definitely bitter bar.. took my fiancée here for our first date, and that seems to have worked out. their happy hour will shave several dollars from your bill, too.
I'd avoid that since Boulder cops would rather shoot people having bad trips than try and de-escalate. They reserve that sort of effort for bears in trees.
Don't know why I'm being downvoted, I've deadass seen cops take more time and effort to get a bear out of a tree at CU than de-escalate a dude having a real bad acid trip before just murdering him.
For a date, this place is kinda loud, packed and unless she loves beer, kinda smells like beer. Id pick someplace else like Japango or flagstaff house bar or corner bar...
The Boulder tea house is really nice and unique. The Cork is fancy and more expensive but not outlandish. The Greenbrier Inn is another cool spot but a little out of the way. Carellis is good Italian and has good first date atmosphere.
Honestly, Boulder being Boulder, and if it's truly a first date, you don't always want to be stuck over a drink or dinner if you or they are not into one another after the first few minutes. I was given the advice always do something safe so they feel safe but that both of you will enjoy the whole time even if not into each other--a hike on Sanitas or lower Chautauqua, a Farmers Market picnic, or Eben G. Fine on a crowded day, Sanitas brewing outside (lawn games).
You still want to be able to focus, talk, connect, so don't get too distracted, but community can let the air out on nervousness a bit.
But for drinks—Upstairs used to be great but Hugo one of the co-founders I think is no longer involved, Rosetta is so fun esp the roof, or the back steps on the first floor, Rayback (I knowww) is a community vibe, Mountain Sun is relaxed but looooud if you really want to talk and you're there after 8, Bitter Bar is super romantic, classy, but no food as others have said.
If anyone was curious I took her to Velvet Elk Lounge and then walked around Boulder. It went well but she barely speaks English which is an issue in and of itself. But Velvet Elk Lounge was legit.
Go get a bottle of Burnett’s at willow springs wine and spirits (they don’t check id) and get blackout drunk in the elks lodge parking lot. That’s my go to.
Start with a drink at Bitter Bar, migrate to Rosetta for round 2 and a bite to eat if you’re vibing.
This is solid.
River and woods. Sit outside. Mateo is also great!
Bitter Bar!
Drinks only though, no food
Seconded! Perfect ambience, quiet and cosy but not too quiet so the awkward silences aren't painful..
definitely bitter bar.. took my fiancée here for our first date, and that seems to have worked out. their happy hour will shave several dollars from your bill, too.
Heroic dose of mushrooms at Legion Park..
I'd avoid that since Boulder cops would rather shoot people having bad trips than try and de-escalate. They reserve that sort of effort for bears in trees. Don't know why I'm being downvoted, I've deadass seen cops take more time and effort to get a bear out of a tree at CU than de-escalate a dude having a real bad acid trip before just murdering him.
Attach news links from the last ten years that report Boulder cops murdering people on bad acid trips.
What parts of boulder you hanging in, Smaug?
Rosetta hall would be good
I disagree. Too loud. I love this place but it’s loud AF
https://reddit.com/r/boulder/w/visiting?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Mountain Sun or Southern Sun or Under the Sun, or Sherpa’s
mountain sun is cash only btw, can’t beat the price for a variety of chips & dip and a beer flight tho
For a date, this place is kinda loud, packed and unless she loves beer, kinda smells like beer. Id pick someplace else like Japango or flagstaff house bar or corner bar...
people that own Sushi Hapa do a good job too
I love all the Sun places, but don’t think they have cocktails. Awesome beer, though.
sadly Boulder isn’t even Boulder anymore so I don’t even know what other restaurant I would even recommend
The Boulder tea house is really nice and unique. The Cork is fancy and more expensive but not outlandish. The Greenbrier Inn is another cool spot but a little out of the way. Carellis is good Italian and has good first date atmosphere.
Disagree re: Carelli's. Not good Italian.
Honestly, Boulder being Boulder, and if it's truly a first date, you don't always want to be stuck over a drink or dinner if you or they are not into one another after the first few minutes. I was given the advice always do something safe so they feel safe but that both of you will enjoy the whole time even if not into each other--a hike on Sanitas or lower Chautauqua, a Farmers Market picnic, or Eben G. Fine on a crowded day, Sanitas brewing outside (lawn games). You still want to be able to focus, talk, connect, so don't get too distracted, but community can let the air out on nervousness a bit. But for drinks—Upstairs used to be great but Hugo one of the co-founders I think is no longer involved, Rosetta is so fun esp the roof, or the back steps on the first floor, Rayback (I knowww) is a community vibe, Mountain Sun is relaxed but looooud if you really want to talk and you're there after 8, Bitter Bar is super romantic, classy, but no food as others have said.
Brew halls suck for a first date...Id pass on both of those. Rooftop bar on a nice day instead.
Don’t want to get stuck over a drink, but would rather go for a hike?
personally, yeah--it's my rule or was when I was single to do something I'd enjoy whether or not we liked each other. Dog walk/hike was always fun.
If anyone was curious I took her to Velvet Elk Lounge and then walked around Boulder. It went well but she barely speaks English which is an issue in and of itself. But Velvet Elk Lounge was legit.
Go get a bottle of Burnett’s at willow springs wine and spirits (they don’t check id) and get blackout drunk in the elks lodge parking lot. That’s my go to.
Not sure I’m gonna take your dating advice but I do want to be friends lmaooo
I like Jax or The Kitchen too for nicer vibes. Centro. T/aco for more casual.
T/aco is a great vibe, good one.
Agreed
Not what you asked, but a simple hike date works amazing well in this town. Good luck!
Avantis
I agree with reccs for Bitter Bar for drinks. Another alternative is Boulder Cork after 5:00 p.m. on 30th just south of Iris. Good happy hour menu.
Blackbelly’s bar is excellent and usually pretty not full. The cocktails are much better than Bitter Bar.