Bars in Boulder

Despite its small-town feel, Boulder is home to numerous craft cocktail bars, brewpubs, and other drinking establishments. You might enjoy sampling the following.

The Five Rooftops

If you're visiting Boulder during warm weather, some of the best bars to visit are those with rooftops. Food hall Avanti Food & Beverage (1401 Pearl Street) has the best panorama. Rosetta Food Hall (1109 Walnut Street) and its neighbor the Rio (1101 Walnut Street) have great views of south Boulder and the flatirons. Rio is also known for its extra-strength margaritas (limit 3 per person per night) and solid Tex-Mex food. Elegant Corrida (1023 Walnut Street) is just down the block, and offers a quieter space. All of these are wonderful places to drink under the stars. The West End Tavern's roof (926 Pearl Street) lost some of its mountain views when a new building was constructed — but the rooftop bar persists as a semi-enclosed space that attracts large crowds. You might even catch a movie projected on the neighboring building.

Mountain Sun

1535 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 546-0886
Website

Mountain Sun is a casual, down-home brewpub. Its locally brewed beers have won a slew of medals, including multiple golds at the Great American Beer Festival. Mountain Sun is often packed — the burgers, burritos, and other affordable menu items draw crowds for dinner. Other tap houses and breweries semi-walkable from Pearl include The Post (2027 13th Street), Sanitas (3550 Frontier Ave), Kettle & Spoke (2500 47th Street), and Twisted Pine (3201 Walnut).

The Bitter Bar

835 Walnut Street (map)
(303) 442-3050
Website

If specialty cocktails are your game, definitely stop by the Bitter Bar. Once a tiny corner of the Happy Noodle restaurant, the Bitter Bar ended up expanding to take over the entire space. Drinks aren't over-the-top expensive — and the happy hour offers $7 specials, including a "Bouldervardier." If you let your bartender choose, you'll likely be introduced to tastes here you haven't experienced elsewhere. Other cocktail spots are the T-Zero Lounge at the St Julien Hotel (900 Walnut Street), just down the street; and the speakeasy-style License No. 1 at the Boulderado (2115 13th Street).

Centro

950 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 442-7771
Website

The patio at Centro is one of Boulder's summer hotspots. Locals and visitors enjoy the open-air bar, made famous for its mint mojitos. A recent renovation of the interior has given Centro a warm and comfortable feel. Rub elbows at the bar or grab an outdoor table and watch the Pearl Street traffic flow by. A fun (if sometimes loud) time.

Jungle

2018 10th Street (map)
(303) 786-8585
Website

A Tiki bar in Boulder? Yes, at Jungle — the newest entry to Boulder's bar scene. You'll have a world of colorful drinks to choose between here, most of which are heavy on the rum and coconut. If you're craving Pina Coladas and Mai Tais, stop by for a tropical break. Jungle also serves burgers and fries.

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