Explore Local Cuisine and Craft Breweries in Beautiful Boulder, Colorado - AboutBoulder.com

Nestled near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, beautiful Boulder, Colorado, is famous as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts but it’s also a haven for culinary and craft beer aficionados. The city’s diverse culinary landscape is complemented by an equally vibrant brewery scene, offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences for locals and visitors alike. Boulder is home to the University of Colorado’s flagship campus, with international students, faculty, and staff, which is why the small city can support a wonderful variety of dining and beverage opportunities.

The exploration of Boulder’s culinary and brewery landscape is an adventure for your taste-buds, while the community’s commitment to sustainability and organic ingredients adds to the appeal, making Boulder a must-visit destination for food and beer enthusiasts.

The Culinary Landscape of Boulder

Boulder’s food culture is a delightful mix of traditional American fare, innovative farm-to-table concepts, and global flavors. Notable mentions include:

  • Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries (1535 Pearl St. and 627 S. Broadway): Known for house-brewed draughts and a variety of burgers, including vegetarian options like a tempeh reuben sanwich and Jerry’s vegan chili​​.
  • The Kitchen American Bistro (1039 Pearl St.): Offers organic, farm-friendly dining with an array of small plates like broccolini, burrata, and steak tartare, as well as larger dishes like ranch steak and Ōra King salmon​​. Located on the open-air, fun, and festive Pearl Street Mall, itself a great tourist attraction.
  • Chez Thuy (2655 28th St.): A favorite for pan-Asian cuisine featuring Vietnamese pho, lettuce wraps, Pad Thai, calamari curry, and more​​.
  • Flagstaff House (1138 Flagstaff Rd.): A long-time local favorite offers New American cuisine. Restaurant is nestled in the foothills, near breath-taking scenery along Flagstaff Mountain.
  • Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse (1770 13th St.): An unexpected delight with a diverse menu focused on Central Asian food and an extensive tea selection. The ornate, jaw-dropping building — with its hand-carved and -painted ceiling, columns, and furniture – was shipped from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as a token of international friendship, then lovingly re-assembled piece by piece at its new location.

A Tour of Boulder’s Breweries

Boulder’s active craft beer scene sports a delicious variety of brews, but it’s also characterized by creativity, sustainability, and a passion for unique flavors. The Boulder brewery scene is so renown that when the Great American Beer Festival started in 1982, it set up shop in Boulder – and in fact, the American Brewers Association is headquartered in the beautiful, laid-back college town. Standout local breweries include:

  • Avery Brewing Company (4910 Nautilus Ct N): Famous for barrel-aged beers and sours, with a wide range of award-winning beers including The Reverend Belgian Style Quad and Island Rascal​​.
  • Upslope Brewing Company (1898 S Flatiron Ct): Known for environmental initiatives and a variety of beers like Upslope Craft Lager and Spruce Tip IPA​​.
  • Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery (1535 Pearl St): An intimate pub offering over 75 different beers throughout the year, including Isadore Java Porter​​. Located on the famous, fun outdoor Pearl Street Mall.
  • Twisted Pine Brewing Co. (3201 Walnut St.): One of Boulder’s best-known brew pubs offers more than 25 beers along with innovative, beer-infused dining options.
  • Wild Provisions Beer Project (2209 Central Ave.): Recently named as one of the country’s 10 best breweries, it’s known for its creative combinations of lagers and sours.

Traveling to Boulder: The Comfort of Eddie Limo

When planning your culinary and brewery tour in Boulder, the journey is just as important as the destination. For a comfortable, luxurious, and hassle-free travel experience, Eddie Limo offers top-tier limousine services.

Eddie Limo, with its well-maintained fleet of luxury vehicles, ensures that your travel to Boulder is smooth, stylish, and memorable. Whether you’re arriving from Denver International Airport or traveling within the city, Eddie Limo’s professional service and experienced drivers cater to your individual needs, making your trip to Boulder’s culinary scene one to remember.

Book with Eddie Limo to elevate your Boulder experience from the moment you arrive. More information can be found at Eddie Limo.

Explore Local Cuisine and Craft Breweries - AboutBoulder.com

Pairing Food and Beer

Boulder’s culinary and brewing scenes work hand in hand, creating experiences that elevate the taste of both food and beer. Pairing the right beer with the perfect meal enhances the dining experience, just as pairing the right wine does. For instance, the annual BruFrou event showcases 50 unique pairings by Colorado brewers and chefs, highlighting the magic of combining craft beer with gourmet dishes​​. But even outside the BruFrou festival, Boulder always offers numerous opportunities for such tasty and tasteful pairings:

  • Basta restaurant collaborates with breweries to create specific beers for their dishes, emphasizing the harmony between the two​​.
  • Mountain Sun’s robust beers can be perfectly matched with their hearty burgers and vegan chili for a fulfilling meal.
  • At The Kitchen American Bistro, try pairing the delicate flavors of their organic dishes with a light and refreshing beer from nearby breweries.
  • For a taste of Asian fusion, a visit to Chez Thuy can be complemented with a crisp lager or a rich ale from Avery Brewing Company.

Dining Experiences Beyond the Plate

Boulder’s residents and businesses walk the talk when it comes to sustainable food and beverages, even as the local hospitality industry earns national and even international acclaim. Visit Boulder for an experience beyond just what’s on the plate and in the beer glass.

Sustainable and Organic Options

Boulder’s dedication to sustainability and organic practices extends to its food and beer scenes. Many breweries and restaurants focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that’s not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.

Food and Beer Festivals

Events like BruFrou are a highlight in Boulder, where the culinary and craft beer communities converge. These festivals provide an opportunity for chefs and brewers to experiment and showcase their creativity​​ – and they offer locals and visitors a chance to explore a wide array of beer and food pairings, often leading to unexpected and delightful combinations​​.

Conclusion

The synergy between Boulder’s food and beer scenes provides an enriching experience for both locals and visitors. From innovative pairings at festivals to sustainable practices in brewing and cooking, Boulder stands out as a destination where culinary arts and craft beer are celebrated in unison. And you can enjoy it all in a stunning setting, near red rock cliffs and beneath forest-covered mountains.

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com john@aboutboulder.com