There’s a special energy of Boulder in the summer, sitting out on a patio under the clear blue sky after an adventurous day in the mountains. And sometimes you want to toast to that chill, warm-weather vibe with a cold one.
If you’re visiting Boulder in the summertime, here are some of the best happy hour specials for 2018.
Two-Fers
We’ve got a way for you to get two-for-one drinks at about 50 different establishments throughout Boulder. It’s easy, fun (if you like playing games) and it’ll cost you just $20 — which you’ll make back after just a few stops. All in all, the book will save you more than $250 in libations.
It’s the Boulder Summer Passport, a little coupon book featuring two-for-one drinks at tons of different locations in Boulder throughout the summer. Just order the passport online and follow the field guide to pick different destinations. Share the discount with a friend or try two drinks for yourself.
After you cash in the deal at each location, you’ll get a stamp on your “passport” (meaning you can only use the deal once). Some places even have special passport menus or will offer off-menu drinks that you can’t order otherwise. Unlike regular happy hours, you can get these deals any time of day. You don’t have to schedule your partying for 4 p.m. on a Monday.
In the past, the Passport has featured the likes of two-for-one Rainforest Downpours (mango mate energizer, pineapple rum, dark rum, lemonade, pineapple juice) during tea time at the Dushanbe Teahouse, and two-for-one barrel-aged Negronis or Amore Spritzes at Via Perla.
Classic Summer Drinks
You know, margs and those refreshing, fruity cocktails.
Tahona Tequila Bistro, 1035 Pearl St.: Get margs (made with hand-squeezed lime juice) starting at $4.50 all day on Monday, as well as 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Sangria (red or white) is $5. Tahona has a ton of different kinds of margaritas, too, if you are looking for something new and innovative. We love the spicy marg.
T/ACO, 1175 Walnut St.: $4.50 house margs and $2 street tacos (carnitas, chicken or avocado) from 2-6 p.m. daily and all day and night on Sunday. If you want to celebrate, try a Juicy Marg for $6.50: coin-style, add pineapple, strawberry, grapefruit or pomegranate.
The Bitter Bar, 835 Walnut St.: $6 Tin Man (bourbon, lemon, elderflower liqueur, Gingerale silver coin blanco tequila, lime, triple sec), Kiss the Sky (gin, domaine de canton, lavender syrup, lemon), That Pink Drink (vodka, cucumber, aperol, lemon) and Mai Tais (dark rum, lime, triple sec, orgeat); 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Oh, and don’t forget the quintessential Silver Coin, with blanco tequila, lime and triple sec. More of a wine drinker? Get a $5 rose’ brut.
The Sink, 1165 13th St.: $5 martinis all day Sunday, 3-6 p.m. Sunday-Friday and 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Martini variations include the Sorority Sister (Smirnoff pineapple, pama liqueur, pineapple and pomegranate juices) and the Lemon Drop Top (Absolut Citron, Grand Marnier, lemon juice and simple syrup). Also on the happy hour menu: the Summer Cooler, made with dry gin, simple syrup, fresh line and cucumber, topped with soda and Sprite.
Bonus: If you can make a Thursday happy hour between 3-6 p.m., you can get tickets to upcoming shows at The Fox and Boulder Theater.
Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro, 900 Walnut St. Daily from 4-6 p.m. during the summer, Jill’s serves $7 bellinis and cocktails. Pair a refreshing bellini (peach juice mixed wiht champagne) with a small plate, starting at $4.95.
For the Adventurous
Because summer is for a little exploration.
West End Tavern, 926 Pearl St.: Mystery shots for $3; 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 p.m.-midnight Thursday through Saturday.
Japango, 1136 Pearl St.: $7 bartender’s choice cocktail (or if you’re less adventurous, get a house sangria for the same price); 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily lunchtime happy hour, 3-6 p.m. afternoon happy hour and late night 10-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Of course, you can also just order a chilled white house wine for $4 to go with your sushi, which you can enjoy on the Pearl Street patio. Oh, so summer.
Beer Here
Sometimes you just want a cold brew on a hot day.
Fate Brewing Co., 1600 38th St.: $3.50 Core beer drafts; 3-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Taste free beer during brewery tours 4 p.m. Sunday. Lest you think a brewery is just for beer, Fate also serves house white wine for $4 during happy hour.
Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery, 1535 Pearl St.: $3.50 flagship beers and $10.50 pitchers, plus other specials; 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close every day.
Happy Tails Happy Hour, throughout Boulder County. The humane society visits breweries in and around Boulder all summer long. Bring your dog, play games and raise money. A portion of the sales during happy hour go to the humane society, and you can buy collectible, limited-edition pint glasses and growler glassware.
Foodie Deals
Get these light, summery bites on the cheap.
Half Fast Subs, 1215 13th St.: Score 7-inch subs for just $5.39, plus beer specials; 3-7 p.m. daily.
River and Woods, 2328 Pearl St.: A few of the foodie specials include $2 seasonal deviled eggs with basil oil pearls, chipotle and microgreens and Oysters Hickenlooper (Wynkoop chili beer-kale queso, Rappahannock River oysters, Haystack chevre, roasted green chili and cracker dust) for $2.50; 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Jax Fish House, 928 Pearl St.: $1.50 oysters and $2.25 oyster shooters are among the food highlights here all night Monday and 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
