Few places in Boulder capture college life quite like The Sink.

For more than 100 years, this legendary spot on The Hill has been feeding hungry University of Colorado students, welcoming alumni back home, and serving up some of the most iconic burgers and pizzas in town.

When tuition feels overwhelming, ramen gets old, and motivation is running low, sometimes the answer is simple: grab a burger and head to The Sink.

The Boulder institution first opened in 1923 as Somer’s Sunken Gardens, inside what was once the old Sigma Nu fraternity house. The restaurant got its nickname from a sunken fountain in the middle of the dining room, and “The Sink” stuck. Over the decades, it evolved into one of Boulder’s most beloved landmarks.

Walking inside feels like stepping into a living scrapbook of CU history.

The walls and ceilings are covered in signatures, doodles, artwork, and decades of student memories. Generations of Buffs have left their mark here, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that feels equal parts restaurant, museum, and rite of passage.

And then there’s the food.

The Sink Boulder

The legendary Sinkburger remains one of the most famous burgers in Boulder. A juicy beef patty topped with American cheese, onions, pickles, and the restaurant’s signature Sink Hickory Sauce has kept students and locals coming back for generations.

Then there’s the famous Ugly Crust Pizza.

Introduced in the 1990s, the thick, uneven crust has become part of The Sink’s identity. Popular favorites include the Chicken Bacon Ranch and the famous Buddha Basil Pie, which helped put The Sink on the national food map.

If you’re extra hungry, dishes like the Brisket Burnt-End Mac & Cheese and other comfort-food favorites make this the perfect study-break stop or post-workout meal.

The Sink is not just loved by college students.

In 1955, actor Robert Redford worked there as a janitor while attending CU Boulder.

In 2012, President Barack Obama made an unexpected visit before speaking at the university and ordered a Sinkza pizza, which was later renamed the POTUS Pie.

Food Network star Guy Fieri featured The Sink on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2010.

Guy’s ‘The Sink’ Poster

Chef Anthony Bourdain also visited in 2013, along with chef Eric Ripert.

Not bad for a college-town dive.

What makes The Sink special is that it has never tried too hard to be trendy.

It has stayed true to what it is: a quirky, welcoming, unforgettable Boulder staple where students celebrate wins, survive finals, and create memories that last a lifetime.

For CU students, grabbing food at The Sink is more than just eating.

It’s tradition.

It’s nostalgia.

It’s Boulder.

So whether you’re a freshman looking for your first true Hill experience, an alum reliving the glory days, or a local craving one of Boulder’s most legendary burgers, The Sink still delivers.

After 100 years, it remains one of the most iconic restaurants in Colorado—and one messy, delicious bite at a time, it keeps adding to Boulder history.

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