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Find the Best Things to Do in Downtown
By Hope Gately
Boulder Local Expert
About Downtown
Photo courtesy of NNECAPA Photo Library
The heart of Boulder pulsates with live bands, street performers, shopping, beer, and much more. Everywhere you turn, there's a local micro-brew to be sampled, a festival to be attended, or a restaurant to frequent. Luckily, we've weeded out the mediocre and bring you the best of the best when it comes to where to go, what to do and see, where to shop, and where to satisfy your hunger.
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Eat
If you're in the mood for variety, this locally owned gem is the place for you. Not only does The Med serve up a taste of Italy, but you can also take a tour of Spanish, French, and Greek cuisine having never left Boulder. Known for, but not limited to, its fresh, wood oven pizzas and hot-out-of-the bakery bread which is made fresh daily, this eclectic restaurant offers more than just carbs. Be sure to try their Kabob made with your choice of lamb, chicken, or shrimp and flavored to perfection with garlic hummus, tabouleh, basmati rice, seared greens, grilled flat bread & tzatziki.
Party
The Grateful Dead are alive and well, at least as a decorative motif, at this tie-dye styled brewpub that features some of the best beer in the region. For a kick, try the coffee-inspired Java Porter. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will appreciate the well rounded menu, affordable, food featuring high-quality pub fare. So, wanna know more about the beer? Mountain Suns beers have won 6 Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and is consistently ranked among the best brewpubs by Boulder locals. For a blast of hops, just ask for "the dank", also known as Mountain Sun's Colorado Kind Ale.
Shop
Common Thread is, hands down, one of the best consignment shops you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. The selection is top-notch, always in fashion, and the store lay-out is perfectly organized to help you find exactly what you're looking for, whether is be a new handbag, workout clothing, a cute top, or sophisticated dress.