Foodie Friday
There's a good reason Bon Appétit called Boulder, America's Foodiest Town. This weekly blog will help you understand why! Every Friday, check out downtown's food scene and all the incredible opportunities available to tantalize your taste buds! Check out this list of restaurant specials and promotions compiled weekly - just for YOU!
Food-Related Events and Announcements: September 12, 2025
Start the weekend strong with a Brunch Burger at Corrida — juicy CCC beef, melty manchego, thick-cut bacon, and zesty pickled peppers on a buttery brioche bun. Don’t forget the jamón fat fries on the side!
For a more casual midday stop, Bartaco serves up the Lunch Tray - a three tacos or a rice bowl, paired with a fresh side salad or soup, all for under $14. It’s the perfect spot to recharge between campus walks or shopping trips, with flavors that feel vibrant and fresh without slowing you down.
Sunday, September 14, is your chance to sip and savor at the St Julien’s Moët & Chandon Bubbly Brunch Launch. Taste the iconic champagnes for free, paired with an elevated brunch menu that makes the weekend feel truly special. Whether you’re toasting with family or celebrating with friends, it’s a sparkling way to enjoy a late-morning indulgence.
This weekend, Boulder is heating up with flavor and creativity at the 10th annual Chili Bowl, hosted by Groundworks Art Lab. Downtown favorites - Foolish Craig's Cafe, Rosetta Hall, The Post, The Corner Bar & West End Tavern and so many more will be serving up their best chili, while guests enjoy live music, hands-on art activities, and the Fall Art Market featuring handmade goods. The event is free and family-friendly, making it the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with friends and neighbors. For $25, visitors can grab a ceramic tasting bowl, sample five different chilis, and cast a vote for the People’s Choice award, while a panel of judges picks the Best Overall and Best Vegetarian. All proceeds support Groundworks’ free and pay-what-you-can programs, keeping art accessible to everyone in the community.
Cocktail lovers will want to check out The Front Ranger at Bramble & Hare, a seasonal creation with cognac, hazelnut liqueur, Palisade peaches, and lemon clarified in mascarpone. Topped with a peach pulp gelé, it’s both sophisticated and playful — the kind of drink that makes a Friday night feel like a special occasion, even on a regular weekend.
Over at Gemini, lunch is anything but ordinary. Their special paella combines shrimp, chicken, chorizo, and saffron bomba rice for $23 (gluten- and dairy-free), delivering a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. The new Kale Caesar salad is a bright, crunchy twist on a classic, with kale, boquerones, Manchego, and house-made croutons providing layers of texture and flavor in every bite. It’s fresh, satisfying, and a reminder that even lunch can be a culinary adventure.
CU's Family Weekend is September 18-21, and fall is almost in full swing! Downtown Boulder’s food scene is brimming with flavors that perfectly match the season. From cozy brunches and seasonal cocktails to sweet treats that scream pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a visiting parent, a student, or a local just out enjoying downtown.
Intern Fatima even got a sneak peek (and a taste!) of some of the newest goodies at Lindsay's Boulder Deli at Häagen-Dazs, and fall has never tasted so good. First up is the Pumpkin Spice Dazzler, a layered indulgence featuring dulce de leche ice cream, Biscoff cookies, and rich caramel, all topped with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin spice. It’s crunchy, creamy, and the perfect way to welcome the changing leaves. If you’re in the mood for something drinkable, the Pumpkin Spice Shake is a must-try. Think a thick, dreamy blend of dulce de leche ice cream, pumpkin puree, and milk, served cold and ready to enjoy on the go.
While exploring Downtown Boulder, Fatima also went on a taste-testing adventure, asking local employees about their favorite hidden lunch spots — and trying their recommendations firsthand! From the Ferris Brieller Sandwich at Lindsay's Boulder Deli at Häagen-Dazs to Tuna Mayo Onigiri at Fuji and Bacon-Wrapped Dates at Gemini, these insider picks showcase some of the best flavors downtown has to offer. Check out the full blog for all the delicious details and see what downtown employees are loving right now.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 8, when Spruce Farm & Fish brings Wine Club to Boulder. Sip Stag’s Leap Winery tastings alongside chef-crafted appetizers, and let your taste buds explore the perfect pairing of wine and seasonal bites. It’s a chance to slow down, savor, and toast to the flavors of fall.
Ways to Help
Emergency Family Assistance Fund (EFFA) helps those in our community whose immediate needs for food, shelter and other basic necessities cannot be adequately met by other means, and supports their efforts toward financial stability or self-sufficiency. You can help them with a financial contribution, volunteering, or donating non-perishable food and cleaning supplies.
Emergency family assistance fund
Harvest of Hope Pantry's sole mission is food assistance. They offer clients a choice shopping experience where individuals select preferred foods within their shopping allowances. You can help them with financial assistance, volunteering or by hosting food drives. Learn more here.
Boulder Food Rescue aims to create a more just and less wasteful food system by facilitating the sustainable redistribution of healthy food that would otherwise be wasted to low-income communities, by bicycle. The best way to help them currently is to donate or volunteer. You can learn more about the work they are doing here.
Meals on Wheels Boulder provides nutritious meals and a daily well-being check to Boulder residents, regardless of age or income. The number one way to support them during this time is to contribute financially. You can do that here.