Got the munchies? Perhaps a bit of a dry mouth? That’s what Boulder’s Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery is counting on.
Tourists and locals alike flock to this tie-dyed oasis on the East side of Pearl Street for the hand-crafted brews, delicious food and kind-brother vibe. If you doubt the pub’s street cred, all you need to do is check the show dates on the vintage Phish and Grateful Dead posters that adorn the walls. These hippies aren’t joking around.
Mountain Sun brews beer on premises and the brewing equipment is on display at the back of the pub. You can check it out on your way to the bathroom. The tap board, drawn in chalk art by local artist Bryce Widom, features at least a dozen beers ranging in styles, flavors and colors.
If you’re not sure of beer styles, your server will be happy to bring you plenty of tastings. And even if you are sure of your beer order, you should probably ask for a few tastings anyway. It never hurts to expand your beer palette and try something new.
The menu at this brewpub covers traditional pub fare, if you consider tempeh reubens, hummus and spinach salads as traditional pub fare. (Hint: They’re not.) Carnivores and college students need not worry though. There are also many burgers, french fries and huge plates of nachos to satisfy every budget. The menu may not be gourmet but the food is consistent and helps to soak up some of the beer. Or so we tell ourselves.
The Mountain Sun has two daily happy hours (from 4-6 and then again at 10pm) and live music on Sunday nights. Be prepared to wait for a table when it’s busy.
The waiting area, also known as the bar, gets crowded quickly. Fortunately, there’s beer to drink while you’re waiting, which is the only thing that makes waiting that long for a table worth it. Growlers of to-go beer are available for sale and refills are encouraged.
But I really don’t recommend leaving. The people-watching, the board games and the welcoming patio are reasons enough to hang out and enjoy your pint on premises. Just remember to bring cash (they don’t take credit cards). Silly hippies.
PS: there is an on-site ATM just in case you show up with a plastic-filled wallet!
PPS: there is also a South Boulder location called the Southern Sun!
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