Nightclubs in Boulder take many different forms. There is the town’s classic, rowdy sports bars ideal for gathering with friends to catch a game and celebrate (or commiserate) afterward.
There are ample craft breweries, boasting casual yet exciting atmospheres from which to enjoy the city’s renowned small batch beers. And there are lively late night restaurants and swanky hideaways where the eats are delicious and the creative, classy cocktails are flowing.
The constant amongst all of the nightclubs in Boulder and late night hot spots is a shared revelry in music, dancing, and the kind of fun that only Boulder’s work hard, play harder identity can dictate.f
Here are just a few of our favorite nightclubs and hangouts in Boulder that are ideal for your next night out on the town.
The Bar Scene
Games, grub, and diverse drink menus characterize Boulder’s lively bar scene, which is made up of venues ranging from traditional sports bars to hole-in-the-wall dives and classic neighborhood watering holes.
The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill
Located on Pearl Street Mall, The Lazy Dog is known for its classic, lively bar atmosphere that makes you feel at once like you’re both in the comfort of your own home and enjoying a night out on the town. With late night live music and a wide selection of brews and drinks, it’s the perfect spot for a night out of watching the big game or putting on your dancing shoes.
West End Tavern
A rooftop deck and historic location combine to make West End Tavern an exciting and quintessentially Boulder environment for enjoying a night out. Often playing host to live music and other special events, it’s a great spot for delicious eats, brews, drinks, and fun.
The Attic Bar & Bistro
Karaoke, pool, foosball, live music, gourmet pub fare, ample space for groups, events, and mixers…The Attic Bar & Bistro on Walnut Street is a local favorite for evenings out ranging from casual gatherings of friends to dancing the night away.
The Dark Horse Bar & Grill
A Boulder landmark since 1975, this bar is known for its movie and pop culture-themed décor, delicious burgers and wings, and diverse menu of beer, wine, and spirits. It’s an ideal location for watching the big game, challenging your friends to a game of pool or air hockey, and hanging out in a classic, unique Boulder bar environment.
Pearl Street Pub & Cellar
Pearl Street Mall’s resident “dive bar,” this pub plays host to the classic bar games, music, and eats ideal for a casual night out on the town.
Press Play Bar
This Downtown watering hole provides the opportunity to satisfy your competitive streak with classic, old-school arcade games while enjoying DJs, drinks, and eats in an exciting, casual environment.
Sundown Saloon
A favorite amongst the CU Boulder community, the Sundown Saloon provides a dive bar feel with a pool hall, drink specials, and a jukebox just waiting to play your favorite jams.
The Hill
Also known as University Hill, this Boulder neighborhood is adjacent to the CU Boulder campus and is home to numerous historic mainstays of Boulder’s late night scene.
The Sink
The Sink is a true Boulder landmark, boasting food, drinks, and a host of famous former employees and guests that have made it a local mainstay. A funky, quirky vibe characteristic of classic Boulder, The Sink is a must-visit of Boulder’s late night scene.
No Name Bar
A slightly hidden, unassuming Boulder bar connected to The Hill’s popular Cosmo’s Pizza, the No Name Bar boasts an impressive, diverse live music line-up and an exciting, lively atmosphere.
Fox Theatre
Boulder’s premiere club and venue for live music events, The Hill’s Fox Theatre combines a storied background with a raucous, yet intimate atmosphere ideal for nights out full of fun and exciting tunes.
Rocking Breweries
It could be argued that the craft brewery is Boulder’s version of the nightclub. These favorite local hangouts may be casual in look and feel but, with numerous taprooms hosting frequent live music events, they are often ideal locations for an exciting night out.
Oskar Blues
This classic Boulder brewery has locations all over the county, including on Pearl Street as well as in Lyons and Longmont. With exciting live music and open mic events at their taprooms on any given night, an evening at Oskar Blues is a brewery experience that defines Boulder night life.
Mountain Sun Pubs & Breweries
From its Pearl Street location to Southern Sun, Under the Sun, and Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse, Boulder County’s multiple Mountain Sun locations often feature a variety of live music performers, including bluegrass, rock, and soul artists. Any of these taprooms are ideal spots from which to enjoy late night brews, eats, and tunes.
Boulder Beer Company
Live music is a staple of the historic Boulder Beer Company, Colorado’s first craft brewery. Its Wilderness Place taproom is a classic Boulder hangout for late night bites, beats, and bold craft brews.
Rayback Collective
Boulder’s self-proclaimed community backyard, Rayback Collective features an expansive beer list of inventive local brews, food trucks, games, ample TV screens, and an atmosphere ideal for exciting nights out with friends and family.
Eats & Beats
Boulder’s booming food scene includes numerous restaurants that feature late night eats and atmospheres to rival any traditional nightclub.
Tahona Tequila Bistro
Tacos, margaritas, tequila flights and tastings…Tahona Tequila Bistro on Pearl Street’s West End has all the fixings for a great night out on the town. Aside from their delicious food menu and lively atmosphere, Tahona likewise hosts DJ Dance Nights on Fridays and Saturdays that are a perfect way to work out your dancing feet.
Bohemian Biergarten
Unique Czech-inspired brews, late night eats, karaoke, live music, dancing, and food and drink specials characterize this lively Downtown Boulder hangout.
Rio Grande
This recently renovated Walnut Street mainstay boasts multiple event spaces and an enviable rooftop deck perfect for enjoying a sunset, or late night, margarita.
Backcountry Pizza & Tap House
Boasting some of Boulder’s best pizza and a vast craft beer menu, Back country is a favorite local haunt for a night of delicious slices, brews, specials, games, and frequent trivia and other unique events.
Speakeasy Sipping
For when you’re looking to keep it classy with a carefully crafted cocktail in a luxurious atmosphere, Boulder is home to multiple venues that combine elegance and ambiance with Boulder’s quintessential down-to-earth attitude.
License No. 1
Located within the historic Hotel Boulderado, License No. 1 features classy cocktails and brews with a vintage, classy vibe and also hosts live music and DJ events Thursdays through Saturdays.
Bitter Bar
With weekly live music events and a creative menu of cocktail concoctions, Bitter Bar uniquely combines both a speakeasy and neighborhood bar feel ideal for casual nights of libation sipping.
T-Zero
Whether you prefer wine, cocktails, or a great martini, T-Zero, located in the lobby of the swanky St. Julien Hotel & Spa, is an intimate gathering place with frequent live music and entertainment events.
What’s your favorite late nightclub in Boulder? Let us know in the comments!
