16. Red Rocks Amphitheater
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 830-8497 (ticket informa
Description: This spectacular natural-rock amphitheater is the venue for many top performers (one summer lineup included Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, and Blues Traveler). Red Rocks information and tickets are available through Ticketmaster (303-830-8497). Or check the Web site for more concert information.
17. Redfish Fishhouse & Brewery
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 440-5858
Address: 2027 13th Street
Description: You’ll feel like you are back in the Big Easy at RedFish, a quirky Boulder venue that serves up fantastic New Orleans–style fare and soulful music. The bar features comedy nights on Sundays, $3 mojitos on Wednesdays, $1 pints on Thursdays from 9 to 11 p.m., and small musical acts that bring down the house sprinkled in throughout the week. The bar opens every day at 4 p.m.
18. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 444-3690
Address: 1101 Walnut Street
Description: The Rio is a restaurant, no question about that, but mention it to anyone in town and their first reaction will be, “Oh, yeah, margaritas.” Double-shot margaritas in birdbath-size glasses have been winning the Rio awards since 1986. The place opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and at 5 p.m. for dinner. The Rio won’t sell you more than three margaritas, but if even that number proves overwhelming, the restaurant will cheerfully call you a cab to help you get home safely.
19. The Sink
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 444-7465
Address: 1165 13th Street
Description: For a venerable institution (it opened in 1949), The Sink on University Hill is a funky piece of work, with exposed pipes, concrete floors, walls splashed with bright cartoons referring to Boulder institutions and events, and ceilings and bathroom stalls covered with the graffiti greetings of several generations of CU students. In addition to a traditional hungry-student menu of burgers and pizza, The Sink offers beer and potent mixed drinks (limit two) and historical significance—Robert Redford used to sweep floors there when he was a CU student. Food is served from 11 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. and the bar stays open until 2 a.m. Choose from a selection of 18 beers on tap.
20. Sundown Saloon
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 449-4987
Address: 1136 Pearl Street
Description: A little off the beaten path in atmosphere but right on the Pearl Street Mall, the Sundown is for those who want a bit of a different scene. It’s a bit more blue collar overall but has an unlikely mix of patrons. College students might find themselves having a beer with a hardcore Harley-Davidson biker in black leather or a lawyer in pinstripes. Sundown opens at noon daily and serves snacks until closing at 2 a.m. There are six pool tables and a big-screen TV to pass the time between.
21. Tahona Tequila Bistro
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 938-9600
Address: 1035 Pearl Street
Description: In addition to authentic food inspired by the Yucatan, Tahona offers 80 specialty tequilas, freshly-squeezed margaritas, and other tasty tequila cocktails. Bar food specials are available from 4 p.m. to close every night. Don’t miss their happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and after 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, when beer, wine, well drinks, house margs, and shooters are among the featured drinks. This is a great place to have dinner and drinks, or a delightful after-dinner spot to sip that tequila you’ve always wanted to try.
22. Walnut Brewery
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 447-1345
Address: 1123 Walnut Street
Description: This very popular microbrewery is in a tastefully redecorated old warehouse and makes its own six fresh, delicious beers. Order a sampler and try them all. The diverse dinner menu is served until 10:30 p.m. every night (see our Restaurants chapter for details). The Walnut Brewery is open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday. Go early on weekends (before 6 p.m.) if you don’t want to wait in a line that often stretches out the door and down the block. The Walnut Brewery also provides beer to go and catering services.
23. Walrus
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 443-9902
Description: The Walrus has been around for many years, undergoing various changes of personality and clientele from a fancy restaurant to a neighborhood bar. Currently it’s a late-night college bar, with pizza, burgers, and appetizers served along with bar drinks and beer. There are six pool tables, air hockey, and foosball for fun. Last call every night is 1:15 a.m., and food is served until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends.
24. West End Tavern
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 444-3535
Address: 926 Pearl Street
Description: The West End Tavern has been a local favorite since 1987 and now it has a new look and a new menu. Recently named one of the top restaurants in the Denver area by 5280 magazine, the West End has a great antique wooden bar that is the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day. There is nothing like an afternoon on the rooftop deck savoring one of the tavern’s 50 bourbon selections or one of their special mint juleps. Beers flow during game days with games enjoyed on three plasma TVs. The menu is unrivaled whether you are in the mood for an appetizer or a full lunch or dinner. Don’t miss the hermit crab races on the first Thursday of every month at 11 p.m.! The kitchen is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m.
25. Zolo Grill
City: Boulder, CO
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (303) 449-0444
Address: 2525 Arapahoe Avenue
Description: According to Denver’s Rocky Mountain News, Zolo is fresh and hip and one of the most popular spots in Boulder. We couldn’t agree more. Since opening in Boulder in 1994, Zolo Grill has continued to draw patrons who swear by their spicy southwestern/New World cuisine. Dubbed the “absolute hottest restaurant in Boulder” by 5280 magazine, Zolo’s menu includes a masterful blending of traditional Mexican, Native American, and New World cuisine. With zesty entrees that range from $12 to $27, Zolo also offers an extensive wine list, microbrews, margarita menu, and more than 80 tequilas. Zolo is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.