Ways to Save and Splurge in Boulder

In Boulder you can do both: score a second-hand vintage Patagonia fleece and indulge at a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant; grab a $6 breakfast burrito en route to local trails and nab the newest designer drop just in from New York City. It isn’t about cheap versus expensive, but choosing to spend money on what matters to you and in ways that will spark joy. We’ve gathered some of our favorite things to save and splurge on in Boulder. Take what works, leave what doesn’t.

Shop Around

Go treasure-hunting at thrift stores for vintage denim or carefully browse hand-crafted knits at independent boutiques. Score deals on locals’ second-hand outdoor gear or splurge on technical wear at premium retailers.

Splurge

• Canoe Club Gender-neutral clothing with emphasis on natural fibers, ancient dyeing traditions and bespoke weaves.
• Cedar & Hyde Mercantile Impeccably edited modern-day mercantile that sells effortlessly stylish, quality pieces.
• MAX High-end, luxury designer labels with storefronts also in Aspen, Denver and Vail.
• Neptune Mountaineering Serious gear for serious adventurers (scores “save” points for their extensive second-hand section!)

Save

• Apocalypse Ecclectic mix of second-hand high-end labels and affordable trendy pieces.
• Rags Consignments Expansive second-hand shop neatly sorted with brands from Free People to Prada.
• Loop Small but artfully curated thrift shop with top-of-the-line outdoor lines at prices we know you'll be surprised by.

Eat Your Heart Out

Nosh on an $8 happy hour cheeseburger or splurge on a dry-aged bone-in ribeye at a local steakhouse. Grab a couple of budget-friendly baos for a light lunch or save room for a candle-lit meal with floor-to-ceiling nighttime views of the city.

SPLURGE

• Flagstaff House Perched on Flagstaff Mountain with inspiring views and a world-renowned wine program.
• Frasca Food and Wine Awarded the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant and one MICHELIN star, this is the place in Boulder to splurge on an unforgettable dining experience.
• OAK at Fourteenth Local, seasonal-focused New American food with an open kitchen and craft cocktails.

SAVE

• Zoe Ma Ma Locally priased for fresh, “non-Americanized” Chinese street food recognized by the MICHELIN guide.
• Jungle Boulder's only tiki bar and burger shack with tropical cocktails and noteworthy happy hour food deals.
• Cozobi Fonda Fina MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recipient rooted in Mexico's centuries-old corn preparation traditions and wood-fire cooking.

Raise a Glass

Shoot pool and nurse a $5 beer in an underground dive bar or dress up for swanky espresso martinis. Sip creative happy hour cocktails or end the day with dessert and Port at a vibrant French eatery.

SPLURGE

• C Bar Dimly lit cocktail bar heavy on the wood and leather accents, with an option to add caviar to your martini.
• Stella's Cucina Art Deco-inspired Italian restaurant centered around a glitzy bar serving an extensive selection of Italian wines and cocktails.
• Brasserie Ten Ten Traditional French bistro bringing Parisian vibes to downtown Boulder.

SAVE

• The Sink Boulder’s quintessential dive bar and CU student watering hole since 1923.
• Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery Laid-back local vibes with some of the best brews in the state.
• Siren Neighborhood cocktail bar inspired coastal living with $4 beers and an approachable craft cocktail menu.

Self-Care Your Way

Start the day with free community meditation or treat yourself to an afternoon steam and Swedish massage. Take a tai chi class at a local rec center or splurge on an aromatherapy soak to boost your mood.

SPLURGE

• The Spa at St Julien Full-service luxury spa with a waterfall hot tub, steam room, sauna and relaxation area.
• Hydrate IV Bar Peaceful wellness center offering jet lag, immunity and recovery IV therapy cocktails for travelers who could use a boost.
• The Dragontree Atmospheric spa offering Ayurvedic treatments and the option to add on a communal cold plunge, sauna and steam room.

SAVE

• Mecha Modern pilates, cardio and strength classes in a light-filled facility with an affordable intro class package.
• Maple Creek Massage No frills, budget-friendly full-body and foot reflexology massage.
• Boulder Shambhala Center Free meditation sessions every weekday and Sunday morning, open to all.