Boulder, Colorado, is a city with a population of 100,000 and it has a fantastic selection of places to eat. It tops lists every year as a mecca for foodies, with an abundance of flavors for people to dig in and try.
No matter what your tastes are, Boulder certainly has a place that you will love to try for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must-try Restaurants in Downtown Boulder
Downtown Boulder has many restaurants within walking distance of shops and other attractions which draw in crowds any time of year.
The Boulder Downtown restaurant lists over 100 places to eat, including food carts. After exploring the Flatirons, you can find many options for filling your stomach.
Pearl Street Boulder Restaurants: Where it’s Happening
Whether you're an early riser or looking for a brunch spot, Pearl Street has many places where you can dine in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Snooze, an A.M Eatery has a retro vibe and a bar open at 7 am. It specializes in serving breakfast staples with sustainably sourced and local foods.
You will find many restaurants in the area that follow a similar ethos.
29th Street Restaurants for the Variety
The 29th Street area is home to many health-conscious restaurants and world cuisines. From dining in to counter service, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. It has carved itself out to be a district where foodies can gather to try something off the beaten path but still close to where all of the action is.
MAD Greens serves contemporary foods with locally sourced ingredients.
Almost all restaurants are using up to date contactless pickup and delivery options so you can stay safe while eating healthy.
There is a focus on European style cuisine, with Mediterranean restaurants in particular in this area.
Italian Restaurants
There’s plenty of selection for those in the mood for one of your favorite Italian dishes. Tasty pasta, delicious red sauce, salads and carb heaven. Some include Pasta Jay’s, Carelli’s. There are many options along Broadway street.
Unique Restaurants
There is no shortage of unique restaurants in the local area. Known for its progressive leanings, culinary enthusiasts from all over the globe flock to the city for its unique restaurant scene that caters to the creative.
From the kitschy to the earthy, there is something for every palate in Boulder. Many restaurants have chef-curated menus that change on a weekly basis, using inspired flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
Some restaurants are brand new, with adventurous menus with something new that you certainly haven't tried. Others are unique for the rich cultural history they have and have been frequented by the rich and famous. There is definitely a restaurant serving something you have never tried before in the area, and that makes it a top location for foodies.
Romantic Restaurants
When it comes to creating culinary dining experiences, many Boulder restaurants spare no expense in the romance. For a cozy night out for two, there are many exquisite restaurants with beautiful views and white tablecloth service that you can choose from.
Some romantic restaurants have special wine menus that you can look at to share with your loved ones. Others have live music that you can sit back and enjoy.
Nice Restaurants for a Night Out
No matter what your definition of "nice" is, you will definitely find something you enjoy in Boulder. Many kitchens take great pride and joy in what they do, and no matter the size of the restaurant, they will do whatever they can to cater to your needs.
From special dietary concerns to honoring a special day such as an anniversary, you will be able to find a nice restaurant here.
Mexican Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner
Fans of Mexican food or Tex Mex have plenty of options to choose from in Colorado. As part of the American southwest, you can find authentic Mexican cuisine, Tex Mex, fusion, and everything in between.
From taquerias to food trucks to fine dining, there are many options for Mexican food in The local area, Colorado. Most menus have kid-friendly options and your standard nachos and quesadillas. Many will have more adventurous options such as lengua, or cow tongue, and menudo.
Some restaurants are headed by Boulder natives who know what the scene needs to succeed. Many are staffed with real Mexican chefs to give the most authentic experience.
Additionally, many Mexican restaurants have their fingers on the pulse of the best trends and use only locally sourced ingredients and run their business based on an ethical and sustainable business model. Some Mexican restaurants in the area, like Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, are family owned and operated, with four locations throughout Colorado.
From Baja-inspired flavors to more traditional offerings, Boulder, Colorado, has many options for people who want to try tacos, burritos, and everything in between.
Vegan Restaurants and Vegetarian Restaurants for Dinner
With the nearby Buddhist University and progressive population, health-conscious and animal-loving Boulder residents and visitors are flocking to the green restaurants.
Many are conscious of dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or allergies, which makes them popular with meat-eaters and plant-based people alike. They also embrace the farm-to-table model that so many places are aspiring to. Many of these healthy restaurants have breakfast menus or cater more to lunch and dinner. There are even establishments that serve only organic food.
The city actually ranks in the top 10 for culinary options that are vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
Jill's Restaurant provides a healthy plant-based menu. It is located inside the St. Julien Hotel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a weekday lunch buffet as well.
Nearly every public event and places where people gather will feature a vegetarian-friendly option. The demand for it is high in Boulder, and the growing vegetarian community supports it. Many of the most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants also have live music, which makes it even more of a reason to try their food.
With the demand for vegetarian and vegan food growing, there are also less formal (think fast-casual) options available, serving vegan mac 'n' cheese, smoothies, salads, wraps, and more.
Most have a selection of local (organic!) brews and kombucha that pair perfectly with a plant-based entree or appetizer.
Chinese Restaurants: Buffets and High-end Dishes
Whether you're craving classic sweet and sour chicken or are looking for regional cuisine, there are many Asian options you can choose from in the Boulder area. For delivery or take out, there are many Chinese restaurants. From Taiwanese classics to Chinese style home cooking, you will find somewhere to dig in.
Indian Restaurants for Curry Lovers
With an alcove of Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries in the area, there is an abundance of authentic and high-quality Indian and other Asian cuisines. From street food to kabobs to fine dining, there is truly a great variety of Indian restaurants around the area.
One, in particular, that is well-known is Sherpa Restaurant. It specializes in Himalayan cuisine. A "sherpa" is someone from the Himalayan region, and the staff is all from the area, including the head chef who has summitted Everest 10 times. Try specialties like curry, dahl, korma, and more. Take home Sherpa Chai with you to try later.
Other Indian restaurants in the area offer a full buffet so you can sample the myriad of flavors and options that are available.
Some restaurants have authentic Indian recipes with traditions and meals handed down through generations. Others have more of a westernized menu. Whether you're looking for a quiet restaurant or one with live music, there are many Indian restaurants in the city that provide a great experience.
Fancy French Restaurants
A popular modern French-American restaurant is Black Cat. The brick front restaurant has chef-inspired meals as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list.
There are also dinners al fresco available at the Black Cat Farm. Its menu is organic and farm-to-table and they serve livestock raised on the chef's farm.
Steak Restaurants
Colorado has a rich history of cowboys and cattle raising, and you can take part in it by dining at one of the great Boulder steak restaurants.
Some specialize in Spanish-style cuisines, such as Corrida with elevated views. There is also Blackbelly, which is a whole animal artisanal butcher shop.
Healthy Kid-Friendly Boulder Restaurants
Boulder is a quiet community that has many choices for parents. As every child has their own preferences and tastes, due to age or lifestyle, there is certainly something for every family.
Some cater to kids with thoughtful menus. Others might have board games that can keep the whole family interested.
Kids can sample flavors from Japan on the menu at Sushi Zanmai, with options like Udon soup, dumplings, tofu, and sushi in kid-friendly sizes.
Near Folsom Field, Backcountry Pizza and Taphouse is a great spot to grab a bite to eat after watching a baseball game. It is a local favorite for sports, pizza, pasta and drinks. Kids have plenty of delicious options to choose from, like There are also arcade games as well as a super fun environment.
New Restaurants in the Area
From world cuisine to home cooking, there are a variety of new restaurants opening. Graduates of the local culinary school, foodies, locals and seasoned vets are all sharpening their knives and preparing delicious offerings for residents and tourists.
Restaurant lines that have done well in other parts of Colorado are opening doors in Boulder, from juice bars to burrito joints.
As there is a big brewery scene in Colorado, many have craft beer options or taprooms.
Many of the new restaurants opening are pandemic-friendly in order to adapt to the changing times and best serve their guests.
Avanti Food and Beverage is a new offering in Colorado.
Sushi Restaurants and Japanese Restaurants
Sushi restaurants and Japanese restaurants find a special home in Boulder. You can visit a classic teahouse for a relaxing midday experience, or gather with loved ones for dinner and a show at a hibachi restaurant.
Some restaurants have regional Japanese cuisine, such as Osaka's Restaurant that serves menu items inspired by Osaka. There are many serious Japanese chefs here, and the competition creates a delightful array of food choices.
Thai Restaurants
Thai restaurants in the city have delivery options. Many are health-conscious, sourcing the highest quality ingredients for their foods. Most offer vegetarian or vegan-friendly foods, and many offer enticing lunch specials for early diners.
Korean Restaurants with Added Flavor
There are a handful of authentic Korean restaurants in the area. Most serve fusion cuisine so visitors can choose from a selection of options they are comfortable with.
A Cup of Peace is an organic Korean teahouse with Korean BBQ options.
American Restaurants: Going Traditional
Boulder has no shortage of Americana inspired restaurants, and it is fun to see how each creates its unique spin on classic American fare. Whether it's vegetarian-friendly burgers or skillets with local produce, the modern American restaurant is flourishing in the city.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Known for its outdoorsy reputation and laid-back vibe, many restaurants in Boulder appreciate four-legged companions and welcome them. Most places with outdoor seating will allow dogs, especially if it is a casual restaurant. Other places will cater to dogs and their owners.
Cafes and breweries especially will cater to dog owners. It is easier to bring your dog to an outdoor patio because of the myriad of health codes that indoor seating restaurants much oblige to. Be sure to ask, or if you see the restaurant has dogs on leashes regularly, it's a yes. Unless an outdoor cafe specifically has a no dogs sign, most are fine with you bringing your pet.
Some cafes offer live music as well as patio seating with great opportunities for people watching.
Bring Fido to T/ACO for a fun atmosphere after exploring Boulder Creek to grab tacos and margaritas. Brasserie TenTen is downtown and has great seating for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Upslope allows dogs outside as well as in the taproom. The patio area has food trucks parked there most nights, so if you want to try something different, you will have plenty of variety to choose from.
FAQ
How many restaurants are in Boulder?
Boulder, Colorado, is home to a culinary school. As graduates enter the workforce, they offer their diverse and impressive skills to restaurants in the area. There is also a growing natural and organic food restaurant industry as the demand for options like that grow. There are more than 115 restaurants in Boulder, which makes a vibrant culinary scene.
Bon Appétit magazine named it the "Foodiest Town of 2010," so it is definitely worth it to see how it has evolved over the years.
What are must-try restaurants in Boulder?
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant is a vegan place that is growing in popularity. Many consider it a must-try restaurant on Pearl Street, with a menu that is exclusively meat-free. They source local produce from Three Leaf Farms. It is considered a nice restaurant, with unique breakfast items as well as a fancy dinner menu with cocktails.
Flagstaff House is another must-try restaurant because of its prix fixe menu and its beautiful views. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, it is certainly an experience that you will remember.