Where can you go for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks and feel as if you’re completely at the heart of the downtown Boulder scene? Where is it not too stuffy, but buttoned up enough to avoid the riff raff of dive bars with bad food?
My vote is Centro.
Centro is the quintessential night-out in Boulder jump-off. They’ve truly hit the sweet spot in bringing tasty Latin food together with memorable cocktails. Centro is also extremely popular, so if you want a seat on the patio, inside or anywhere, for that matter, get there early. No, not 5:30PM early. More like, make up an excuse to your boss on why you need to leave work at 4:30PM kind of early.
It’s always a gamble if you and your friends are going to get a seat at Centro, especially for happy hour. This is truly a testament to how good they are and how consistent they are with providing an enjoyable ambiance. The happy hour menu is affordable and easy to order from, with the shrimp tacos being a favorite.
The beer and wine specials are standard for Boulder, but what you absolutely must try are Centro’s Margaritas. All are made with Mezcal or 100% agave tequila and come in varieties that range from sweet to savory to spicy as hell. The “Hot Rosser” comes highly recommended which is made with Zapopan tequila, lemon juice, orange juice, strawberry puree and spicy fresno chiles.
If you’re out on a Thursday and are looking for live music, Centro has music to offer as well as late-night drink specials after 9:00PM. Out gallivanting on a Monday? Happy hour prices are available all day.
Centro’s brunch is a unique one around town with lots of creative Latin flare sprinkled throughout the menu. With items like plantain, chorizo, fresh guacamole and house-made green chile available in most of the brunch dishes, you won’t suffer from the boring eggs, bacon and toast malaise.
Sometimes getting a seat at Boulder’s busiest restaurants is a pain, but more often than not, it’s a cherished accomplishment when you manage to get seated at Centro. The food rarely disappoints and you’re not rushed out once you do sit down and start imbibing. Use good sense and strategy in getting to Centro early and you won’t be disappointed.
Photo Credits: James Moreau
Centro Latin Kitchen
950 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-7771
Hours
Brunch (Sat/Sun) 9:30AM-3PM
Lunch (M-F) 11:30AM-3PM
Dinner (daily) 4PM
Happy Hour (all day Mon / T-Sun 3PM-6PM)
