21 Best Nightlife in Boulder and North Central Colorado, Colorado

Longmont’s first brewery has been pouring innovative, independent craft brews since 1993. Left Hand first garnered attention for introducing America’s first nitro bottle and now is an industry leader in stouts and nitros; its Milk Stout Nitro is especially lauded. This brewery is one of the most awarded breweries in Colorado, with more than 29 Great American Beer Festival medals, 11 World Beer Cup awards, and 16 European Beer Star awards. Reserve a brewery tour or just stop in to enjoy a few pints out on the Tasting Room patio, which features 33 taps. Sit indoors or on one of four patios with Rocky Mountain views.

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.

After touring CooperSmith's brewery (free; by appointment only), you can enjoy a meal from the seasonally rotating menu in the pub, with its gleaming wood floors and exposed brick walls. Or you can chow down on pizza while shooting pool across the alley at CooperSmith's Poolside. Quaff a Punjabi Pale Ale (an IPA) or one of the other 30 to 40 beers on tap.

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.

A local hot spot, this rustic bar has pinball, pool, and video games, plus live music on summer weekends. It's also the only spot in town for late-night eats. Look for the buffalo and dreadlock-adorned fox amid the eclectic Western decor.

This fun Irish pub has karaoke on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights starting at 9 pm, and the occasional theme party like "Freaky Friday" and "International Night," featuring plentiful drink specials.

College students and twentysomethings line the bar at Lucky Joe's Sidewalk Saloon for live music by local bands Wednesday through Saturday night. Sunday is open-mic night.

This intimate outdoor venue on the banks of the Poudre River, about 25 miles outside Fort Collins, is a local staple and usually presents an eclectic mix of bands. Most shows are in the evening, but some are during the afternoon. Plan on reserving a shuttle from Fort Collins in advance, as parking is discouraged due to limited space along the highway; the website has details. Cash is not accepted.

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.

The taproom of the fourth-largest brewer of craft beer in the United States offers an exceptional lineup featuring beers from the iconic Belgian Collection and brands such as Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger IPA, as well as special-release small-batch brews. Events include live music, bike-in movies, and yoga with beer. During the day, bikes crowd the racks outside this pedal-friendly brewery, where visitors can sample a variety of brews and take a free 45-minute tour. These popular tours are first come, first served, so reserve online. The brewery is north of Old Town, near Cache la Poudre River and its popular trail system.

You can take in the brewing process on a free tour at one of Colorado's oldest craft breweries. Sample favorites like 90 Shilling Ale, Odell IPA, and Sippin' Pretty (or try seasonal brews like winter's Isolation Ale) in a taproom that has long wooden tables as well as a massive outdoor patio. Odell hosts festivals, parties, and live music, and there are yard games and regular food trucks. Don't miss Odell's urban winery next door; the OBC Wine Project shares an outdoor patio space with the brewery.

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.

Family owned since 1945, this historic watering hole is hopping at night.

Wibby's craft lagers are brewed with German malt, American hops, and Rocky Mountain water. A cult fave is the seasonal Lightshine Radler, a blend of the gold-medal-winning Lightshine Helles and house-made raspberry lemonade. Beyond the brew, the taproom is wunderbar: indoor and outdoor spaces are packed with yard games, a basketball hoop, shuffleboard, and more. Take a tour or ask your beertender to show you around.