In Boulder, where the mountains meet the sky and the city hums with energy, lies a world within a world—dive bars. Tucked away in unassuming corners, these watering holes slow down time and the outside world fades with dimly lit interiors, the scent of well-worn wood and the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Welcome to Boulder’s dive bar scene—where every drink holds a promise of adventure and every patron has a story to tell.
Dark Horse
The world-famous Dark Horse has been a Boulder staple since 1975. Doling out beer, burgers and such in a space decorated with movie props & antiques, the decor and atmosphere are “sure to boggle your mind and gratify your senses”. The Dark Horse takes you on quite the trip, and your bathroom break will confuse you too; you’ll just have to stop by on one of their many game nights to know what I’m talking about.
Sundown Saloon
For over 30 years, formally known as The Downer, The Sundown Saloon has been Boulder's premier dive bar with craft beer, pool, darts, shuffleboard, foosball and interesting people. The Downer is what I'd imagine it might’ve been like going to college in the 80s—you walk downstairs into a dark basement bar, rainbow string lights covering the ceiling and you can get a pitcher of PBR for $3, which might as well be $0.85 in my Gen Z brain. In this economy? You can’t beat those prices. The ambiance is slim to none; the Sundown Saloon ticks every box when thinking of where to go to have a good time and make some unlikely friends.
The Attic
Don’t let the name of this place confuse you. While not underground, The Attic is as divey as they come. As you walk up the “stairway to heaven”, as my friends have lovingly called it, and as you walk into the self-proclaimed Wisconsin bar, you start to feel at home. Karaoke? They have it. Darts? There. Free pool until 10 pm, foosball tables, 4-person Pacman, Golden Tee, and more—there’s always something to do at the Attic. Check it out and see why employees and visitors alike always have the “Best Day Ever” at the Attic! Order a Fat Albert at the bar and thank me later.
Mountain Sun Pubs
While not what comes to mind when you hear the words “dive bar’, Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery appreciates and encourages the lost art of conversation and connection. A longtime local favorite, their locations will never have televisions, and instead, you’ll find their walls covered in bookshelves filled with novels and board games. Their second and larger location, Southern Sun, matches the same energy; and has an equally passionate following. They pride themselves on their genuine service, laid-back atmosphere and being a go-to spot for a cold beer and delicious burger, especially during Stout Month in February. They serve free Mountain Sun Stouts all month long when you sign up for their newsletter, which will let you in on even more local deals.
Hungry Toad’s
The Hungry Toad Bistro & Bar opened in July 1991, located just blocks north of Boulder’s historic Pearl Street Mall. Since then, The Hungry Toad has been providing both traditional and creative pub food as well as bringing in classic English-style draft beers, and local craft. Smack dab in the heart of one of Boulder’s busy neighborhoods, it feels like you’re shot back in time to England’s storied pub past, as the interior reflects the classic English pub feel. Curious how Boulder does British? See for yourself sitting outside on the patio, soaking in the grand view of Sanitas and some sunshine.
