When the Food Network recently celebrated nearly two decades of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with a curated list honoring one standout restaurant from every U.S. state, Colorado’s selection came straight from the heart of Boulder. The honor went to The Sink—a restaurant deeply intertwined with the history, culture, and everyday life of the University of Colorado Boulder.

This recognition places The Sink among an elite national group of eateries that define authenticity, longevity, and local character. For Boulder, it’s more than a food award—it’s a celebration of a place that has shaped generations of CU students, alumni, and visitors alike.

University of Colorado

A CU Boulder Institution, Not Just a Restaurant

Located just off the University of Colorado campus, The Sink has long been a rite of passage for students and a familiar gathering place for faculty, athletes, and alumni. Its walls—covered with decades of artwork, signatures, and stories—serve as an unofficial archive of CU Boulder history.

Over the years, countless Buffs have passed through its doors, making The Sink as much a cultural landmark as a dining destination. It’s the kind of place where first weeks of freshman year, post-exam celebrations, and alumni reunions all intersect—often over the same table.

Hollywood, History, and Boulder Roots

The Sink’s legacy extends well beyond campus. Long before Hollywood fame, Robert Redford was a University of Colorado student—and famously worked at The Sink during his time in Boulder. That connection adds a layer of Americana to an already storied space, blending CU Boulder history with pop-culture lore.

The restaurant has always attracted creative minds, free thinkers, and future leaders—people drawn to Boulder’s independent spirit. That energy still defines The Sink today, making it a natural fit for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ celebration of places that leave a lasting impression.

Why Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Chose The Sink

Hosted by Guy Fieri, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has spent more than 40 seasons highlighting restaurants that tell a story through food. These aren’t chains or passing trends—they’re community anchors.

The Sink exemplifies that spirit. Its menu balances comfort, creativity, and bold flavors, while the atmosphere remains unmistakably Boulder: unpretentious, artistic, and welcoming. It’s a place that hasn’t tried to reinvent itself to stay relevant—it simply stayed true.

Guy’s ‘The Sink’ Poster

A National Spotlight on Boulder’s Food Culture

Being selected to represent Colorado in a 50-state Food Network tribute is a rare honor. It reinforces Boulder’s reputation as a city where food, culture, and community intersect naturally. The Sink’s recognition reflects not only its own longevity, but the broader character of Boulder as a place that values originality and connection.

For CU Boulder alumni, it’s a proud reminder of shared memories. For current students, it’s validation that their favorite hangout holds national significance. And for visitors, it’s a clear signal: some of Colorado’s most iconic flavors are found right here in Boulder.

AboutBoulder-admin