Post Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2022
Hey Downtown!
This week I would like to share some amazing places to grab a quick bite or sit down and eat downtown while on a budget. These spots are perfect for college students who may not know all the delicious gems downtown has to offer (without breaking the bank) or for anyone else that wants some quick, easy, delicious suggestions from a college student!
On the way down to Pearl Street from campus grab an authentic Chicago-style hot dog from Mustard’s Last Stand. As someone who loves hot dogs and is from Chicago, I can attest that Mustard’s Last Stand does it right. Their dogs range in price from the Teenie Weenie dog at $3.29 to the HOT Monster Polish at $10.99 to the classic Chicago-style dog at $5.89.
Once you stroll into downtown, there are plenty of options for quick bites. And if you’re craving cheese - you’re in luck! Grab a slice of cheese pizza at Pizza Colóre for only $3.75, or upgrade to a specialty slice for $4.80. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, then what could be better than a simple cheese quesadilla? Snag one (or something a little fancier) from Kingcomo’s food cart (between Broadway and 13th Street), ranging in price from $6 - $12. And you can’t miss Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social! They offer deliciously grilled cheese sandwiches like their Young American at $4.75 or The Mahalo at $7.50, made with smoked gouda, white cheddar, ham and grilled pineapple.
For those seeking some dining options packed with healthy and delicious nutrients, I suggest Whole Sol, Wonder Press, Lindsay’s Deli, and Organic Sandwich Company. Whole Sol has a wide variety of toasts for just $4 and offers specials every Wednesday like half off specialty bols. Wonder Press also has many refreshing smoothies, juices and fruit drinks that range from $8 to $10 (I suggest going classic with strawberry banana)! If you’re more of a sandwich person, Lindsay’s Deli is a great spot to grab one to go (along with a scoop of ice cream if you want to splurge) - and don’t forget to try one of their famous homemade soups! Organic Sandwich Company also offers delicious farm-to-table sandwiches all around $10. Perfect for a quick healthy meal!
If you’re looking for a place to sit down to eat with friends, I highly recommend Fuji Cafe & Bar. I went there last week and ordered their Onigiri Special Sets ($12.95) which include three onigiris (rice balls) and a side of choice, plus a side of pickles and miso soup. If you’re having a hard time choosing from their 12 different onigiris, I suggest giving the tuna mayo a try! You can even fill up on just one or two rice balls that cost around $4 each. And while you’re at Fuji, give their unfiltered sake a try (it was the best sake I’ve ever had)!
The next place on my list to try with friends is Gemini, a full service restaurant focused on contemporary Spanish foods. They offer meat & cheese for five people at $30 (or $6 each). They also have the meat & cheese for three at $22 and for one at $8. While enjoying the platter, you can pair it with one of the many Spanish wines they offer or spice it up with one of their creative cocktails.
These are just a few of the great dining options downtown Boulder has to offer, but there are nearly 100 different restaurants that are largely locally owned and operated. I encourage you to discover some more restaurants downtown on your own - we have a convenient list here with a map to assist your discovery of downtown dining. Happy eating!
See you around Boulder!
Alex
Mentioned in this Post: Fuji Cafe & Bar, Gemini, Lindsay's Boulder Deli @ Haagen Dazs, Mustard's Last Stand, Organic Sandwich Company, Pizza Colóre, Ruthies Boardwalk Social, Wonder
Tagged: Dining, Restaurants