Eating Your Way Around Boulder in Five Stops

While I purposely didn’t want to relive college by moving right back to Boulder, it is and will always be my happy place. But outside of undergrad life and my unwavering love for Buff athletics, it’s a pretty amazing place. For a small town, it’s been called the foodiest town in America, the prettiest college town, and the most livable city in the country. While most people go to Boulder to take advantage of the amazing location adjacent to the Flatirons or hike Chautauqua Park, I like to eat my way around the city, reliving my old college stomping grounds and exploring new gems that have opened since. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Boulder, I have a few ideas:

For the Best Breakfast in Boulder (tie): Lucile’s or The Buff

Amazing Southern cuisine, the Lucile’s in Denver doesn’t hold a candle to the original Boulder outpost. Known for their coffee and beignets, the Shrimp and Grits are a personal favorite. For a more American breakfast, the Buff is a Boulder institution that has housed everyone including Obama when he’s in town. It’s hard to compete with the Ole skillet, a delicious mess of chorizo, green chili, cheese, onions, and potatoes. And then there’s the .99 cent Bloody Marys…

For A Quick Lunch in Boulder: Smelly Deli

While the Sink may be the iconic lunch spot on the Hill, for a more casual, grab and go option, head across the street to University Hill Deli, where you can get one of the most pungent, deliciously greasy Philly Cheesesteaks you’ve ever had outside of Philly. A little East coast meets West coast never hurt anyone.

The Best Restaurant on Pearl Street: Sushi Zanmai

Amazing fish in a landlocked state? Yes, it is possible. With a disco ball and sushi chefs that spontaneously bust out in guitar solo, Sushi Zanmai is by far the best sushi in Boulder. Plus, they allow sake bombing. Be sure to make a reservation because the place gets packed with college kids. And don’t even bother looking at a menu, just order the Z9 and Firecracker rolls, lots of them.

The Best Bar in Boulder: Bohemian Biergarten

If you can’t make it across the pond, you can magically transport yourself to Oktoberfest any day of the week at this authentic German beer hall where you can order brews by the pint or das boot. The community tables are a great way to meet people and they have some pretty authentic sausages, pretzels and other small plates.

The Best Cocktails in Boulder: The Bitter Bar

Who doesn’t love a well-crafted cocktail as a nightcap? See the classy side of Boulder (yes, there are actually adults living here) in a killer low-key ambiance that just happens to be stumbling distance from the St. Julien Hotel if you’re in need a place to crash (and are willing to fork over buku bucks). Recommended is the Fire & Ice, a glass of bourbon with a house made ginger ice cube and candied ginger.

Final Thoughts: The Best Places to Eat in Boulder

Whether you came for the trails or the taprooms, Boulder’s the kind of place that makes you feel like maybe—just maybe—you could become a morning person. Between the mountain air, the microbrews, and the never-ending supply of scenic selfie spots, it’s got that elusive “live, laugh, lactic acid” energy that just works.

But here’s the real secret: there’s no one right way to do Boulder. Maybe your perfect day involves climbing Flatiron #3 at sunrise. Maybe it’s wandering Pearl Street with an ice cream cone and zero agenda. Maybe it’s skipping the hike entirely and treating the brewery patio as your summit. All valid. All Boulder.

So build your own adventure, stay curious, and don’t forget to drink water (this altitude is no joke). And when in doubt? Let the locals lead the way. They’ve got strong calves and stronger coffee recs.