice outside.1101 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302riograndemexican.com@myriograndeOpen in Google MapsSantoRestaurantsActually a "New Mexican" restaurant. Cute inside, good margs, different food (but very yummy).1265 Alpine Ave, Boulder, CO 80304santoboulder.com@santoboulderOpen in Google MapsSherpa's Adventure Restaurant and BarRestaurantsDumplings and noodles in a quaint cottage.825 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302sherparestaurantboulder.com@sherpasrestaurantandbarOpen in Google MapsSweet CowMust GoRestaurantsVery good ice cream and sweet bites. Two locations—north and south Boulder.North Boulder: 2628 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304South Boulder: 669 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305sweetcow.com@sweetcowicecreamOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen South Boulder in Google MapsT/acoMust GoRestaurantsGreat little Mexican restaurant with amazing margs and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.1175 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302tacocolorado.com@tacoboulderOpen in Google MapsThe Bitter BarBarsDimly lit cocktail bar, great for a nightcap on Pearl.835 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302thebitterbar.com@thebitterbarOpen in Google MapsThe Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseMust GoRestaurantsOriginally built in our sister city in Asia and shipped to Boulder. Ornate building offering tea and light bites. The chai is supposed to be amazing.1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302boulderteahouse.com@boulderteahouseOpen in Google MapsThe Buff RestaurantRestaurantsGreat breakfast, good breakfast cocktails. Show up early—lines can get long. Boulder staple.2600 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302buffrestaurant.com@buffrestaurantOpen in Google MapsThe Post ColoradoMust GoRestaurantsThe burger and chicken sandwich are very good. Fried chicken is gluten free—no shit. Small patio right on the sidewalk for people watching.2027 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thepostcolorado.com@thepostcoloradoOpen in Google MapsThe SinkMust GoRestaurantsA classic Boulder college bar. Great pizza and sandwiches. Unique setting in the basement of a building with a nice patio outside.1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thesink.com@thesinkboulderOpen in Google MapsUpslope BrewingMust GoBreweriesTwo locations—one up north and one out east. The one out east is their flagship, but the one up north is cool too. Great beer, dog-friendly patio. The east location has a sandwich place inside.North Boulder: 1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304Flatirons Court: 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO 80301upslopebrewing.com@upslopeOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google MapsWild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing CompanyBreweries1880 S Flatiron Ct Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301wildprovisionsbeer.com@wildprovisionsbeerOpen in Google Maps
Avanti Food and Beverage BoulderMust GoBarsGo to the 4th floor for great views of the Flatirons and good cocktails. Food hall downstairs—order food and take it upstairs. Recommend Newyorkese for pizza, but all the stalls get good reviews.1401 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302avantifandb.com@avantifandbOpen in Google Maps
Chautauqua ParkMust GoActivitiesFun area on the southwest side of town. Cute general store and very popular hiking area.900 Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302bouldercolorado.gov@colorado_chautauquaOpen in Google Maps
McGuckin HardwareMust GoShopsThe craziest ACE Hardware you've ever been to. Boulder staple—must go and walk around. Great dog section.2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302mcguckin.com@mcguckinhardwareOpen in Google Maps
Ozo CoffeeMust GoCoffeeFour locations (two on Pearl Street). Must go—highly recommended coffee and good vibes. The Flatiron Court location is right next to Upslope Brewery (might only be open weekdays).West Pearl: 1015 Pearl St, Boulder, COEast Pearl: 1521 Pearl St, Boulder, COArapahoe: 5340 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, COFlatirons Court: 1898 S. Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO@ozocoffeeroastersOpen West Pearl in Google MapsOpen East Pearl in Google MapsOpen Arapahoe in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google Maps
Sweet CowMust GoRestaurantsVery good ice cream and sweet bites. Two locations—north and south Boulder.North Boulder: 2628 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304South Boulder: 669 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305sweetcow.com@sweetcowicecreamOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen South Boulder in Google Maps
T/acoMust GoRestaurantsGreat little Mexican restaurant with amazing margs and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.1175 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302tacocolorado.com@tacoboulderOpen in Google Maps
The Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseMust GoRestaurantsOriginally built in our sister city in Asia and shipped to Boulder. Ornate building offering tea and light bites. The chai is supposed to be amazing.1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302boulderteahouse.com@boulderteahouseOpen in Google Maps
The Post ColoradoMust GoRestaurantsThe burger and chicken sandwich are very good. Fried chicken is gluten free—no shit. Small patio right on the sidewalk for people watching.2027 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thepostcolorado.com@thepostcoloradoOpen in Google Maps
The SinkMust GoRestaurantsA classic Boulder college bar. Great pizza and sandwiches. Unique setting in the basement of a building with a nice patio outside.1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thesink.com@thesinkboulderOpen in Google Maps
Upslope BrewingMust GoBreweriesTwo locations—one up north and one out east. The one out east is their flagship, but the one up north is cool too. Great beer, dog-friendly patio. The east location has a sandwich place inside.North Boulder: 1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304Flatirons Court: 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO 80301upslopebrewing.com@upslopeOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google Maps
Avanti Food and Beverage BoulderMust GoBarsGo to the 4th floor for great views of the Flatirons and good cocktails. Food hall downstairs—order food and take it upstairs. Recommend Newyorkese for pizza, but all the stalls get good reviews.1401 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302avantifandb.com@avantifandbOpen in Google Maps
Avery BrewingBreweriesOne giant location up north—the mecca of "local" beer. Free audio tours available. Great dog-friendly patio, and there's a fun dog park across the street.4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301averybrewing.com@averybrewingcompanyOpen in Google Maps
BarchettaRestaurantsCool location in an old garage, good pizza that's a little pricey for what it is. The hand washing experience there is bar-none—worth stopping by just to grab a beer and wash your hands. I'm not kidding.1644 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302barchetta.pizza@barchetta.pizzaOpen in Google Maps
Blackbelly Market & RestaurantRestaurantsCool butcher shop and restaurant with great cocktails. Inside is dimly lit, back patio is fine. Breakfast burritos (same as Santo) are bomb.1606 Conestoga St #3, Boulder, CO 80301blackbelly.com@blackbellycoOpen in Google Maps
Celestial SeasoningsActivitiesOffers free tours (unsure when)—gets great reviews. Must see/experience the "mint room." Might still be closed from COVID, unsure.4600 Sleepytime Dr, Boulder, CO 80301celestialseasonings.com@celestialteaOpen in Google Maps
Chautauqua ParkMust GoActivitiesFun area on the southwest side of town. Cute general store and very popular hiking area.900 Baseline Rd & 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302bouldercolorado.gov@colorado_chautauquaOpen in Google Maps
Flagstaff HouseRestaurantsI've never been but the views are supposed to be superb. Expensive/fancy but happy hour is supposedly good.1138 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302flagstaffhouse.com@flagstaffhouse_restaurantOpen in Google Maps
Foolish Craig's CafeRestaurantsOne of my and Lindsey's favorite breakfasts in Boulder. Get here early—the line can get long. Next to Ozo, so easy to put your name in and grab a coffee next door. Bar is open seating with fast service.1611 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302foolishcraigs.com@foolishcraigscafeOpen in Google Maps
Half Fast SubsRestaurants1215 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302halffastsubs.com@halffastsubsboulderOpen in Google Maps
Illegal Pete'sRestaurantsA way better version of Chipotle. Great margs.The Hill: 1320 College Ave, Boulder, CO 80302Pearl Street: 1447 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302illegalpetes.com@illegalpetesOpen The Hill in Google MapsOpen Pearl Street in Google Maps
JapangoRestaurantsOut of the few sushi options on Pearl Street, this is my favorite. Cool aquarium full of squids inside.1136 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302japangosushi.com@japangofortcollinsOpen in Google Maps
McGuckin HardwareMust GoShopsThe craziest ACE Hardware you've ever been to. Boulder staple—must go and walk around. Great dog section.2525 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302mcguckin.com@mcguckinhardwareOpen in Google Maps
Mount SanitasActivitiesI used to run this trail a lot—awesome views up top. Dog friendly.Mount Sanitas Trailhead, Boulder, CObouldercolorado.govInstagram LocationOpen in Google Maps
Ozo CoffeeMust GoCoffeeFour locations (two on Pearl Street). Must go—highly recommended coffee and good vibes. The Flatiron Court location is right next to Upslope Brewery (might only be open weekdays).West Pearl: 1015 Pearl St, Boulder, COEast Pearl: 1521 Pearl St, Boulder, COArapahoe: 5340 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, COFlatirons Court: 1898 S. Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO@ozocoffeeroastersOpen West Pearl in Google MapsOpen East Pearl in Google MapsOpen Arapahoe in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google Maps
Pasta Jay'sRestaurantsBoulder staple for Italian food. Not my favorite, but very classic Boulder vibe.1001 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302pastajays.com@pastajaysOpen in Google Maps
Pearl Street Pub & CellarBarsDive bar central—go downstairs to play games. Don't forget to kiss the buffalo.1108 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302@pearl_street_pubOpen in Google Maps
Pizzeria AlbericoRestaurantsUnlike the other Locale locations, this is a wine and pizza restaurant vs. fast casual. Very good pizza and apps.1730 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302pizzeriaalberico.com@pizzeriaalbericoOpen in Google Maps
Proto's PizzaRestaurantsUp north, very cool spot with great staff and wood-fired pizza.4670 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304protospizza.com@protospizzaboulderOpen in Google Maps
Rayback CollectiveBarsOutside food truck venue with a good beer list and cocktails. Dog-friendly patio.2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80304therayback.com@theraybackOpen in Google Maps
Rio Grande Mexican RestaurantRestaurantsBasic Mexican fare in an old renovated garage. Awesome views on the patio upstairs if it's nice outside.1101 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302riograndemexican.com@myriograndeOpen in Google Maps
SantoRestaurantsActually a "New Mexican" restaurant. Cute inside, good margs, different food (but very yummy).1265 Alpine Ave, Boulder, CO 80304santoboulder.com@santoboulderOpen in Google Maps
Sherpa's Adventure Restaurant and BarRestaurantsDumplings and noodles in a quaint cottage.825 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302sherparestaurantboulder.com@sherpasrestaurantandbarOpen in Google Maps
Sweet CowMust GoRestaurantsVery good ice cream and sweet bites. Two locations—north and south Boulder.North Boulder: 2628 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304South Boulder: 669 S Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305sweetcow.com@sweetcowicecreamOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen South Boulder in Google Maps
T/acoMust GoRestaurantsGreat little Mexican restaurant with amazing margs and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.1175 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302tacocolorado.com@tacoboulderOpen in Google Maps
The Bitter BarBarsDimly lit cocktail bar, great for a nightcap on Pearl.835 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302thebitterbar.com@thebitterbarOpen in Google Maps
The Boulder Dushanbe TeahouseMust GoRestaurantsOriginally built in our sister city in Asia and shipped to Boulder. Ornate building offering tea and light bites. The chai is supposed to be amazing.1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302boulderteahouse.com@boulderteahouseOpen in Google Maps
The Buff RestaurantRestaurantsGreat breakfast, good breakfast cocktails. Show up early—lines can get long. Boulder staple.2600 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302buffrestaurant.com@buffrestaurantOpen in Google Maps
The Post ColoradoMust GoRestaurantsThe burger and chicken sandwich are very good. Fried chicken is gluten free—no shit. Small patio right on the sidewalk for people watching.2027 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thepostcolorado.com@thepostcoloradoOpen in Google Maps
The SinkMust GoRestaurantsA classic Boulder college bar. Great pizza and sandwiches. Unique setting in the basement of a building with a nice patio outside.1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302thesink.com@thesinkboulderOpen in Google Maps
Upslope BrewingMust GoBreweriesTwo locations—one up north and one out east. The one out east is their flagship, but the one up north is cool too. Great beer, dog-friendly patio. The east location has a sandwich place inside.North Boulder: 1501 Lee Hill Dr, Boulder, CO 80304Flatirons Court: 1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO 80301upslopebrewing.com@upslopeOpen North Boulder in Google MapsOpen Flatirons Court in Google Maps
Wild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing CompanyBreweries1880 S Flatiron Ct Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301wildprovisionsbeer.com@wildprovisionsbeerOpen in Google Maps