Boulder Colorado - Cresting over the hill on highway 36 into Boulder, it's easy to see why this intriguing town has been dubbed "the city nestled between the mountains and reality." At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of vast open space roll into Boulder's quaint cityscape tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Boulder was originally founded in 1858 at an outcropping of Red Rocks, in what is now known as Settler's Park, by gold seekers in 1858. This area, defined by its striking red sandstone fins, is today a popular hiking spot. And so goes much of Boulder's heritage. The Colorado Chautauqua came along in 1898, and this development also became a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts, setting the city on a course of parks and open space preservation that remains a core part of Boulder's culture.
Shopping in Boulder has never been more exciting! Visitors to Boulder will find an endless variety of shopping opportunities. From bookstores and galleries to shopping malls and boutiques, Boulder has something for everyone.
The city's harmonious, people-friendly atmosphere and beautiful natural environment make Boulder a delightful shopping destination. Shoppers can explore an endless variety of fascinating stores selling jewellery, glassware, home furnishings, clothing, specialty foods, and outdoor & sporting goods.
Go and visit the lively street activity in historic Downtown Boulder at the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder's award winning pedestrian district. Exceptional shopping can also be found at the Hill, a historic shopping district with over 90 businesses located adjacent to the University of Colorado, or visit Twenty Ninth Street, the new, state of the art open-air shopping and restaurant community. All that plus some great Brew Pubs, Bars and Breweries what more could a traveller ask for?
Updated Feb 2025
Sanitas Brewing Company - Boulder, CO, 3550 Frontier Ave ste a
An industrial-chic taproom, even bigger outdoor space on two levels, one with a permanent taco food truck. Trees block any view of the mountains but you can see the railroad track - and free beer for everyone (brewery's choice) when a train passes by! 16 taps, including an N/A. Flights of four available, individually priced.
Stein Brewing Company, 2516 49th St #5, Boulder
Set in a garage, this tiny brewery and taproom offers tastes of British and West Coast-inspired beers.
Avery Brewing Company - 4910 Nautilus Ct. Boulder
The Avery brewery and Taproom is buried behind some industrial-type buildings. There is a small parking lot out front. The tour includes an exclusive glass, and is pretty informative to boot. The bar/tap room has an L-shaped bar on the right side, with high table seating in the adjacent room. There is also a small semi-private room in the back that has a window into the brewing area. The available beers are listed on boards behind the bar. The Avery Tap Room and Restaurant offers more than 30 taps of year-round beers and rotating Tap Room Rarities. Chef Chris Blackwood’s locally sourced menu changes throughout the year to reflect seasonal offerings. Fan favourite's include the popular fried chicken sammy and a famous Big Board of home-smoked meats, all served up with appreciation and love Service is very good. The bartenders are all beer lovers. Well worth a visit.
Asher Brewing Company, 4699 Nautilus Ct S Suite 104, Boulder
A small well lit taproom. Located in the northeast of Boulder in a residential-industrial mixed use area. This place can be very difficult to find, especially at night, a couple blocks from Avery. Asher's taproom has a small bar and a couple side rooms with bar games. The non-functional Sega Dreamcast and PS3 were quite the tease. There's a little patio out front. Service is okay. Selection is average with around 8 "organic" beers. Prices are decent.
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery - 1535 Pearl St.
Located in the Pearl Street Mall area of Boulder. The set-up is a bit different here, but it works. The front half of the place is casual restaurant seating. The bar (no stools) about halfway to the rear fronts the kitchen with the brewery all the way in the back. Funky artwork adorns the walls. The staff at Mtn. Sun are friendly, fast, and very efficient. The beer selection is pretty impressive. There are around 15 beers on tap, from lighter styles like Quinn’s Golden Ale, Saint Amos Wit, a Saison, and a Blackberry Wheat to richer fare like couple IPAs, a Coffee Porter and Thunderhead Stout. All of the beers are average to above average, with a couple being standouts. Samplers are available in flights of 6. Overall this is a very good beer destination in Boulder.
Upslope Brewing Company (Flatiron Park), 1898 S Flatiron Ct
A strip-mall location of course, light industrial part of town. Nonetheless, taproom is very nice, central bar, restaurant tables, nice outdoor patio overlooking the mountains, perfect at sunset. A dozen or more beers on offer, flights of four possible. A separate burger joint at one end of the taproom has very tasty burgers plus chicken & vegetarian options, Solid place
Upslope Brewing Company , 1501 Lee Hill Road, Unit 20.
A pleasant and relaxed tap room with great beers and a friendly local feel. A small bar for 6-8 people, several small tables, and a little patio. Small tap list (4-6) but nice beer and they often have a beer or two that are not canned. They also have a food truck outside during the day if you get hungry. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Twisted Pine Brewing Company - 3201 Walnut Street.
Established in 1995, Twisted Pine Brewing Company produces only 100% natural, unpasteurized pure malt ales, batch brewed and hand-crafted. They maintain a strong local presence and produce full flavour distinctive ales that cover lots of styles. Over the years Twisted Pine has earned a number of medals for beers, including 7 Colorado State Fair Medals, 6 Great American Beer Festival Medals and 2 World Beer Cup Medals.
The tap room is just off Hwy 36 in Boulder and easy enough to find as it is really close to Avery if you find yourself in north Boulder. A small tasting room with a pine interior, creating a cool cabin type setting. Foosball table in the corner along with a handful of tables and a small bar, with additional seating outside. Usually 10 beers on tap; including a whiskey aged Red and their award winning espresso stout. Be sure to try the Northstar Imperial Porter it is awesome. Overall a cool place and definitely worth the stop for a pint or three.
12Degree Brewing, 820 Main Street, Louisville, CO
Belgian-inspired artisanal brewpub located in downtown Louisville, CO. Plus pizza and snacks plus cheese and chocolate for pairing.
Rocks & Hops Brewing, 2516 49th Street, Ste 5
Boulder, Colorado's smallest brewery, family owned and operated. A classic Small brewery in a tight, industrial location with no frills. Owned and operated by two brothers who love making beer and cheering for the Chicago Cubs baseball team. A nice bar area and outside patio seating, Usually 8 to 9 decent beers on tap. If you get a chance to visit, I highly recommend it.
Boulder Social, 1600 38TH ST
This brewpub is a bit of a gem. It’s defiantly a go-to when in the area. A large beer selection plus great food. In addition to a variety of house beers, Boulder Social is also brewing Boulder Beer Co. Buffalo Gold Golden Ale, with the original recipe. Buffalo Gold with be on tap daily! Plus a patio, which is heated in winter, open during warm weather. Service is been great.
1125 Pearl Street, Boulder.
Spot in the middle of the Pearl Street Mall, this place competes with three other brewpubs in a half mile square radius and countless others in Boulder...and it holds its own fairly well saying its part of a chain. The host/hostess station is located in the main seating area in the front of the restaurant. The back section contains several booths with a few of the bar, which is set up really great. A well lit and long wooden bar with numerous barstools. Behind the bar are stainless steel conical’s that hold the beer served from the taps. The brewing room is located behind a glassed in area, such that the brew-master can be seen plying his trade. There are some pretty good beers here and food. It’s worth dropping by here while on Pearl Street or on a Boulder Brewery tour.
Wild Provisions by 4 Noses Brewing Company, 2209 Central Ave, Boulder
This place is pretty damn solid a bit out of the main drag, located in a light industrial section of town, shot walk from Upslope Brewing. A large space with plenty of indoor and outside seating with a giant curved bar and curved tap system. Rotating food trucks for sustenance. Nice parking lot patio as well. They specialize in Czech lagers, and they seem to do them well. Individually priced tasters available. Very friendly and efficient service.
Backcountry Pizza & Tap House, 2319 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder
A cool concept of a bar with a restaurant attached. Very spacious and in a cool neighbourhood in Boulder. The beer selection is impeccable. A very extensive bottle selection but the prices on those bottles is just obscene! Good friendly service. A plus is the games room with pinball.
627 S. Broadway St. Boulder
Bigger and more spread ou then the more northern "Sun" location. Beautiful views through the large windows. The place is loaded with hippy type type murals, paintings, artwork, and posters, loved the feel of the place. Add plenty of quality brews, the same crunchy menu of tasty food choices as the other location, friendly staff/service. A large outside eating drinking area, a long wood bar on the inside wall seats about 20, with 16 house beers on tap, the rest of the place is light and airy with about 2 dozen booths and tables. Another must visit spot if in the Boulder area.
VisionQuest Brewery, 2510 47th St Suite A2, Boulder
A small taproom connected to a homebrew store. Lots of regulars sitting at the small bar. Food trucks regularly. Pleasant ambiance, good tunes, with a selection of 16 beers. Good service.
Beyond the Mountain Brewing Co. 6035 Longbow Dr unit 109
A great brewery in the Gunbarrel area of Boulder. They offer a good variety of beers and have a nice stage for fairly regular live music. A nice wide open taproom. A small bar that is covered in vintage concert tickets and some restaurant tables, also a patio. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Also worth seeking out for a decent brew or two are the following;
The World Famous Dark Horse, 2922 Baseline Rd, Boulder
The World Famous Dark Horse has been a Boulder landmark since 1975. Come in today to experience this unique bar and grill. They offer only premium spirits, a rotating selection of diverse beer including local micros. Made famous by its delicious burgers and wings this bar and grill will not disappoint. Decorated from top to bottom with movie props and turn-of-the-century antiques, the décor and atmosphere is sure to boggle your mind and gratify your senses!
Redstone Meadery, 4700 Pearl St, Unit 2-A.
Boulder's Redstone Meadery, is one of the country's largest mead producers. A small place a little out of town in Boulder, but definitely worth a visit if you have any interest in meads. The tour is very informative after the tour you get to sample quite a few of their meads, for free and you can also buy bottles to take out of which there are 12 in total.
The Kitchen , (next door 1039 Pearl St & upstairs1035 Pearl St), Boulder.
Offers hot and cold small plates plus draft beer from Colorado (no bottles). excellent quality affordable dishes and an encouraging draft list.
West End Tavern - 926 Pearl St, Boulder.
Amazing burgers. Awesome wingers. Nice local beer options.
Garage Sale Vintage - Boulder, 1701 Pearl St
A very unique cool vibe but super expensive. Vintage enthusiasts, taco lovers, and anyone who enjoys shopping with a fun twist! Garage Sale Vintage is more than just a thrift store, it's an experience. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with friendly staff and good vibes all around. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or a curious shopper, you'll enjoy browsing the unique finds and indulging in the delicious food and cocktails. Just be warned you might spend more time (and money) than you planned, but hey, that's the risk you take when you find a place this enjoyable!
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Boulder useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
If you have any more recommendations please let me know, cheers Otto.
Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local pub's and brewers!
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R.I.P
Walnut Brewery - 1123 Walnut Street.
Boulder's Original Brewpub and winner of multiple Great American Beer Festival awards including the 2008 Silver Medal & 2010 Gold Medal in the "English-Style Dark Mild Ale or Brown Ale" categories for "Old Elk Brown Ale" brewed by Brew master, Rodney Taylor. They do a 7 beer sampler that can be added onto if you don’t want full pints? Located in the heart of downtown Boulder with great food, great service & great people! Walnut brewery is your typical big, high ceiling, boisterous brewpub, which not is not a bad thing. Big brick shell of a building, wide planks floorings, way vaulted ceiling, and steel girder erector set above supporting spinning fans & spots, and drop spinning top lamps over the bar. Old framed black & white prints mounted in the rear rooms here show this building when it used to be City Plumbing & Heating, back in the day, and supposedly, this was the very first Rock Bottom location? The food is actually pretty good here, definitely better than most brewpubs. Value is ok, it’s not too pricey. Overall not a bad destination, you won’t be blown away but you’ll be satisfied.
Boulder Beer / Wilderness Pub 2880 Wilderness Place, Boulder
Located in a little industrial park conveniently 2 blocks off my long drive to the southern part of Denver. Boulder Beer Company is Colorado's first microbrewery, the fruits of which have been enjoyed since 1979. Stop by to enjoy a beer, a meal, or a taster tray with up to 12 samples of the award-winning brews. There’s a nice pub style atmosphere, with a large patio outside. The popular Brewery Tours, which start at 2pm on weekdays, are a fun, informative, and hands-on way to enhance your visit to the brewery. On the tour you will visit the inside of the brew house, smell the hops, taste the barley, and walk amongst the towering fermenters that produce the popular ales that make up Colorado's favourite families of beers.
Los Oasis Latin Grill & Cerveceria, 2027 13th St.
Boulder’s newest Mexican inspired restaurant & brewery! Flavours from the Oaxacan Region & Yucatan are authentically recreated by Chef William Lewis and his talented crew. In addition to their fine culinary program, they also bring you the finest in hand crafted beers, margaritas & mojitos! Their beer is brewed onsite by Brew master Mike Kasian. Five main beers from a light ale to a nice dark stout, note happy hour is 4:00pm - 6:30pm & 9:00pm – Close daily with all the house beers at $3 a pint and some great food deals as well.
Kettle and Spoke Brewery, 2500 47th St #12
Tiny taproom with one table and three stools, located within a bicycle shop. 6 beers on tap. Pretty solid stuff all around. Friendly service and good tunes inside. Worth a visit, especially if you're heading to VisionQuest, which is right around the corner.
Old Chicago – Boulder, 1102 Pearl St.
Typical Old Chicago with about 25 beers on tap and another 100 in bottles.
Finkel & Garf Brewing Co.
"Finkel and Garf Brewing Company is a collaboration between Eric and Dan Garfinkel, a father and son. They share the love of well crafted beer and an appreciation for the life experiences we have enjoyed with a beer in hand.
Uhl’s Brewing Company
"Uhl’s Brewing Co was born out of a passion for making amazing craft beers to share with everyone in our beer family past, present and future. They are a small brewery working 7 barrels at a time.
Kettle and Spoke Brewery
Tiny taproom with one table and three stools, located within a bicycle shop. 6 beers on tap, including 4 IPAs, a rauchbier and a stout. Pretty solid stuff all around. Friendly service and good tunes inside. Worth a visit, especially if you're heading to VisionQuest, which is right around the corner.