Hidden beneath the historic Hotel Boulderado, this cavernous maze of low-lit rooms serves as a Mecca for local and regional blues and rock acts. The classy, yet renegade-like atmosphere draws a range of people, from seasoned music veterans, to yuppies and bohemians. But whatever the flavor, the bar promises an authentic taste of Boulder and an entertaining evening. Sit back and enjoy a famous Boulder microbrew or even a cigarette, this is one of the few Boulder establishments where you can enjoy a smoke.
Three levels and about 285 tables surround the thrust stage at this popular venue. The theater puts on an average of four musicals per year and wins numerous yearly awards from the Denver Drama Critics Circle. Come here for an evening of elegant food and phenomenal acting. Following traditional dinner-theater style, the actors double as the wait staff. A delicious meal is served before the show, and dessert is served during the intermission. Try the Chicken Cordon Bleu or prime rib, scrumptious desserts and after-dinner drinks. Reservations are required.
This posh venue has graced downtown Boulder since 1906. Originally opened as an opera house, the historic building underwent a massive renovation in the 1980s. Located just off the Pearl Street Mall, the complex hosts nightly concerts, film screenings and other community events. National Public Radio hosts the popular weekly environmental and musical radio show E-Town here. While it remains a popular venue for local entertainers, the theater's cabaret-style seating, preserved art deco ornamentation and state-of-the art sound and lighting system attract national and international artists. Call for a schedule, or check the Web site to order tickets online.
Step into this bistro and bar that is disguised as a pub and one suddenly gets a strong urge to sport a derby and predict how the Leeds rugby team will fare against York this year. Wooden tables and brick walls make for a perfect setting to order a pint of Guinness or Killians. The menu mirrors the setting by offering such specialty items as a London Broil Steak, and Shepard's Pie. In addition the restaurant also serves pasta, salad and burgers.
Just west of downtown, the winding road up the mountain provides stunning panoramic views of Boulder, Denver, and the eastern plains after a beautiful drive or a strenuous bike ride. There are many picnic tables just off the road where you can park and walk for a few minutes and find yourself in a relatively quiet and secluded area. Flagstaff Mountain also has mountain bike trails and popular climbing routes, as well as the Summit Nature Center (open weekends in the summer) and an outdoor amphitheater. The Flagstaff House, one of Boulder’s most upscale restaurants, is also situated on Flagstaff Mountain, which affords it incredible views and quite a romantic atmosphere.
Trattoria on Pearl features modern Italian cuisine in its warm and cozy restaurant located on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall. It also has a 40 seat patio for people watching during warm days and evenings. Chef Daniel Cofrades, who trained in the best kitchens in France and previously worked with Kevin Taylor and at Adega, meticulously prepares each dish. Favorites include homemade gnocchi, ravioli, cracker-crisp pizzas, linguine vongole (clams), cioppino, pollo arrosto (roast chicken), and veal scaloppine. Owner Guillermo Casarrubias has put the wine expertise he gained at the Brown Palace in Denver, the Left Bank in Vail, and the Pump Room in Chicago to good use. He has increased the wine list from 50 to 300 bottles of wine from around the world, including French, Italian, California, Colorado, Spanish, Chilean, Australian and Argentinean varieties. Guillermo has also developed specific pairings of after dinner drinks and desserts — the perfect conclusion for the ideal meal.
Located in a historic two-story warehouse, the museum exhibits modern creations by local, national and international artists. Featuring three diverse viewing areas and more than 10,000 square feet of space, the non-profit museum acts as a local educational center promoting the aesthetic importance of visual and performing art. The space is also a haven for developing artists and hosts an array of photography, cinema and theatrical programs. A funky on-site gift shop is a great place to browse around after checking out the latest show.
This picturesque park located at the base of the Flatirons has many trailheads that are the gateways to the Rocky Mountains. The park is a wonderful place for walking, picnicking, and people-watching. The park is part of the Chautauqua community, an idea built from the Chautauqua movement popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that was based around adult education that attempted to provide entertainment and culture for the whole community. The Boulder Chautauqua community opened in 1898 and contains a public dining hall, lodging, a community house for local events, and the beautiful Chautauqua Auditorium, which houses the esteemed Colorado Music Festival in the summer, as well as other concerts throughout the year.
This four-block pedestrian mall is a unique and essential part of Boulder. With a wide selection of shops and restaurants, this mall is sure to keep you entertained as you stroll in and out of art galleries, listen to musicians playing free live music, enjoy the shows of buskers (such as the famous Derek Derek), and have a bite to eat on one of Pearl Street’s many outdoor patios. It’s also a great place for kids, with water spouts that come out of the bricks by 14th street, street performers making balloon art, and big animal statues on which to climb on the east side of the walking mall. In the summer, Pearl Street is host to many events such as Band on the Bricks and the Downtown Boulder Art Fair. The stores also extend both east and west of the walking portion of the Pearl Street Mall, so be sure to continue on to find more interesting stores and restaurants.
This quaint restaurant near the Pearl Street Mall is nestled in a Victorian house complete with a large porch and deck. The staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Make sure to get here early on weekends, as the place is always packed. Children are welcome. The chef creates delicious Louisiana-style cuisine. Breakfast selections include fresh baked biscuits, waffles, and Eggs Sardou-a Creole specialty. Fresh fruit and cereal is also available. The lunch menu offers salads, Creole and Po'Boy sandwiches. No alcohol is served, but there are plenty of coffee drinks.
This small nook of a restaurant, which serves nothing but breakfast, is a throwback to the Eisenhower administration in both look and price. All that is missing is the Everly Brothers on the radio. Booths and classic chrome counter stools give the room its time machine look. The all-breakfast menu offers the usual morning staples of pancakes, eggs, French toast, hash browns and biscuits all at great prices. Keeping with the mood of Boulder it serves organic coffee.
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