This lively and feisty traditional Irish pub is one of the most exciting ways to spend and evening in downtown Boulder. Lagers, Ciders, Ales, and Stouts abound, including Guinness on tap because what Irish pub is complete without it? In addition, several tasty micro-brews are available. Need some grub while you're at the pub? Conor O'Neill's Corned Beef Reuben made with lean corned beef eye round piled high on marbled rye with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, is sure to satisfy but, if you need something lighter, try the Veggie Wrap Hummus complete with fire roasted pepper hummus, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese in a tortilla wrap. Weekly live music is a staple at Conor O' Neills and includes slots for collaborative bluegrass pickin'.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Conor O'Neill's offers live music, games nights, and knock-you-socks off drink specials.
Hope's expert tip: Grab a Guinness and sit back for some of Boulder's local bluegrass pickers.
Hands down, one of the best breweries you'll ever visit; Avery Brewing Company offers an escape from the bars and pubs of downtown. The lively atmosphere immediately invites you to snuggle up with your honey, cheers with your friends, or just relax solo and sip in some solitude. A few of their signature brews include the hoppy India Pale Ale, the light Belgian-style White Rascal, and the nutty, savory, Elle's Brown Ale. Avery's new brewhouse is located on the outskirts of Boulder and offers a taproom downstairs, brewery tours, and an elegant dining room for those who prefer to sip their brew in a more intimate and quiet setting. Watch for release parties and special tappings throughout the year.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Avery Brewing Company offers special beer-tapping events and an exuberant atmosphere away from the clutter of Pearl Street.
Hope's expert tip: Grab a pint of Avery's out-of-this-world, Out of Bounds Stout.
A favorite after-work hangout, this spacious microbrewery is located in an historic warehouse a block from Pearl Street. Multiple television sets broadcast sporting events. The drink menu features handcrafted brews, including root beer, ales, and stouts. The menu features Asaigo-artichoke cheese dip and tomato basil quesadillas to start and such delectables as brick-oven pizza, smoked chicken enchiladas, and brown ale-battered smoked fish and chips to follow. For the main event, some of their yummy brews include, the Special Dark, Indian Peaks Pale Ale, Old Elk Brown Ale, and St. James Irish Red Ale. Since you're already in the downtown area of Boulder, starting or ending
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Walnut Brewery offers a very local experience with craft brews that pair perfectly with their menu items and excellent drink specials.
Hope's expert tip: Grab a pint of Indian Peaks Pale Ale and wash down one of the Walnut Brewery's savory, brick-oven pizzas.
West End's motto of "Definitely Not Your Daddy's Tavern" rings true. Take in a beautiful Rocky Mountain sunset or enjoy an evening under the stars on the cozy rooftop patio at this popular and local spot. The interior is comfortably designed with brick and natural wood. The menu burgers, wings, and other traditional pub fare are exceptional. But let's get to the exciting parts. The West End prides itself on turning its staff and patrons into beer geeks by featuring unique and rare craft beers. Need something with more punch? This tavern-done-right features the largest bourbon list in Colorado including 75 varieties and 4 single barrel bourbons.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The West End Tavern offers cool events, a comprehensive selection of bourbon, and wallet-friendly happy hour specials.
Hope's expert tip: Enjoy a swig of bourbon from the West End's extensive list, which just happens to be the largest and most comprehensive bourbon collection in all of Colorado.
As the name suggests, the night at this downstairs Pearl Street club kicks off starting at 10pm but doesn't hit high gear until "round midnight." Live music is featured on the weekends and includes acid jazz, funk, rock, hip-hop, Latin, and reggae. A DJ keeps things hopping during the week. The extensive beverage menu features more than 50 varieties of single malt scotches and more than 40 beers to give you that shot of liquid courage. There's no cover charge, the drinks are rumored to be strong, and the atmosphere is alive and kickin' into the wee hours of the mornin'
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Round Midnight offers live music, dancing, and a whole-in-the-wall edgy atmosphere that is unique to Boulder.
Hope's expert tip: Get down to jazz, fun, rock, hip-hock, Latin and reggae music at Round Midnight.
Located in Downtown Boulder, Absinthe House features a true European style nightclub experience with International House DJs. A large selection of genuine absinthe is something that you will find in no other bar in the states, as well as a comprehensive list of over 40 import and domestic beers. Absinthe House serves European Bistro fare for lunch and dinner daily.The dance floor is expanded and boasts plenty of room for a wild throng of movers and shakers. House music blares from a top shelf sound system, and any of the 16 varieties of absinthe from Europe and America can be poured from table side fountains.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: If dancing 'til the wee hours of the morning and a variety of delicious cocktails are your thing, the Absinthe House is the perfect spot.
Hope's expert tip: Enjoy one of Absinthe House's 40 imported and domestic beers while you boogie.
This high-energy bar is a favorite of sports fans, especially on football weekends. Live, local music gives this pub its signature hole-in-the-wall, "where everybody knows your name", feel. Best of all, Boulder "regulars" abound but newcomers are always welcome, making a visit to this one-of-a-kind pub the perfect way to mingle with the locals and get a true feel for the Boulder way of living, drinking, and dancing. Often down below the street floor, you can find people swaying their hips as they cozy up in the nooks and crannies of this unique bar. And, as is typical of Boulder, local musicians are there to help you dance the night away.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Pearl Street Pub's whole-in-the-wall feel and boisterous atmosphere makes it a fun place to spend the evening.
Hope's expert tip: Snuggle into this cozy pub with a pint of local beer, exceptional pub grub, and plenty of pool tables to keep you busy for hours.
This local brewery offers some of the best refreshments in the area and is perfect to visit after a long hike at Chautauqua Park. One of their most popular beers, the Colorado Kind Ale, is dry hopped deliciousness and should be paired with one of Southern Sun's massive burgers or, our favorite, the grilled cheese. Hot wings and BBQ wings are a staple at this joint, as well as the delicious $1 tacos every Wednesday night. Choose from vegetarian or beef and eat late into the night since tacos service goes on well past pumpkin hour. Perfect place for a late-night snack.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Southern Sun's colorful atmosphere, delicious beer, and live music earns it a spot high on our list.
Hope's expert tip: Be sure to order and grilled cheese sandwich, the Colorado Kind Ale, and play a game at one of their large picnic tables.
Popular culture is the theme of the decor at this popular landmark. Movie memorabilia, big screen TV's, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and video games dominate the space. A wide assortment of microbrews is available. The typically American menu includes burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and Tex-Mex. The Avocado Burger is sure to satisfy, especially if it's washed back with a pint of local beer. Pool tables are available after who've downed a few pints and finished off your pub-grub. Speaking of pub-grub, did we forget to mention the Jiffy Burger? Aptly named, instead of ketchup or mustard this burger offers Jiffy Peanut Butter as it's condiment of choice.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Dark Horse hosts tricycle races, karaoke, and provides one of the best happy hours in town, landing it at the top of our list.
Hope's expert tip: Be bold and try the Jiffy Burger, aptly named for its peanut-buttery spread.
Bohemian Biergarten is a new, hip, and unique bar in downtown Boulder featuring German-style food, beer, and atmosphere. The main room and bar area offers long, picnic style tables which allow for large groups to eat, drink, and be merry. Speaking of eating, the Biergarten serves hardy, delicious German food such as a verity of sausage and meats and beer pretzels. Need a rowdy place to watch soccer? The Biergarten, true to its European heritage, shows soccer games all season with plenty of fans to celebrate or cry with. Biergarten is also located in the heart of downtown, in close proximity to entertainment and shopping.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Whether you're in the mood to watch a soccer game, see a stand-up comic, or dance and drink 'til you drop, Biergarten has it all.
Hope's expert tip: Don't just go for the beer. Biergarten also offers amazing German-style food, including their beer pretzels.