Five Boulder Bars You Have to Try

When thinking of Boulder, Colorado, you might envision a backdrop of mountainous scenery and plenty of hiking and biking opportunities — its energetic nightlife might not be the first thing that comes to mind. If you plan on visiting the area, however, the bar scene is definitely one to explore.

There is a wide variety of lively spots in this town, whether you’re looking for a sports bar in Boulder to catch the latest football game, if you’re on the search for some live music on the weekend, or if you’re hoping to liven it up with the local college scene. So, when in the area, make sure to try out these five Boulder bars.

Open since 1975, Dark Horse is one of Boulder’s long-standing bars. Its uniquely designed interior is decorated with brightly colored, turn-of-the-century antiques and movie props, a perfect medley of visuals for an exciting night out. Open from Sundays to Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., this bar welcomes all to have fun at nearly any hour.

Dark Horse has a wide selection of beverages, with premium spirits and a rotating selection of beer. To see what’s new in Boulder, this bar is a great spot to try some local microbrews. Its food options, like its interior design, “boggles the mind” and “gratifies the senses” with savory starters like the red chili poppers paired with a house-made raspberry sauce. The star of this bar is their world-famous burgers, which can be swapped out for vegetarian and vegan needs.

Any search for popular Boulder bars has to include The Attic. Part bar and part bistro, this upstairs spot has been serving the town for over 16 years. Its exposed brick interior and exterior creates a warm environment for locals to sing karaoke from the front of the bar, play a game of pool, foosball, or darts, or enjoy a cool beverage at one of their wooden tables. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to stop by for lunch or want to spend a night out on the town, The Attic has you covered.

Visitors can enjoy their wide variety of local drafts, their large selection of premium liquor, and the best happy hour in Boulder when stopping by here. Try out one of their specialty cocktails, like Craw’s Mary, a Milagro Silver and cucumber drink. Guests can also stop by The Attic for brunch specials on the weekend. The lunch and dinner menu offers a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, and tacos, as well as tasty appetizers and desserts.

The Bitter Bar is a local bar that describes itself as the marriage between a speakeasy and a neighborhood bar. Not interested in the exclusionary tendencies of high-end spots but maintaining all the high-end quality in their craft cocktails, this is a great spot to enjoy a drink with friends. This is another prime spot to visit for their happy hour, which is every day of the week from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The thick leather and fabric couches, alongside the sleek wood tabletops, make this an inviting place to visit.

The Bitter Bar features a wide range of craft cocktails suitable for the tastes of any guest. Each features a unique and playful name, such as the Tin Man, a bourbon and lemon drink. Or visitors can try the Guns & Roses #2, a gin and rosewater drink. Also available is a small selection of beer and wine. Those who fall in love with this venue can reserve it as a destination for a private party.

For some of the best live music in town, grab a booth or claim a piece of the floor next to the stage at the Velvet Elk Lounge. The founders of this bar were determined to create a small, funky venue for live music, and when there isn’t a live band playing in this establishment, they’re hosting open mic nights, DJ events, dance parties, and other fun happenings. As they are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to close, you definitely don’t want to miss this spot.

Guests visiting this bar can choose from a wide selection of tequilas, whiskeys, bourbons, and other great liquors. Tasty cocktails are also available, like the Smoked Old Fashioned, a cinnamon bourbon drink, or the redrum, a rum and blackberry whisky mixture. Also available are beers like el corn, an amber lager, and a selection of wines. To line the stomach, there’s a small but delicious appetizer menu with options like the burrata and tapenade or the spicy gochujang chicken saam.

One of the most well-known Pearl Street Bars is The Sink, located “on the hill.” Originally a European-style restaurant featuring a sunken fountain known as “the sink,” this bar has been around since 1940 and is nearly a century old. A college student favorite, this black and red bar is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This spot also has a great happy hour Monday to Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Visitors can order cocktail specials like the sink mojito for a refreshing way to start their evening or opt for something more savory like the Breakfast at G’s, a RumChata and Irish whisky mix. They also have 18 local beers on tap, like the White Rascal (a Belgian-style white ale) and the Electric Sunshine (a fruit tart ale). Open for lunch and dinner, the menu options range across classic American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and tasty specials. Stop by this location for a great night out.

Boulder, Colorado, offers a wide range of fun bar options, whether you’re looking for somewhere to dance the night away, enjoy a quiet drink and intimate conversation, or want to enjoy a good meal. When you’re ready to live a little closer to these spots, contact trusted local agent Sara Vaughn to guide you through the process. With her eight years of experience selling over 100 properties, Sara knows all the ins and outs of the Boulder real estate market. Let her be your guide to your new life in this wonderful town.