Most of Boulder’s eating opportunities are centred on Pearl street mall, where cafés, restaurants and ethnic eateries provide a good selection of dining choices. There are a few memorable options including some historic hotels that offer atmospheric bars and restaurants, as well as a handful of late night bars featuring live music.

Around University Hill you will find a good collection of affordable hangouts, mostly populated by the young student crowd. Restaurants and bars as well as a few entertainment venues are situated here, and the atmosphere is generally lively. Everything from Mexican to Japanese is available, alongside steak and seafood.

Homebrewed beer is also a feature of many pubs in Boulder, with microbrews available on tap at several bars; try the Walnut Brewery, Red Fish Brewhouse or Boulder Beer for a good selection of brews, many of which can be enjoyed during happy hour at discounted rates.

Hotel Boulderado is one of Boulder’s best-known establishments, which is much more than just a hotel. A stone’s throw from Pearl street mall, the historic building offers the quaint Catacombs bar where you can enjoy sultry jazz over a cocktail, or alternatively, the Corner Bar, which offers comfy armchairs and patio seating. The Q’s Restaurant at the hotel offers an exciting and sophisticated menu at affordable prices. 

If Rocky Mountain cuisine doesn’t tickle your taste buds, there are a few ethnic choices on offer if you look around. May Wah Cuisine is a good value Chinese dining option that has inexpensive lunchtime specials, making it the perfect lunch stop.

A popular night-time haunt on Pearl street, West End Tavern pleases patrons with beer, jazz and comedy. The roof terrace here offers nice views to complement your microbrew however real partiers tend to head to Round Midnight, home to the busiest dance floor in Boulder at weekends where you can rub shoulders with fun-loving students.