Casual Dining in Boulder
A bit more relaxed than Boulder's fine dining selections, these restaurants offer excellent food in a comfortable setting. This is where the locals go to eat.
Jax Fish House
928 Pearl Street (map)
(303) 444-1811
Consistently rated one of the best seafood spots in Colorado, Jax offers everything from oysters and crab cakes to New Zealand bluenose and Alaskan wild salmon. The place is small and often packed; a tiny outdoor patio is quieter, though it may be tough to get a seat. The happy hour menu includes a variety of 75-cent oyster selections. Visitors who miss their coastal cuisine should pay Jax a visit.
The Mediterranean (The Med)
1002 Walnut Street (map)
(303) 444-5335
Tapas, tapas, tapas. Drawing from the tables of various Mediterranean countries, the Med offers a sweeping assortment of hot and cold appetizers. The wine list is similarly broad in scope. You can order a wood-fired pizza or choose from a variety of Italian, Greek, and Spanish entrees. But do try the tapas. And ask for the patio if you'd like a more peaceful dining experience.
Chez Thuy
2655 28th Street (map)
(303) 442-1700
Boulder's best Vietnamese restaurant, Chez Thuy blends classical southeast Asian food with creative French influences. The portions are generous, the seasonings are delicious, and the price is reasonable. Chez Thuy is a popular local spot; thankfully, because of its spacious size and efficient kitchen, there is rarely a long wait for a table. Try the delicious curries for a treat. Vegetarians will appreciate the variety of available options.
Sushi Tora
2014 10th Street (map)
(303) 444-2280
Sushi in Colorado? It can be done — and as Sushi Tora proves, done well. Tora is consistently rated as one of the top sushi spots in Boulder, with its fresh fish and creative rolls. Close runners-up for the sushi crown include Sushi Zanmai (1221 Spruce Street), a fun and sometimes ebullient place, and Japango (1136 Pearl Street), with its chic and modern decor. Specialty sake creations abound at all of these spots.
Zolo Grill
2525 Arapahoe Avenue (map)
(303) 449-0444
Although it borders Arizona and New Mexico, Colorado doesn't have a wealth of southwestern restaurants. Zolo Grill is a wonderful exception. Fusing Mexican and New World tastes, Zolo offers a fresh spin on southwestern cuisine. Make sure to try their margaritas, which are frequently rated among the best in Boulder. And the rum-flambeed banana creme pie is a can't-miss dessert.