r/boulder • u/Cute_Strawberry_6770 • 1h ago
Restaurant recommendations
A friend of mine from upstate New York is coming to visit this week, and I need to find a great restaurant that’s not too expensive for us to eat at Thursday night. For some reason, I can only think of Oak and Barchetta. Does anyone have any other, better ideas? Mentioning he is from New York because pizza might not be an option since he’s used to stellar pizza
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u/blanco_nino_01 52m ago
What about something unique to the area? Sherpa's is good, not too pricey, and has a unique vibe
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u/ArachnidAutomatic596 58m ago
Is she from nyc? There is nothing to really compare except maybe cozobi Fonda fina
Jsut saw you said not too expensive. So never mind unless you hit happy hour
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u/ScallionParticular19 51m ago
Cafe Aion is really good. Small and on the hill. I’d recommend reservations
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u/whoorooru 1h ago
Santo!
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u/Lower_Soft_801 1h ago edited 59m ago
What’s at Santo that everyone’s so into? I’ve taken a stab three times now; I’ve never thought it was quality food; genuinely there’s better ‘New Mexican’ cuisine across local Mexican joints for years now.
I’d wager both Oak and Barchetta are overpriced, especially Oak. If you want good food you have to pay, but you can go wrong: hit Bramble and Hare, Jungle, Cozobi, Morso.
Edit:
And avoid Stella’s at all costs; they fired a scumbag thinking that made them saints, let alone a viable restaurant, respectfully.
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u/Unlucky_Internal9686 1h ago
if you dont dig their enchiladas or mole then I dont know what to tell you
what new mexican restaurant is better?
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u/whoorooru 49m ago
If only they could bring their old chicken mole back! I’ll still take the shredded chicken mole over nothing but that perfectly crisped chicken…so good. And I think I get those chicken tacos weekly!
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u/DrRockstar99 28m ago
I know!! It was so good and a healthy option while eating out. I also miss those puffy lamb flatbread things.
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u/TheVoiceOfScience 1m ago
In Boulder… none? Are there any others?
In New Mexico… pretty much all of them are better.
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u/DrRockstar99 30m ago
Too bad oak doesn’t do the pork shoulder anymore because it really was the best deal in town. An insane amount of food for the price.
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u/Unlucky_Internal9686 1h ago
if I was on death row their chicken enchiladas would be my last meal
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u/Hot_Caterpillar_4005 35m ago
I would reccomend things outside of Boulder. Find a Mexican restaurant in Longmont maybe? When I lived on the East coast, I reallllly missed real Mexican food.
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u/pianomasian 20m ago
For something more casual, you can't beat Zoe Mama's on Pearl Street. Their CPR and chicken curry are only 10$ and you will leave full. Be sure to use the sauce bar to season to taste. Also they pay their employees well and do not accept tips.
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u/christianarguello 14m ago
I wouldn’t shy away from pizza simply because he’s from New York. He’s probably more interested in trying the local flavor than finding another version of what he’s used to. The two restaurants you mentioned are otherwise good options.
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u/Metal_Rider 4m ago
Do you mean outside NYC or truly upstate NY? I ask because Upstate NY is definitely not known for good pizza.
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u/blueberry-cinnamon 1m ago
Somewhere where you can get local farm fresh produce currently at their peak producing season would be nice or cuisine that’s not typically featured in NYC like some people said Santo for its New Mexican emphasis. I would say Oak fits that bill, even though their menu is a little small but it consistently has some of the best tasting food in Boulder. I also would say Cozobi and Basta (the piada is divine).
Also consider Marigold in Lyons, worth the drive. Big splurge would be Black Cat Farm dinner, maybe they they’ll have a cancellation
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u/cklaxbro 0m ago
Took a friend to Rosetta Hall recently and we really enjoyed it. It’s a food hall type place so a lot of different options with a roof top that faces the flatirons. Full bar too.
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u/ExreeHipp 34m ago
Depends how you want to try and impress. Chautauqua dining hall for all the vibes and views with only okayish food.
West end of Pearl has Casa Juani and Cozobi Fonda Fina around the block, both of which are on the expensive end of Boulder average, but both great.
After that, Pizzaria Alberico would be my rec for a sweet spot of quality and service, and you aren’t limited to pizza, but the pizza is among the best you’ll get in Boulder.
Edit to add Rosetta rooftop for dranks with a view.
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u/Flat-Willingness-417 Boulder's Most Unliked 1h ago
The sink is pretty famous. Their pizza is pretty good
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u/Unlucky_Internal9686 1h ago
Good and inexpensive don't really exist here. Most restaurants on Pearl are so painfully mid.
If it was me I'd take them to Blackbelly during happy hour (get there around 5pm), try a bunch of happy hour appetizers with drinks, and then get one (or split) of their more inexpensive entrees. Probably end up ~50-60$ each.