Stop Requested - Downtown Boulder Station (Part Two)
While Boulder is a treasure trove of adventure, sometimes it is nice to relax and take a leisurely stroll while enjoying some great food, drinks and shopping. In part two of this edition of Stop Requested, learn more about all the great places to eat, drink, shop, and maybe catch a game or two around Downtown Boulder Station.
Food and drink
Downtown Boulder Station sits in the heart of downtown, steps away from some of the best dining experiences on the Front Range. Start the day at OZO Coffee Company, Amante, The Laughing Goat, Boxcar Coffee Roasters or one of the many other local coffee shops sprinkled along the Pearl Street Mall.
Walking up and down the mall can work up an appetite, especially with all the shops and things to do, so picking the right lunch spot is crucial to enjoying the day out and about. Swing by Illegal Pete’s at the corner of Pearl and 15th streets for some burritos and tacos with punk rock flair, or, if something more comforting is desired, the legendary Lindsay’s Boulder Deli is a staple on the mall. The deli has any kind of sandwich imaginable. Customers are greeted to a massive chalkboard menu featuring everything from traditional sandwiches and soups to creative concoctions. The deli even has a Haagen-Dazs shop in it for some post-lunch shakes and ice cream. Another excellent lunch spot is The Yellow Deli, located at Pearl and Ninth streets, known for its hot steamed deli sandwiches. Try the Bristol Bay or the Deli Rose and send those taste buds on a trip.
In addition to fantastic dining options, the mall has two breweries to quench the largest of thirsts. Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery doesn’t pride itself on having TVs to have the big game on or try to be the new hip spot. It prides itself on being a cozy spot to chat about life with friends and family. Mountain Sun also features a robust menu of traditional favorites, cooked with love and care. On the other end of the spectrum is The Post Chicken & Beer. Yes, that says chicken and beer. The Post brews all of its craft beers in-house, thinking outside the box with brews such as the Sweater Gang smoked lager or the Revenge Bedtime Procrastination honey oat blonde ale. Of course, a visit to The Post must include ordering some chicken. They have full-cooked chickens, chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, chicken and waffles … if it is a meal that involves a chicken, they have it, and it’s guaranteed to be incredibly tasty.
For dinner, the options are limitless. Is the family or crew having trouble deciding on a single spot? Head to Avanti Food and Beverage, where seven restaurant concepts await, ranging from traditional American to Asian and everything in between, to satisfy everyone’s desires. For those craving seafood, Jax Fish House is an absolute must-visit. Consistently on the “Best of Boulder” lists, Jax brings the ocean to Boulder. Get there early, though, as this spot is VERY popular among locals and visitors alike. In the mood for some Mexican? Take a stroll to T/aco, at the corner of Broadway and Walnut Street. T/aco prides itself on creative tacos and unique tequila-infused cocktails that are sure to put some spice in the night. Those in the mood for sushi will have plenty of options around Downtown Boulder Station. Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar is a Colorado favorite. Its menu is packed to the gills with different types of sushi rolls and sashimi. Also, the logo is a giant robot. In addition, there is Amu Sake Bar and Restaurant, Japango, Gaku Ramen and Dragonfly Noodle, among many others.
There are plenty of upscale dining options available for those who want to celebrate a special occasion or take that special someone out to a nice place. Corrida Tierra Y Mar is a Spanish-style restaurant with great mountain views, wood-fired steak and seafood, and handcrafted Spanish-inspired cocktails. Brasserie Ten Ten brings a bit of French elegance to Boulder with a menu of French delicacies. SALT offers delicious steaks, pork chops, fish and more. Be sure to get one of the excellent charcuterie boards as an appetizer!
The Boulder County Historic Court House sits as a centerpiece to the Pearl Street Mall.
Shopping, nightlife and entertainment
Downtown Boulder has a great mix of shopping, entertainment and nightlife options to enjoy all day and all night, all within walking distance from Downtown Boulder Station. The Pearl Street Mall has dozens of shops, from big brands like The North Face, Burton Snowboards, Fjallraven and Arc’teryx, to local small businesses like Topo Designs, Alpaca Connection, Barbara & Company, the legendary Boulder Book Store, Sarina’s Gifts and Where The Buffalo Roam.
For entertainment, one doesn’t have to walk far to find live music or a play. The Boulder Theater is a regional favorite, playing host to concerts from local and national acts, film screenings, stand-up comedians and much more. Every night, there’s something happening at the Boulder Theater. For a more low-key experience, visit the Museum of Boulder, where visitors can learn about the city’s illustrious history. The Boulder Bandshell, just a block away from Downtown Boulder Station, is a local favorite for catching some free live music or a performance.
While downtown Boulder might be known for its dining and shopping experiences, the nightlife scene is very much alive. The Sundown Saloon is a local favorite among University of Colorado students. The famous dive bar is easy to pass up, but it sits on the Pearl Street Mall next door to Lindsay’s Boulder Deli. For a slightly more relaxed vibe, check out the Pearl Street Pub & Cellar. The Bitter Bar offers a relaxed vibe that’s known for its unique drink menu, with an emphasis on unique.
Sports
Downtown Boulder Station sits just about a mile away from the University of Colorado (CU), easily walkable via the Boulder Creek Path. Home of the Colorado Buffaloes, CU Boulder has an illustrious sports history. In the fall, catch the Buffs take on PAC-12 rivals in football at the historic Folsom Field. Get there early to watch Ralphie, CU’s live buffalo mascot, lead the football team out onto the field. In the winter, just another half-mile away from Folsom Field, is the CU Events Center, home of the men’s and women's basketball teams. CU’s men’s basketball is constantly improving year over year, and recently beat the No. 11-ranked team in the country in basketball, the University of Tennessee.
Boulder is a great place to escape to, and RTD makes it easy for customers who want a getaway while staying close to home to escape there. RTD offers dozens of trips between Boulder and Denver via the Flatiron Flyer regional bus service. Learn more about the Flatiron Flyer and its routes on the RTD website. Check out the Trip Planner to learn more about the best options to get to and from Downtown Boulder Station, and make sure to sign up for Service Alerts in case there are any unforeseen service disruptions.
The University of Colorado, home to the Buffaloes, sits underneath the Flatirons on a summer's evening.