25 Essential Boulder Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Boulder.
Postino Boulder
Colorado
an everyday essential restaurant address in Boulder, pairing editorial magnetism with a Beam Score of 90.0.
The Buff Restaurant
Colorado
Rich American grub like pancakes filled with bacon & drinks in mason jars at this brunch stalwart.
bartaco
Colorado
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Boulder's most persuasive taco restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 88.5.
Doug's Diner | Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Laid-back Tex-Mex spot offering hearty breakfast burritos, omelettes, burgers & sandwiches.
My Sushi & Ramen Izakaya
Boulder, Colorado
A variety of ramen, Japanese small plates & stir-fried noodles whipped up in unassuming surrounds.
Half Fast Subs On The Hill
Boulder, Colorado
Bustling cafe with a patio drawing a college crowd for creative subs, salads, beer & cocktails.
Tibet Kitchen
Boulder, Colorado
Vibrant Tibetan eatery in an airy, colorful setting serving traditional soups, noodles & dumplings.
Mediterranean Market & Deli Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Service options: Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, Onsite services, Takeout. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Kalita Grill - Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Family-owned Greek fare with an array of Mediterranean grilled meats & sides in a relaxed space.
Flagstaff House
Boulder, Colorado
Refined American dining at a window-encased destination for views from atop Flagstaff Mountain.
Cozobi Fonda Fina
Boulder, Colorado
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Sushi Zanmai
Boulder, Colorado
Sushi, special rolls & more in a festive atmosphere, plus lunch specials & weekend-night karaoke.
Centro Mexican Kitchen
Boulder, Colorado
Imaginative Latin fare in a lively spot with a covered patio, a smart happy hour & breakfast to go.
Backcountry Pizza & Tap House
Boulder, Colorado
Huge on-tap beer selection with rotating options, plus burgers, sandwiches & game room with pinball.
La Catrina Mexican Restaurant
Boulder, Colorado
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Zoe Ma Ma Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Homemade noodles, dim sum & daily specials in a colorful shoebox of a soup shop popular with locals.
Bramble & Hare Bistro
Boulder, Colorado
Eclectic seasonal fare, microbrews, wine & cocktails served in a dimly lit, warmly decorated spot.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Boulder, Colorado
Vibrant Mexican venue serving generous plates of classic fare & margaritas in a festive interior.
II Pastaio Ristorante
Boulder, Colorado
A buffet at lunch & table menus at dinner feature this quaint spot for pastas; closed weekends.
Naked Lunch
Boulder, Colorado
Fresh breakfast & lunch bar with sandwiches & salads on the blackboard, located in a condo complex.
Snarf's Sandwiches
Boulder, Colorado
Branch of a regional chain dispensing hot & cold sandwiches in a simple, counter-serve setting.
Ado's Kitchen
Boulder, Colorado
A laid-back hangout offering a global menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner in contemporary surrounds.
Yotsuba Sushi
Boulder, Colorado
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
Boulder, Colorado
Fast-food chain dishing out burgers, chicken sandwiches & burritos, plus many frozen treats.
Ali Baba Grill
Boulder, Colorado
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights.