Boulder may be on the expensive side, but if you look hard enough you’ll find great deals on food and drink. From lunch specials to lively late-night happy hours to inexpensive and easy diners, there is no shortage of places to grab some grub and a drink on the cheap.
Strolling along the Pearl Street Mall? No problem. Venturing up to hang in quiet north Boulder? We got you, and these deals are meant to impress and save money.
Breakfast On a Budget
The Buff
Located right in the middle of Boulder, The Buff has been around since 1995 and serves up solid diner and brunch eats. Think items such as omelets, benedicts, pancakes and more. While there’s not a specific special to save money, it’s on the less expensive side. Plus, portions are generous, the menu is endless, and it has 99-cent mimosas, so plan accordingly. 2600 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, buffrestaurant.com
Blackbelly
For a quick snack before work or a big hike, stop by Blackbelly’s market for a hot-and-ready breakfast burrito. The prices start at just $9 for a vegetarian burrito, and $10 for butcher’s choice. Not only that, all the ingredients used at chef Hosea Rosenberg’s restaurant are top notch, sourced well, and often from local purveyors. As the deal, you can only get this bargain from 7 to 11 a.m. 1606 Conestoga St., Suite 1, Boulder, blackbelly.com
Verde
From 7 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, pop into Verde for a grab-and-go bite. The breakfast menu features inexpensive breakfast burritos including a bacon and pork green chili one for $7, and a meat-free option for $6. As an added bonus, Verde also deals a daily special from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that includes any two tacos with rice and choice of beans for $12.95. Pair the meal with some of the best queso ($9) in town, and you’ll easily have a hearty, mid-day meal. 3070 28th St., Boulder, verdeeatdrink.com
Lunch Specials
Japango
Japango is a high-end sushi restaurant on the Pearl Street Mall. But where dinner runs a pretty penny, for lunch the menu features a variety of bento boxes, with the daily meat and vegetarian special starting at $15.50. In said box you’ll find an entree, a four-piece California roll, and vegetable tempura. Other bento boxes include salmon, chicken, or beef teriyaki. 1136 Pearl St., Boulder, japangosushi.com
Il Pastaio
Il Pastaio arguably has the best fresh pasta in Boulder. Head there for a cafeteria-style lunch where you can choose from three different kinds of lasagna, plus get a veggie side, house salad, and a fresh roll, all for $16. 3075 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, ilpastaioboulder.com
Illegal Pete’s
Located on the Pearl Street Mall, Illegal Pete’s is an excellent spot for a quick burrito, tacos, or some nachos. Every Tuesday first responders, health care workers, and educators can get two entrees for the price of one. 1447 Pearl St., Boulder, illegalpetes.com
Happy Hours
The Corner Bar
For good drinks at reasonable prices, head to The Corner Bar from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. During that time cocktails start at $10, glasses of wine start at $6, and you can get a $4 draft beer. On the food side, look for deals on appetizers such as pork belly potato skins ($8), Sicilian meatballs ($10), and calamari ($10). 2115 13th St., Boulder, cornerbarboulderado.com
Fringe
Fringe is known for its shareable dishes and Neapolitan-style pizza. Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 p.m., which is a great time to fill up on $12 margarita pizzas, $8 blistered shishitos, and $7 bruschetta like the one topped with roasted beets, whipped goat cheese, and a sweet onion relish. For drinks, you’ll find half-off all draft beer and wine, plus $2 off all cocktails. 2900 Valmont Rd., Boulder, fringeboulder.com
The Cork
When people talk about happy hours in Boulder, The Cork is always mentioned thanks to a generous menu. Happy hour happens every day from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and includes options like Caesar salad for $8.40 (usually $11.80), green chile cheeseburger for $12 (the classic burger runs $18), and nachos for $10.50, which are a happy hour only item. Drinks range from wine to martinis to draft beer, each costing between $6.50 and $8.50. 3295 30th St., Boulder, bouldercork.com
Boulder Social
Boulder Social is all about the deals during events. On Tuesdays during Geeks Who Drink Trivia, you can get $10 pizzas, $5 Bavarian pretzels and $5 select beers. During NFL games on Thursday, Sunday, and Mondays, Boulder Social offers $15 pitchers of its Social beer and a pound of wings for $13. The restaurant also has weekday happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. 1600 38th St., Boulder, besocialcolorado.com
Bacco | Trattoria and Mozzarella Bar
Get Italian on the cheap and hit up happy hour at Bacco in north Boulder. Daily from 4 to 6 p.m. and all evening on Mondays, you can score deals on seafood ($9.50 to $12), bruschette ($8 to $9.50), antipasti ($6 to $8.50), pan-roasted pork belly ($8.50), and arancini ($7.50). House wine and sangria are $9 a glass, and beer is $4.50. 1200 Yarmouth Ave., Boulder, baccoboulder.com
Late Night Happy Hours
The Jungle
This neighborhood rum bar has a killer tiki theme and great food and drinks as well. Visit during the daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. The Jungle also offers a late-night happy hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 p.m. The evening party includes cheap eats and plus deals on tasty drinks. Try the Pina Colada ($9), Banana Daiquiri ($7), or a passionfruit laced Saturn ($8). You can also snag $8 chicken sandwiches every Monday. 2018 10th St., Boulder, junglerumbar.com
Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery
Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery, located on East Pearl, is a top spot for a burger and great fries. Happy hour runs twice a day, Monday through Thursday. The first is from noon until 5 p.m., and the late night happy hour happens 8 p.m. until close. Specials include $10 pitchers of Mountain Sun house beers, a burger and fries for $12, and a cheese or margarita pizza for just $10. 1535 Pearl St., Boulder, mountainsunpub.com
Bartaco
Bartaco is a go-to taco place in town, and thankfully, it has a good weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., as well as a Monday to Thursday late-night happy hour. Starting at 9:30 p.m. score specials such as $8 cocktails and small bites, like crispy chicken flautas and shrimp mariscos. 1048 Pearl St., Suite 101, Boulder, bartaco.com
Postino
Although Postino is a chain with various locations around the country, the deals should not be missed. On Mondays and Tuesdays after 8 p.m., you can get a board of four bruschetta, your choice from 12, and a bottle of wine for $25. It’s the perfect late night snack or light dinner. 1468 Pearl St., Suite 110, Boulder, postinowinecafe.com
Hapa
Hapa recently moved to a new location on Pearl Street and is the perfect late-night stop after a night on the town. On Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., the usual day-time happy hour (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.) prices are honored. For example, two-for-$12 sushi rolls, $9 cocktails, and discounts on appetizers. 1048 Pearl St., Suite 105, Boulder, hapasushi.com
