During the academic school year, the Boulder Conventions & Visitors Bureau estimates that Boulder’s population is just over 100,000 citizens. That number includes a little over 30,000 students at the University of Colorado Boulder. It’s only natural, then, that the end of the academic school year in May marks a bit of a summer exodus from the city.
We love the University of Colorado Boulder, the students that call Boulder home, and our city’s reputation as a wonderfully unique and innovative college town. That being said, while the students are away, the Boulderites will play, and locals have the opportunity to indulge in some of their guilty pleasures from their own college days, from greasy slices of pizza to quick and delicious subs on The Hill to dive bars and more. Here are just a few places for locals to enjoy during the summer months.
This local establishment has been a staple on The Hill, Boulder’s eclectic and iconic district just across from campus, for over 90 years. Having gained a spike in fame after being featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and hosting President Barack Obama in 2012, The Sink already had a long and storied history. Having employed some famous faces on their way through Boulder, such as Robert Redford in 1955, The Sink is a colorful and creative Boulder landmark. Stop by for your favorite burger, slice of pizza, or pint, and enjoy the always vibrant, often cheeky, murals and collages smattered across the walls.
Look no further than Cosmo’s Pizza on The Hill for that deliciously greasy slice of pizza or calzone that you know you’ve been daydreaming about. With traditional combinations or the option to create your own pie, Cosmo’s will whet your appetite and potentially be a lifesaver if you find yourself out and about and starving at the end of your late night. Both of Cosmo’s two locations, on The Hill and on 30th Street, are open to satisfy your pizza craving until 2:30 A.M.
Hugely invested in the Boulder community, Half Fast Subs is a CU Buffs sports fan hot spot during the academic year. From sponsoring Colorado Buffaloes games and events at the Coors Event Center to providing a great place to hang out, watch games (as long as you can commit to being enthusiastic!), and enjoy a great sub, Half Fast Subs offers a plethora of sandwich options. From traditional options to some unique and mouth-wateringly weird combinations, Half Fast Subs is a must visit.
Whether you’re looking for snacks and starter drinks at the beginning of your night or to play games and enjoy Colorado craft beer into the evening, Pearl Street Pub & Cellar is a great place to duck into. With generous happy hour timetables and a kitchen that’s open late, Pearl Street Pub & Cellar offers live music and a cozy local atmosphere.
At the corner of Walnut and 11th Streets, the Walrus Saloon hosts a variety of special events, DJs, and concerts throughout the academic year, including live hip hop shows and game tournaments. If you’re looking for that nightclub kind of vibe and are itching to get your A Night at the Roxbury on, this is your place.
We have to admit that we’ve utilized the Hungry Buffs food delivery service many a night when we’ve been craving our favorite Boulder culinary indulgences, but just have not been able to muster up the energy to change out of our sweatpants and leave home. Not just food delivery for our town’s college population, Hungry Buffs boasts a huge list of local featured restaurants at your disposal.
