What makes OAK at Fourteenth stand apart from other restaurants? It's the fact that restaurant uses an oak-fired oven and grill, giving the food that distinct, smoky taste. Ingredients used here are fresh and locally grown, and also organic. The pasta's are prepared in-house and the Kale salad is magnificent. Try the Fried Green Tomatoes with Tuna tartar and the Yuzu Guacamole is out of this world.
Boulder's sister city Dushanbe, Tajikistan, donated this ornate building to the City of Boulder in the mid-1980's. Builders imported and erected more than 30 tons of material to build the structure, which was finished in 1988. It quickly assumed a prominent role in Boulder history and today it's a popular gathering place among locals. In addition to tea, this quirky little spot serves an array of exotic dishes, try the Burmese Coconut Curry and Tajik Plov or the Koresht Bodemjoon which is an Iranian eggplant and beef stew. Open for lunch and dinner, check website for full menus and other event information.
Amu is a small Japanese bistro and sake bar located just off of the west end of the Pearl Street Mall. Amu's location means that it is easy to get to, but just out of the way enough that it is not as busy as the rest of that popular stretch of downtown Boulder. The menu is authentic Japanese; it features sushi and sashimi and a few appetizers, perfect for a quick meal and a drink rather than a huge feast. The drink menu is impressive, including both a large selection of sake and Japanese drinks as well as wine and local brews. Another benefit is that all of the food is a la carte, so it's extremely affordable.
Frasca Food and Wine is one of the few fine dining establishments in the student-friendly Pearl Street Mall, and it makes up for this dearth by really soaring above everything else here. Frasca can be found on the far east end of the mall within close distance to parking garages and Boulder Creek, but far enough away from the main stretch to be free of the student and family crowds. The restaurant itself is large and modern, but it maintains an air of intimacy, mostly due to the lack of crowds and high waiter-to-table ratio. The options on the menu are delicious, with fresh, organic ingredients bought from local farmers and each menu item that includes a note about which of Frasca's many wines will go best with your meal, eating here is a real experience. -Sabrina Zirakzadeh
If romance is on the agenda, head up into the hills to the Flagstaff House for a dining experience like no other. Built in 1929 as a retreat cabin, the spot resides on the side of the eponymous mountain and it overlooks Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The dining area is the epitome of sophistication and mountain elegance, highlighted by a greenhouse-like glass dining pavilion that provides stunning views. The main courses include offerings such as grilled Alaskan King Salmon and Buffalo Filet Mignon. One other side note, its wine cellar stores more than 20,000 bottles, so you are assured the perfect bottle!
This quaint restaurant near the Pearl Street Mall is nestled in a Victorian house complete with a large porch and deck. The staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Make sure to get here early on weekends, as the place is always packed. The chef creates delicious Louisiana-style fusion, with breakfast selections that include fresh baked biscuits, waffles and 'Eggs Sardou', a Creole specialty. Fresh fruit and cereal are also available and the lunch menu offers salads and/or Po'Boy sandwiches.
Amu is a small Japanese bistro and sake bar located just off of the west end of the Pearl Street Mall. Amu's location means that it is easy to get to, but just out of the way enough that it is not as busy as the rest of that popular stretch of downtown Boulder. The menu is authentic Japanese; it features sushi and sashimi and a few appetizers, perfect for a quick meal and a drink rather than a huge feast. The drink menu is impressive, including both a large selection of sake and Japanese drinks as well as wine and local brews. Another benefit is that all of the food is a la carte, so it's extremely affordable.
The dark blue storefront façade doesn't give any inclination of what's inside Jovanina's Broken Italian. Set inside a former cigar factory from the 19th Century, the décor is a lovely medley of the vintage and new. The gear chandeliers, moped stand, industrial lights, coarse brick walls and other antique decorative elements are an ode to the building's past. The retro-industrial vibe of the place is in tune with modernity. Candles can be found throughout the space even leading one to the basement speakeasy bar. Their creative spin on Italian cuisine is seasonal with a focus on wood-fired oven dishes and handmade pastas. Their bar features an impressive wine list, craft beers and cocktails. Reservations are recommended.
Café Brazil, located in the Highland neighborhood in a bright pink brick building, specializes in flavors of old Brazil. So if you are headed here, prepare your mouth for some of the best black bean soup in the West. The décor is nothing special and the place is tiny, but this makes for a cozy setting perfect for a romantic escapade. The Peixe de Angola, a mixture of shrimp and bacalau in a coconut cream sauce, sprinkled with cashews and herbs, is definitely a flavorful menu highlight. A nice, sometimes exotic variety of South American wines are available.
For a classy and laid-back night dining on delicious New-American cuisine food and sipping on drinks, while a live jazz or blues band serenades you, head straight to Nocturne! This nightclub and restaurant is set in a large and sleek space, with a relaxed and welcoming ambiance. Pay the USD10 entrance fee (which goes to the performers) and take a seat at the long bar or one of the tables in the top dining section. The menu here changes every few weeks, however patrons can expect exciting and delectable options every time! You can also enjoy a creative cocktail, a glass of wine or a beer at this club.
If romance is on the agenda, head up into the hills to the Flagstaff House for a dining experience like no other. Built in 1929 as a retreat cabin, the spot resides on the side of the eponymous mountain and it overlooks Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The dining area is the epitome of sophistication and mountain elegance, highlighted by a greenhouse-like glass dining pavilion that provides stunning views. The main courses include offerings such as grilled Alaskan King Salmon and Buffalo Filet Mignon. One other side note, its wine cellar stores more than 20,000 bottles, so you are assured the perfect bottle!
Rioja, this eatery on Larimer Street has an intimate feel to it. Glass fixtures, a unique bar with a copper-topped surface, and the serene ambiance lend it a relaxing air. Appetizers include Steamed Manila Clams and Mint-Grilled Shrimp. Among the main courses you can opt for a Chilled Gazpacho Soup or a Roasted Beet Salad. The Muscovy Duck Two Ways and the Grilled Hanger Steak come highly recommended. You can also seat yourself outdoors on the charming little patio – a perfect way to dine on a balmy Denver night.