Tulagi: The Island on The Hill That Rocked Boulder

There are certain places in Boulder that aren’t just venues — they’re living chapters of the city’s story. Tulagi, affectionately known as “The Tule”, was one of them. Located at 1129 13th Street on University Hill, Tulagi was more than a bar. It was a rite of passage for generations of CU Boulder students, a hub for music, and a symbol of the Hill’s free-spirited energy.

The Early Days: From 3.2 Beer to Boulder Legend

Tulagi’s story began in the 1940s when Ray Imel and Rex Bailey dreamed up a tropical-themed bar inspired by the Solomon Islands. The colorful mural that once adorned its stage became so iconic that future leases actually contained clauses protecting it. During the 1950s and ’60s, Tulagi served 3.2% beer to 18-year-olds — a Boulder tradition that helped it thrive as a gathering place for students and locals.

As the decades rolled on, Tulagi evolved into a full-fledged live music venue. It became a stage where dreams met distortion pedals, and where college nights transformed into legendary memories.

Tulagi matchbook

The Music Era: From The Eagles to Miles Davis

When Herb Kauvar (the same visionary behind The Sink) bought Tulagi in 1969, he brought in promoter Chuck Morristo elevate the music scene. The results were electric. Everyone from The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt to ZZ Top and Miles Davis graced that small, sweaty stage. For a time, Tulagi was considered one of the best small venues in the United States — a rare stop where major touring acts played before they were household names.

Its intimate setting made every concert unforgettable. Students recall standing shoulder-to-shoulder, beer in hand, singing along to bands that would soon headline arenas.

Tulagi interior

The End of an Era — and a Lasting Legacy

Despite its cultural impact, Tulagi’s final curtain came in 2003 after a series of ownership and licensing issues. The building was later purchased by the owners of the Fox Theatre and repurposed for retail and restaurants. Yet, the spirit of Tulagi lingers. The old sign still hangs above 13th Street like a ghost light — a reminder of Boulder’s golden age of live music and late-night fun.

For CU alumni and long-time locals, Tulagi remains a cherished symbol of the Hill’s character. It wasn’t just a bar — it was where Boulder learned to dance, to sing, and to celebrate together.

The Legacy Lives On

Though the music has faded, the memories play on. Stories of “The Tule” continue to echo through reunions and conversations — proof that a place doesn’t have to exist physically to remain alive in spirit.

Want to relive more of Boulder’s colorful past? Explore more local stories on this local site. 

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