10 Best Nightlife in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

With an intimate, couch-lined space modeled after old-time speakeasies (complete with a secret back entrance), this could very well be Boulder's greatest bar, since the staff is passionate about handcrafted cocktails. They're not shy with advice—including the perfect ice shape to suit your booze. Eat before you go since food is limited to a few small dishes.

Arguably the most famous brewery in Boulder, Avery has grabbed impressive awards for its innovative ales and lagers; the Avery IPA was Colorado’s first packaged IPA. The brewpub offers a solid menu (complete with meat from the smoker), free brewery tours, and a dog-friendly patio. Try the White Rascal, which won silver for best Belgian-style witbier in the 2018 World Beer Cup competition.

Try happy hour with a Latin twist at this happening spot, which has one of Boulder's most vibrant patios—not to mention perhaps the best margarita in town. The long, wavy bar wraps around two sides, with large garage doors that open to the outside.

Business lunches and after-work gatherings take place at the Hotel Boulderado's Corner Bar, a contemporary American pub with both indoor and spacious outdoor seating. The happy hour, from 3 to 6, brings good-value beers and martinis along with 40% off wines and appetizers. Don't miss the weekend brunch with expertly paired cocktails.

There are always more than a dozen beers on tap at this casual brewery, which crafts more than 100 beers throughout the year. A favorite is the FYIPA, a dry-hopped American IPA with a citrusy flavor. Stay for a cheeseburger and hand-cut fries, or for live music on Sunday night. Mountain Sun has two other Boulder locations, plus one each in Longmont and Denver. Brewery tours are available at Southern Sun, a location in south Boulder, upon request.

This laid-back pub has bucked the gentrification trend of downtown. Sidle up to the long wooden bar upstairs, or head to the basement for a game of pool, foosball, or darts.

The margaritas at this festive place are so potent that there's a three-per-person limit, but that's not all the Rio offers. In addition to fresh citrus cocktails, the Rio has been serving classic and innovative Tex-Mex food for more than 30 years. Request a table on the rooftop patio with unmatched mountain views.

Delicious beers with distinctive personality are the hallmark of this brewery. Seventeen taps flow with regular brews, kombucha, and cold-brew coffee, as well as a rotating cast of seasonal and short-run beers. Cheap eats are available from the McDevitt Taco Supply truck that parks alongside the spacious patio. Tours can be set up with an advance request.

Large windows offer a peek into brewing operations while you sample beer and a full menu at Boulder's original brewpub, which opened in 1990. Walnut Brewery always has a selection of its own creations on draught. Try the Buffalo Gold ale or the malty St. James Irish Red Ale. A new seasonal is tapped each month on the second Thursday, with a free pint of it for anyone who shows up between 6 and 6:30. The excellent beer goes well with the upscale pub fare, which includes fish tacos, smoked salmon fish-and-chips, and buffalo fajitas.

Beer and bourbon are the name of the game at this upscale pub, which also serves tasty barbecue and burgers. Try to nab a spot on the rooftop deck with mountain views.