Restaurants

Partly because Boulder is a young, hip community, it has attracted a variety of small, with-it restaurants. At these chef-owned and -operated establishments, innovative and often-changing cuisine is the rule. You'll find a lot of California influences here, as well as a number of top-notch chefs doing their own thing.

A Boulder city ordinance prohibits smoking inside restaurants.

Inexpensive

In addition to the choices below, try a slice of Boulder's best New York-style pie at any Abo's Pizza location: 1110 13th St. (tel. 303/443-3199), 1911 Broadway (tel. 303/443-9113), 2761 Iris Ave. (tel. 303/443-1921), and 637 S. Broadway (tel. 303/494-1274). Lucile's, 2124 14th St. (tel. 303/442-4743) is a Boulder breakfast mainstay, serving beignets, buttermilk biscuits, and other morning delicacies that take inspiration from the Big Easy.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Sushi Zanmai -- Flashing knives and tableside cooking keep kids fully entertained.

Tom's Tavern -- The big burgers and low-key atmosphere are a great match for kids' appetites and attitudes.

Espresso Bars, Coffeehouses & Related Establishments

Espresso fans will have no problem finding a decent espresso, cappuccino, or latte: Boulder has a number of Starbucks establishments, as well as many more interesting independent coffeehouses. Many of the independents, located near the Pearl Street Mall, provide outdoor seating in nice weather. Attached to the Boulder Book Store, the Bookend Cafe, 1115 Pearl St. (tel. 303/440-6699), offers a variety of coffee drinks and a delightful array of baked goods, soups, and pies. Trident Booksellers & Café, 940 Pearl St. (tel. 303/443-3133), features indoor and outdoor seating as well as a comprehensive selection of used books. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th St. (tel. 303/442-4993), offers an authentic Persian setting for quaffing more than 70 varieties of tea and a good selection of coffees from 8am to 10pm daily. Homemade baked goods are also available.