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79 places listed
Pearl Street is Boulder's main walking-and-dining corridor, centered on the Pearl Street Mall in the heart of the city. We list 79 places here, from cafes and coffee shops to Italian restaurants, pizza counters, American kitchens and bars. To narrow the results, use a feature filter or type a question like patio with happy hour in Pearl Street.
About Pearl Street
Pearl Street runs through downtown Boulder, and the Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-only stretch of the street, is the core of the neighborhood. The mall is brick-paved and lined with shops, restaurants and cafes, and it is known for its street performers, which makes it a popular place to stroll before or after a meal.
For this guide, we define the neighborhood as Pearl Street from 9th to 21st Streets, including the mall. It overlaps with what we call Central Boulder, so you may see some of the same places there. Boulder's Flatirons rock formations sit to the west of downtown and are visible from parts of the area.
Eating and drinking in Pearl Street
Pearl Street's dining scene leans toward casual, sit-down and grab-and-go spots, with a lot of coffee, Italian and American food. Independents make up most of the listings, though about 29 percent are chain locations.
- Cafes and coffee: Cafes and coffee shops are among the most common place types, which suits a walkable street where people drop in for breakfast or an afternoon break. Listed places include Foolish Craig's Cafe, known for Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict and a breakfast burrito with pork green chili.
- Italian and pizza: Italian restaurants and pizza places are well represented. Listed places include Pizza Colore, known for New York style pizza by the slice, hand stretched dough and Italian sandwiches.
- American, Mexican and more: Beyond Italian, you'll find American kitchens, Mexican restaurants and a mix of Asian and fusion spots. Listed places include SALT, known for agave-sriracha brussels sprouts, a grass-fed beef burger and housemade beignets, and Gemini, known for patatas bravas, pan con tomate and albóndigas.
- Quick bites: Fast food and sandwich options are available for a faster meal. Listed places include Dish Gourmet, known for slow-roasted deli meats, handcrafted sandwiches and house-made gluten-free bread.
- Common features: Many places offer reservations, takeout, online ordering and catering. Many also list vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and a good number have happy hour or a full bar.
Tips for eating in Pearl Street
- Many places accept reservations, so booking ahead is an option if you're dining with a group. Use the Reservations Accepted filter to find them.
- If you have dietary needs, filter for Vegetarian, Vegan or Gluten-Free Options, since many listings here offer them.
- For a drink with your meal, filter for Happy Hour or Full Bar to see places that list them.
- Pearl Street Mall is pedestrian-only, so plan to walk between stops and expect to leave your car elsewhere.
Pearl Street restaurants: FAQs
What kinds of restaurants are on Pearl Street in Boulder?
The most common listings are cafes and coffee shops, Italian restaurants, fast food and sandwich spots, American restaurants, bars, Mexican restaurants and pizza places. There are also Asian and fusion options.
Are there places with happy hour on Pearl Street?
Yes, many listings here offer happy hour, and many have a full bar. Use the Happy Hour filter or search for something like happy hour in Pearl Street.
Can I find vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free food on Pearl Street?
Many places list vegetarian and gluten-free options, and quite a few list vegan options. Apply the matching dietary filter to narrow the results.
What is the best restaurant on Pearl Street?
We don't rank restaurants. To find a good fit, narrow by cuisine, features like reservations or happy hour, or type what you're after, such as Italian with reservations in Pearl Street.