Location: Boulder
Top Restaurants in Boulder
Most Popular Contemporary food in Boulder, Colorado, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best Contemporary food in Boulder, Colorado, United States. Fondly described as “the city nestled between the mountains and
reality,” Boulder delivers an urban twist on the outdoor fun you’d
expect from a town surrounded by wilderness. In a single day, you
can hike miles and miles of trails or bike alongside Boulder Creek
– then head back into town for some well-deserved shopping on
Pearl Street. And with many of Colorado’s top restaurants right
within reach, be sure to treat yourself to at least one great meal.
Things to do in Boulder
10. Greenbriar Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
Opened in 1967, The Greenbriar Inn is an elegant restaurant, tavern and private event space located in the north Boulder countryside and nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The surrounding 20 acres features two ponds, striking woodland and thrivin
Reviewed By paxa
Came here for a wedding. Nice and green outdoor space, pretty building. Inside accommodates around 150 guests, also a patio for receptions. Overall food was average, we had short ribs which were quite good, the trout was so so, the accompanying veggie kind of soggy. Dessert - little cups of whipped cream and caramel custard were quite delicious, ordinary cookies. The wedding cake looked beautiful with fresh flower decor but was inedible, chocolate cake so hard and dry and the sugar icing sickeningly sweet. The appetizers served at the pre-dinner cocktail were actually better than everything that followed: the small cones of guacamole particularly delicious. Service was disorganized. Half the guests finished their dinner while the other half still waiting for their entrees. The venue seems popular with weddings but the food is not memorable.
9. Roadhouse Boulder Depot
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieR182
We were last here when my son visited CU Boulder in fall 2017. The food and service was so good. We were really looking forward to our meal. Service was awful. I made reservations with a note that my daughter would be using a wheelchair. Remembering that half the tables are high tops, I specifically asked for a low top table. Well good thing she felt well enough to leave her wheelchair in the car because they had no low top table set aside. It took 30 minutes to get our waitress to come back to our table to take our order. Queso with pretzel bites was cold and lumpy. Burger was bland, tasteless and tough. Wings were fatty. Short rib enchiladas were not made to menu description, were tasteless and lacked meat. (not kidding - there was about 8 bites of meat in three enchiladas.) And a filet ordered medium has to be sent back twice because it was absolutely raw. I had to butterfly it myself just to get them to cook it to medium. The worst? My daughter has a serious, but invisible disability. The bathroom is not accessible. Itâs down a flight of stairs. When we asked for straws for cups of iced tea that were about 8 inches tall, the waitress started lecturing us about environmental concerns. When I said some people actually have disabilities and need straws, she looked at me, rolled her eyes and said if we really needed straws we should have brought them with us. So yeah - my 15 year old with titanium holding her skull and neck together just got publicly shamed. This restaurant would be awesome like it used to be if it cared about the quality of its food and the comforts of its guests more - or at least as much as - the so called environmental impact of straws. And hint - you the restaurant owner can actually purchase paper or biodegradable straws.
8. Gold Hill Inn & Blue Bird Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By plz2meatu
A unique and cozy nearly 60 year old restaurant/Inn in an old Colorado mining town, where the full time population is about 185, and 1/3 of the homes donât have running water. Very, very fresh food and vegetables, all prepared in an upscale manner by a great attentive staff. Everything was terrific and we will return for round 2 in a week!
7. SALT
Overall Ratings
4 based on 576 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieR182
We had made reservations on a busy night in Boulder and our table was ready when we arrived. Everything we had was fantastic. Layers of flavor in beautifully presented dishes. Risotto and gnocchi were wonderful. Burger was top notch and cooked to order properly. The only complaint would be dessert. Itâs not the forte at this restaurant. Banana upside down cake was just banana bread and it was dry and fell apart instantly. Chocolate sea salt tart was much too rich and made of bitter dark chocolate. Service was prompt, attentive and not intrusive. Dishes cleared promptly. Water glasses and drinks were continually replenished without us having to ask. We sat outside on a lively night. Please note though that the restaurant is on a corner on a very busy street. So if you sit outside you will be experiencing traffic, noise and fumes from idling vehicles.
6. Jill's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Located in Boulder, Colo., a noted food destination that is home to one of the nationâs top Farmerâs Markets, Jillâs Restaurant & Bistro offers a thoughtful menu featuring fresh, local and dynamic ingredients. Our kitchen, helmed by Culinary Director, Lau
Reviewed By morewierd
Met friends at noon today(7/11/19) for the buffet. After our March experience I was a bit squeamish....BUT....the menu was FAB and the cook(s) outdid themselves.A glass of Rose came w/lunch......the flavored water is always delish......the Nicoise salad w/shrimp and mussels was MORE than a thumbs up(Could have eaten the whole bowl).....couscous salad YUM. Had no room for the soup(sigh) NOR the pizza. I always have pizza.....BUT didn't today. Tried to bribe the cook to give me a takeaway box....NO LUCK!.The brisket and grits was to die for.......ditto for the shrimp mac and cheese!!!!!Tried EVERY dessert ...all so good....but the strawberries and creme brulee my favorite today.WATER for dinner at home.I have to admit the OO LA LA Buffet can we the luck of the drawer......and today it was 10+.CHEERS........................................Dear moreweird, Thank you for your review. I am glad to hear your most recent dining experience at Jillâs met the high level of quality and service for which we are known. We appreciate your continued patronage and look forward to seeing you again for our Friday Lunch Buffet! Philippe AntoineGeneral ManagerJillâs Restaurant & Bistro
5. The Kitchen American Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 818 reviews
The Kitchen American Bistro on Pearl Street is part of the Kitchen Restaurant Group based in Boulder, Colorado. With multiple locations across America, the group is focused on sourcing local food at every price point. At The Kitchen, we create craveable,
Reviewed By texmex2345
Everything was cooked to perfection! Service was fantastic. There was 8 of us and the ones that had the stark said it was the best steak they had ever had.I had mussels and they could not have been better! Be sure to make a reservation. It fills us quickly because of the amazing food!TexMex, Your review puts a big ol' smile on my face. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave it. I'll pass along the compliments to my Chef Team as well as my Service Team.'We're ready to have you back!Best, Ken
4. Oak at Fourteenth
Overall Ratings
4 based on 640 reviews
Reviewed By Bryan B
Couples went to dinner here and had a truly excellent dining experience. Natalie, our waitress, made a mistake when entering one of our entree orders and she and the manager made up for it by presenting both the mistaken entree and the original order as well. We had much too much to eat, but, without exception, every selection was beautifully prepared. Desserts were brilliant. This is a place one should not miss when in Boulder.
3. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 394 reviews
A local institution since 1994, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is the first choice for fresh seafood in Boulder. Ranked top 25 Best Seafood Restaurants in America by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Our menus are crafted with sustainability in mind, using farm-fre
Reviewed By Papertrumpet
A work colleague suggested Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar when I was working in Boulder on my birthday. I had said I would like seafood and this was her first choice. It was a GREAT choice. Between quick service, attentive staff, food quality, and great setting I completely feel this was worth my trip. I do not always give 5-star reviews but Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar Boulder certainly deserve it. Price is a little higher than you might find elsewhere, but if you value the total experience then it is definitely worthwhile. They also gave me a card good for an appetizer on a future trip, signed by ALL the workers at the restaurant who were working that evening. I sincerely hope I can return to use it.
2. Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 914 reviews
Snooze AM Eatery is a breakfast experience w/ foods hand-crafted & seasonal using many local & organic products. Classic breakfast dishes w creative twists
Reviewed By divabrecht
Hip eatery, delicious food and drinks. Generous portions and fast service. I would recommend making reservation(putting your name on the list) through their app well before you plan to arrive (about 60-90 minutes); otherwise you have to wait outside for more than an hour.Music playing inside the restaurant might be a bit too loud for some people; but over all fantastic food!!!
1. Black Cat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By ColbyJ-2011
Exceptional food and service. Four of us enjoyed the chefâs tasting menu paired with premium wines. This is a once a year splurge but worth it. We think the is the best of Boulder. Comfortable setting, knowledgeable and helpful staff and wonderful food. Go for it for a unique evening of very fine dining.
