There’s something powerful about a photo — especially a black-and-white one. It captures a moment in time, freezes a feeling, and reminds us that some places don’t just serve food — they serve memories. That’s exactly what this classic shot of The Sink on The Hill in Boulder, Colorado does.

More than just a restaurant or a college hangout, The Sink is a time capsule. A local legend. A place where the soul of CU Boulder lives and breathes, one burger, one mural, and one memory at a time.

A Landmark Since 1923

Established over 100 years ago, The Sink opened in 1923 and has stood the test of time through changing generations, city growth, and campus expansion. What started as a small European-style café became a quirky, colorful hotspot for CU Boulder students — covered wall to wall with murals, graffiti, signatures, and stories.

If you’re a Buff, chances are you’ve been to The Sink. Maybe after your last final. Maybe for a first date. Maybe it’s where your parents took you when they brought you to campus as a freshman — or where you met up after graduation years later. The Sink isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a rite of passage.

A CU Boulder Staple

The Sink has long been the unofficial headquarters of student life on The Hill. It’s where laughter echoes after midterms, where deep talks unfold over pizza and pitchers, and where alumni return decades later to relive the magic.

The walls tell the story — literally. Covered with decades of artwork and signatures, they serve as a living, breathing yearbook of CU Boulder students past and present. Each signature, a memory. Each mural, a moment frozen in time.

From Famous Faces to Everyday Buffs

In 2012, even President Barack Obama stopped in for a bite, signing the ceiling and adding his name to the legacy. Guy Fieri featured The Sink on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, calling it one of the best college-town joints in the country.

But the real stars of The Sink are the students. Generations of Buffs who have found friendship, comfort, and celebration inside those funky walls.

One recent alum said, “We went to The Sink after every major exam. It became our tradition — burgers, beers, and laughing until we forgot how tired we were.”

A current CU senior shared, “It’s just part of Boulder. When my parents were students here, they went. Now I go. It feels like a connection across time.”

Still Going Strong

As The Sink passed its 100-year anniversary, it shows no signs of slowing down. Still family-owned. Still iconic. Still buzzing with energy.

So next time you’re on The Hill, stop by. Take in the murals. Sign your name. Order a Sinkburger. And know you’re part of something bigger — a tradition that’s lasted a century and shows no signs of fading.

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