Nightlife in Boulder

Work hard, workout hard, then play even harder. That seems to be the creed of so many locals who help keep the after-dark scene in Boulder thriving with places to indulge, relax and unwind.

There are two main areas in Boulder where the selection of bars and clubs are concentrated: The Hill and downtown's Pearl Street. While each have a distinctive flavor of nightlife, both guarantee a characteristic only-in-Boulder evening.

The Pearl Street Area

For many, Boulder nightlife revolves around downtown, with a hugely diverse number of bars and clubs found up and down Pearl Street and the blocks surrounding it. Kick back in a cozy brewpub or beer-centric bar such as the West End Tavern, The Walnut Brewery or the Mountain Sun. Sip prohibition-era cocktails at the speakeasy-themed Bitter Bar or the ingredient-obsessed Salt. Or go underground to a satisfyingly dive-y spot like The Catacombs or the Sundown Saloon. Don't forget to check the lineup at the historic Boulder Theater; many big-name musicians love to make a stop in Boulder, and the Boulder Theater is often their venue of choice.

The Hill

The Hill is located next to the University of Colorado campus and consequently has a boisterous, student-centric nightlife scene. Beer-and-pizza institutions such as The Sink, where every inch of the walls are scrawled with graffiti contributed by guests, join swankier newcomers such as Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar. At the heart of it all is the Fox Theatre, a legendary Boulder music venue that has been known to bring in both up-and-coming local and national acts as well as sell-out shows by bands such the String Cheese Incident, Rose Hill Drive, Cake and more.

Basic Listings

Absinthe House

• 1109 Walnut Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 443-8600
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Authentic European bistro fare, exceptional wine list, over 40 beers from around the world, and the largest selection of genuine absinthe of any bar in North America. Open Sunday - Wednesday… more

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Attic Bar & Bistro

• 949 Walnut St
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 415-1300

American Open Dinner Private Room Available… more

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Bacaro

• 921 Pearl Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 444-4888
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Located in the historic West End of Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, Bácaro offers a delicious range of northern Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and much more. We offer… more

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Boulder Beer Company - Brewery & Pub

• 2880 Wilderness Place
• Boulder, CO 80301
• Phone: (303) 444-8448
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Pub Fare and Microbrews. Boulder Beer is Colorado's first microbrewery, founded in 1979.Mon-Fri: 11am-9pm, Saturdays Noon-8pm.Free Tours: Monday-Friday at 2:00pm or by appointment… more

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Boulder Outdoor Cinema

• 1750 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (855) BOC-YEAH
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Enjoy an evening under the stars! The Boulder Outdoor Cinema is open July through August. Located directly behind the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the cinema features pre-movies and live… more

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Boulder Theater

• 2032 14th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 786-7030
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From opera to movies to disco to rock - the historic Boulder Theater has a diverse and colorful past that is being continued with a thriving present and is primed for an exciting future. Opened in… more

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Boulder's Dinner Theatre

• 5501 Arapahoe Ave
• Boulder, CO 80303
• Phone: (303) 449-6000
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Dinner, dessert, and a show! The Boulder Dinner Theatre has a 20+ year history of bringing the best of Broadway to Colorado, and most shows are extremely family-friendly. Your dinner is included in… more

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Catacombs Bar

• 2115 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 443-0486
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Downstairs from the Hotel on 13th Street, The Catacombs provides a casual setting with lively atmosphere. Nightly drink specials, pool tables, and arcade games all make this a great place for friends.… more

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Conor O'Neill's Irish Restaurant and Pub

• 1922 13th St
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 449-1922
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Irish & American Fayre Open Lunch & Dinner, Sat-Sun Brunch, Happy Hour 4-7 Private and Outdoor Seating Available Celebrating its five-year anniversary in September, Conor O'Neill's is well… more

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Cuvee

• 946 Pearl Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 447-0475
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Cuvee is an elegant wine bar serving 30 + wines by the glass, and offering live music six nights a week. Open 7 days a week 4-11pm.… more

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Dark Horse

• 2922 Baseline Rd
• Boulder, CO 80303
• Phone: (303) 442-8162
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American/Casual cuisine Open Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sun 11am-2am Outdoor patio A Boulder landmark since 1975, this unique food and beverage emporium is adorned with movie props and turn of the century… more

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Etown

• 207 Canyon Blvd
• Ste 302
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 443-8696
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Musicians like James Taylor combined with interviewees like Jimmy Carter create a one of a kind, live radio show, which gives the “E-chievement Award” to an individual or organization around the… more

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Fox Theatre

• 1135 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 443-3399
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George's Food & Drink

• 2028 14th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 998-9350
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Open 5pm Tuesday - Sunday Happy Hour: 5pm-6:30pm, $3 well, draft beer, & house wine. Introducing for your culinary pleasure- GEORGE’S! Boulder Theater is proud to present the next generation in… more

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Historic Downtown Boulder & Pearl Street Mall

• 1942 Broadway
• Suite 301
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 449-3774
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Stroll along our popular pedestrian mall and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, bookstores, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Also popular are the seasonal art shows, craft fairs, musical… more

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Johnny's Cigar Bar

• One Boulder Plaza
• 1801 13th Street, Suite 110
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 494-0884
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Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 12-10pm Thursday-Saturday, 12pm-Midnight Sunday, 12-7pm Located in the chic One Boulder Plaza, Johnny’s offers a deluxe martini list, exquisite wines, gourmet small plates… more

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Mediterranean (The Med)

• 1002 Walnut
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: 303.444.5335
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For more than fifteen years, the locally owned 'Med' has been offering a menu that brims with Italian, Spanish, French, and Greek cuisine. The extensive menu boasts tapas, fresh salads and seafood,… more

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Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

• 1535 Pearl Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 546-0886
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American Brew Pub Open Lunch & Dinner Good Food! Good Beer! Good Times!… more

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Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (The Rio)

• 1101 Walnut St
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: 303.444.3690
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Tex Mex, Mexican Open Sun-Th 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Handicap Accessible Outdoor Seating Available Award-winning combination of healthy and delicious TexMex food prepared fresh daily… more

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Rock N Soul Cafe

• 5290 Arapahoe Ave
• Suite 1
• Boulder, CO 80303
• Phone: (303) 443-5108
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The Rock N Soul Cafe is a coffee shop filled with the joy of celebrating the great gift of music surrounded by excellence in ambiance, beverage, food & music! We invite you to visit us often… more

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Shooters Grill & Bar

• 1801 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 209-3740
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Sushi Zanmai / Sake Zanmai

• 1221 Spruce
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: 303.440.0733
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Sushi Bar / Japanese Fine Dining Sushi Zanmai: M-F 11:30am-2pm and 5pm-10pm Sat 5pm-12am Sun 5pm-10pm Sake Zanmai: Sun, Tues-Thur 6-11pm Fri-Sat 6pm-12am Private Room Available Outdoor Seating… more

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Tahona Tequila Bistro

• 1035 Pearl Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 938-9600
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Tahona late afternoon & late evening Happy Hour in the bar from 4-6 Monday to Friday and after 10 every evening. Full menu served 5-10 every evening. Tahona’s inspiration comes from the sights and… more

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The Corner Bar

• 2115 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80305
• Phone: (303) 442-4880
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Located in the Hotel Boulderado Contemporary American Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-11:45pm Sat-Sun Brunch 12:00-2:00pm Lunch/Dinner 2:00pm-11:45pm Relax and enjoy the Corner Bar, the more… more

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The Hill District

• 13th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 541-1030
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Located slightly off campus, this eclectic, intimate business district boasts a fascinating mix of personalities - gentle yet exuberant…. intellectual yet hip… edgy yet welcoming. A variety of… more

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The Kitchen

• 1039 Pearl Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 544-5973
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Located in one of Boulder's beautiful historic buildings in Downtown Boulder, The Kitchen brings a fresh perspective on ingredients, preparation & guest comfort. Enjoy a relaxing neighborhood… more

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The Sink Restaurant and Bar

• 1165 13th St
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 444-7465
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American Open 10am-2am daily. Private room and outdoor seating available. The Sink has belonged to millions of guests who have passed through the doors in our 80-year history. The Sink is a hot spot… more

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Twenty Ninth Street

• 1710 29th Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: (303) 444-0722
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Now open, Twenty Ninth Street is an inviting collection of retail, entertainment and dining offerings in a beautiful open-air environment. This lifestyle district consists of three distinct yet… more

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Walnut Brewery

• 1123 Walnut Street
• Boulder, CO 80302
• Phone: 303.447.1345
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American Open Brunch, Lunch, & Dinner Private Room Available Boulder's original brewpub and winner of the Bronze Medal for its Old Elk Brown at the 1999 and a Silver Medal 2002 Great American Beer… more

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