Hungry Ironman? Check Out These Recommended Eateries

There are hundreds of coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and eateries in Boulder. If you can’t find it, you may not know it’s missing. Even living in Boulder, it’s nearly impossible to really know the best places to eat. We asked our readers to give us a hand and let us know some of their favorites. Here’s what folks had to say. Also some links to get you started.
• There are a copious amount of choices to eat from in Boulder. If you have any kind of dietary restriction you will always be able to find a place to eat that caters to your need. Personally, I’m a huge breakfast lover, so here are some options for you. Dot’s Diner (the hill or 28th/buff) is a fairly inexpensive place that serves amazing breakfast, enough to satisfy an athlete (GF is no extra cost here). Snooze is another place that is a bit more pricey, but not too bad. It is located in the heart of boulder on Pearl St and offers a range of delicious breakfast foods. I wouldn’t go there if you were extremely hungry. As for lunch/dinner I’d have to say my favorite place would be Reuben’s (14th/walnut), great burgers (and GF buns). Zeal, located at 17th and Pearl is also another great place to get a good healthy dinner/lunch.
• It might be a little cliché but Whole Foods is one of my go-to places to eat in Boulder, especially before a race when I’m looking to make sure I get quality food that I’m used to eating. Good place for people watching, too!
• When I’m really hungry I head to Curry & Kabob on 28th Street. They are inexpensive and very tasty! And yes I love Whole Foods too. For quintessential Boulder go to The Trident on west Pearl for great espresso complete with a used book store for browsing. Their back patio is smoke free and has a sandbox for the wee ones. There is another great cafe on west Pearl (west of University Bicycles) called Spruce Confections. Nice outside seating with gorgeous views of foothills. For beer (after you’re done racing) Upslope is phenomenal and I also like Sanita’s Brewing. They even have yoga on Tuesday evenings for 15 bucks which includes a pint. And it must be said that Southern Sun has great beers on tap and a very comfortable and Boulderish atmosphere. Have fun!
• On Monday night the Attic on Walnut across the street from the Med has every burger on the menu @ $5, including fries. My favorite is south of the border–no bun, green salsa with tater tots.
• The only reason I come to Boulder is to ride my bike and drink coffee. Not necessarily in that order. And there is one place that is a must: Amante Coffee (uptown, as they say). https://www.amantecoffee.com/ This is a who’s who of coffee shops devoted to the tri/cycling community. It’s got a wonderful seating area outside on the corner so you can hang out and admire bikes. Not only do they serve really, really, really amazing coffee, but it’s positioned perfectly to park near-by and ride your bike all over the place. Boulder res, Stagecoach, Nederland, etc. Amante Coffee is the perfect place to fuel or refuel your body from all those rolling, grassy hills and uber-steep climbs.
In Boulder
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House
Ozo Coffee
Boxcar Roasters
The Med – Great tapas, Mediterranean food (always very crowded – make a reservation)
Arugula – Similar to The Med but smaller; great gluten free choices; reservations recommended; off the beaten track at 28th & Iris, you won’t have to fight the Pearl Street crowds
Tangerine – Next door to Arugula, great place for breakfast and lunch
Agave – Amazing modern Mexican food; easy to park, away from crowds near 28th & Valmont
Cantina Laredo – Great southwestern fare with tableside quacamole; 29th Street Mall – great to pair with a movie or some shopping
Walnut Café – Good for breakfast and lunch, easy to navigate at 30th & Walnut; casual
Snooze
Lucky’s Cafe
Mountain Sun Pub
Conner O’Neils
West Flanders
Pasta Jay’s
Rio Grande Mexican – Awesome rooftop eating and views of the Flatirons
Outside Boulder
Crane Hollow Cafe – With only a handful of tables you might have to wait, but it will be worth it – browse the art gallery next door or watch the throngs of cyclists riding by (Hygiene)
Oskar Blues – A local legend. Longmont and Lyons locations
CycleHOPS – Also check out OB’s newest endeavor, CyclHops restaurant in Longmont – southwestern food, bike friendly outdoor dining area, and home to REEB cycles.
Greenbriar Inn – Along the IM bike route, with a reservation you might score an outdoor table at this upscale restaurant known for it’s lavish Sunday brunch, and watch the racers go by along Highway 36
Where to spot the pros
Amante Coffee – The launching point for many mountain rides, you will see more spandex and sponsored kits here than regular clothes locals
Mary’s Market – Located in Hygiene, this amazing market has Skratch on tap and is a favorite refueling spot
And of course you will need snacks and groceries
Whole Foods
Lucky’s
Trader Joe’s
Sprouts
Alfalfa’s
Do you have a tip or suggestion? Please add to our comments below.