Bites on a Budget in Downtown Boulder
Downtown has a reputation for being a culinary paradise and for good reason - on a quick stroll around the district you'll pass some of the best restaurants in the state. There is no shortage of delicious lunch eats when you're downtown. From Baja-Style Fish Burritos and gourmet grilled cheese to a Match Blend smoothie and Falafels & Gyros - get your taste buds ready to explore your way through the district with affordable options on and off the bricks. Check out these restaurants that will leave your stomach (and wallet) full.
Zoe Ma Ma
Zoe Ma Ma is the best choice for those of you looking for authentic Chinese food. Every entree is under $10 (daily specials not included) and is seriously good. The Ma Ma’s Chicken Soup Noodle (priced at $8.75) will make you question how good your mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup really is…
Thrive
Calling out to all the downtown Boulder vegans! Thrive is here to serve you an affordable lunch that fits with your diet. Get a superfood smoothie or salad for $8.88 or less. This quality food with these low prices are pretty hard to beat! Stop by Thrive during your next lunch break!
Lindsay's Boulder Deli @ Haagen Dazs
Lindsay’s Boulder Deli is one of the more popular lunch spots in the downtown district due to the excellent and quick service, delicious food, and affordable prices! All salads, soups, vegetarian sandwiches, and most specialty sandwiches are around $9 to $13!
Wonder
Want a lunch that will rejuvenate you instead of putting you in a food coma for the rest of the day? Wonder will prepare nourishing toasts and smoothies for you for around $10. Their smoothies are perfect for people in a rush or always on the go.
Foolish Craig's Cafe
Foolish Craig’s has been a Downtown Boulder favorite for over two decades. Everything on their menu (from crêpes, omelets and more) is under $15. Stop in for breakfast or lunch (7:30 am to 3 pm daily) to see what all the Foolishness is all about!
Organic Sandwich Company
Seeking a fresh, organic, and gourmet sandwich or salad that won’t cost you a fortune? Organic Sandwich Company is the place to go! All salads, soups, and most sandwiches are around $10.
Boulder Bowls (cart)
Boulder Bowls is a cart located on Pearl Street Mall that serves rice & beans with toppings from around the world. Their largest entrees are priced at $9.40 making this a perfect spot to get an affordable lunch!
Falafel King
Falafel King wouldn’t be crowned king if the restaurant didn’t offer delicious Mediterranean entrees at an affordable cost. Try their plates, vegetarian dishes, pita wraps, house specialties, and salads for lunch to ensure a full stomach and a full wallet.
Pizza Colóre
At Pizza Colóre you can buy pizza by the slice, or a personal 8" pizza for $6. Pizza Colóre also has calzone's, sandwiches, and salads for all under $10!
Illegal Pete's
Eating at Illegal Pete’s is always a good choice for lunch. You will be ecstatic about your meal and bill, no matter what you order because pretty much everything on their menu is under $10.
Yellow Deli
Drop in at this West End deli to enjoy a sandwich, soup or salad for under $10. The Yellow Deli gives you the freedom to create your own sandwich for as low as $6.00, now that’s a deal!
Dragonfly Noodle
Dragonfly Noodle has ramen, pho and udon priced under $15. Try their Pork Belly Bao ($4) for a lunch that will not disappoint!
bartaco
The possibilities are endless at Bartaco! Get a combination of tacos (as many as four tacos) for under $15. Not a taco person? No problem, Bartaco has you covered with rice bowls, chicken empanadas, duck quesadillas, and more.
Centro Mexican Kitchen
Dine in at Centro during your next lunch break and enjoy any salad or two tacos (carnitas, grilled chicken al ajillo, or vegan jackfruit “chorizo”) for under $10. Be sure to stop in on Mondays to take advantage of their all day happy hour and get small plates and tacos for $3-$6.
Ben & Jerry's
If you're craving something sweet for lunch, Ben & Jerry's has sundaes and ice cream sandwiches for under $10. Add a brownie or banana to your sundae and you have a complete meal!
OZO Coffee Co. (West Pearl)
OZO Coffee Co offers a variety of locally sourced lunch items for under $10, in addition to the most delicious coffee beverages to get you through your afternoon. From fresh soup and salads, to paninis, burritos, or falafel, you're sure to find something to satisfy you.
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
If your lunch break allows you time to enjoy a sit down meal, go to Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery. Create your own version of a grilled cheese, or consume one of their many sandwiches/burgers options for under $15. You will go back to work with a full belly and a smile on your face.
T/ACO
Anytime is a good time for tacos, but there’s nothing like biting into a flavorful taco after having a stressful morning at work. At T/ACO you can get two tacos, or a fork & knife entree (mexican pizza, quesadilla, and salad) for just $7 to $9!
Mustard's Last Stand
Most people know Mustard’s Last Stand for their hotdogs, but if you look at their menu, you would find out that they offer much more than hotdogs! Their menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, Itailian entrees, and veggie entrees. The best part is that the majority of these options don’t exceed $10!
Fuji Cafe & Bar
Fuji will fill you up with delicious Onigiri (Riceballs $3-$4) and Momo (Dumplings $1.85)! And if you're extra hungry make it a set and get a side of miso soup!