Downtown Spots I Want to Try (and Why!)

Hi Downtown!

Now that I’ve been interning with Downtown Boulder Partnership for just over a month, I’ve had the pleasure of trying new things and discovering places around downtown that I’ve never been to before!

Humans are creatures of routine and comfort. Once we find the things we like, it can be easy to stick with what we know instead of branching out and trying something new. I certainly fall into that habit! I have my favorite shops, restaurants, and coffee spots, but there are still so many places downtown that I want to try.

For restaurants, I always walk past Pizzeria Alberico on my way from my house to the Downtown Boulder Partnership office, and I really want to find the time to stop in and try their Emiliana Pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula. My longtime favorites are Pizza Colóre and Nick-N-Willy’s -  two pizza spots I can’t get enough of.

Another one that looks delicious is SALT! When I pass by and see everyone enjoying dinner outside, I get excited thinking about the day I finally sit down and enjoy dinner there myself. I’ve already scoped out their menu and can’t wait to order the Curry Chicken Salad.

Now that I’m 21, I’m also looking forward to trying out some new drink spots downtown! C Bar is certainly one that’s been on my radar. It seems like the perfect place to meet up with friends, grab a drink, and experience another side of Downtown Boulder. On my “to try” list, there are the Pina Yada and Baby Bocadillo.

As for coffee, which is something I don't go without, I’ve already tried a good amount of coffee shops downtown, but there are still two that stand out to me that I’d love to try: Trident Booksellers and Cafe, so I can grab a coffee and pick out a good book afterward, and Spruce Confections on the West End of Pearl Street. Trident has been part of the downtown community since 1980, while Spruce Confections has been making its baked goods from scratch in Boulder since 1992. I've been following the Coffee Trail for inspiration on new spots to try!

And then there’s clothes, my biggest weakness of them all. I’d love to check out the new Reformation store because I love a good dress or blouse to style up. I also want to check out Mabel & Moss for some good fall basics. With more than 150 retailers downtown, there is definitely no shortage of places for me to browse.

One of my favorite parts of working downtown has been realizing just how many places I still haven’t explored yet. It has also reminded me that sometimes the best way to discover a new favorite is simply to step outside of your routine and try somewhere you’ve never been. We have so many amazing resources for finding places; we even have a Sweets Trail and a Gluten-free Guide!

So, whether you’re a Boulder local looking for your next favorite spot or visiting downtown Boulder for the first time, there’s always something new to discover. Take a walk, grab a coffee, try a new restaurant, do a little shopping, and see where the day takes you.

For even more ideas, check out Downtown Boulder’s dining guide, shopping guide, and Day in Downtown itineraries. There’s a lot more to explore, and I’m excited to keep discovering it one stop at a time!

Best,

Intern Bella